Jonah Marais' P.O.V.
I was in the art room, painting on my canvas. I was painting a sunset, a scene I've seen so many times when I was a child. The door opened and a girl walked in. She instantly took my breath away. She looked in my direction and I quickly looked away. I continue to paint, secretly watching the girl who entered. She was drawing something, though I'm not yet sure what. She then glanced at me and caught me staring, "That's a beautiful sunset."
"Thank you." I said, a small tint of pink lighting my cheeks. She just nodded and proceeded drawing. After awhile, I looked back and saw an output. It was a face of a girl. But the face acted like a curtain, revealing a smaller girl who's trapped behind bars. "Woah. That's deep."
She just nodded again. I pursed my lips, not knowing if I should say something again or not. I feel like I want to talk to her but I feel like I'm just annoying her. I then continued to paint, finishing the small details.
"So what's your name?" She asked. Finally. I looked at her, giving her a smile before answering, "Jonah. Jonah Marais."
I then stuck out a hand, waiting for her to shake it. She shook my hand but I kept holding it, "What's yours?"
"Soleia. But my friends call me Leia for short." She responded, letting my hand go.
"Soleia Livingston?" I repeated, remembering her name.
"Yes... How do you know my name?" She asked, confused.
"Oh, some people just passed me by. And they kept on comparing my works with yours. They keep on saying that I should work with you on some artwork sometimes." I explained, rembering the countless times people told me to work with her.
"Oh. I hate when people compare artists. Like, it's not a competition. Each artist has their own style." She said.
"Agreed." I seconded, looking at my drawing. Out of nowhere, I whispered, "Man, I miss being a child."
"Why? I mean, I do too." She said, then looked at the painting, "Is the sunset you painted something meaningful to you?"
"Yeah..." I said, scratching the back of my neck, "You see, whenever summer starts, my dad always takes me fishing. There was a lake near my grandparents place so we would always go there. Between five and six in the afternoon, you can see the most beautiful sunset." I sighed, relishing the memory, "But, I don't go there anymore... Ever since..."
"Ever since what?" She asked. I took in a deep breath.
"Ever since my dad died. It's been three years."
Her eyes widen, regret filling both, "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
"I-it's okay." Deep breaths. I looked at her again and gave her a sad smile, "You're actually the first person I opened up to. I'm not really on the popular chain so..."
"You don't need to be popular to be liked or have friends." She said, "I-Is it okay if I give you a hug?"
I didn't answer. I just pulled her in and wrapped my arms around her, burying my face on the crook of her neck. After awhile, I let go, realizing my actions. "I-I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to."
"It's okay. I didn't mind." She replied. I then pulled her in for another hug, "Thank you."
She just nodded, not parting from the hug. After awhile, she lets go, "Do you want to go to the local coffee shop after school?"
"Sure."
Word Count:598 words
