Notes

1| Writing

I CAN SEE THE STARS FROM ALBANIA, shining brightly in the vast dark-blue sky. It was a lovely night. The music played beside the campfire while everyone in the field gathered and sang songs. Some of the groups danced in the happy tune, some in pairs, while some alone-just entertaining people with their crazy dance moves. I laughed from my seat at the sight of them all. I wasn't much of a dancer so I skipped that portion, even if I was going to get a failing grade for P.E.-it was better seated with roasted smores anyway too.

The fire was already warm and comfortable that my whole body was stuck leaning on the log. I watched its orange tail flick around like a suffocating man, trying to grab all the oxygen it needed to keep it alive, while a few people in the background conversed animatedly with their fellow schoolmates. I was alone at that moment but I didn't mind.

Then I felt someone sit beside me.

"Hey." the handsome boy greeted me. I looked up from the fire and found him wearing his black woollen jacket despite the warm atmosphere.

"H-Hey." I returned the greeting with a rather nervous disposition. He wasn't as familiar to me as I was with his friendly charm. It's probably because I don't socialize well in school, and, judging from the fact that I only have two friends-Joan, and Michelle (who are dancing right now), it wasn't surprising that I didn't even give a minute to create a conversation with him. I guess I just didn't know how to deal with all these.

We sat in silence, watching our fellow schoolmates around the fire, now engageing themselves in a frolic American Indian dance where everyone rounded up in a circle and started howling as they were dancing.

"Hey Ethan! Get over here!" Suddenly, a bunch of boys exclaimed when they reached our side, they seem to want their friend to join in the fun but the boy beside me just smiled and politely waved his hand off.

[Oh so he's Ethan, nice to meet you]

"Don't be such a killjoy, Ethan!" they called after him when they moved away. But Ethan just laughed and let them have their fun.

They continued dancing with their shadows having the time of their life. I wonder why Ethan hadn't joined in. I mean, didn't seem to be an introvert-some of the girls even waved at him while he waved back. It couldn't be because he was full either since we had dinner for over an hour ago.

"If you're dancing, then I'm coming too." he suddenly muttered under his breath to answer the question circling my mind, but it seemed loud enough for me to hear.

"No thanks, I like it here" I mumbled back, unsure whether he was talking to me or the wind. He heartily laughed and faced me, surprising me in the process. "Alright, I'll keep you company then..."

"..You talk weird, Solene. As if you don't want anyone hearing you..." Ethan teased showing me one of the smiles he has used to capture hearts from the girls. My face went red after I heard my name escape from his lips.

"Y-You know my name?" I suddenly felt a lump on my throat as I was trying to contain myself from all the giddiness building up inside me.