Collecting Stars

The Crow

Gael Grunn

Ebony

A crow perched onto a branch just outside of the window, watching me. I sighed and rested my hand under my chin as I observed the unusual bird; it was resting peacefully but it had an eerie presence. The raven was staring at me, gazing through my soul as if it wanted something from me. I shifted in my desk, subconsciously twiddling with my earrings then playing with the long strands of my hair, I started to feel awkward watching this bird. I redirected my attention to my teacher who was rambling about Shakespeare and his plays, how they all have similar motifs and themes. I jotted down a few critical notes before sighing and rested my head onto my desk, facing the clock- Ten more minutes. I turned my head to the other side to see if the crow was still watching me.

It was closer.

I softly gasped as I didn't expect the bird to be near the window. Taking a closer look at the bird, the tips of the wings were silver? I wasn't sure if I was imagining things or I'm deprived of sleep. I mean, I did only get 4 hours of sleep last night busy drawing for my own pleasure. I exhaled softly and admired the bird, ignoring the fact that it was observing me. My eyelids started to grow heavy; I started to blink rapidly as I fought to stay awake. I tried to focus on the raven but alas my eyes closed shut in defeat. The voice of my teacher lulled me deeper into the void of sleep...

RIIING!

My eyes flew open to view an empty tree branch. The classroom erupted with the familiar sounds of rustling notebooks and zippers, the teacher was trying to remind the class today's homework over the noise. I raised my head to look upon my notebook to find a small splotch of drool on the bottom corner of the page. While wiping the remaining drool from my chin, I tucked my curly locks behind my ear, trying to adjust from my short nap. I packed my supplies into my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Walking towards the exit of the classroom rubbing my eyes, a figure stepped in front of me pathway. Ms. Bindrole.

"Young lady, you need to stop sleeping in my class." She sweetly addressed. "Your grades are suffering as it is, and I know you're trying your best Gael."

I nodded in response trying to stay conscious. She continued to lecture me about getting enough sleep and focusing in her class; my eyes wandered towards the windows till I noticed a familiar black figure. There it was again, the Crow, staring directly towards me as if it was there the whole time.

Ms. Bindrole caught my attention as she sighed dismissively, retreating back to her desk. "Now go home and review over the notes from today."

Distracted by her I glanced back at the window to see the absence of the bird. I twiddled with my earrings as I walked towards the exit, saying my leave to Ms. B.
I Merged with the sea of students exiting building, flowing with the slow traffic of 4 people trying to fit through the double doors. I escaped the mob of students and waltzed toward the oak tree in the courtyard. I took a deep breath as I whipped out my phone from my pocket to contact Lavina.

GG (2:17pm): Yo I'm by the oak 🌳

I slid the device back into the back side of my shorts as I leaned against the wood. I glanced at the building's window to look at my reflection. I was never really the type to care how pretty I looked; just as long I looked presentable. I readjusted my brown locks to make it tame, but alas strands of hair go every which way. My fingers traced over my earrings as I focused on myself in the window

"GAEL" a familiar voice shrieked from the distance. I looked up to see a girl in a flower pattern skirt with a white lace blouse bouncing toward me. I braced for impact as she tackled me with a hug.
"Lavina there you are," I choked out, plucking strands of her short sandy hair out of my face." What took you so long?" I sighed pushing some distance between us.
" HE TALKED TO ME!" She squealed." WE HAD AN ACTUAL CONVERSATION!"
I chuckled as I pretended to be confused, "Who talked to you?" I teased.
"CONSTANTINE!" She practically screamed, clutching her phone to her chest. "And guess what?!" She hummed, blessing like mad.
I smirked at her expression, "What? Did he run away?" I joked, sticking my lounge out. She punched me softly on the arm.
"No you dummy!" She huffed." I got his number!" She squealed softly as she hooked her finger around her bangle swaying back and forth, blushing deeply.
My eyebrows raised in astonishment. "How did you manage to get that?" I hummed, eyeing her phone.
She chuckled," I'll tell you on our way to the usual place." Walking towards the gates of the school with her shoulder bag slung over her torso.
I trotted alongside her, listening to how they got put into a group together for a project. She obviously exaggerated how they gazed into each other eyes and how willing he was to give her his number.
Constantine wasn't too bad of a guy, he's a junior like Lavina and I; he's the top in cross country and he is excessively daring and comfortable to be around. Since he recently topped the school record of running the 5k, the majority of the girls have been swarming around him. I find him charming but not that sort of my type.
Lavina continued to brag how the girls in her class became insanely jealous of her and begged to trade partners with her. I laughed at the thought of a mob of girls swarming Lavina begging to switch with her. We walked along the sidewalk, the fallen leaves crunch under our shoes; thankfully the atmosphere was cool enough to wear a jacket the whole day. I continued to listen to Lavina until a black blur glided across the sky. My eyes followed the black blur, distracting me from watching where was going and almost walked into a fire hydrant.
" whoa hey watch where you're going!" Lavina giggled as my face began to flush.
"Hey shush, something caught my eye okay? "I grumbled, continuing our path down the street, Lavina giggled as she strolled beside me.
A few minutes passed till we arrive at a small cafe in the heart of the town. "The Common Place" Was written across the window in a cursive pattern, accompanied with a small teacup, a few hand drawn pastries and fall leaves.
The sound of a fairy like bell jingled as we entered the cafe, the aroma of coffee and tea filled my senses; I sighed at the pleasant smells. A familiar voice caught our attention.
"Gale! Lavina!" We turned our head towards the counter where the pastries were displayed and where orders could be taken. Behind the counter stood a handsome young man with his hair tied into a stubby ponytail.
" Hey Miles "Lavina chirped as she approached the counter, eyeing the new pastries that were displayed.
" Someone's in a good mood" he chuckled as he started to prepare our usual drinks. "Something went well today I'm guessing?"
Miles is a homeschooled student, but he's supposedly a junior like us. He works in his family's cafe to help gain money and to keep the business running. We met him our freshman year while were finding a place to hang, and we've gotten along since.
" Lover girl here finally got her lucky numbers" I coolly hummed as I eyed the chocolate filled croissant. "I think I'll take my chances with that." I added, pointing at the crescent pastry.
Lavina nudged my arm in embarrassment as the one behind the counter retrieved my treat.
" ohoho, who could this lucky person, be?" Miles teased as he placed the pastry in a laced plate, already knowing who her crush was.
" I'll take the autumn leaf sugar cookie" Lavina announced, avoiding the question.
Miles chuckled." Woah don't tell me too much" replying jokingly, retrieving the leaf cookie placing it onto another plate." Head on to your seats I'll give you your order soon. "He hummed, busying himself with the drinks.
Lavina and I approached our usual table, right by the window; the cafe was calm with a few people sitting and enjoying their afternoon. We slung our bags over our chairs and waited for our order to arrive.
" Why are you so flustered? You yelled at me right away about the news, what's wrong with Miles?" I interrogated, resting my hand under my chin.
"It's weird talking about it with another guy!" She confessed. "I mean its reasonable talking about someone you like with a girl that I've known my like whole life, but a guy??" She groaned in embarrassment.
" Uh what's wrong with talking to a guy about a guy?" I questioned." He could help you get tips on talking to him. You never know" I hummed.
Miles arrived to our table with our treats and drinks." Here you are!" He chirped as he placed the trays in front of us. "Now..." he sighed as he pulled in a chair for himself." Who's the lucky soul?" He hummed eyeing Lavina.
Lavina took a sip of her black coffee and sighed." It's Constantine okay?" The grumbled" We're working together in our astrology class and... I got his number." She revealed, progressively speaking softer, running her fingers around her bangle on her left wrist.
Miles grinned as he finally heard a name " Constantine huh? I never heard that name before, he sounds pretty lame." He teased.
Lavina cleared her throat as she started to rant about how wonderful Constantine is and how attractive he was. Miles and I chucked at how passionate Lavina was about describing her crush. I took a sip of my red tea, till out of the corner of my eye, I spotted on the table outside...