Paper Thin

• 70: Ice, Ice, Baby •

Melody

We all left the cafeteria together, but had to go to class so we parted, leaving Emma and I to walk to art class. We moved quietly, the hallway buzzing with the sounds of student chatter and lockers opening and closing.

"So, I know this is probably uncomfortable but, are you okay?" Emma asked.

"What do you mean?" I replied, tucking my brown hair behind my ear. I stared ahead, towards the classroom, avoiding her eyes.

"I mean... I don't say anything, but I notice things and I just want you to know that I'm here. For you. If you want to talk or something," Emma said.

"There's nothing to talk about. I'm okay," I replied.

"But your arm."

"I'm an easy bruiser."

"And you fainted a–"

"From the paint fumes," I cut her off then took a deep breath and smiled. "I'm fine, really. But thank you."

She nodded and opened the classroom door. When we entered the classroom, I noticed that Ms. Foster had put up little fairy lights and Christmas garlands around the room. It was nice to see that someone felt holly and jolly.

"Grab an easel! We're going to finish these assignments today!" Ms. Foster said as students entered the room.

Emma and I tossed our bags down and grabbed our easels and paintings before sitting down next to each other. While she didn't bring up our conversation for the rest of class, it played on in my thoughts. I looked calm as we painted, but my mind was racing.

Why would she bring up my fainting? Why did she want to talk about it? Why would she want to talk to me? Why now? Does she think I'm weird? Does she just want more information from me? Is she going to tell her friends?

Class passed by quickly, and I finished my dark painting. When the bell rang, everyone gathered their items and Ms. Foster called me over. Ignoring the curious stares, I walked over to my art teacher.

"Hey Melody," she started. "Did you manage to finish your painting?"

"Yes. I know I missed class yesterday, but I worked hard to finish it," I explained. Ms. Foster smiled and then glanced over my shoulder. I looked behind me and noticed everyone had left the room.

"I have something for you... just a little Christmas present." She reached into her desk and pulled out a thin square package. My eyes widened and my mouth parted slightly, letting out a shocked breath.

"You-you didn't have to," I said quietly.

"It's just something small," she replied. "Open it."

My hands gently tore the festive paper, revealing a print of Van Gogh's Starry Night on the cover of a sketchbook. I smiled, remembering he was her favourite artist. I blinked away my emotions and looked at her.

"Thank you, Ms. Foster; you didn't have to get me anything," I whispered. "I didn't get you a gift."

"I wanted to, and Melody your passion for art and talent is a gift," she said. "Have a Merry Christmas, and please take care of yourself." Her dark brown eyes were warm, and her smile was bright as she spoke.

"Merry Christmas Ms. Foster," I replied softly, before putting the notebook safely in my backpack.

***

After school, Carson and I went straight to my house, to get my clothes. We sat in the car for a moment before I invited him inside with me. I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to Mia inside, but I figured she wouldn't be too horrible if Carson was there.