Hello, Goodbye

13: Saxon

{ unedited } 

Zeya’s hair is longer. That is his first observation when the pair sit at their usual lunch table together. “Nice hair.” She shrugs, swirling her wrist around in a circle to stir up the contents of the Thermos in her hand.

“I’m so stressed about everything that I can’t sleep and I can’t be bothered even cutting my hair. I have to do it fortnightly to keep up the choppy bob thing.” She sighs, taking a sip of her hot drink. “It’s coffee.” Saxon nods, sitting down. “Grace is giving me anxiety. I’m freaking out. Is she okay?”

“She’s super sad because her brother wouldn’t even answer her question properly. She’s annoyed at me, especially, because her brother wanted me and not to talk to her.” He purses his lips. “But I get it. I’m annoyed at him and myself too. You can’t pick someone you barely know over your sibling.”

“He’s not the same person as he was before his dad called, I can tell you that much.” She takes a long gulp of her coffee. “I’m so brain-dead.”

“You need to go home and sleep, Zeya.” She groans.

“I know. But I can’t sleep. I have to visit Grace before I can sleep and I never memorised her stop…” Saxon stares at her with narrowed eyes for a moment. “Coffee can’t keep me awake forever, Saxon.” He lets out a quick sigh.

“I’ll escort you to her premises, fine. I’ve been meaning to check up on her again, anyway.” She smiles and thanks him. She then studies him for a moment.

“You really care about her, don’t you?” she says, thoughtfully.

“She’s like my own little sister. One who likes school, one who doesn’t grip all the attention of our parent’s, y’know? The sweet little sister that I have to protect because I’m so scared of her getting hurt.” He sighs roughly, resting his chin on his hand, which is resting on the cafeteria table. “But, in the end, I hurt her, didn’t I?”

“It’s not entirely your fault, kiddo,” Zeya says, forcing a smile onto her lips as she inhales the remainder of her beverage. “Her brother obviously plays a part in her pain.”

“I hate you.” She chuckles. “I just don’t want her to be hurt, especially not by me.” She sighs, rubbing her temples. “Zeya,” he groans, closing his eyes and letting out a yawn. “You’re not helping me in the least, you know that?”

“Oh, Saxon. I can’t always be at your service, you should know that.” She smirks tiredly at him, partially in a daze. “But, really. You shouldn’t simply blame it all on yourself. Anthony should’ve at least talked with her for even just a moment.” Saxon shrugs. “Meanwhile,” she pauses, taking a long, final gulp of her coffee, “I’m going to refill this somehow. Or just get a Red Bull. But, often, those leave me awake until three in the morning.”

“Zeya,” he breathes, stalking after her only moments after she leaves him alone at the table. “Zeya, I don’t get you, sometimes.” She shrugs. “Zeya, listen to me.”

“What, Sax? What, now? You always seem to run to me with your problems but guess what? The world doesn’t revolve around you and you are definitely not the only with problems right now.”

He looks taken aback, stuttering a quick, “I’m – uh, yeah – sorry – I just…”

“Saxon, look, I am basically asleep. I am running on caffeine right now – and no sleep. The last time I slept was Saturday night for four hours.” She grunts. “Now, if you can excuse me, I am going to buy some coffee.”

Her hair is greasy and unwashed. She has dark bags beneath her eyes. Her face is splotchy and red, her eyes puffy and pink. Zeya steps forward and wraps her arms tightly around her. Saxon stands with his lips pressed into a straight line, unmoving. Zeya steps away from the girl and Saxon steps forward. “Grace,” he begins.