Between us, quietly

CHAPTER 4

DARRELL POV

Honestly, what Dave said was true. This year is extremely important to us. Every sacrifice we've made so far is just for this year.

The championship match, where everyn a home, basketball grounds me.

Even when all my choices are made for me, it's the only thing I've ever chosen for myself.

And I intend to carry on with it, even when I know that the college I'll attend and what I'll study wouldn't be my choice.

I watch as Mira Solene walks in. We've talked a few times, nothing serious. She's a cool, nice person.

I have a feeling she has a crush on my crazy-ass best friend, Lucien. I know it's mutual, though he wouldn't admit it.

I trail my eyes behind her, hoping to see her.

Lyiana Vale.

One, if not the biggest, enigma at this school.

We know she's rich, intelligent, and quiet. Nothing more.

Her always-distant eyes. Those beautiful eyes.

She doesn't show up, of course. What did I expect? She only shows up once in a blue moon, and even then, she stays for no more than thirty minutes.

We've never really talked before. Just awkward hellos and weird smiles.

"Hey, you know what, Dave? We'll continue this tomorrow. I'm going out for a walk. See you later!"

I say to Dave and walk out before Vanessa notices and begins to follow me.

I just need some peace and quiet, especially since those annoying dudes aren't here yet.

I walk through the hallways and end up at the school garden. No one comes here.

The school has this big-ass greenhouse with lots of rare flowers and s**t, with weirdly coloured butterflies and all that. So, not many people know this garden exists.

It's a hidden rose bush with a long bench in the middle, with a covering overhead. The best place to be unseen or unnoticed.

As I walk towards the bench, I see her.

Headphones on, a sketchbook on the bench.

She's lying on her stomach, so immersed in her drawing that she doesn't notice me. Her legs are swinging in the air behind her.

From all the scenarios I'd imagined about what she'd be like, this sure as hell wasn't one of them.

I don't know why, but I quickly take out my phone and take a quick picture.

She just looks so beautiful and peaceful in that moment.

Then she looks up.

We just stare at each other until she breaks it by slowly sitting up and closing her sketchbook.

She gets up and walks past me, looking utterly pissed.

She doesn't even offer an awkward smile or a hello. Just completely ignores me.

I am shell-shocked.

Me. Darrell Ashbourne.

Ignored.

I just stand there, reeling in stunned silence.