ethereal (k.l.)

•FOURTEEN•

A week after Kian and I's first date, we had been getting more affectionate than usual. I guess that comes with being in a relationship, but I was surprised at how comfortable I was with us being close in the hallways at school. Considering what happened with my last boyfriend I figured it would take me a while to jump into another relationship. But with Kian, I have nothing to be afraid of.

So yeah, Kian and I made it official. Everyone knows that we're together, and the gossip has been heightened, but I don't let it bother me anymore. I just tune it out and focus on what's important to me. A few weeks ago I would've let this get to me in such a bad way, but now I feel more happy and at peace, I don't want anything to ruin that.

"Ready to go to class?" Selena asked me as I finished getting my book out of my locker.

I nodded, "Yeah," I said to her and then looked up at Kian, who had his arm around me. "I'll see you after class." I said and leaned up to kiss him. He kissed me back and then smiled at me.

"See you then." He said and then walked down the hallway.

I turned back to Selena, who was smirking at me. I rolled my eyes and we began walking to class. "Shut up, Sel." I bumped her shoulder with mine.

She laughed, "I'm surprised. You've changed since the first week of school."

I gave her a confused look as we rounded a corner. "What do you mean?" I asked. I know I'm not as shy with the group anymore, but I thought that would be expected. Maybe she meant something else.

"Well, on the first day of school you hid your face from everyone and didn't talk unless me or Rachel forced you to." She said. "Now you're kissing boys in the hallway and standing up to the Queen Bee."

I shrugged and we walked into the classroom. I waited until we were seated to respond. "I guess I just feel more comfortable with myself after meeting Kian. Does that make sense?" It was weird how much Kian brought me out of my shell. I think it's because he makes me feel like I'm not such an outcast. He makes me feel special.

She nodded, "Yeah, it's not totally abnormal."

"I'm happy here," I said as students began to file into the room, taking their seats at empty desks. "I didn't think I would be, but I am. And I have you guys to thank for that."

Selena smiled at me, "You're a special friend, Davina. People like you only come once in a life time."

I pondered on what she meant, like I always did when she said something out of the ordinary. She has a lot of different meanings for what she says, and she doesn't always explain them.

Anyways, I figured I was a regular friend. No one special. I laughed and joked with her, supported her when she wanted to try a crazy makeup trick or switch up her style a little bit. I guess a lot of people don't do that with her.

•••

"Hey, D." Kian said as I sat down next to him at the lunch table, pecking me on the cheek, causing me to smile.

I looked over at him, "Hey, where's Jc?" I asked as I noticed the empty seat beside him.

He shrugged, "I think he's off with your sister." I looked beside me and saw Rachel's seat empty. They're probably making out in a janitor's closet.

Ever since Homecoming, Jc and Rachel have started going out. They didn't tell us at first and kept it well hidden, but I caught them making out in Rachel's bedroom a few days ago. Now they're very open with their relationship and the whole school knows about it.