The Girl In The Suit

Anne

I walk into school the next day, not quite believing what happened last night. Gemma apologized, and she meant it. And she's not part of the Fantastic Five anymore. I always knew there was something about her that wasn't as bitchy as the others, but that was something I didn't see coming at all. I thought she was just quiet.

When I get to my locker, I see her looking at me from hers a few lockers away. She looks away when she sees me. She's acting like she has a crush on me or something. But she's the most hetero girl in the world. She got a boyfriend a week into first year, and we attend an all girls school.

Today's Friday, my favourite day of the week. I have music first. When I get there, my pink electric guitar is there waiting for me. I'm practically a musical genius, so the teachers decided to put me in the band with all the fifth years. They love me there, though I do fight with our bassist Ally sometimes.

I notice that our pianist Saoirse isn't here. Fuck. Whenever she isn't here, everything just falls apart. She's the oldest member, as she's the only one who did TY, so she's the most sensible. Now, we're gonna have to get a fill in.

Then, I remember. Gemma is the fill in for Saoirse. For fuck sake. I just wanted to avoid her today to save us from the awkwardness. She's never had to fill in before, because Saoirse is usually always in. I love Saoirse, but fuck her for picking this day in particular to get sick on.

During the entire lesson, I feel Gemma's eyes on me. She's actually really good at it. I totally forgot she could play. I've never heard her talk about music or piano at all.

When the practice ends, I go up to her. I feel as though I should tell her that she's good.

"Hey.", I say, and she turns to me. She smiles a bit.

"Hi, Anne.", she says. She tucks a bit of hair behind her ear.

"You're really good."

She smiles more. "Thanks, Anne. You're excellent as well."

"Thanks."

Theres this weird feeling in my chest. There shouldn't be. I don't even know where we sit as friends. Then , she speaks. 

"So, my brother has hurling practice until 6, and I have no plans, so I was wondering if you wanted to hang out after school today? I understand if you have plans, we hace all weekend and midterm is coming up soon, but....."

I smile. I've never seen her like this. "Yes, Gemma, I'd love that. Meet at the gate?"  

"D-deal"

She begins to go red, and then she shakes my hand. We smile at each other before she stops shaking my hand, and just holds it for a second. She then quickly lets go, grabs her bag, drops it and heads for the door. She bangs into the drums, rearranges it and never takes her eyes off of me. Its honestly........adorable?  

"S-see you later then.", she says as she reaches the door.

I roll my eyes at her, smiling. "See you at 1, Gemma."

She walks out. I peek out the door and I see her doing this dance of triumph. Its the cutest thing I've seen in days. She seems happy for once. She has always seemed miserable.

I walk back into the room, pack my stuff and put away my guitar. And now, all I'm thinking about for the rest of the day is Gemma Welch.