B. Loski's Point of View
As I looked out to the sky, I couldn't focus on how beautiful it was or take it all in or whatever you do when looking at the sunrise. When we do this, I don't really think of anything. I just sit here, in the silence, and let my mind relax. But today, I couldn't.
I couldn't help but think about Naomi as we just sat there together watching the sun come back. I don't try to read her mind, but sometimes I'll wonder what she's thinking, or what she's feeling and I can't help but do that as we sit in silence.
When it comes to Naomi, I just stress about everything I do, and how it makes her feel. I feel like she and I are closer than I've ever been with anyone, and I think that's the part that's scary.
I know I ignore her at school. My ego says, "So what if you don't talk to her. It's not like you're obligated to.", but my heart says, "She's my friend. I want to spend time with her." But like most teenagers, I can never overcome my ego. It's not that I'm embarrassed by her or that I'm worried about what people think, but there's always something holding me back.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard her sigh. She sounded upset with something. So I spoke up, "What's wrong?"
I saw her look at me through the corner of my eye. She did that thing where when she's confused or questioning someone she'll furrow her brows together, "What? You aren't even looking at me."
"You think I have to see you with my eyes to know what's up with you?"
She turned her attention back to the sky and paused a minute before responding, "Just thinking about next year."
I shuffled around, I planned on moving closer to her and comforting her, when she looked over at me and I looked back, stagnant now.I nervously smiled and to keep an unsettling silence from growing between us, "That's so far in the future Naomi. Just worry about what's happening right now."
"2 months isn't really that far, Bryce," She spoke again only moments after, "What do you want to do today?"
"I gotta get back home, my mom'll freak out if she walks into my room and finds I've been replaced by a couple of pillows."
She laughed and it made the already large smile on my face grow more. Naomi said she'd stay a bit longer, part of me was hoping I'd be able to walk her home, but I really should get back.
I went to leave, but found myself stopping, I told myself another five minutes wouldn't hurt, but when I turned, Naomi smiled up at me, "I'll see ya?"-- a goodbye. Yeah, I should just go.
"Not if I see you first," I stated quickly before exiting our spot and walking down the steps. Once I got on the street I looked back up to our spot, wondering if I should just go back and say "So what if I get grounded, it's summer vacation and I intend to waste the first day of it here with you." But I didn't and I just walked away.
I didn't look back until I was nearly back to the neighborhood, I could hardly see the factory anymore. I felt someone punch my arm softly and I turned to see Jacob.
Jacob and I had met at the beginning of my Freshman year in English. He had replaced my old friend, Garret. Although, now I'm hanging out with Garret again too, which seemed to kind of defeat the purpose.
"Why are you out and about so early, Loski?" Jacob asked, chuckling a bit. I noticed his apparel, he must've been on a run or something. I guess there's no off-season for the star quarterback, I thought to myself.
"Uhm- I-uh- I had a paper route." I managed to choke out.
"Where's your bike then?"
"Broken. Had to walk today."
Jacob nodded, "Well, you wanna come over and I don't know, watch some TV?" He suggested. I agreed, I could call my Mom from Jacob's.
―
"Okay man, what is the deal with that girl. Uh- What's her name? Nicole Samson?" Jacob asked, I raised a brow in his direction. He began to describe her, and that's when I understood, "Uh- Naomi Hanson?" I asked him.
He nodded, "Yes! That's the one!" Jacob began to ramble on about Naomi, and from the short amount I heard, I got the impression he didn't exactly like her. When he finished talking, I realized I hadn't heard a word, and when he asked if I agreed, I just laughed along so I could go back to focusing on the show-- maybe cause I just didn't want to argue with him either, but this seemed like the easiest option.
