Special

Chapter 23

An origami butterfly fluttered onto my desk while I took notes in English class. I looked around, scanning the room for its origin.

Everyone was focused on their books except Eric. He smiled at me as soon as our eyes met.

I studied the intricately folded paper butterfly. The words, open me, were scribbled on one wing. I did, carefully unfolding it. A one-line question written in neat handwriting read:

Would you go to the Spring Ball with me?

A few months earlier, the Spring Ball was out of the question. Certain no one would ask me, I was adamant on not going. Two offers were unimaginable. Although my option was clear, I didn't know how to say no to the other. I could've simply written a message saying, thank you very much for the offer but someone already asked me. Or at least something along those lines. Something very simple. Instead, I procrastinated on how best to respond, pondering whether it would be best to do it in person. Before I knew it, it was Math class, then lunch.

'Hope?' Allie called as we sat around our lunch table with the others.

'Yeah?' I responded, questioningly. Lost in my thoughts, I'd lost track of the conversation.

'What do you think?'

'About what?'

'About joining the kid over there,' she explained, pointing at a boy sitting by himself. He was at least a grade below us.

'Sure,' I agreed.

The rest of the group concurred, and we all got up — me, Allie, Gael, Oliver, Harper, and Maya. We gathered our trays, walking over to the boy's table. Allie led the way, sitting down beside him and asking his name.

'David,' he responded.

'Hey, David,' Allie said, shaking his hand. 'I'm Allie.'

She introduced our group as we sat. Oliver and Harper grabbed two extra seats so we could all fit around the table.

'Hey!' Eric greeted from behind me while I collected a book from my locker.

I turned to face him, my heart beating against my chest, stuttering as I returned his salutation. 'Hey.'

'Did you get my note?' he asked.

'I did,' I answered, pondering the best way to let him down.

'What do you think?'

'Um ... It was wonderful,' I told him, 'but Gael already asked me ... Sorry.'

'Oh, okay,' he responded, his tone dropping.

We stood in awkward silence for a long moment.

'See you around,' he finally said, turning to leave. He doubled back and asked, 'What are you doing after school?'

'Uh, nothing much,' I replied.

'Can we meet up?' he enquired. 'I've got something I'd really like to show you.'

'Okay,' I nodded.

'Meet me at the sports field?'

'Sure,' I agreed.

Eric sat at the stands, waiting when I arrived at the sports field. It was so quiet and deserted, it seemed as though we were the only two people in the world.

I crossed the field to meet him.

He stood up and glided towards me, meeting me halfway.

After exchanging some greetings, I asked, 'What was it you wanted to show me?'