----------------------------------------
<09/27/2011 - 12:09 | Saffrin Middle School (Library), Austell, GA, USA>
After a long waited grace period of mindless learning, lunch time came in no time. After cramming my food in just two bites, I scurried on to the library, logging on their many computers in my favorite seat so do the work.
I didn't learn much in the few minutes of effort I gave it. Basically, Wahsega is a 4H Camp. I never figured out what the 4H club was all about, other than it having to do with nature, outdoors, green earth, camping, etc., as a K-12 program. Wahsega is essentially in all aspects one large camping facility, with more than one cabin to hold students overnight. It's also supposedly filled with nature. That's all I got anyway. The only thing I had left to do now was ask around some more. But in my new usual routine of future planning, I typed everything into a personal note, reminders for reminders, and even a note to ask around more, so that I remember not to forget.
Okay, so this value completes that TDL... I guess that's it then. All I have to do now is ask Zero more about it when I get into Homech. Things are going alright for this, don't you agree?
...
Oh, right. I'm not supposed to hear any reply from Lumina. She phased out the connection two class periods ago... I glanced at my phone, only as a means to check the time, since I hate watches. Seems I have six minutes until the next class. For a thirty minute lunch, I did pretty good.
"Excuse me?"
My head swiveled aside, desperate to find out who was addressing me since I couldn't stand to be caught off guard. It was a girl, two of them in fact. The inflection I heard in her voice was softer and higher pitch than I was used to, and they both looked just as young as two sixth grade girls. "Huh?" I still needed some time to think. I couldn't figure out why two random students were suddenly so interested in me... Nobody takes an interest in me.
The one closer to me sat arched in her seat with a blushing smile, gently waving her hand at me without moving her arm much. "Hi."
"Hey..." I awkwardly returned the gesture, uncertain what she wanted. When neither one of them immediately got into what they wanted from me, it felt twice as awkward as before, while I found myself in a situation I wasn't used to.
Instead of saying anymore, the girl's other friend right behind her tilted her body slightly and spoke for her behalf. "Sorry. My friend wants to know what grade you are in."
... Okay then... "I'm in eighth grade."
"Really?" The first one to talk to me bent her arms forward on her chair leaning her head in closer to me, with a stunned expression. "I never would have guessed."
"Yeah..." I don't know what to say to them. I don't even know what they want... Is this how I used to come off to others when I tried learning how to talk to them? Oh my god, the cringe! "Is there anything else I could help with?" They must want a favor, advice perhaps? They're staring right into my eyes like I've never seen any other human stare before.
"My name is Miracle." After giving me a name to identify her with, the sixth grader sheepishly smiled without saying much more, allowing me more time in remembering her face and interesting braided hair.
Before either Miracle or I could say anymore to each other, Miracle's friend continued playing her role in this moment. "My friend Miracle was interested in getting your phone number?"
"Don't just say that!" Miracle turned around with a half empty water bottle in her hand, using it to bonk the top of her friend's head.
What the hell is going on? Did I fall asleep? These two can't be for real. Miracle and her friend are quite strange. I don't see why any of them need my phone number. Didn't we just meet?
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
"Oh, well..." Miracle struggled not to hesitate and stutter, and for a brief moment, she even failed at making direct eye contact. "We both thought you were a bit younger, so don't worry about it." Then, there it was; the one identifying cue that I had been missing.
"Hey! If you won't do it, then I will." Even her friend got in on the action, revealing her intentions to go either way the wind blew.
As I sat here in silent shock, I could see the faintest blush in her cheeks while Miracle tried to talk us all out of the moment. Sad as it was that I didn't recognize what this was sooner, I finally came to my senses in the nick of time. You've gotta be kidding me! These two freshmen are hitting on me! The awkward introduction, the name, the smile, the phone number, all of it hinted to exactly what it looked like.
I was a little too stunned to move or say anything for a moment. Yes, I am stunned that I of all people was attracting anybody's interest, aside from Lumina. It's not like I'm putrid ugly, but I know my looks are average at best; my past experiences paint the picture at least. Being on the receiving end of someone's crush just feels... It's so different. Of all things, Lumina isn't even here to flip out about the situation. I don't really know if she conquered her own jealousy trait, but I wouldn't want to find out right now.
I couldn't help but blush in return, for reasons a bit different than her. I thought this would never happen in a million years! Do people really think I'm more handsome than average, even if it's just a slight difference? It's kind of refreshing to hear—
No! I sternly reminded myself, blasting all previous thoughts of Miracle and her friend away. I can't think like that! I already have someone important to me.
"Ehem!" I blurted now facing them, using my throat clearing as a means to attention for one time only. "I suppose you could call this a bit flattering, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
Without much thought or reaction, the other girl patted Miracle on the back with the conclusion ready. "I knew it. He's too old for us."
"Huh?" Too old? I guess, maybe? "Actually, the reason has to do with somebody else. Let's just say that I'm not on the open market right now. I'm with somebody else. So, I can't just willingly give out phone numbers to anybody."
I hope I didn't sound too arrogant and stuck-up just now. I wasn't sure what other way I could tell them I'm not single... Actually, that probably would have done it. But I'm not so stuck-up that I'd turn a girl down simply because of her age. I mean, look at Lumina. She has thousands of extra years on me. I don't want these two girls growing up to think close age matters too much in a relationship.
"Okay," Miracle replied sunken in defeat. "But if you ever change your mind, I'll give you a chance for us to be ordinary friends. Maybe we can start off like that instead." Then, Miracle handed me a small card. It looked just like any other business card, but the only written text on the flash card was her phone number in ink.
"Right..." Not wanting to look like an ass, I took the card diligently, started at it for a moment, and then pocketed the piece of thick paper. I didn't know what else to say to her that I hadn't already. Luckily, I was saved in that moment by the bell, tolling for the end of our lunch. Feeling weird, I forced myself to get up and prepare to leave without lurking around. "Alright. Gotta go."
"Bye!" Even with me leaving, Miracle and her friend seemed cheerful, a little happy even.
With both of them out of my sights, I slowed my walking pace down immensely, just to process all that happened to me. As obvious as it was that I can't date other women. I felt kind of excited to have that happen, to be hit on by others. I don't know why, but I felt much better about myself then I did yesterday. I almost giggled as I strut down the hall to the next class, reaffirmed that I'm not as repulsive as I thought I was.
Still, I have to make up my mind about this thing; the card I'm now holding in my hands. I'll just rip up the card later. I have no choice. I can't use this to call Miracle; it would be a soft declaration that I actually have a thing for her. Even if my mind tries to go there, I can't pursue any other interest right now.
At the same time, I'm starting to get cornered about this topic everywhere I go. Since I'm not looking for a girlfriend, that means other girls might start looking at me as a potential boyfriend, for those who know nothing about me at least. Most teenagers just walk around with their partners to their side, kissing each other in the halls to make their declarations well known.
My situation is a bit more complex. I can't physically show Lumina off, so people will automatically assume I'm single, unless they ask first. And yet, Lumina's presence and existence has to be a secret at the same time, at least from bad parties. I have to portray myself as seeing someone without actually detailing who that someone is; to let everyone know I'm not single, without giving away a shred of additional info. That's the role I have to play now; there can be no room for screw-ups. If I put myself into any awkward situation, Lumina is going to know about it. As much as I can hide some things from her, we are both telepaths. Keeping secrets from each other is next to impossible.