Constellations & Cactuses

Chapter 3

Heya guys, sorry we haven't updated in a while :) here is the next chapter...its kind of a filler but enjoy x

After the incident with Parker in the florist on Monday afternoon, I was intrigued. I want to know more about Park, I want to be his friend. But it seemed like that wasn't going to be an easy task.

The rest of the week went by faster than I expected it to. I didn't get the chance to speak to Park again but I did see him around Roseville. Everywhere I went Parker appeared, whether it was just in my head or he really did go to the places I did, I don't know. But I did know that all I wanted to do was talk to him.

My first week at Roseville Grammar went pretty well, I didn't get lost which is good. Esme, Jane and I spent the rest of the week at school hanging out, catching up and studying for upcoming tests.

I had noticed throughout the week that Parker always did everything alone. He ate alone, he worked alone, he walked alone, he shopped alone. Park seemed to be a solitary person, always alone. It made me wander if he had any friends at all. It made me want to be his friend.

Park reminded me of the stars. Those stars that weren't part of a constellation but still shined so bright. They didn't need to have lots of stars around them and be a part of something to matter, they just did. The sky wouldn't be the same without them. People often take for granted the stars that shine alone, it's not just constellations that fill the Milky Way. Parker doesn't have trouble shining, if you've seen him working at the florist or talking to elderly customers around town, you would see how friendly he his and how bright he shines. But I don't know maybe that's just me, maybe I'm the only one who can see him. .

It was now Friday afternoon and I hadn't seen Parker all day. I was beginning to wonder if he was okay, and if something had happened to him, but it's not like I could ask anyone about his whereabouts. I don't think anyone would know, which upsets me, it's like nobody saw him at all. Like he was invisible. Nobody should feel invisible even if they say they like it. Deep down everybody wants to be seen.

The bell to signal the end of the day sounded, interrupting my thoughts. I began to pack up my books realising I had hardly done anything for the double period I had spent  in study hall.

Good going Elizabeth, I thought, you've given yourself homework for the weekend.

Once I had placed all my books in my bag, I trekked back to my locker and pulled out my dance bag, waiting quietly for Esme and Jane to join me.

"Yo Bethy," Esme called from down the hall, "Wassup?!"

I glanced around the hallway luckily not too many people were around to hear Esme's crazy talk.

"The sky's up," I drawled sarcastically.

"Yeah nice one Beth," Esme replied while Jane highfived me. "Your sarcasm is greatly appreciated."

"Nice to know," I laugh, "how was chemistry?"

"Chemistry?" She exclaimed, "more like cheMYSTERY because I have no idea what's going on."

We all laughed and began our walk to  Roseville Dance Studio. Every Friday Esme, Jane and I had our ballet class after school. It was often the highlight of our weeks coming to  dance with our amazing teacher Yasmin and the rest of our ballet class.

Once we arrived we all got changed and sat down to put our pointe shoes on.

"Hey guys," I said addressing Esme and Jane quietly. "Did you see Parker today?"

"Parker?" Esme whispered, "as in the loner kid that always wears black sweaters Parker?"

"He isn't a loner," I state, "but yes that Parker."

"Beth," Jane starts softly, "I don't think you should hang around him, he doesn't sound like such a great guy..."

"What do you mean not such a great guy?" I ask, "what could possibly be bad about him?"

"Just trust us in this one okay?" Esme says frowning slightly,  "stay away from him."

And just like that my friends had put Parker into a box like everyone else. Made assumptions about him without getting to know him first. It made me frown I didn't understand why everyone was so intent on staying away from Parker what had he ever done to them.

My thoughts were once again interrupted but this time by Yasmin commencing our warm up. The sweet sounds of music filled my ears and I forgot all about Parker and the conversation I had just had with Esme and Jane. The music lifted my spirits and swelled my heart with passion, as I lost myself in the routine of ballet.