I just have to get out.

Part 27

Art ran for way longer than I remembered. Last thing I remember of Art was our teacher turning around to us all, yelling because some of us didn’t do the homework (all this time I think I was doodling) and then she left us to do our work.

Now we were all piling out the door, trying to reach break first because we all needed fresh air. Art was way too stuffy for our liking and it seemed to be a really nice day outside. There was pushing from behind, causing me to push into the people in front.

“Guys guys guys! Calm down will you!” Someone shouted from the front, but we all just yelled at them to move out of the way. For once, I felt accepted again and I felt no different to the rest of the student body. My heart had at least slowed down for now.

Finally breaking through into the corridor outside, I was able to breathe properly and cast a grin at Saphy. She burst into laughter as she grasped my arm and pulled me along. Laughter is contagious, especially from your best mate. “Oh dearie me!”

Still laughing as we headed to our usual spot, well… it was just Saphy, Luca, Ethan and Me now because everyone else had ‘moved’ on with their lives. We had to wait to finish this year. Dammit!

“So, how did you know Luca would pop into art today?” I questioned Saphy, as I calmed down and my mind was feeling much calmer than it had been this morning. “Did he tell you he was?”

“I.. Uhm, guessed he would?” She shrugged, and I just couldn’t let this go now. I mean, I was glad he turned up and she was right, but I just couldn’t get to grips on how she knew about him turning up. But, luckily enough for her, Luca turned up. Talk about saving the moment for another time. Classic Saphy move. Always saved by something other than her own skin.

“Well hey there beautiful, I see you were deeply involved in your art lesson today,” Luca said to me, pulling me close for a hug. I just wrapped my arms around him and didn’t want to let go. “Must have been so traumatizing for you not to be able to help out your dearly beloved”

I gasped, pulling back to look up to him before poking my tongue out at him and jabbing him in the chest, with my head.

“At least you had Nancy. I mean, who else would you have wanted? Besides, I was so into Art lesson I wasn’t bothered,” I retorted, going back into the never-ending cuddle that was Me and Luca. I felt bad for Saphy because Ethan rarely did this, at all.

Talking of, Ethan hadn’t arrived yet.

“Saphy, what lesson did Ethan have? I wonder where he is. I feel bad that you don’t have anyone to cuddle. You can come join us?” I offered her an arm into the circle of hugs. Luca didn’t look too happy, but I nudged him in the side and the look disappeared of his face.

“I don’t remember. I think it was Sports? Or maybe English,” Saphy sighed, shrugging and then shaking her head. “Uh, no thanks guys. Thanks, but no thanks. You look pretty comfy enough. Don’t want me to be taking up more room.”

I creased my eyebrows in confusion. “You wouldn’t be doing anything like that! Don’t be silly!” I unlinked myself from Luca and moved over to Saphy. “JOIN US YOUNG ONE!” I almost yelled this at her, in a stern fashion before taking hold on her arm and pulling her towards Luca. He outstretched his arms for both of us and we collapsed into them.

“Thanks, really,” I could hear Saphy mutter but she sounded uncomfortable. “Ok, I think that’s enough hugging for today!” She pulled away and I gave her a small smile which she didn’t seem to return. I sighed before cuddling back into Luca once more.

“All mine.” I heard Luca mutter with satisfaction. I crinkled my nose but stayed cuddling him. I still felt bad for Saphy, but Ethan had to turn up at some point. Knowing him, he would turn up right before break ended and then leave again.