the girl called mystery

• 2 •

"Why are you here?" I ask as my temper rises.

"I'm here to come get you. Why are you here?" A hint of attitude lingered in his voice.

"I'm here to get away from people like you," I snapped back.

"People like you." People like Colin Richardson are the reason I strive to get away. People like him are the reason I choose to take long walks in the woods.

"Wow. I'm offended," he puts his hands up in defense.

I cross my arms and walk past him, "That's the point."

Colin manages to walk in front of me, and he blocks my path.

"Can you move? Or just die or something?" I shove him and continue to walk.

He catches his balance and walks next to me, "Why are you so mean? Geez, I get why no one likes you now."

My eyes roll so far back that I think they'll freeze in place, "No one likes me because I didn't like them first."

"Damn. Cold blooded," Colin lets out a loud whistle.

"Can you not walk so close to me?" I can smell his overbearing cologne. It smells like burnt trees and vanilla. Oh, God. I think I might collapse if I inhale this any longer.

He smirks, "Why? You can't contain yourself next to me?"

I fold my fingers under my chin, connect my arms, and flutter my eyes. In a sweet, little voice I say, "How ever will I live without you next to me?"

"Stop it."

"But seriously, your man perfume is causing my nose to bleed," I distance myself away from him.

Here's the thing about Colin, he's what you would call 'popular.' Everyone knows him. You either love him or hate him. All the girls love him. All the guys envy him. That kind of thing. Typical. I mean, we used to be friends, but that changed rather quickly. I don't even think he really remembers who I am. I'd like to believe that I don't care, but in all truthfulness, I do.