The face of a monster

Stories

Okay, so to make this as clear as possible I'll be writing like this when it's a flashback/story/history thing, something that has already happened. Yeah, that's all I guess.

It's hot and sticky in the early September sun as we're walking from the cafeteria outside to class. Kyle tries almost desperately to get hold of Nora's hand but Nora keeps on slipping away from him, she fixes her make up with her mini mirror that she always keeps in her purse, she checks her phone and texts so intensely so that she needs to use both hands. It all makes me sort of nervous so I look around and find David walking behind us, in an attempt not to laugh he covers his mouth with his hand but a little giggling sound escapes him.

"What?" Both Nora and Kyle turn around angrily and David stoops smiling abruptly.

"What's so funny?" Nora demands and David sighs trying to show that it wasn't a big deal.

"Nothing" David tries to wave it all away but Nora is determined. "Seriously, it's nothing guys. Can we just walk, please? I gotta get my stuff for History" he says tiredly. Nora lets out a sigh saying literally more than any word could. She's so pissed of at being with Kyle and being practically dragged down to his level in the social hierarchy of high school. I don't mind, I hated being with Nora when she was as popular as she was, she could drag me along like a puppet and I said nothing. I don't know if it's Kyle who has changed Nora or her feelings for him. I'm okay with either.

"Nora come on" Kyle sighs and walks ahead. Nora mutter something inaudible and I shrug at David trying to say I have no idea what's going on.

"You know they've been fighting, right?" David walks beside me now. I nod, I'm aware of their fights, very aware. Nora's been so furious I can't even imagine what Kyle did and Nora's been refusing to tell me anything about it.

"I don't know about what but honestly I don't care."

"I get that. How is Nora? I mean, like a friend?" I notice how David hesitates as he speaks and it makes me wonder if he's nervous. Why would he be nervous? Maybe because he always is, you idiot. I say to myself. Why can't I get used to his nervousness and social awkwardness?

"Not idealistic" I laugh slightly, I probably shouldn't talk like this about Nora but I doubt that David would tell.

"That was obvious" David chuckles "I wanted more details, like gossip. Aren't girls supposed to love to gossip?" Now I can't tell if he's joking or  being serious.

"Aren't boys supposed to be dumb?" I mumble.

"What? You got insulted by that?" He sounds truly surprised and so do I when I speak but just because I didn't think he would hear me.

"Shouldn't I?" The tension is uncomfortable angry and me basically spitting the words doesn't help.

"No, I was joking" Judging by the sound of his voice I can tell that he feels just as bad as I do about this, now terrible awkward situation.

"Oh okay" I let out my breath which I didn't even realise I was holding.

"Now back to the question which, may I remind you of this, was very simple and not dramatic at all" he sounds kind and careful as if his words may hurt me. Oh god I overreacted.

"Nora's a good friend I guess, not ideal but good enough." I sigh before continuing as if I'm about to confess something "Anyway she's the only one who talks to me so it doesn't really matter"

"Kyle and I talk to you" David tries.

"You didn't two years ago"

"Why two years ago?" He asks surprised.