Sugar And Spice [ON HOLD]

Withering Flowers

I close the book I'm reading as my phone rings. I pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ginger, been a while." His voice brings an unconscious smile to my face.

"JR! We talked yesterday." I remind him.

"Was it that long ago?" I roll my eyes at his dramatic tone.

"How are you feeling?" I know exactly what he's asking about.

"It still feels strange. But it doesn't hurt as much."

"Still having those dreams?"

"No." I lie.

"Lia." He sighs. You know he's caught me once he says my name.

"Anyway, Dior is moving to Cresthills. He'll probably attend Cal-U." I sigh in relief. He can tell I don't want to talk about it, so he changed the subject. Dior is a friend of his.

"Really? Did something happen?" Dior has lived in Glenn Knox his entire life. It's quite a surprise that he's moving.

"His parents finally got divorced last month, so Dior is moving to stay with his mom."

"That's good." His voice tells me that's not all there is to it. "Am I to believe there's a reason you're telling me this?" I ask grudgingly.

"I know you two aren't on the best terms. But I'm hoping you'll show him around, at least so he knows someone there." He pleads.

"He knows Avery and Mya, they can help him." I point out.

"It's not the same and you know it."

"You know what he did to me." My voice rises a little.

"And I already told you that wasn't the case. You don't know the full story."

"Because you won't tell me what happened."

"It's not for me to tell. If you had just given him a chance to explain..."

"JR, stop. Look, you want me to show him around? I'll do it. But I'm not giving him any chances. And once he's settled in, that's it."

"Lia..."

"It's that or no deal."

He pauses, probably trying to make out my tone. Then he sighs. "Fine, it's your choice."

"Okay then. I'll..."

"But just know, he can only wait for you for so long. He'll start tomorrow. Bye, ginger." The line clicks.

I groan. I hate that he has a point. Well, that's an issue for tomorrow.

*~*~*~*~*

This is one of those times when I wish time would stand still. Avery mentioned she had seen Dior enter the principal's office, so I'm outside, waiting for him to come out.

The door opens and my breath hitches. He's exactly as I remember him.

Disheveled waves so dark brown you'd almost mistake them for black, the color of his eyes three different shades, blending together in confusing specs.

No, he has changed a bit. His jaw has become more defined, and he's at least an inch taller. There are probably other changes I can't notice at first glance.

We stand frozen for moments, staring at each other. He seems to also be giving me a once over.

"Fuerza." Hearing the nickname he gave me from his lips pulls out the breath I'd been holding in.

"Dior. I'll be your tour guide today." It's normally always Monse who gives the tours, but she didn't mind me doing it.

I immediately walk away, keeping my back to him. I can't trust myself if I have to look at him again.