The Size of our hearts

5

School was okay today because we didn't have math in other words I didn't have to see Hamid. I rolled over to my side as reality settled in I realized the Bonfire was in 30 minutes. I dragged myself off the bed and over to my wardrobe. I stared helplessly at my outfit choices, Reluctantly I grabbed my favorite black and grey Flannel and jeans.

After a quick shower I was downstairs and about to open the door when my Dad stopped. I'll take you.

"Look Dad you don't need to take me I'll be fine"

"Oh I know you will be, I don't believe you'll actually go"

I wasn't in the mood to argue further, so reluctantly I got in the car.

Two tracks from Yanny's Album later we were parked in front of Sinul Beach.

"Thanks Dad" I murmured as I stepped out of the car.

"Have fun" He said quickly as he reversed and drove off.

I looked up, the party didn't look too Bad, the Fire hadn't been lit yet, and everyone was either dancing, playing ping pong or making out. I took a deep breath and walked down the three steps in front of me. I didn't know anyone so what would I do at a party like this. As I was about to turn around and go home. The girl from assembly the other day, was out of nowhere standing in front of me, I smiled at her for a quick second as I tried to remember her name. "Kiyana" She chuckled. "Sorry, my memory's not the best" I quickly apologized.

"It's okay, mine's probably the worst but.. I do remember your name, Neveah right?"

I smiled and nodded.

"I think it was really kind what you did for my brother."

"Your brother?" I asked confused.

"Davis"

"Oh! um yeah Hamid shouldn't have beaten him up, regardless of what he did."

"I don't blame Hamid my brother is always getting into fights, since my Dad died, Davis... he um he changed" She said as she managed to suppress a smile.

"It must be hard for him, but he'll come around"

"Yeah.... well they'll soon start the fire we should probably head down. I nodded as we walked down the sandy slope.

The music stopped as everyone quietly gathered around the firewood, most of them were sitting on mats and some on the sand, I enjoyed the peace and the feel of the sand threading it's way around my toes and to my heal.

"It's a tradition, I mean when we are about to light the fire we don't make any noise."

"That's cool" I said a little too loud.

I took my seat near Kiyana. We both sat down on her mat. It was sea green and had her name written on it in Gold. I was about to compliment it but remembered I couldn't make a sound.

Then I could see someone walking up to us. She looked like 17 and she was wearing a white dress. and had really long hair. She stopped in front of us and stood for a while then began to hum. A slow beautiful sound. The she began to sing....

"A long time ago

This city became our home

And we light the night

We make it bright"

Then everyone hummed. I'm normally not into this stuff but today just felt different. Then someone poured what I presumed to be kerosene on the fire wood. Then Kiyana stood up and threw a match right into the center and then we watched the fire grow from within. Soon enough we had a mini inferno.

Everyone went off to play Volleyball and play at the shore, but there was something calming about just sitting in front of the fire. I thought about my mom and my old school then just when my brain was digging deeper into my memories. I heard a voice from behind me.

"I'm sorry for what happened on Tuesday"

"And what exactly is that?" I smirked as I turned to face him.

"I dunno." His voice trailed off.

I scoffed and turned around.

"For putting my hands on you and making you feel inferior"

"Wow...." I said trying to sound as normal as possible.

"Apology accepted"

He let out a sigh that seemed to be a sign of relief and regaining of inner pride.

He slowly took his seat beside me. A certain feeling of self-consciousness filled me as I twirled the ring around my index finger.

"Cool ring" He said as his eyes averted from my finger to my eyes. I quickly looked back down at my ring.

"It was my moms"

"was?"

"Meaning she gave it to me" I said as I raised my eyebrows sarcastically.

"Right"

Then there was silent. I dropped my head onto my kneecaps, I peeked up at him, he didn't look uncomfortable he seemed to be enjoying the awkward silence, then his phone rang. He looked down at the caller ID then back at me. I shifted uncomfortably then put his phone up to his ear.

"Hello" He murmured, I could hear someone else's voice but couldn't make out anything because he stood up and took a few steps away from me. He started whispering aggressively.

I put my head up as my back rose with concern. My eyebrows knitted as I looked over at him. After a few more mutters he hung up and clenched his phone in his wrist.

"Um... Hamid are you ok?" My voice grew quiet as I came to understand he was not going to answer.

"I have to go" He said as he turned so I could only see one side of his face.

"Okay bye" I said as he made his way back up and to the car park. After what felt like an hour I decided it was time to go home, I wasn't in for another awkward car ride, so I decided I to go home alone.

I walked up the hill and past the car park until I was standing at the side of the road at bus stop, I was about to sit down when I realized that Hamid was seated there and he was bleeding on his shoulder and his knee.

"Hamid!" I gasped "Wh... what happened."

He looked up to meet my traumatized stared and his breathing grew unsteady.

I pulled out my phone and was about to dial 112 when he said "Don't. Please Don't"

"You are bleeding"

"Yeah I know, ok come on there's somewhere else you can take me" I looked at him but decided not to ask any questions.

I heaved him up and put my arm around him, he gently shrugged to get my hand off him then began to walk on his own. I rolled my eyes in frustration but decided not to make the situation about me.

We stopped in front of what looked like a house but was too small to be one.

"Um.. is there like a first-aid in there." Hamid grunted and unlocked the door. I stepped in after him.

There was a mattress lying on the floor with a pillow and blanket and Hamid's school bag was on the floor beside the mattress. He looked down at me. "Hamid do you live here?" I asked as quiet and confident as possible he took a deep breath.

"Um...yeah"