Black Smoke

Illusions.

-7:39 P.M.-

The ride back was a bit awkward. She hadn't said much other than commenting on some errors other drivers were making.

Mild road rage.

I continued looking out the window, my chin resting firmly in the palm of my hand.

What she did, attacking me when I tried leaving, made my head swarm with questions.

She wanted to get to know me...Me!

Out of all people, she chose me.

My thoughts buzzed for a second, the car's swift turns hinting that we were close to the apartment complexes.

"So," she began, breaking the silence. "Just what are we having to eat, hm?"

I sat back in my seat, stuffing my hands in my pockets. "I hope you like three-cheese pizza," I stated,  my eyes glued to my window.

"Pizza?" She asked.  I was waiting for her to refuse the offer and just drop me off,  but she laughed lightly.  "You know,  other than the school food,  it's been a long while since I've had pizza not made from the cafeteria. I'd love pizza."

I was bewildered for half a second,  but quickly switched my expression to soft and bland.

"Alright then. Pizza it is."

Once we reached the complexes,  she parked the car and both of us headed up to my apartment.  As I inserted the key, I looked out into the open view.  It was almost lunchtime.  Which meant Dad wasn't gonna be home for a long while.  Which also meant I didn't have to be paranoid about him walking in and scaring Vanessa.

I unlocked the door and rushed in,  having her follow along.

"No need for a tour, " I spoke.  "It's an apartment.  Two rooms,  one bathroom,  kitchen,  living room,  you get the idea,  right?"

I hurried to the kitchen and turned on the oven.
"The remote to the TV is there on the couch if you wanna turn it on."

I made my way to the freezer and took out the pizza box, placing it on the counter to defrost for a bit.

"It's a small place I know, but I'm okay with it.  Small and simple is my kind of-" I turned, hoping to see her in the living room sitting very awkwardly,  but she wasn't.

"Van?"

No answer.
I raised an eyebrow and made my way to the hallway. My bedroom door was open,  the light shining through.

"This is your room?" she asked.

I felt a little uneasy,  gulping down some nervous vibes.
"Y-Yes," I managed to say.  "It is."

She smiled for a bit,  then looked at me.  "You said you live with your dad? He's not here?"

I shook my head slowly. "He's away.  Out of town.  Doing his stuff. Being a parent.  The usual."

She nodded, understanding, but not really.

"I see. I see."

I didn't know what else to say,  so,  I clapped my hands together to break the silence. "I'm gonna go start the pizza."

"Okay. Um, hey,  where's the restroom?"

I pointed to the door that was open behind her along one of the walls.

She gave a shy smile.  "Thanks."

"No problem."

She left, and so did I,  making sure the oven was heated enough. I prepared the pizza well enough and set it on the racks, closing the oven after.