I stare down at my bruised, roughed-up fingers. Punching a bag all week hasn't been the best on the hands. I've been flirting with both Damian and Elijah. I'm just so confused... I roll the green beans over my plate with the silver, metal fork that I hold in my palm. I plop one in my mouth. I silently chew as conversation blossoms around me. I'm the new kid on the block. I have no friends. I'm basically a loner.
The beans have a sweet, bitter taste. I push my plate forward towards the center of the table. I run my hand over my face and end up in my hair. The strands pass through my fingers, and I tie them into a braid.
"So you don't just run like a snail... You eat like one too." Damian drops down on the bench beside me. His laugh is contagious. "I'm joking." He quickly adds.
"I know. I'm not a snail. I'm normal. Unlike you." A grin spreads over my face.
"I'd beg to differ. You are anything but normal, Faith Zara." My face feels hot, as I stare into his perfect, purple eyes. His fingers find my face and pull me closer. His lips brush against mine but don't merge completely. I turn away. "Everything alright?" Concern fills his voice.
"Yeah. I'm waiting." I whip back around to face him. His face holds a questioning look.
"For what?" He curiously asks.
"For you to beg." I cross my arms.
"I'm not begging. At least not in public." He sends me a wink. He chuckles as he stabs at his salad.
"How's it going?" A tiny blond with blue highlights sits in front of me. Her dark hunter green eyes appear sweet. She offers a gentle smile.
"Hey! Faith this is Nevaeh. Nevaeh this is Faith."
"Hasn't Damian driven you crazy yet? I swear... He needs to get help." Her gaze shifts to Damian. "I know that we're all about life and plants but I'm going to offer you some advice." She sounds sincere but a mischievous grin flashes on her face. She leans in closer and whispers, "Stay away from the mushrooms. They make you stupid." I snort and slap my hand over my mouth. I throw my spare hand in the air to give her a high-five.
"I thought you were on my side!" Damian snaps.
"I am. I just agree." A snicker escapes me and I nudge him with my shoulder. He smirks.
"So how's the training going?" Nevaeh asks as she shovels food into her mouth.
"She's as slow as a snail."
"I am not!"
"I've heard differently." She comes to his aid. They both burn holes in me with their stares.
"Whatever." I bite out.
"I'm glad I finally met a girl here who isn't... I don't know... I'm glad you're cool." Nevaeh continues to eat.
"What year are you?" I reach over and pull my tray back over to me. I crunch a few beans in my mouth.
"Same as you. My Revealing of the Markings ceremony was a few weeks before yours."
"Cool." I continue to chew the green mush in my mouth. "Do you miss your family?"
"Yeah. I'm an only child so I'm glad to have met some people my own age."
YOU ARE READING
The Sunflower Keeper
FantasíaFaith has finally come of age, and her future will be decided for her. She has to navigate her nerves and her new life while trying to figure out love and who's trying to kill her. She's not perfect, and she knows that. The people she meets and lose...
