Him ✓ ➢ c.s

03- Getting To Know Him.

Nova Dillon

I gather my backpack and books. Walking out of the classroom and towards the front doors. I felt the need to apologize to Cole Sprouse. He didn't know I'd be so sensitive about cigarettes. So my plan was to Invite him over to my house—as friends—since my mom and brother weren't home. Nothing will happen, I'm sure.

I slowly approach him, examining the way his fingers would touch his mouth. It was annoying how he'd hang out outside instead of actually going inside the school.

"Hi Cole," I mumble, acting a little anxious. He looked up at me and smirked. Blowing his smoke in my face and causing me to cough.

"What do you want Nova?" He said in a deep voice, "Came to apologize or something? Because there is no need too. I was stupid for offering you a cigarette yesterday and I'm truly sorry. I'd never want to ruin your beautiful face."

"It's fine, just don't do it again," I slowly nod, unable to make direct eye contact with him "I'm only apologizing because I have no one to hang out. I'm sick of that girl Diana always chirping in my ear."

"Why do you care so much about having friends?" he sits on the ground.

"I don't know, I just don't like being alone," I explain.

"So I see. I guess I'm just used to be being alone. It's not so bad once you get used to it," he scratches his head, "Want me to walk you home or something?"

"I think I'll chill here for a couple more minutes," I sit on the ground next to him, "So friend, what do you like to do in your free time."

He narrows his eyebrow at me, and looks down at his cigarette, "What does it look like I like doing?"

I cringe, "Yeah, I guess that was a stupid question. I like to dance, sing. Oh, and write."

"What do you like to write?" He inhales again.

"I like to write about my day, random stories. I don't know," I sigh, "Calms me down I guess."

He looks over at me and smiles, "You're really different Nova Dillon. I see girls around here all the time, all they like to do is shop and gossip. You're adorably different because of your little quirks."

"Why thank you. I don't know much about you buddy," I pat on his knee, "But I'm sure you're fun also."

He laughs at my comment, "Okay then."

"So, what's wrong with you? Are you okay?" I randomly say, "When did you start smoking?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Just trying to start conversation that's all," I squint and smile widely, "I'm just curious."

"Maybe you should stop being curious. I just like smoking because it calms me down, just like when you write. I started when I was really young," he closes his eyes for a brief moment.

I randomly start to pat his back, "That's alright. But since I have nothing else to do with my life, I can help you quit smoking."

"No need to do. I don't want to quit smoking because then I'll be even more bored," he says and pulls out his little packet.