R and B

You sure knew how to make yourself hard to find. After school, I looked just about everywhere for you, well, everywhere I could.

I searched the next morning too, until it became apparent that I would need to wait until class to see you again.

I got there early and stood outside Camps room waiting. When she let us in, I sat in your seat. Three people looked at me, two people said something about me, and one person giggled to themselves. But I sat there and waited.

You ran in, moments before the bell, and though you couldn't see, Mrs. Camps visibly saddened. I, of course, glared at her. You made your way toward me, well, your seat, but I still like to think you would have walked to me even if I were in my own seat.

I smiled, a gesture you clearly weren't used to, as I saw you flinch. Your head was down, chin touching your chest, and you tried to look out the corner of your eye at the class without them knowing. Once again they were silent.

"That's m-my seat," you stuttered.

"Awe, look the emos stuttering," some irreverent prick shouted. I assumed no one knew what an 'emo' was, as the only thing even remotely 'emo' about you was your hair, and it was brown.

I stood up and hugged you. Yep. Right in front of everyone, and you gulped. I whispered "don't worry. I won't hurt you like everyone else. Walk with me when class gets out." I was proud of myself, something I'll only now admit, as I was just as shy as you. I knew I did the right thing, you needed to know that I didn't give a fuck about anyone in this whole damn school. Not if their hearts were black enough to treat you the way they did.

You backed up, and pulled the sleeves of your blue hoody over your hands. I shifted to the side, and you dragged yourself into your seat, balling up and trying to fade away. I, for one, wished you hadn't. I was positive you felt you needed to, but you didn't. No one was going to talk about you.

The lesson was done in a blink, and you were clearly relieved you weren't called on.

You packed your bag slowly, and I made my way over to your neighboring desk, sitting atop the shiny fake wooden surface. I crossed my feet, swinging them forward and backward, until you stood. I hopped off the desk, and you tripped forward over your feet, falling onto me.

I laughed quietly to myself, as you stuttered and choked trying to explain.

"I'm not blind you know," I joked, "I could tell you didn't mean it." You stopped stuttering and looked down at your feet, visibly reddening. I pushed your shoulder to turn you towards the door as I walked past you, "come on slow poke," I laughed.

When I turned, I almost swore I saw you smile, but you would have told me you were just embarrassed.

We walked together in a comfortable silence. You were trying your best not to make any eye contact, but whenever you did someone would shout a random slur in your face.

As it turned out our classes were right next to each other. Funny I never noticed you, guess it proves how persistent you were. You coughed a good bye, and I gave the most comforting smile I could muster.

I guess that was the day everything began.