Paper Cranes

SCHOOL FELT LIKE it went on forever for Everest. Orchestra practice in the morning, a student council meeting during lunch, and now she was sitting on a bench in the gym, waiting for the basketball team to finish their training. She had her bag by her feet, her violin case beside it, and a book in her hands. She noted down a few interesting phrases and words she'd like to use in her essays, when a dark shadow covered her words.

"Are you following me, Evie?"

Everest snapped her gaze to above her, a dishevelled Bennett. His honey brown hair was mussed up and he was wiping the sweat from his forehead, the school's navy sports vest sticking to his chest slightly as he blew his bangs away from his face.

"No. I just had to ask you a few questions."

"Are you about to interview me? I'm kinda sweaty if you couldn't tell already."

"No. I just need to ask you something."

Bennett raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms, waiting.

"Well, go on."

Everest took the cue and closed her book, clearing her throat slightly.

"I saw you last night. Walking home from the hospital."

Bennett lowered his arms and sat down beside her on the bench, his eyes focused on his teammates putting away the balls and backboard.

"What do you wanna know?"

"How long did you stay there? It was probably midnight by the time you got home."

"Are you stalking me?" He smirked.

"What? No! I just saw you from my window."

"That's even creepier."

Everest rolled her eyes and massaged her temples. Why did she even bother with him?

"Think about it. Evie Teri. The best violinist in the school, student council president, mediocre grades that will never top mine, and a volunteer at the local hospital too, in love with the amazing Bennett Meyers." He flicked his bangs upwards in a mocking lovestruck tone.

"Are you finished?" Everest rolled her eyes, although they softened slightly. He was so obviously trying to change the subject that she couldn't help finding it cute. She blinked at the thought and shook her head. Bennett and cute in the same sentence? She scoffed internally. If anything, he was annoying and arrogant. Definitely not cute.

"Hey, you're the one following me here, Evie. Just admit it. You missed me, didn't you?" He nudged her shoulder playfully, chuckling to himself.

"You wish." She stood up, gathering her belongings, when she felt something tug on her wrist. She turned around to see Bennett's finger tugging on her bracelet, the one Valerie had made her all those years ago. He looked down from her face to his hand, before pulling away quickly.

"I'll see you next week, Evie." He avoided her heavy gaze on him.

Everest stared at him for a few seconds more before nodding, backing away from him slightly.

"See you, Benedict." She turned around and left, her footsteps echoing through the now empty gym.

~

Bennett watched Everest leave the gym, the automatic doors closing behind her. He inspected his index finger, the one which had stubbornly held onto her even when he hadn't wanted it to. He didn't mean to - at least he thought - but he just had. He remembered Everest in elementary school and kindergarten, that brash and reckless girl who was straight to the point, and never cut any corners. She had been wild, her hair never brushed and her clothes never ironed, but now she seemed different. Older, more mature definitely, but different still. Her hair was now always neatly in a braid, and her uniform was now always smooth without a single wrinkle. He suddenly remembered her statement on watching him walk home, and shuddered involuntarily. She was weird and creepy. Stop getting worked up over her, Bennett Meyers, he thought to himself. He'd just get the role of valedictorian, and then he'd be out of here.