But I don’t really want to go. I shrug. “It’s just a class.”
And she laughs. “I guess.”
She whips out a compact mirror, checking her reflection before taking a deep breath. “Okay.” She sighs, pulling her shoulders back and slipping the mirror into her backpack. “Enough of that. Ready for English?”
I smile, and we walk to the classroom. I don’t think she expected to find a potential friend in me, and even if that’s not what this is, I like it. To me, this is one of the best things about meeting new people, figuring out how we all connect with each other. Everyone has something to give, and she just gave me a burst of fresh air in these closed-in walls.
We enter the classroom, and Mr. Lancer eyes us with thick disappointment. I offer an apologetic smile. Thankfully, he moves on without any further interference.
I think I’m off the hook, but the closer I get to my window seat, the more my skin prickles with heavy awareness. It’s the searing heat of another’s stare, and it drags my focus straight into the grip of Joshua Hunt’s penetrating eyes.
His jaw is tight. He flicks his gaze to the clock hanging on the wall. Then, without another glance in my direction, he returns his attention to the textbook in front of him.
I release a breath as I slide into my seat, mentally replaying his strange expression. Why did it feel disapproving? And why does that hurt? I rub my chest, trying to get the sensation to fade, but when that doesn’t help, I pull my materials from my backpack.
I open my notebook, writing my name at the top and doodling a heart. Then I try my hardest to focus on the teacher. Not on the delicious pull of thunder outside the window. And not on the electric storm brewing behind my back.
Blue
Benji: So. I’ve had a lot of time to think out here on my roof.
Me: And?
Benji: All right. Here it is.
Me: ...
Benji: I’m gonna try going hipster.
Me: Pretty sure you already kind of are?
Benji: Oh.
Five seconds later ...
Benji: What’s a hipster?
I chuckle as I look up at the nursing home in front of me. It’s brick, with a swinging bench hanging over a wide wraparound porch. From the outside, it has the kind of feel I’d want for my own parent or grandparent. But I knew within five minutes of orientation last weekend that something inside those walls is missing. Most of the staff bustle from room to room with bags under their eyes, and the energy feels stifled and bogged down.
Shooting Benji a final text to let him know we’ll talk later, I enter the building then make my way across the smooth linoleum to the lady at the front desk.
She smiles, peering up at me over her computer screen. “You here to visit someone?”
“I signed up for volunteering last weekend and was asked to come back today.” I shift the hemp bag slung over my shoulder. “They mentioned a bingo game they needed help with?”
“You must be Blue. Go ahead and sign in.” She picks up the desk phone as I scribble my name on the form. A minute later, she hangs up and looks at me. “That was the Activities Director, Annie. She’ll be here in a few. Why don’t you take a seat?”
I chew on my lip, glancing around the cold lobby. “Actually, do you mind if I look around a little? I’ll stay close so Annie can find me.”
The lady clicks something on her computer. “Sure thing, sugar pie.”
I wander through the small space. It’s bland and clinical, and soon, I find myself turning right at the hallway. The first two doors I pass are closed, but the next few are open with the lights on. Voices drift from each room as I move forward—first, a man shouting, then soft laughter.
The following room is quiet, still, and the lights are off. Sunlight shines through the back window. I think it’s empty at first, but I slow when I spot a woman sitting alone by the far wall. My steps stop, and I place a hand on the doorframe as I peer inside. She has a private room.
She’s looking right at me. I smile, but her eyes are glassy, distant, like I could wave a hand right in front of her and she wouldn’t blink. Something squeezes my chest. I start to move forward when footsteps sound behind me, fast and sharp.
“Bluebell Everest?”
