Chocolate Emergency

Ten Waves

                Ten Waves

                        The light gale below the late autumn leaves through the busy Winterville High school's streets. Seniors and juniors parked away their shiny cars in the respective lots while I sat here Devlin's red 1996 Toyota Camry. He had out of kind courtesy decided to drop me off today claiming that I wouldn't be able to find my way from his apartment complex to school- a bland lie- his apartment was on the same street as my high school.

            "Thank you," I spoke up, clutching my backpack close to my chest.

"It's alright," He smiled, warmly. A bright, clean pair of scrubs clung to his slender body.

            I quickly opened the front pocket of my backpack, pulling out a white envelope. It had about hundred dollars in it. I had saved them from my lunch money. I was going to buy myself a new kit of paints and brushes from the money but now I don't think I could afford such a luxury.

            With a heavy heart, I handed the envelope to Devlin. To conceal my emotions, I stretched my lips into a thin smile.

            He gave me a questioning look. After hesitating for a moment he took it from my outstretched fingers. "What is this?" He asked, his gaunt fingers lifting the pale flap.

            "It's not much," I bit down on my lips, a red blush settling on my cheeks out of embarrassment. "But I figured I needed to give you this. I promise once I'll pay the rest later,"

            A frown made its way to his face. He shook his head. "No, you keep this," He grabbed my hand, the warmth from his skin sunk into mine, and placed the envelope into my palm. "I can't keep this. You need the money,"

            "Devlin, please." I held his hand, forcing the money back into his hands. "For my sake just keep the money, please,"

            He stared at me. Tensed lines ran across his jaw "I can't,"

"For me, please. You've done so much for me. This is the least I can do,"

            "I get it," He smiled, almost bitterly. "You feel burdened by all that I did. But you don't understand. I didn't do this because I pitied you,"

            "Then why are you helping me?" I nearly yelled, gripping my backpack tightly.

"I have my reasons," He looked away, not meeting my eyes.

            "And I have mine," I whispered. "So please respect that,"

            Grudgingly, he tucked the enveloped into his pocket. "Happy?"

"Very,"

~*~*~

            To my surprise, I found Liza standing outside Mrs. Oswald's class. Oliver patted her back. It looked as if he was trying to comfort my sister. My heart warmed at gesture. Bless thy swimming beast for being a kind soul.

            I approached them, feeling strangely anxious. My chest felt heavy like someone had placed a huge boulder on it. The instant Liza's watery green eyes found mine, she rushed into my arms, nearly knocking me off my feet.

            "Sis, thank god you're alright," She cried, burring her head on my shoulder, her blonde hair falling over my face. Oliver looked at me. His stormy eyes watched me with caution as if he expected me to burst into tears as well. He didn't give me his usual teasing smirk instead his mouth was turned downwards in way that my heart fall to the pit of my stomach.  The concern on his face was almost palpable. I averted my eyes, focusing them on Liza.