under the shadow of a tree

PART I: CHAPTER 3

"I just don't get why don't you play with us, Rey", Rose said as they walked back home on Tuesday.

Rey kicked a small pebble on the pavement, making it roll. "It's better that way, trust me".

"The other kids are going to think you're weird"

Rey shrugged. "Okay"

Rose eyed her, grabbing both handles of the backpack on her shoulders. "We don't bite, you know?" She gently told her.

Rey chuckled and lifted her eyes from the ground. "I hope not. I'd be up all night making sure you don't go all vampire on me, Tico".

Rose smiled. "Fair. Just know that I'm here if you ever want to do something else than walk around alone", said looking at her. Rey gave her a little smile as they opened Maz's front door.

One of the younger kids was helping place the table for lunch. Rose went to say hello to him and he waved at Rey.

"Rose, Rey, wash your hands, please". Maz carried a giant bowl filled with spaghetti and meatballs to the dining room.

Rey nodded and walked into her room, leaving her black bag on the bed after checking Ben's book was still under her pillow, as she had left it last night. She walked into the bathroom and washed her hands, looking at her reflection. "We don't bite, you know?"

Rey exhaled. Baby steps.

She walked into the dining room and gave a timid smile to the other kids sitting at the table, rolling her sleeves up to her forearms. "What can I do to help?"

Maz shook her head, placing plates for everyone. "You can help me later by cleaning the dishes. How was school, dear?"

Rey avoided her eyes and sat on the table beside Rose. "Same as yesterday, except I didn't have to introduce myself"

Maz placed a huge portion of food on Rey's plate and looked at her. "I see" Rey grabbed her fork and placed an entire meatball in her mouth. "What about classes?"

Rose gave a small summary of how Mrs. Jones had given her homework for next week while Rey ate looking out the window.

After helping Maz clean up the dishes from lunch, Rey grabbed her backpack and shoved Ben's book, a hoodie, her notebook and pen inside and quietly walked outside, closing the front door with a quiet click.

Her red shoes tapped against the concrete and she swayed her sun-kissed arms in the warm wind. She had stayed up late last night finishing the book, taking notes of her favorite quotes on the little notebook. Luckily, Rose was a heavy sleeper, or if she had been awake, she hadn't complained about Rey's flashlight and the sound of pages passing.

She wondered if Ben would be there. Tap, tap, tap, her feet resonated. She wondered if he would be upset that she took her book. Tap, tap, tap.

Well, if he didn't want anyone taking his stuff, maybe he shouldn't have left it just lying around, Rey reasoned.

Tap, tap, tap. Plus, she wasn't stealing it, she just took care of it and was trying to give it back.

Her footsteps muted when she reached the tall, fluffy green grass of the little meadow. Rey considered taking her shoes off but decided against it. At least until she could check if Ben was there.

With a deep breath, tightly holding the backpack straps on her shoulders, she walked towards her tree.

Ben was there, lying his back against the trunk. Her footsteps stopped, 10 feet away from it. From him.