Astronomical (girlxgirl)

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen (Skye's POV)

I tried to decide if I was relieved or disappointed as I compared schedules with Rose. We have different classes this afternoon – she had PE and then Agriculture, and I have Early Childhood Development and AP History.

On the one hand, I would be able to concentrate for the rest of today's lessons; on the other, once we finished lunch, I wouldn't get to see Rose until tomorrow.

True to her word, as the bell signalling the end of English class rang, Rose looked down at me and asked, "Where are we eating lunch today?"

I was shocked that she still wanted to spend time with me, even if we had the last two classes together. "I normally just sit in the cafeteria..." I offered slowly, picturing the roar of noise that generally issued from the enormous space, each table full of students glad to have a temporary reprieve from class.

"Would you mind if we sat outside today? I know the perfect spot – Nate and I used to sit near there before school". Her voice rose to be heard over the chatter in the hallways.

"You mean before you were expelled from school for using your ninja moves on helpless students?" I piped in slyly, trailing behind her.

There wasn't even a hint of remorse on her face as she chuckled and nodded in agreement, opened the glass door that led outside.

Rose strolled across the pavement and then onto the perfectly-manicured lawns at the front of the school, bypassing worn wooden benches in favour of a sprawling oak tree a few paces away.

She sat, crossing her legs gracefully, patting the spot beside her and looking up at me expectantly. The sun lightened her eyes and seemed to add flecks of gold to the warm, gooey chocolate colour.

I folded my cardigan to place underneath me and sat down, being sure to leave a little space between us.

I looked over the lid of my leftover fried rice and saw Rose recline against the base of the tree, Is it just me, or does she seem more relaxed when we are outside? Even though she smiled throughout all of our classes together, I could see the tension in her hands as she sat in the worn wooden desk chairs.

I peered down at my lunch, There goes your overactive imagination again, Skye.

It was nice to sit quietly, eating our food – so much easier than trying to find the right words to maintain a casual conversation and then agonising over each awkward remark that fell out of my mouth.

I surveyed my surroundings, noticing how many other students were taking advantage of the beautiful weather outside. I saw Sara's unmistakable hair, Michael glancing at the stern teacher on supervision duty as the duo strode a little too casually around to the back of the school building. I guess they need a smoke break.

I noticed a curvy girl who I think was named Helen sitting at a bench with a sketchbook open in front of her; I zeroed in on the bags under her eyes and the way her shoulders curved inwards as if she were protecting herself from a blow. I hope she is alright. I then switched my attention to the faded lines of the basketball court next to the parking lot; Rose's friend Nate stood in a circle with other players, with a serious expression as he gestured about strategy.

My observations were interrupted by Rose's voice, "Do you often sit by yourself at lunch?"

My mouth pursed defensively as I looked up at her – even as she leaned back on her palms with her legs crossed loosely, I had to crane my neck, "Usually... I guess I'm more of a people-watcher than a social butterfly". Please don't blush and make this even more awkward, Skye.

I waited for the condemnation and ridicule to mar Rose's features, but it never came; she nodded as if this were the most normal thing she had ever heard, and smiled crookedly at me, "I've always wished I could slow down and actually take in my surroundings".

I did blush, but it was because she sounded so appreciative and was still making eye contact with me.

I tried to keep my voice even as I replied, "I've always thought it better to be able to just talk with other people without needing five minutes to come up with a funny quip or get caught up in over-thinking what people mean when their facial expressions contradict their words".

Rose laughed heartedly and leaned forward, folding her fingers in her lap, "The grass is always greener on the other side", She drawled with one of her thousand-watt smiles.

I found my mouth relaxing, as I joined her in laughing, "I guess so".

"Have you always been a people-watcher, Skye?" The question was casual, but I blushed harder at the thought that Rose wanted to know about me.

I shifted a little, looking away to put my empty leftover container back in my bag. "Unfortunately, yes; I suppose it comes with being an only child. I've always been better at observing the kids around me than interacting with them." Way to turn a casual conversation into an in-depth discussion, idiot...

Rose looked rueful, "I have a younger sister, Annie, who my parents adopted when I was young – but even before that, I was surrounded by extended family. I have so many aunts and uncles and cousins that I sometimes lose track of their names and faces".

I smiled knowingly, "I bet that is where your confidence comes from, with always having someone to talk to".

Rose laughed in response, "I've never looked at it that way".

Maybe I should stick to talking about typical teenage things; like music or something... What was the name of that boy band I heard someone mention in class the other day?....

Before I could say anything else, she turned the direction of the conversation back to me, "I guess you take Early Childhood Development because you find it easier to be around children compared to your peers".

I tried not to let my surprise show, "You know, for a social butterfly – you can be quite perceptive".

How does she make her laugh sound so inviting and warm? I've never heard anything like it before...

I tried not to shiver as she bumped her warm, soft arm against mine, "For a people-watcher – you can be quite charming when you come out of your shell".

I noticed how often Rose initiated skin contact, more than I had ever seen friends or even couples do; it was like she needed constant reassurance that I was with her.

We both had similar looks of frustration on our face as the bell rang around us. Time always seems to slip away from me when I'm with Rose...

We said a quick goodbye and went in opposite directions.

I was able to concentrate better in Early Childhood Development; not only because Rose had PE on the other side of the school, but because it was one of my favourite subjects.

I was surprised when an hour later, as I sat at the front of the classroom in History, a petite girl joined me. I was immediately struck by her curly natural red hair, and unique eyes – a light amber brown that remained open and friendly as they met my stare. Her hair was a little darker at the tips as if she had wet it and then not dried it properly; I guess she just came from PE or something...

"Hi, I'm Anastasia. Do you mind if I sit with you today?" Her voice almost overflowed with bubbly cheerfulness. Yet, I couldn't help but notice that the skin around her eyes was a little wrinkled as if she were worried about something. I set aside my psychoanalysis and tried my hand at being an average teenager.

"Of course; I'm Skye" I tried not to seem nervous as I smiled back.

Maybe the world is ending, I contemplated. I've had four people speak to me today when I usually just blend in with the furniture.

Maybe I could actually make a few friends if I put myself out there...