Save The Crazy Girl

School is where weird things happen

The next day I was happy to see Ivory alive and well at school. My whole night had been filled with anxiety that I would wake up and not see her again. It was a strange feeling. Not knowing whats exactly's going on in someone's head. Kinda like a mystery novel only the plot was real. But it felt nice when something horrible you thought would happen didn't. Almost reassuring.

Since Me and Ivory have no classes together until last period, I thought if I caught her during lunch break, I might be able to give it a shot. Although I had never actually seen her eat lunch in the cafeteria, I knew that she would have the period off. I had spent most of my 'anxiety filled sleepless night' thinking of possible ways to invite her to the school fire. Strange how little things can get to you when apart of a depressing big picture. After several hours of thinking I had narrowed to down to two situation. Neither of which I was sure to succeed.

When the bell rang, I nearly ran out the the door. I had to catch her before she disappeared into the crowd or else I'd never find her. Luckily, when I burst out of the classroom I spotted her class, just a few doors down the hall, were piling out. I watched closely for her light brunette head to appear.

Kid after kid and it wasn't until the last student came out of the class did Ivory finally appear. I smiled in triumph and started to shuffle through the people towards her. When I was a only a few yards away, I stopped.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a tall black haired figure fell into side with her. It was easy to see it wasn't just a coincidence. He wanted to be next to her. Together they headed towards her locker, clearly talking about something important. I didn't understand it. What would Gavin Reynolds have to talk to Ivory about?

Gavin Reynolds was thee one and worse bad boy at Claremont High. With baggy jeans and a cut throat attitude, most of the high school attendees feared him, most did everything they could to avoid his wrath. Even I made sure to stay clear of him. But for some reason, Ivory didn't seem fazed in the least.

They only talked for a few minutes, Gavin probably having some freshman to go torment. As he left, I could have sworn he glanced back at me and scoffed. Unease swept over me like a titan wave but I decided to push it aside. Right now all I had time to worry about was inviting Ivory to the camp fire.

Now, with the halls mostly clear, I rushed over to Ivory's side at her locker. She didn't say anything at first but blinked as a way of showing she knew I was there. She looked almost the same as yesterday. Long straight brown hair, pail skin, long sleeved black shirt hanging off her like rags, no outside damage I could see.

"Hey." I greeted. Ivory looked over with a bored express and returned the greeting. She didn't say anything after that, just went back to searching her locker. I forced an awkward smile and moved to lean against the locker next to hers. I could feel my heart already starting beating out of my chest. This was the first time I've asked a girl out. Even if it was for this reason. It didn't stop me from being nervous as hell.

Before I knew it we had been standing there in uncomfortable silence for five minutes.

Quick, say something before she thinks your a weirdo.

"So. What were you and Gavin talking about?" I blurted, it being the first thing to come to my mind.

Damnit! I was suppose to say something about the fire, not Gavin.

Quickly, I stiffened up in order to correct myself but was surprised when I was cut off instead.

"You." she stated flatly. I flinched.

Me?

As if reading my mind, Ivory closed her locker and turned to face me completely. I couldn't help but notice the almost sad look in her eyes. It sent a tinge to my chest.

"He saw you walking me to your house yesterday and wanted to know why I was hanging out with you." she explained blankly.

My eyebrows knitted together. Why would Gavin care if I was hanging out with her? Last time I checked they weren't even friends. If I didn't know better I'd say he kinda sounded like a protective boyfriend. But that's not possible.

I gave a simple 'oh' in reply. We got quiet after that. No wording would come to my mind. I couldn't help but remember how this happened yesterday too when we were talking. Would always be like this between us?

I didn't know why but that thought made disappointment wash over me.

I liked Ivory. She was nice. She seemed to be interested in some of the same things as me. I didn't want us to be indifferent. If anything, I hoped we could be friends again. What was I missing?

Having not talked in a while, Ivory seemed to get bored and made a move to walk away. I blinked and hurried to catch up to her. I had to do it now. If I didn't, I might not get another chance.

Urg, why is this so hard? It isn't even a real date.

"Ivory." I started, nervousness filling my every bone. She didn't stop walking or even turn her head. I didn't take it personally and continued on.

"The school camp fire is this weekend and I was wondering if you would go with me." I forced myself to say. That caught her attention. All of a sudden Ivory froze in her tracks, body stiffening up like a board. My stomach twisted and hands started to sweat.

Had I put that the wrong way. Did it sound too much like I was asking her out? And if she thought I did, how would she react?

Making sure not to make any sudden movement and set her off, I moved to stand infront of the girl rather than by her side. Ivory's head down once again and hair falling in front of her face. A small part of me wanted to reach out and push it behind her ear. I deducted it to pure instinct and pushed it away.

Ivory hadn't said anything, or made any movement what so ever. The only indicator that she wasn't dead was the subtle lifting of her shoulders as she took in breaths. Panic was starting to swell in my chest. Had my words really effected her so greatly? What would she do next? Get mad? Scream? Why was she being so quite?

"Ivor-" I started.

"Fine." a soft voice whispered. I blinked.

"What?" Ivory's head snapped up, starling me and making me jump slightly. Her eyes were cold, emotionless as possible. They seemed to bore into me searching for my reaction.

"I said fine." Ivory repeated, this time with a little more edge. I stared back at her, eyes wide in surprise. I hadn't expected her to say yes so easily. I thought I would have to explain that it was only to help her but now I didn't have to. Was it possible she would actually go on a real date with me?

We had been quiet for a while. Staring at each other, neither making a move. Her eyes were still the same, blank. It made me uncomfortable to be looked at that way by her. Ivory always had the brightest eyes, like happiness was practically radiating from her. Now seeing her without that was just strange.

I let out a breath as words started to come back to my scrambled mind.

"O-okay. I'll see you then." I said, running a hand through my hair. Ivory didn't reply but nodded slightly in understanding.

Taking one last look at me, Ivory walked around me and started down the hall. This time I didn't follow her, just watched as she walked away. When her small figure finally disappeared around the corner, I was left to wonder if I had just gotten myself into something much bigger than I origanal lay planned.