The little map they give you does not do it any justice. If anything, it’s very misleading. I would have brought an extra water if I’d known the campus was this big. I’m definitely feeling it, seeing as I had the fight on Friday night and did nothing at all yesterday. I’m gonna find out who created that map and recommend they add a distance notice. I’m exhausted but at least the run calmed my mind.
I’m glad I’ve got a feel for this place a bit more now. I’ll need to venture into the center where the shops and food halls are tomorrow since it’s later in the day than I thought it would be.
I’m close to the dorms now and there are definitely more people around than there were when I left. From this distance I can see a few groups around, but I don’t spot the larger group from yesterday.
No one seems to have caught sight of me yet, so I stop to the side to stretch myself before I head in. Preferring the fresh air and natural surroundings to try and wind down.
I should have known not to when I hear feet shuffling towards me. I’m mid-stretch, touching my toes, when I look to my right and see a girl approaching me. Luckily it's not the same bitch as yesterday but my guard goes up all the same. I stand tall and look her over. Red hair touching her shoulders, wearing a plain green tee and a pair of denim shorts with subtle make-up, she’s rocking the girl next door vibe like a pro.
She looks me over too, she’s nervous. I can see it on her face, she wants to say something. I raise an eyebrow at her which makes her blush, it’s obvious she isn’t going to physically attack me if a raised eyebrow embarrasses her.
“Are you okay?” I ask, hoping my instincts are right. I relax my posture a little to encourage her to do whatever she came over here for.
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. That’s what I actually came over here for. You know, to make sure you’re okay.” She must see the confusion on my face when she carries on, “Sorry, I err, saw what happened yesterday, and I know you gave her what she deserved but I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re alright. I’m assuming you’re new to everything Featherstone seeing as I haven’t seen you before yesterday, and well, I can’t help but worry that you’ve shown up with a black eye.”
Now I’m raising both eyebrows at her, before I can process a response she’s continuing.
“I’m sorry I’m not nosey I swear. I just remember when I joined Featherstone High and how awful people were then, and I just wanted to offer a friendly smile amongst all of this. And, now I’m talking your ear off. I’m sorry, I have a motor mouth. I’ll shut up now.”
She literally covers her mouth and her eyes are wide, like deep down there is so much she wants to say but she really is trying to hold it in. I can’t keep the bubble of laughter from escaping and the smile from touching my lips.
“You got a name Red?”
She is practically bouncing on her toes with joy.
“Oh gosh. Silly me, yes. Hi, I’m Jessica,” she rushes.
“Luna,” I offer in response.
She’s looking at me as if she wants to shake my hand, high five me and hug me all at once. I raise my hands in defense.
“Baby steps, yeah?” I try to keep my voice relaxed and she instantly calms.
“Sorry, I know I’m a bit much, you aren’t the first to tell me. I just knew I liked you when I saw you yesterday.” She is much more at ease now when she’s talking.
“I’m not saying you’re anything. I only just met you, that’s all.” I smile to show her I’m being honest with her. I don’t mix well with other girls, they’re usually too pretentious and full of themselves and I haven’t got time for it. That and I was always training with Rafe or with the guys at Inked, but this girl, she has a happy go lucky vibe about her, and I feel myself wanting to bask in it.
Catching myself getting carried away, I decide as nice as this all is I need to put a little space between us. I don’t want to suddenly rely on this girl just because she’s the first person to actually talk to me. Trying to wrap this up without being too harsh, like I usually am.
“Well Jessica, thanks for coming over. I’m okay though, no worries there. I may be new here, but I know how to handle myself,” I say, placing my hand to my chest, trying to emphasize the honesty in my statement.
She raises her hand to her cheekbone as if to ask about my black eye without interrupting me.
“Ah yeah, don’t worry about that. You should see the other guy.”
That seems to make Red more worked up.
“Guy? What guy? Why are they hitting you? Is this an abusive relationship? Domestic violence is never okay Luna. We need to get you checked over, file a report.”
Oh god, I’ve got to cut her off before she hurts herself.
“Red, calm down okay. I’m fine, I was in an organized fight Friday night. No domestic violence here.” I look her straight in the eye hoping to calm her quickly. She’s almost got me wanting to rub her shoulder, to console her or something.
“Oh, okay. If you’re sure Luna. Sorry, I get carried away when I worry.”
She’s worried about me? I don’t even know what to do with that.
“No, I’m all good, honest.”
Her shoulders relax.
“I’m gonna head back though., I’ve been on a crazy jog and I just need to shower, eat and sleep, in that order.”
Why am I explaining myself to her? I never explain myself to anyone. I think I’ve caught her chatterbox. What is it with this girl?
“Of
