One Dance 3: Illusions

2.

You arrived at school earlier than normal and on the way to the courtyard, you spotted Peter sitting with Ned.

You were mad at Peter for having lied the day before, but your love for Peter and your understanding made you open the door.

Peter looked up habitually at the door opening and froze when he realized it was you.

You didn't smile or anything, just walked stone-faced to the table they were sitting at.

Peter could sense your wrath, and like a scolded puppy, hung his head down.

There was a small bruise on his jawline and some minor cuts on his forehead.

You reached out slowly and brushed your thumb over his bruise and his eyes slowly rose to look your face.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"I know," you breathed. "If you don't want to hang out with me it's fine, just don't lie about it. We see each other everyday, I mean, I would get sick of me too," you smiled.

He laughed quietly and packed his bag up.

"It's nearing 7:20, I've got to go talk to Mr. Kestner about last week's paper."

"Let me know how it goes," you smiled, and Peter got up, hugged you from above, and left.

As soon as Peter's hands left the door on the way out you looked at Ned.

"Alright, spill it. What's wrong with Peter?"

Ned looked up from his homework, confused. "What?"

"You don't think Peter's been acting off lately?"

"He's probably on his period or something."

"Ned! You know I love your jokes but I'm being serious right now. I'm really worried about Peter, he's been...distant."

"Didn't you try to kill him or something? Not like I'm speaking from experience, but if someone tried to kill me I wouldn't be too keen to be around them."

You sighed. Peter didn't seem afraid of you, if that's what Ned was suggesting. He just seemed tired or worried.

You just wished he would talk to you. It felt like—well, technically he was—bottling everything up.

"Not that Peter doesn't want to be around you," Ned nervously cut in.

"That's exactly what you just said."

"Yeah, but..." Ned tried to fix his words, but gave up. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it like that."

You nodded silently and pulled out your phone. You pulled up Sam's number and texted her.

Are you at school yet? I really need to talk and don't feel like texting it.

She replied, Yeah, I'm in the cafeteria. Want to meet in the courtyard?

Sure, see you.

You turned your phone off, packed your things, and got up.

"I'll see you later Ned."

"See you," he said with a sad look on his face, like he really was regretting what he said.