Interesting.
“Aww how cute,” Kella teased. I flipped her my middle finger and stole a few more chips.
“Hey, when you’re new and on crutches, trust me, it’s good to have a friend who’s in the same class,” I retorted, “So, who’s your little friend?” I said, smiling sweetly at Kella. She glared at me, her face coloring. The guy shifted in his seat, Kella’s hand retreating back to her own lap.
“Lil, this is Fraser. My friend,” She mimicked, giving me a look, as if she were daring me to say something else. I snickered. Kella didn’t scare me.
“Nice to meet you Fraser,” I said, sticking out my hand. He shook it, flashing me a smile. “Anyhow, I’m done for the day. I’ll see you at home,” I winked at Kella.
“See you,” Kella rolled her eyes.
I’m sur
e she thought I didn’t see her hand sneak back to Fraser’s lap.
The rest of the week went by pretty well, as did the next. I was settling into my classes, getting assignments done early, and I had managed to avoid further contact with Dane. I had not, however, managed to stop thinking about him. Nor had I managed to stop spying on him in lectures we shared together, and every now and then he would catch my eye and grin. I hadn’t quite mastered the whole concept of being discreet.
Still, even with our stolen glances, he hadn’t approached me again. It was almost as if he thought I’d eventually come running to him. There was something about the way he looked at me, almost as if he knew something I didn’t, and that made me nervous.
What was mind blowing to me was the fact that I’d managed to hide not only my foot from him, but also my crutches. Nearly two weeks and he hadn’t noticed the girl on the crutches? That was partly my fault, of course, I always got there early and left last, and he would get to class a few minutes late every time. I went out of my way to make sure he didn’t notice.
Still, it stung a little bit.
Gem and I were also getting pretty close. She was a great girl who I had a lot of fun with. I got the feeling Kella felt a little jealous that I’d made such a good friend so easily, but she’d been spending so much time with Fraser, she wasn’t exactly in a position to comment.
I spoke to mom and Anna weekly, sometimes more if I was feeling extra homesick. Overall though, this move had been good for me.
Thursday night, I climbed into bed at eight o’clock. I don’t think I’d ever been to bed that early in my life, but it had been a long day, and I was so looking forward to getting some sleep. Snuggling into my pillow, I let myself drift off.
“Hey Lilygirl.”
I sat up in bed, and smiled. Abby. She sat at the end of the bed, looking pretty, vibrant and full of life. Just like she always did when I saw her in my dreams.
“I miss you so much,” I choked, unable to hold back to sobs.
“I miss you too Lil. I’m always with you though. You know that. Even when you’re getting maimed by cute boys,” She glanced at my foot, and giggled.
“Don’t start, Abby,” I warned, “Or I’ll wake myself up.” I threatened. She poked her tongue out at me.
“How are mom and Anna?” I asked, feeling bad I hadn’t called them to check up.
“They’re good, Lil. They’ll be fine. Focus on you.”
My lip quivered as I fought back tears, “I miss you so much, Ab. I hate not having you here.”
Abby smiled sadly, “I miss you too, Lil,” She whispered.
I woke up, feeling the wetness my tears had caused on the pillowcase. I’d been crying again. I lay in bed thinking about Abby. I always remembered my dreams when she was in them. Always. The three months in a psych facility had cured me seeing her everywhere, but I still held a little piece of her in my dreams. That was something I was never willing to give away.
After showering with the required plastic bag wrapped over my foot, I made my way down the hall to the kitchen. Kella had gone to an early class, but had left me with a full pot of coffee. I could kiss that girl sometimes.
After nearly two weeks on crutches, I could finally throw them away. I still had another two weeks of the cast, but at least I could walk. Well, sort of. I downed the last gulp of my coffee when the doorbell rang.
Gem, and she was right on time.
When she’d offered to pick me up as it was on her way, I didn’t say no. It was either that or walk, and I didn’t want to risk walking that distance with the cast.
“Hey,” I smiled, grabbing my knapsack and closing the door, “Thanks so much for this.”