Puppeteer

Chapter 16-D for Drama and Disaster

Today was D-day. We already checked (AKA Nina checked) that none of Violet's friends were going on this trip. When I arrived at school, there was a girl sitting . It was Violet Kang.

I debated whether or not to approach her. But Nina and Ast's words floated in my head 'Go talk to her.. Be her friends... You have more similarities than you think...' Ugh. You can do this Evan! When I approached her, she was reading a thick book.

Now think Evan Roadage! How do you start a conversation? My stupid brain couldn't remember how Ast and Nina effortlessly start conversations. (how to start a refreshing morning)

I decided that a hello would be the most appropriate. Mastering some confidence, I walked straight to Violet. "He.. Hel. Hell o" "Hey?" She looked up. "What are you reading?" I asked, winning the award for the lamest conversation starter. "Um? The Kane Chronicles." "Is it good?" "Duh. There's a reason why I'm reading it." Ouch.

She stared at me like I was being incredibly stupid. (The look I receive daily from Ninz) "Oohkay. Maybe I should read that later." "You should." "Okay. If I have time."

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We awkwardly stood around, waiting for the other to speak. After a while, one girl came up towards Violet and started chittering. I took that as an opportunity to get my earphones out. (I could physically hear Nina and Ast sighing) The girl who was talking to Violet kept looking over to me. Actually, more like my right eye.

The 'girl' annoyingly whispered to Violet, "Is that your crush?" then giggled. Violet became stone-faced the second she heard this. (you could practically see the walls go up) Struggling to not turn red or be impolite, she robotically repeated "I don't have a crush." Now, as a professional in these matters, I could confirm that this was in fact, true.

I mean, she had a small attraction to someone (a pathetic pink line attached to her fourth finger) but I couldn't see who it linked to. (non-soul mode)

But simple attractions and strong feelings were different. So I'd say she didn't have a crush. But as I'm technically not supposed to know or hear this, I pretended like nothing happened. But I noted that Violet's dislike for this girl was accelerating.
Then she left, leaving a grumpy Violet under my wing. Great.

After fidgeting a bit, Violet opened her mouth. "Evan? What's...ummm..," "Wrong with my eye?" "Yep. I mean, no. Why are you covering it?" I figured this moment would have come sometime. But alas, I wasn't prepared. "urrrr to put it simply, my eyes have different colours. Want to see?" I gently removed my eye patch. There was a quiet gasp as she absorbed what she saw.

I assumed the colour of it was blue and grey. Before the colour could change, I covered it once more. Imitating a voice in an ad, I said "For more information, please contact Nina Hwang. Her phone number is-" "contact me for what?" I felt a finger squish my cheek.

Violet burst with laughter, along with Nina who had a smug face. "What was that for?" "I just wanted to show off how squishy your cheeks were to Violet" Nina replied as if that was the most natural thing to do in the morning...

"Anyway, what were you guys talking about? I heard my name." Ninz looked at us questionably. Violet looked at me as if seeking permission, and I nodded for confirmation. "About Evan's right eye." at the words 'right eye', I practically heard Nina's brain turn.

She looked at me with her piercing gazes. I shrugged, avoiding eye contact. It was her, afterall, who told me to open up to Violet. "Ummm Evan has a thing called sectial..what was it called again? Something starting with 'h'... Actually I don't know accurately but his eyes have two colours in them. Yea. That's about it." "Oh. Okay"

you could practically see the questions written on her face, but Violet refrained from voicing them, maybe to be polite. (note to self: re-read Violet's information if I have time)

"HEY GUYS" Just on time, Ast jumped on me from behind. (what was up with Nina and Ast both tackling me from behind today ?) The conversation then moved on more mundane subjects, such as homework. Ugh.

When the teacher finally appeared we were herded into one big group formed with small groups of friends. My drama teacher, Ms Walts, was also here. The teacher started shouting names, and I also totally paid attention when they said "EVAN ROADAGE" three times. (Ast claimed it was seven times, but I'm wisely choosing to not believe him)

Then we were split into groups for the bus. Sweet. It was a double-decker. The small groups of friends clung on to each other as if they were glued together. Us, the Trio and Violet, just stood next to each other. Then we got in the bus

While we were climbing into the bus, the teacher was counting us as if we were wild animals. The canine (aka Ast) tried to high-five the teacher who was too busy counting, and settled with the bus driver. (what a cool guy) Nina, the civilised person, politely said hello to both. (the teacher smiled at her) I just acknowledged them by respectfully nodding to them. Violet whispered "hello..." as if she was uncertain she wanted to be heard. And like the civilized humans we were, we ran up the top deck.