Moon Girl

Eleven - Rocket Man

After school, instead of getting lost in the shuffle, Krystal hid away in the abandoned music room. Not much was in the room and the echo was almost unnerving. As she stood in this room, she painted. The air felt viscous, almost like smoke.

Nancy always said "Finding music is finding yourself and sometimes you find yourself in weird ways." This is weird alright.

Krystal stood at the stop of the bleachers. The area was only lit by the sunlight that entered through the few windows in the room. Blake stood just outside the door. He could see her standing at the top, singing. Her voice amplified and echoed in the room. He clung to the door as he recognized the song; Your Song by Elton John.

She's incredible. I could listen to her sing all day, I think this might be prettier than some big names. Where did she learn to sing?!

I hope you don't mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

Krystal breathed heavily and dropped onto the bleachers. Blake was bold and opened the door. She sat with her head between her hands, still trying to calm her breathing.
"You're really good." Krystal jolted, looking up at him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." She pushed out a deep breath.
"It's just you."
"It's just me." He sat on the edge of the bleachers, feet away from her. "Where did you learn to sing?"
"I didn't, I just used to sing all the time because Nancy liked it." Blake smiled softly.
"I can understand why. Your voice is magic." She shook her head.
"They're just vocal cords." Krystal stood up. "Ready?" Blake studied her face, void of any life or emotion, he nodded.

Just vocal cords? Is she nuts? I know modesty is some people's purgative, but that's not humble. That's just pure disrespect for yourself.

Of course, the first time since Nancy, I sing and who hears? Blake Hardy. He's like a rash, he just won't go away and I'm constantly reminded he's there!

"You really never took any singing lessons?" Blake followed behind her. She shook her head. "Your voice is beautiful." Krystal stopped. Blake almost ran into her.
"Why do you keep being nice to me? Clearly, I haven't been the nicest to you." She gave him a hard look.

How do I even tell her "you interest me" and I don't want her to think it's because I feel bad about Nancy. I mean, I do, but that's not why I want to be her friend.

He's taking too long to answer. I knew it. It's because of Nancy.

"You don't have to be nice to me because of my sister." She snapped at him and powered walked away. Blake chased after her.
"It's not that." He called out to her, but she ignored him. "Krystal, I promise." She kept walking. He struggled to keep her pace. "Don't you want friends?" He said a little louder than anticipated. She stopped to look at him.
"No. I don't want them, I don't need them." She studied his face. "Why would you want to be my friend anyways?"
"Well I don't see anyone else trying?" Krystals face darkened.

That is NOT what I meant to say. I made it worse. So much worse. How do I fix this? Can I phone a friend? Hannah? Gabriel?

Blake sighed.
"That's not what I mean, I'm sorry." Krystal was taken back by his apology, but said nothing. "I just meant that no one else seems to be very nice to you. I know that just one person can make a difference." They stared at each other. "It's rough being on the outside."

I don't know if this is a sympathy thing or what but I don't want friends.

She's not saying anything. Shit. How do I fix this.

"Listen. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that. I really want to get to know you." Krystal blinked and said nothing. "Please." He whispered.