Thrust Into His Arms

A very awkward silence comes in after that. No one is speaking. I subtly throw a glance at each person. What is going on?

All except Annette and Wolfe have the same look of playing dumb awkward as though someone spills the beans and shed light on what is supposed to be a secret.

Annette’s face is sporting an angry frown.

Wolfe is equally annoyed.

I get the feeling that they must be thinking the same thoughts right now. There is heavy tension. Am I the only one feeling it? Sloane suddenly claps her hands together. "What are you all doing this weekend?" She asks, using that to diffuse the tension.

I put some fries in my mouth, lazily chewing. Blocking out their voices so I can at least be alone in my head.

I did not enjoy the mental solitude for long before a question was directed at me; Sloane asking what I would be doing on Friday.

". . .Uh." I drawl, trailing off. Excuses, hello? I want to say something else other than "nothing." I hear a light tone just then. Soft and melodious, but faint. Sounds like it is ringing from afar. Lightbulb. It gives me an idea! Piano.

"I have piano lessons." I lie smoothly. "That must be during the day. After school right?"

"Yes."

"That’s great then!" She claps again. She seems to have an ecstatic personality. Very different from her gravely outward aesthetics.

"Every Friday night we hold a party at Wolfe’s house. Basement. And there is also a large pool. It would be lovely if you could join us." She invites.

"Yeah, I would like that—no—I meant to say all of us." The riddle guy—Wolfe chirps in. I go into silent mode once again, searching my mind for excuses. A clique party?

Friday. Today is Wednesday, so that makes it just two days away. Nope. Not happening. Even if it was months away or next year I still wouldn’t.

This is moving too fast. Way too fast. It’s not bad—not yet. It is unsettling. I mean it’s just my first day but a bunch of way-too-happy confident teenagers are trying to get me to go to a party with them.

"We don’t do illegal stuff. No drugs. Just a little booze. We get soft drinks too because some of us might get in hug trouble for drinking.

And we don’t play hardcore truth or dare, just the simple ones. We don’t like force each other to do sexual stuff. You wouldn’t be forced to join in the game if you don’t want to." He assuredly explains.

Nice but unnecessary. Great attempt in trying, Wolfe. But there are no good parties. Especially one that involves a bunch of teenagers—both sexes with no adult supervision.

Things are bound to get unruly. Crazy, and naughty. That aside, I still won’t be coming out of my house for any gathering even if it was a study group, or a meeting with Santa Claus.

"Sorry about that. I just felt like I should explain since you kinda seemed like a really good girl to me." I was mentally weighing whether or not to ask him what he meant by that. I don’t know if I should be offended or not, but someone speaks up.

"What was that? Do you like her?" A boy asked outrightly.

His eyes freaked the hell out of me for a second. I thought they were similar to Calix’s. But on close real observation I found them to be grey, not green.

If it isn’t my mind, it is something else. Why is there always one thing that reminds me of that asshole wherever I go?

"No. I’m just trying to be nice, and assure her. Is anything wrong with that?" Wolfe denies, arguing. "That is the thing. Someone like you who doesn’t give a shit? That is suspicious." The guy presses.

"I have been meaning to tell you, Ian. Find something else to put your eyes and observations in rather than other people’s lives. Like AP English.

I burst my ass teaching you throughout last weekend and yet you failed it." Oh, airhead.

"Was not my fault this time." He shrugs. "Old Mr stinks is an asshole. And don’t try to change the topic. Why are you hitting on the new girl? We can all agree that you are behaving strangely. Classic wooing behavior."

"I’m not hitting on her." Wolfe firmly denies this time, then turns to me. "Don’t mind him. He is an asshole."

"Not this time. It’s clear and obvious. You’re fretting."

"He is right." Another boy adds. "Don’t get me wrong. We are happy that you are behaving normal for once. And showing interest in something other than dumb science projects and that pet slug of yours."

"Guys, quit it. You are making her feel uncomfortable. Where are your manners? I know you always lose them, but find it okay."

"She doesn’t look uncomfortable to me. Do you, new girl?" The grey-eyed boy directs at me.

"No." I answer in a clipped tone. That is the truth. I am not uncomfortable over their stupid back and forth argument. Why should I be? I don’t concern myself with dumb things. They might have been expecting me to act all flushed and shy.

Hard pass.

I want to just disappear.

Annette stops the argument by throwing forth another discussion which I did not care to listen to before I stand up and grab my bag making an excuse of going to the restroom where I stayed there for the rest of lunch break.

The clique are like gums. There is always two to three taking the same classes as me. It would not have been an issue if they were not oddly interested in me. I just cannot figure out what the deal is with them.

I was beyond thankful when the closing bell finally rang. Wolfe. Annette and that grey-eyed guy—Ian each separately offered me a ride home in their cars. I turned them down and chose to walk home.

Enjoying the winter-approaching weather and the physical and mental solitude.

Someone taps me from behind. I look back to see a stranger—a boy. Tall, with platinum colored hair that is most probably dyed.

"You dropped this."