Blake and Aimee

Chapter 4: Blake

The sun is out today, it's actually quite nice. I asked Ma to drop me off early so I wasn't late to class, which this morning is Biology. I admit I quite like Biology, maybe that's because I am kind of a genetic crisis. Cells mutating at an unhealthy rate, spreading cancerous tumours throughout my body, just another happy day in my life really. As I make my way to the science lab, I see people are starting to take their seats. I also notice in the centre of the room is Aimee, the girl from yesterday. Shit. Alright I was thinking last night how I acted kinda cruel- I guess I was already on edge with the whole moving schools thing and the weather that I kind of lashed it out on her. But I don't have English until third period which gave me plenty of time to mentally prepare myself- I was not expecting this scenario so early in the morning. Oh god what do I do? Should I wait until English to talk to her? You know what, screw it. No one ever got anything good by playing it safe. As I move closer to her I realise just how focused she is; her books are out, pens scattered over the desk, writing frantically into a notebook of hers. She doesn't even seem to notice me noisily pull up a chair beside her.

"Ah, hey." I've never been good with the typically small talk.

She looks up from her book in surprise, "Oh ah, um yeah hi." Quickly, she shuts her notepad and belongings to stuff all her pens and books back into her bag. Geez what is that about? "I'm sorry I didn't see you there." She chuckles nervously- not looking up from her desk.

"So, Biology huh?" God I am so pathetically lame.

"Yeah," she doesn't lift her head and her voice is almost a whisper, "it's ok I guess." Alright, she's still mad. I keep repeating that moment in the corridor in my head, the annoyed expression on her face and the sharpness of her tone- the flaming anger that burned so brightly in her eyes- I admit caught me off guard. She seemed so vibrant in a way, now she just seems small and deflated, and quite frankly exhausted. I have to say, there is something about her that's different to the rest of them. These people seem to be so predictable but there is just something about her that makes me, well, curious I suppose.

The class has started. Mr Johnson, a dark guy in I'd say late twenties, is teaching us about organ systems. Basic introduction going over the digestive tract, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and what not- nothing too fancy. Honestly, I was paying more attention to Aimee than I was of the lesson, the way she taps her foot on the ground constantly as she takes notes, and fumbles around with her pen when she isn't. It's funny, I just automatically thought I was the only one who could never sit still. I want to somehow talk to her, I don't really know why, trust me I normally don't get the impulse to socialise with anyone. But I honestly doubt she'd be up for a friendly chat after yesterday. Then I get an idea. A lame-ass idea but an idea all the same. I rip out a piece of paper from my book and quickly scrawl a message.

I'm sorry. Friends alright?

Yes 

No

I fold the paper in half and slide it under her pencil case. She picks it up and I make sure to take lots of notes while she appears to be reading it. "Alright class, finish up what you're writing, I'll let you guys out early because I don't want to stand in line waiting to get lunch, so scoot. The class erupts into laughter, as they all file out the room. As I begin to pack my stuff back into my bag, Aimee passes the note back to me. I look up, anticipating what her reaction will be only to find her smiling.

"I'll see you for lunch." And with that she leaves the classroom. Swinging my bag over my shoulder I hurry out into the corridor before opening the note.

I'm sorry. Friends alright?

Yes

No

Of course, I'd really like that xx

For the first time in a while, I feel myself smiling. Properly I mean, not just faking it like I do for photos or to keep my parents in high spirits but I really and truly feel, well, happy.