Fallen Angel

Five

She liked walking when the halls were empty. She could pretend she was the only person in a world made to be explored.

She could see the little details that got lost in the chaos of life. Like the graffiti on the wall saying "Brielle and Harry forever." Or someone's old math test, stuck between two lockers with the letter C drawn on top.

Most people mingled in the common areas or studied in the library. She liked to wander, thinking that if she became lost enough, she would finally find herself. 

And so there she was. She was stumbling lost in the world when she stumbled into him. He darted out of the classroom so quickly that he didn't see her until the moment they collided. The whirlwind in her against the whirlwind of him.

"I am so sorry!" He apologized. He placed his hands on her arms to straighten her out.

"It's okay," she answered. "Are you in a hurry?"

He shook his head, shrugged a shoulder. "Not really. I just move too quickly for my own good."

She smiled but he could see all of the sadness she was trying to hold back with that one smile.

"Let's go somewhere," he said like the idea just popped into his head.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, okay. Where?" She asked.

They sidestepped a little as people rushed around them to get to their next destination. There was always somewhere to go, another deadline to meet. But they remained still in the flurry.

"Somewhere a little less chaotic," he said and she knew just the place.

She led him to the end of the hallway and turned the corner. They entered a room and the smell of drying paint washed over them. She climbed a ladder and stood upon the deck. Around her were half finished paintings, splatters of paint, and half filled bottles. Nothing quite complete but still belonging.

"Are we allowed to be here?" He asked. He climbed the last step and stood next to her.

She shrugged and sat down. "Probably not. But Ms. Kai likes me so it's cool."

"Do you come here often?"

"Kinda."

A new work in progress caught her eye. It was a vibrant piece. Everything was dark except for the burst of color in the middle.

He watched as thoughts in her head took her attention. She fell silent but he could see her mind reeling. "You don't talk much," he said.

She looked back at him. "Nope. Sorry if that bothers you." She couldn't quite keep the hint of bitterness in her voice.

She never understood why people would mention it like it was a bad thing. She could talk but it wasn't like many truly listened anyway. So she preferred to sit back and watch.

However the boy was unfazed. He smiled. "No, it's fine. I'll take what I can get."

He talked enough for the two of them. But he paused slightly after saying something, giving her enough time to reply if she wanted, continuing on if she didn't. For once she found it easy being with another person. That feeling for her was priceless.