The Mute

Chapter 8

Lunchtime was strange. It was the first time in a long while I had friends to sit with.

I wasn't alone by the trash cans. This time I had Beth and Lucas with me.

Beth talked pretty much the entire time. Lucas and I just followed along with her ranting as usual.

We nodded like we understood what she was talking about but Lucas seemed different.

His eyes were sparkling and a smile never left his face as he stared upon Beth.

Something seemed to be going on.

I ate my lunch and listened to Beth talking about her brother.

"Gabe got a big dent on my bumper while backing out of a parking spot at the mall a few months ago."

Lucas spoke up, "It was hardly a dent. It was a scratch."

"No no no. I have a receipt from the auto repair guy who says it was a dent."

I spoke up, "Did he pay for the damages?"

Beth's eyes widened. "You were listening? You talked!" Beth smiled and she was clapping like she does when she gets excited.

Lucas just smiled at me and said to Beth, "She asked you a question.."

Beth's smile was stuck on her face and she said, "No. That's why he's gotta get a job to pay. It was $200 to fix."

Lucas explained, "New paint. Work on the body. And labor."

I nodded and I processed this. Poor Beth. Her brother and her have a complicated relationship.

Beth loved him. Gabe just took her for granted.

Beth's main priorities are to teach her Sunday school class, working at Target,(Like Lucas), and get scholarships for college.

Gabe's are to go to the most parties, getting laid, and getting a football scholarship.

I looked over to Gabe's table and I noticed someone looking to our side of the lunch room.

Two amazing blue eyes were caught in a gaze with mine. It was him.

I smiled and him and he returned the gesture. He lifted his arms above his head to stretch still never breaking my gaze.

I bit my lower lip.

So did he.

I crossed my arms.

So did he.

My face blushed and grew hot. I looked to Beth and she too was staring at the guy.

Beth said, "His name is Tyler. Go talk to him."

I broke my gaze from his and looked at Beth. I contemplated the thought.

"I can't. He'll never understand."

I looked back at him. My eyes fluttered open and shut.

He was gone.

I scanned the lunch room and I couldn't find a trace of him.

Then I thought.. Tyler.. That's a good name..