One Minute

Chapter Three-Run

It was early morning when I woke, but even by then Raymond was gone. I began to think of you and I grew curious as to where you were. What you were doing.

All in all, I just wanted to see you right now. I wanted to become your friend, but I didn’t know how. I was scared you’d leave me before you could even get to know me.

No goodbyes, no parting. And now she’s gone. Gone. Gone. Gone.

I got dressed in my light denim shorts, green leggings, and sea foam green sweater along with my combat boots that I treasured with my life. Fixing my bracelets and necklace, I escaped the house through the back door, cell phone stashed in my pocket.

I walked downtown with my head hung low, watching my feet.

Left, right, left, right.

I was trying to get the thoughts of Naomi out of my mind.

Gone. No goodbye. No parting. Nothing.

Unable to concentrate, I decided to cross the street (very violently because of all the traffic) and sat on one of the benches in front of the Vets Memorial Building. My leg was shaking (from habit) as I sat and my face was buried in my hands. With a soft tremble, I started to feel for my blade.

“Nobody’s around. They won’t see me…”

Look at that freak. She cuts herself, you know.

Out of my pocket came a triangular blade and it fell to the ground. I reached over to pick it up and you grabbed it for me, squatted down, hand outstretched towards me. “I believe this is yours.” You didn’t say anything about it. You were calm. I tensed and drew in a deep breath, trying to keep myself calm during this whole scenario. I took it with quivering hands, unsure whether I said “thank you” or just mouthed it. You were wearing a grey tank today and some black basketball shorts along with your Vans.

“You an artist I presume? Most of them use these X-Acto knives to cut out things. They work much better than scissors, don’t they? A much… cleaner cut I’d say.” You smiled at me. I averted my gaze to up in the trees. A squirrel made the leaves rustle.

“Yeah… something like that.” I replied with no haste, growing nervous.

You held out your hand this time as a gesture. I shook your hand with a firm grip, watching it move up and down. You let go as you stated your name, “I’m sorry about what happened yesterday, I didn’t get to introduce myself properly. My name’s Roivas, Roivas Lunae.” I watched your chest as it rose and fell with each breath. I bit my lip gently.

“M-My name’s Zora. Zora Montero.” I stammered. Your voice nearly took my breath away. You smiled at me. I watched your smile and you watched me for a moment.

“Is there something wrong with my eyes?” You frowned a little and I shook my head.

“N-No! Of course not! It’s just… I just…” I felt my fingers curl around the ends of my sleeves. You must have noticed because you touched my arms gently.

“Scared to make eye contact?” You asked me. I nodded gently and you squatted down again. I shut my eyes tightly. “I am too… so how about this… on the count of three we both look into each other’s eyes. Would that make you feel better? Then we’d both get over our fear.” I nodded again, too shy to say anything. “Okay then. One…two…”

I opened my eyes before you reached three and my eyes grew large as I gazed into yours. I felt as though time had stopped, as if everything just… slowed down. Looking into your eyes, I was lost.