Crimson Pines

The Trees Dance

Rain poured down over me as I walked down my porch steps into the driveway on the Monday morning. Philip's car was already waiting as I approached, I ran towards the once clean car now covered in leaves from the strong winds, blowing the trees in all sorts of directions. Like a dance they only do on special occasions.

I didn't have time to watch their performance as I hopped in the car quickly, rain running down the back of my windbreaker and wetting the rim of my shirt. Philip had the heating blasting and I thanked him as I loosened the thick scarf that was fastened tightly around my neck.

After my encounter with Charlie on the Friday I was feeling happy, almost giddy, which was an unknown emotion to me. Wether I knew the feeling or not, it made me talkative and whether the upcoming school dance interested me or not I suddenly couldn't stop talking about it. Philip would look over at me periodically, giving me small tentative smiles as though he were in on some secret.

The more time I spent with Philip the more friendship emotions I tied to him. I knew he was trying to be flirty and romantic and kind but I just couldn't give him what he wanted.

School was buzzing with the news of the school dance and even though the high school consisted of maybe a few hundred students it felt as though a thousand busy and excited teenagers flew around the halls, handing out flyers and chatting. I couldn't define single conversations, it all flowed together in a loud and high pitched noise.

Andy ran over to me while I was getting my books out of my locker.

"So how's your relationship with mr hottie going? You two still going strong? Will you wear matching outfits to the dance?" She fired questions at me as though I was about to disappear and time was running out.

Shaking my head I told her that we weren't an item, we were getting to know each other, as friends. She seemed confused.

"I don't think that's what Philip's been saying..." She stated, her sentence dying off as she awkwardly said that she had to go and check on her cheerleading schedule.

Before class I went to find Philip, we'd parted ways earlier this morning. I found him leaning against his locker with a bunch of the jocks surrounding him, looking up at him with adoring faces. Like he was a god. I stopped walking and watched them fawn over him. He lapped up the attention like a puppy being showered in attention.

I wandered up and everyone went silent, giving Philip and I suggestive eyes. Ignoring the stares and whispers I dragged Philip to the side.

"Hey, I know that we hang out, a lot, and I really like you! You're funny and sporty and an awesome friend but...I just need to know what you think this is..." I said trailing off. I was unsure as to what his response would be. I wanted to him to tell me that he loved being friends and he didn't want a serious relationship and he just wanted to get to know me better. Of course that was just a fantasy I'd created in my head.

"I'm confused" He said giving me a small laugh. "I assumed we were a couple? I pick you up and drop you at school everyday, we went on a date" He looked confused and frankly, hurt. Like I'd just kicked him.

"I'm sorry I should have clarified all of this sooner, I just don't want somethi-" He cut me off with a short laugh that clearly meant he was upset.

"It's fine, you don't want to date, it's fine Jean" he said taking a step back.

"Philip please I don't want us to fight, I just didn't realise you thought it was so serious, I wanted us to get to know each other" It was at this point everyone in the hall was watching us with curious eyes. Trying to appear as though they weren't listening.