Strawberry Blonde

二十九

As the last school bell sounded I felt the pit in my chest grow larger.

Where was he today ? Not in second period, no where to be found at lunch.

It's like he didn't even exist.

I opened my locker solemnly, the thought of Laurence on my mind.

Was he having second thoughts ? Is it something I did ? Did his family find out ?

As soon as I pried my locker open it came to a swift slam.

" oh you gotta be fucking kidding me" I exclaimed with my eyes piercing the ceiling.

My frustration disappeared when I looked back down and seen Bee's shocked expression.

" Bee I'm so sorry ! I thought-

" Save it and explain why you just reacted like that. I only seen you this upset when u found out we were moving and when your goldfish died last year so SPILL !"

I took a deep sigh while re-opening my locker
" Maybe 'Lassan' isn't so cannon after all. I didn't see him all day today and I just have a feeling maybe he-

" okay see this is exactly what you are NOT going to do" she said cutting me off.
" So what he wasn't in school all day ? Maybe he's taking care of Michelle or maybe he's sick or something, literally it's one day."

" Yeah but after everything yesterday I was just expecting..."

What was I expecting actually ? I did suggest a secret relationship so I guess I shouldn't care as much that he's not here ? Feelings are so confusing.

" Expecting ?" She said drawing out the ing.

" I don't even know Bee, I just feel so much about him. All I've ever liked was girls then out of no where I discovered that wasn't just the case and he seems to be the antidote to everything I was confused about. When I'm with him I feel at peace with myself."

Bee's eyes twinkled hearing that as she fanned her eyes to dry fake tears as we walked out the building.

" Look Hassan, it's new ! Not just the relationship but the whole situation, it's okay not to feel okay and it's okay to feel unsure alright ? You gotta stop beating yourself up for something that you need to let grow and blossom !"

The surprising warmth and soft rays of emerging sun welcomed us as a cloud passed overhead.

I took a deep breath and centered myself.

" Bee why are you always right ?" I said with a faint smile.

" It's cause I'm a girl." She said proudly with no hesitation.

Just then me and Bee noticed Charolette was standing in our path.

" So much for making it up to me by your locker after lunch Hassan.."
Her voice wasn't at her usual tone. This time it was more cold, deadly, it lacked life...

Bee sensed the tension and bravely confronted Charolette.
" Whatever my brother did I'm sure he's sorry but neither of us have time for this, and if my hopeful belief that you actually have a fully functional life out of highschool is correct, then that means you don't have the time for this either."

My jaw dropped as Bee stood in front of me with her arms folded.

It felt like time stopped as Charolette's hair appeared to be swallowed in flames and her eyes possessed in a full blood rage.

Before Charolette could utter a word to Bee I jumped in front of my little sister.

" Charolette please it was really an honest mistake and I do owe u big time for it. You trusted me, you invited me into your home and I trashed it. I know you're probably use to getting this all the time from people who do nothing but kiss your ass but you really are a good person and I mean that !" I uttered in an almost pleading tone.
" I remember what you did for me when I was drunk, maybe these people don't see it but I do Charolette. You're more than just your highschool status, you're more than just a pretty face, you're an actual person. A good and deserving one." I finished.

The only thing that broke through the tense atmosphere was calm the breeze playing with left over twigs and debris from other leaving students. It seemed like it was only us three in this space in-front of the school.

That's when I noticed Charolette's entire expression changed. From murderous to on the verge of what looked like real tears forming in her eyes.

" Charolette are you-

" Hassan...thank you"

Her words were almost silent appearing to be mouthed but I understood them.

Before I could speak again she turned and walked quickly to the schools parking lot.

There was an awkward silence which faded as reality started to setback in.

" Well that was intensely dramatic..." Bee said pulling out her pocket mirror to apply a quick dab of lipgloss.

The sun was high in the sky and the clouds were like unfinished puzzle pieces coming together over us.
" I think I need a spa day today because this has been mental OVERLOAD!" I said grunting to Bee.

I seen her look to the side of me as she emitted a sweet giggle.
" I think a solo day might have to wait."

I turned to find what made her say that and there Laurence was.
" I umm...have a surprise for you..."