Circumstance (Kaylor)

Ours

Karlie sits at her desk, her English book and a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird open next to it are displayed on her desk. Green eyes, however, are fixated on the clouds passing by outside. Over the last hour Karlie has witnessed them turn from slightly impure white pictures to amassing grey and black blankets completely blocking out the blue sky. Typical of British weather Karlie has come to realise but nevertheless somewhat fascinating... beautiful even. Karlie has never been a fan of Summer or the feeling of sun rays on the back of her neck but rather storms, heavy rain or snow and the cold even though Taylor consistently refers to her as "literal sunshine".

Breaking her out of her daze, the first few droplets of water spatter on the window pane and the unmistakable sound of a low rumble can be heard in the distance. A storm is definitely on its way and Karlie just can't wait to see some bright flashes of lighting striking electricity into the ground.

Three knocks on the door signal Taylor's arrival and Karlie swivels round in her chair to watch her come in. The biggest smile that Taylor could possibly muster without showing teeth is plastered on her face and Karlie swears she almost has dimples. Taylor reaches the taller girl in three strides after shutting the door only to lean down for a brief kiss. Blue eyes survey the scattered desk and spy the English work.

"Have you finished the book yet babe?", Taylor says hopefully.

"Yeah", Karlie replies solemnly.

"What are you working on?".

"How the main character Scout's first person narration affects the story".

"Interesting, what have you got so far?", Taylor replies whilst dragging over a chair and sitting next to Karlie.

"Uh, well, at first I thought that it was important to remember that the narration isn't strictly through a child's eyes. It is technically an adult remembering the story through a child's eyes so that gives Harper Lee to emphasis certain points."

"How do you mean?", Taylor says with a frown.

Apprehensively Karlie continues, "Well I mean, the events in the book that are described most vividly clearly mean that they are most prominent in adult Scout's mind, like the vivid descriptions in the verdict scene. Obviously adult Scout remembers that moment in great detail because it was an important and pivotal moment in the story and her life."

"Go on", Taylor says now with a smile.

"So being an adult remembering the events in the as a child means that Harper Lee can use the wisdom and experience of the adult voice but by seeing the story through a child's eyes Harper Lee is able to show the reader how these events are perceived by an innocent and somewhat naïve child who doesn't have these ingrained prejudices. It allows her to point out to the reader the unfair prejudice that they may not necessarily have seen when the book was originally published. By using the child's viewpoint, it also gives the chance for humour occasionally and it also gives the opportunity for definitions. When Scout doesn't understand something she will ask Atticus and he not only explains it to her but to the reader." Karlie finishes feeling shy of what Taylor will think.

"Karlie, that is amazing! Why couldn't you do that in class before? That was a really perceptive response. If you continue that level of analysis for the rest of the year, you could be looking at a top grade", Taylor can't hide her smile. Karlie had never seemed to try in class before and the blue eyes girl wasn't previously aware of how smart Karlie actually was.

Karlie turns to look at Taylor, a small smile now also present. "Do you mean that?". Karlie doesn't think she had ever been praised before.

"Of course babe". Taylor's words are warm and inviting and Karlie's heart still skips a beat whenever she hears Taylors term of endearment for her. The two share a sweet kiss before they hear Taylor's name being called from down the corridor.

"I should go now, see you in another hour and a half Karls".

"See you, Tay".

"It's Miss Swift to you", Taylor says with a playful grin before she turns and leaves to find the source of the call.

Heels click as Taylor makes her way down the corridor towards Harry. "What did you want?", Taylor says politely. She can still count the amount of times she has spoken with Mr Styles on two hands.

"I just wanted to check up on you", he replies with a cheesy smirk.

"You mean Karlie?".

"Sure", he says with a vague hand gesture.

"Well she's doing good actually. Her analysis of the first person narrative from To Kill A Mockingbird was very insightful and detailed, I honestly did not know she had it in her".

"Hmm", he replies looking uninterested. "And what about you, how are you holding up? Finding her must've been a traumatic experience", a sympathetic look takes over Harry's face as he tries to rest a hand on Taylor's shoulder but Taylor moves away just in time catching him off guard.

"I can't deny that, it was definitely a shock but I guess the adrenaline just kicked in... I'm fine now though".

"Well I am always here to talk. Maybe we could uh... talk it all out over coffee sometime? When are you free?", the cheesy smirk makes a return.

"Do you mean as a date?".

"Uh no, well unless you want it to be?".

"Look Harry, I'm not looking for a relationship right now and even if I was... I'm kinda gay. However, if you're looking for a friendship then I think coffee is a great idea and I'm free after school tomorrow", she says with a friendly smile.

Harry looks caught off guard but manages to recover in time to reply. "Sure, tomorrow I will come by your office after my last lesson. I know a nice place a short walk from school grounds. Just as friends. I am cool with that."

"Should we exchange numbers then?", a small giggle escapes Taylor's lips.

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Meanwhile in isolation, after doing some more English work Karlie has fallen back into her staring contest with the clouds. The storm is in full swing now and the sound of the rain hitting the window pane is almost deafening. Karlie wants nothing more than to go outside and feel the rain hit her skin, it makes her feel alive almost as much as Taylor does. With that fleeting thought suddenly all Karlie can think about is the blonde haired, blue eyed girl.

Across the school grounds, in her office, Taylor sits in the exact same position, looking out at the lightning flashes. The only difference is that Taylor's thoughts are full of Karlie. Despite the overwhelming feeling of happiness the taller girl brings Taylor, she can't help but have some thoughts on the situation niggling at her conscience and at the back of her mind telling her that this is dangerous, it's treacherous.

A/N Sorry for the long wait but it has been a busy few months. I hope you enjoy the chapter!