I got up, yawning as usual. The alarm was going to cause me trauma. I then remembered that girl from the clothing store and stopped thinking about it just as quickly as her image appeared. I opened my door to be met by none other than Reiner, the rich kid. How have I not ran into him here before? Is this fate?

“Oh hey.” He turned to me angrily.

“Again you address me as if you have the authority too. I will have no more of it! Unless I talk to you, you are not to mutter a word!” I laughed without caring. What an absolute snob.

“Sorry Mr. Reiner.” He glared at me before Tyler appeared lightening… well my mood.

“Claude! Reiner!” I laughed at Reiner’s headache.

“Imbeciles!” He quickly rolled away. Feels bad to laugh at his double misfortune but with an attitude like that, who cares?

“Hey Ty.”

“Morning man! You seem chipper.” I nodded.

“For the wrong reasons.” He smiled.

“Excited for the date?” I then remembered I did have that tonight didn’t I?

“Oh right that.” Tyler gave a puzzled expression before returning to his smiling self.

“You didn’t forget did you man? If that wasn’t what's got you in a good mood, then what is it?” I noticed he had clothes in his hands.

“Going to take a shower? We can chat there, so we shouldn't waste too much time here.” He grinned.

“Gotcha!”

The water was cold as ever. I missed using it after someone as the water was already heated up. I began to rinse myself and heard Tyler speak.

“So man, what’s good?”

“Oh, I got an email from the nurse.” Of course this brought out a burst of laughter from him.

“That’s my man, excited even if it means a trip to the nurses! You alright man?” It was odd hearing so many people ask if I was alright. I see why some people get mad when you do, it is awkward. Is there really any other acceptable answer besides, ‘I’m fine’?

“Oh it is fine, I just have some questions for him.”

“Oh cool, cool.” He didn’t pry into what I had so I was lucky to not have to respond with I don’t know and look like an idiot for not knowing what is wrong with me. I have met a large stock of people with problems, I doubt they let normal people here… but what really defines normal? I got lost in thought, something that seems to happen when you are under the warm water of a shower.

“Hey Ty.”

“Yeah man?”

I wanted to thank him for just being him but I kind of felt weird saying something like that. Not something you tend to just tell people. Oh hey thanks for being you! Yeah that can come off rude but at the same time knowing Tyler he would welcome even an insult.

“Thanks.” He seemed to pause.

“Yeah man! It is all good.” We showered and departed for classes without much more talk. I was nervous all throughout Wallen’s class (not for the usual reasons). Come science class I wasn’t very talkative but Tyler didn’t seem to mind as he was texting someone anyhow. In English I couldn’t even look at Whitney, we simply greeted each other and that was that. And history blew by without much besides some idle chat between Tyler and I, same with gym.

Classes finished up for the day and I let out a sigh and made my way to the nurses. While I left I realized I didn’t say goodbye to Whitney… hopefully she doesn’t get too upset or read that as a decline for tonight. Remembering that I felt my face heat up. I ducked my head and made my way to the nurses. This time I was prepared and found a map and detail of where it was before just wandering aimlessly.

I found the building it was in, for whatever reason it was the Administrative Building. I talked to one of the staff who informed me that the admin building was actually a hospital. When I entered I noticed this. He kindly directed me to the nurses (well my nurse, apparently everyone has their own). I gave a hearty knock and was greeted warmly.

“Mr. Rains! A pleasure. I thought you were dead.” I winced a bit at his introduction. Did he just really say that? “Never mind the joke, glad to see you came. And luckily not in any of the other students.” He gave a sly grin. Was this guy a comedian standing in for the actual nurse? His green eyes and blonde hair stood out as more of an actor than doctor. What is this guy's deal? I couldn’t respond as I was mostly speechless.

“Y-yeah, you wanted to see me Dr. Keenan?” He lit up.

“So you can talk! Still not sure about your sight though. I mean I sent two emails and made sure the second was legible,” he laughed at his own bit. “I thought you were mute for a while there. Not laughing at the jokes or stopping me from going too far. Maybe you just have a tolerance for this sort of thing. Your hormones in balance? The Yin and the Yang playing well together?” I sat on the bed not wishing to comment but maybe it would stop him.

“Well you know my body better than I, I would assume being the school nurse.” He grinned.

“Done to every last ‘inch’.” He chuckled. “Okay let us get down to business. How have you been holding up?” I shrugged as he began to take my blood pressure and check some various vitals or whatever they do. I hate the feeling of all this.

“Fine.” He nodded, it was as if another person took control. He seemed much more professional. Which makes sense I guess. Suppose even this guy needs some sort of composure.

“Good, cough.” I complied. “Good, now lay back.” He checked my heart and breathing before calling it a day. “Clean as a whistle, unless that whistle was in the dirt.” He said this joke so nonchalantly while putting his things away I let out a small chuckle. That was a horrible joke but for some reason it made me smile. “Really, that is the one you laugh at? Pete's sake.” He wrote some things down and looked at me. “Any questions or anything before I send you off. I just wanted to do a quick check up on you. It is preferable at least once or twice a week.”

“Well just one. Why am I here?” He gave a thousand watt grin.

“Well ain’t that just the question I get everyday from everyone. Something ails you. It is our job here to ensure you get an education, great healthcare…” He gave a sly grin. “And a ‘date’ should it be possible.” I gave a weak thumbs up. How does he change so quickly and easily? Is this just really how he is?

“Oh.” He seemed disappointed in my response. “Well more of what brought me here.”

“Your parents, I was told.” I rubbed my forehead. For someone you should be comfortable talking to, I think turning around and having a chat with the bleached white walls would be more appealing and helpful.

“No what inside of me I guess brought me here… is it deadly or something I should be concerned with? I seemed to be fine my whole life and next thing you know I am at a school of disabled kids.” He smiled.

“Welcome!” That was all? Really? “But if your parents never told you, where is my place to say so?” I crossed my arms.

“You are my nurse, you have every right to tell me what's wrong with me.” Giving that usual grin, he laughed.

“Your sense of humor for starters.” I wanted to punch the guy at this point. Was he trying to test me or something? Who do I need to talk to for a replacement?

“Just… just tell me please.” I was losing my will to go on with this.

“Ah, jests aside. You are quite healthy. Should the need arise I will inform you. But it is best to not know so you do not worry about it.” I did not like the logic behind that.

“Well what if I worry too much by not knowing?” He cleaned his desk a bit as he turned away from me.

“A bridge that shall be crossed when we come to it. Now it is Friday, go get drunk.” What wise words from the school nurse.

“Eh?” He laughed.

“Go enjoy yourself, this may be a different type of school but that should not stop you from enjoying a normal night for yourself. Now go, I am sure you have plans.” He basically shoved me out of the room and off I went. More confused now than I was beforehand. I guess I will freshen up and head towards the gates. Better sooner than later I suppose.

I washed up quickly and knocked on Tyler’s door to see if he was there. No answer. Hmm, that is odd. I shrugged it off and made my way to the school gates. I was about a half hour early so I quickly checked to see if she was here. She wasn’t. I pulled out my phone to pass the time.

Dinner tonight, wish me luck.

>all of it bro

Thanks.

>u dress nice?

Of course.

>not that she will notice huh ;)

Really man?

>haha i kid i kid, have a good time dude keep me posted

Will do.

I fiddled around with a few settings while I waited for Whitney to arrive. I just spun my phone in my hand, bored. I leaned against the gate watching people come in and out. I let a yawn slip. Closing my eyes and just regretting being this early. What if she is late? Or decided to cancel and we can’t get a hold of one another. Ah great.

“Tired?” I noticed Whitney walking up looking stunning. Once again I let my mind slip into thought about how she is lucky to not see me looking her up and down… I am pathetic. But in all honesty, the dress she had was gorgeous and her hair was done up very nicely. I couldn’t help but be enamored for a few moments. But got to gather myself before she gets anxious.

“Oh no, just… uhh…” I didn’t want to say I was bored waiting for you. “I guess a little.” She looked a little worried.

“We can postpone this if you are too exhausted.” I waved it off. There I go again.

“No worries, ready to head?” She nodded letting the frown turn back into her usual small smile. We didn’t talk at all which was odd. Just the sounds of the late afternoon breeze, the cracking of the branches and occasional students chatting.

“So where to?” She asked me out of the blue.

“Wait, why is it my decision? Weren’t you the one who planned this?” She blushed a little and puffed her cheeks.

“Well…” She fidgeted with her cane.

“I suppose I can check to see if anywhere looks appetizing at least. You know when you plan the date you tend to be the one to choose the location and time.” She blushed again at the word date which I also did.

“It is my first time… err… well second I guess after our first meeting.” Something I still grimace at when I remember. “We can split the duties. I got us here on time so you can pick the place to eat.” I didn’t see the logic in it but whatever.

We walked around commencing very small bits of talk until she smelled something. I checked around and noticed a small Italian eatery. Something I am sure she would enjoy if her senses seemed to draw toward it as they did.

“Shall we?” I opened the door for her, she gave a cute little bow before entering. The host smiled at us warmly and welcomed us.

“Just two tonight?” He said grinning widely quickly, noticing Whitney’s lack of vision. He did not seem off put which was nice. I suppose a fancy restaurant like this would have staff trained for these situations.

“Correct.” He gathered two menus and some silverware.

“Booth or table?” I looked over to Whitney who thought for a moment.

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

“Booth please.” He snapped his fingers.

“Booth it is! Right this way please.” Whitney matched the hosts footsteps with precision and followed him near perfectly, not even barely using her cane. I followed closely behind them as the place was quite packed. I was shocked to get in this quick but by the looks of the place it had a large amount of seating.

He placed us and motioned for a waitress. She came over excitedly.

“Good evening! I am Dulce and it will be my pleasure to serve you tonight. May I start you two off with something to drink?” Whitney felt over the menu. “Drinks are on the back ma’am.” She flipped the menu and felt around for something she would like. The waitress turned to me.

“I will have the raspberry tea, it says it is your house specialty.” She smiled.

“Of course! Brewed fresh daily. Have you decided ma’am?” Whitney nodded.

“I will take the raspberry tea as well.” She quickly jotted it down.

“Right away! Tonight's special soup is clam chowder should that interest you.” With that she was off to gather our drinks. Whitney had a new type of focus I have yet to notice. It was as if she was listening to everything around. The music, the people and even the sounds of dining.

“Remind you of home?” I asked, and then instantly regretted it. She does not respond and keeps her focus. I wait a moment before speaking again. “Quite a nice selection they have.” I said breaking her from her thoughts.

“It sounds absolutely lovely here.” She said, smiling brightly. “You picked well.” I laughed causing her to be confused.

“I went off of your insight.” She seemed like she was focusing on if she said something early.

“Did I mention this place? I had no idea it existed to be honest.” I couldn’t help but laugh again both at her innocence and the fact I was very nervous for whatever reason.

“Your nose pointed me in its direction.” She covered her face with the menu, clearly embarrassed. “It did a good job, no need to fret.” With that the waitress returned with our drinks.

“Have we decided or need a minute?” She had her pen and paper ready, as she parted her silvery bangs from her face. Her eyes were almost a crystal pink color and I stopped myself from checking her out more. We haven’t even started checking out the menu so I waved her off for the time being. I was impressed how quick we got drinks with how busy it was here.

“Another minute please,” I reply. She put her things away.

“No problem! Be back shortly.” I took a quick drink of the tea and noticed even though the waitress didn’t put Whitney’s drink near her, the sound of the glass on the table gave her the indication of where it is as she expertly took hold of it, taking a sip too. Amazing.

I went about reading the menu for something that would catch my eye… besides the prices. I sighed enough for Whitney to hear, which indeed wasn’t much.

“Can’t find anything?” I just felt it best to agree.

“Yeah. It is fine I will come up with something.”

“If you don’t like this kind of food…” she exclaimed, a bit saddened. Are we just going to go back and forth all night with apologies? This is just so awkward.

“No it is fine! I am just overburdened with choices.” She giggled and we went back to finding out what we wanted. The waitress returned quite promptly. Man, I know she is doing her job, but ugh...

“What have we decided?” I looked to Whitney for help but of course she didn’t get the cue. Luckily she ordered her dish after a few moments of silence hopefully picking up on my distress. The waitress questioned her order and what sides and all that before turning to me.

“The chicken alfredo please.” Something simple but more than likely heavenly in an Italian restaurant.

“Very well! I will put your order in. Here is a basket with some fresh bread and garlic butter, feel free to snack before your meal arrives.” She waved and went off. Very polite, as were the others here. It was a nice place.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Whitney asked me while I was reaching to grab a piece of bread.

“It is nice. Company is great, too.” I added awkwardly. Was that a flirt? Did I really attempt a flirt? We ate a few pieces of bread in silence after that sad affair before going back to small talk.

“Has your book been proceeding well?” Oh god, I totally forgot to work on that every so often. Time for the lies to spill.

“Well it is for the most part, just with school and everything I haven’t gotten a whole lot accomplished.” She looked down.

“Sorry.” Oh this night isn’t going to go well, everything is going downhill. How was everything so hunky dory the first time and now is just a train wreck.

“No no, I am glad you reminded me. I should get to work on it more. How is that book you are reading? Anything worthwhile?” She looked happy with the change of subject. She seemed to suffer over the little things, not that I can say the same. I tend to do the same.

“Oh it is quite thrilling. It is about a young couple living after a horrible accident.” I felt a bit off.

“That sounds interesting.” That is all I could come up with since I was imagining how many people are in this school because of an accident. I then wondered if she read this to cope with an accident that may have caused her blindness. I did not feel comfortable asking though so I didn’t.

“Anything amusing that you have read lately?” I actually had to think as I was not much of a bookworm regardless of my obsession with writing.

“Not really that I can think of. I finished an adventure novel not too long ago but nothing worth mentioning.” She frowned as that bit of conversation dried up quickly. With how busy the place was I expected to chat for a while before our food arrived.

“Classes coming along well enough for you?” I took another drink of the tea, which was without a doubt the best I had ever tasted. She was not lying about house speciality. There was a perfect blend of fruity flavor yet still the slight bitter tones of the fresh tea.

“They are, thanks. And for you?” I started to nod but stopped myself, much to my own delight.

“Yeah, it is not as hard to transition as I thought.” She smiled.

“That is good to hear.” She said, spinning her straw in the glass.

“It is really a nice place here, both the community as well as the school. Everything seems so tranquil.” I said looking around the place again.

“Reminds me of home.” I wanted to stop myself from prying, but something got the better of me and I asked.

“Oh, where did you grow up?” Dumb question, but whatever.

“Italy as I am sure you may have noticed from the accent.”

“It is a pleasant sounding accent.” I tried to compliment her but she seemed uncomfortable with it.

“It is embarrassing…” She adjusted her collar.

“How so? I think it is quite lovely.” Not saying from experience since I am not certain if I have an accent. I do not think you really can know if you do, since you just sound… like you.

“I speak so much differently than everyone else.” I let a small laugh escape.

“That is no reason to be embarrassed, you should embrace it as something unique of both you and your past cultures. Your form of speech is very refined and I think it suits you.” She seemed a little off now.

“I suppose.” Luckily food arrived and quickly changed the mood and subject.

“Wow this looks good! Err… sorry.” This brought a smile out of Whitney.

“I am sure it looks just as good as it smells.” She tried her best to face the waitress and show gratitude.

“Thank you.” We both said. She bowed.

“Is everything to your liking?” the waitress questioned. I nodded and Whitney followed. “Very well, enjoy! I will be back to check up on you.” With that she was off and I dove into the food.

The sauce was heavenly and really complemented the noodles. There wasn’t enough chicken for my own preference but the pasta was too good to ignore. It was angel hair and held the sauce on well. A good mix of pasta taste and of the alfredo sauce. Whitney got some kind of fish. She deftly cut it into pieces and felt around for all the sides. Content, she began to eat. I caught myself staring so I tried to come up with a conversation as if she noticed me looking at her.

“Is it good?” She got a single bite off as I asked this, such bad timing.

“It is, thank you. Is yours of good quality?” That was a weird way to ask the same question. Was she really focusing on the ‘refined speech’ thing I mentioned earlier?

“Yeah, they did a really good job.” We ate in silence. I finished it all, regretfully. That was a lot more than I had thought. Pasta hits like a truck when you least expect it too. Whitney only ate about half of hers and had it aside. I leaned back in my seat, overly full and miserable now.

“You should not have eaten so much, you sound miserable.” I let out a courteous laugh at her suggestion. But with each movement, was the stomach pain. Oh lord, this full feeling.

“Eh, it was too good to waste,” I said. She looked puzzled.

“They can give you to go boxes.”

“Well…” She had me there. “You’re right I suppose.” Sure enough the waitress came by with a box for Whitney. Dulce had a beaming smile.

“Can I get you two refills on your drinks?” Before I could respond no, as we were most likely leaving, Whitney spoke up.

“Please.” She looked at me smiling.

“I guess that is your way of wanting to stay and talk?” She made a cute pouting face. Again I am blasted with her beauty. There is something about how fair her skin was, her cloudy, yet stunning blue eyes, and her fancy curls. This must be the whole love at first sight thing, but can I really start to say that? I barely know her.

“If you wish to leave…” I couldn’t say no.

“It is fine. Some small talk might ease my stomach and a little rest never hurts.” Did that sound rude? As if the reason I am staying is for selfish reasons. Quickly replacing our empty glasses with full ones, the waitress was off again. Poor girl must be tired.

“So I must ask you, do you have any siblings?”

“Only child. How about you?” The typical throw the question back at the asker, originally. Way to go Claude.

“I had an older brother.” I winced at ‘had’.

“I am sorry. I didn’t know.” I felt defensive as if anytime I asked something or did something it brought on a negative response.

“You had no way of knowing, no need to apologize. He died a long while ago while I was still young.” I felt like trying to pull out some good memories despite the feeling it will only cause more harm.

“Were you two close?”

“Yes, we spent most of our lives in the orphanage together.” And there it is, an orphanage… why can’t talking be as easy in video games as it is in real time. Granted even just having time to think and respond… These quick timed events are killing me. I need a manual damn it!

“Oh.” I respond sounding hollow.

“It is fine, not having parents hasn’t changed me at all. It helped me to grow up.” I sighed out of relief that it wasn’t all going downhill.

“That is quite honorable. I am sorry you never had any parental figures.” Not knowing what to say I said the obvious.

“It is no different with the mother who raised us at the orphanage and I was happy with just Alexton and myself. We lived as if we were born there.”

“Making good memories out of hard times is something I am quite envious of to be honest.” Whitney gave an interested look.

“Did you grow up in distress?” I shrugged.

“Not really. Life was actually so easy for me I took advantage of it for the longest time until my dad lost his job. Mom had to support us for a while alone while I was in school and my dad worked out a new job.” She seemed to be absorbing the information while she sipped on her tea.

“Sorry to hear. Jobs can be a pain.”

“Yeah, being a manager of anything is a pain.” I let slide out. She giggled.

“I am sure it is.”

“Just having the title is like wearing a kick me while I am down shirt or something. It is never a conversation you want to hear when it starts with ‘I want to speak to the manager!’.” I said in my best impersonation of a customer. She laughed. “It isn't that they want to pay a compliment or say we are doing good work. Nope. It is, you sold me this broken piece of junk, or the customer service here is terrible!”

“I envy you being able to handle such situations well.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Who said I handle them well? If they wish to get all over me, I will dish it back. I have the authority to refuse service for unruly crowds. It is nice. But yeah, it is not really as easy as I make it sound.”

“That does indeed sound helpful. I am glad you seem okay with dealing with such vulgarity.” I let out a snarky laugh.

“Ha! Welcome to retail.” I sipped on my tea as well since I could not help it being so delicious.

“I am curious, you are the first to seem very involved with video games. I must ask what they are like.” I nearly spit my drink out, unable to barely discern where to start. How do you describe this stuff to a blind girl?!

“Well…” I rubbed my forehead.

“Just tell me as you would anyone else, I won’t mind.” I ruffled my hair.

“If you don’t mind then, I guess it is just to me like living another life. Where I can be the hero and you know… matter.” I was shocked I went so deep so quickly. It was true no doubt in my mind, but to tell Whitney that… I let a secret go away. One I am ashamed of. “Nevermind that bit…”

“That sounds nice, but never worry about mattering. Even if people do not show it, many do care about you.” I did not want to argue this so I just agreed.

“You might be right.”

Much to Whitney’s displeasure the conversation dried once more not long after that and we found ourselves leaving. She paid for everything as she mentioned but never let me know how much. I do not wish to know either… mine alone with the pasta and drink is nearly twenty five dollars. We were stopped by the gate where we were to part ways.

“Tonight was really nice.” She said, extending her cane out.

“It was, thank you so much.” Without much else to say we went to our dorms unable to bring up anything else.

As if an NPC, Tyler was opening his room door and saw me. He is always there or finds a way to find me. I smiled.

“Hey Tyler.” He grinned his thousand watt smile and gave me a thumbs up.

“My main dude Claude! How was the date man?!” I felt my cheeks redden.

“Huh?” He gave me a sly wink.

“I was coming back from track man, I saw you and Whitney.” He leaned in closer to me. “I won’t tell, your secrets are safe with me!” I chucked his shirt at him and stepped back.

“Come on man, it was just a little dinner.” He shrugged, removing the shirt from his face.

“Okay okay. I think you guys look cool together though man, no hard feelings.” He seemed a bit backward even though he was like his usual self. I couldn’t put a finger on it but there was a terrible hunch something was up. I had to ask.

“You said I can talk to you anytime about anything right man?” He actually let his smile disappear.

“Yeah?” I didn’t like the tension now. It was like I was about to tell him his sister died or something.

“Did you know that girl who had complications a couple days ago?” That look of heartbreak in his eyes. The frown he gave and the tears I saw start, it said it all. “Oh my God dude, I am so sorry! She… she was your-” Tyler dropped the clothes.

“She was my baby sister man! Why her!” He started to cry and tense up. “Why?! Why couldn’t we have done something?!” I went up and gripped his shoulders, unable to hold my own emotions. I could never or want to imagine his pain with his family. I wonder if Whitney is still shook up about her own brother...

“Life has a strange way of working.” I tried my best to console him seeing as I just ruined his night bringing this up. I felt absolutely ashamed. Since I got to know Tyler a little while back, he has been nothing but fun and smiles. Now this? God this is definitely the worst feeling in the world.

“I appreciate the words man, I really do… But I just… I need to be alone.” With that he broke from me and quietly entered his room. I stood there in shock unable to grasp what had just occurred before me. I left for my room thinking I wouldn’t be able to sleep after that. I quickly sent Tyler a message on O-Chat-Ing apologizing again for what I brought up and wishing him luck for whatever was going in his future. I slammed down on my bed and just tried my best to calm my thoughts from the date with Whitney, to Tyler’s misfortune… this must have been why he was on his phone so much. God I am such a horrible friend… How could I not have pieced it together? This really sucks. I just closed my eyes and hoped tomorrow wouldn’t be as shit as this last hour was.