Balconial Conversations

Chapter 2: First Name Basis

I stand in front of the window peering around the balcony for smoke in the air. I feel cautiously curious about Cam from the next balcony, but a little scared—not quite frightened, I guess, befuddled.

I brave the outdoors after a moment, walking out onto the balcony with a quick peek to the left. Empty.

I sit against the ironwork and close my eyes. A soft, cool wind caresses my face, and I sigh. The second day of school was a little bit better. A boy named Gabriel introduced himself, and a girl named Lara complimented my mules. One of the problems about not seeking friends (and sometimes blatantly disliking them) is when the loneliness that ensues.

“Neighbour!” I peek at the neighbouring balcony to see Cam stepping outside, sans nicotine.

"Hi, Cam," I say, and he smiles. He leans on the sharp edge of the balcony rails and looks down at me like I'm a cross between a valentine card and charming zoo hybrid-zebra.

"You never told me your name." He's got a teasing lilt today and none of the half-lidded insouciance.

"Kat."

"Cat? Do you like cats or something?"

"No, Kat as in Katherine. With a 'K.'"

"Katherine. Nice to meet you, Katherine." He grins. "How was your day, Katherine with a 'K'?"

"Good. I..." I haven't the slightest idea why I'm befriending the strange university-attending, cigarette-smoking neighbour, except for the fact that he probably wouldn't care whether I give him a friendship bracelet or ignore him until we move again. "Someone complimented my shoes."

He looks down at them, simple leather horse bit mules.

"My compliments, though they'd be nicer if they were yellow."

"Ew, no."

He smirks. "Whatever you say, Katherine with a 'K.'"