“I heard if you mop too hard, you can throw out yourelbow.”
I peer over my shoulder, stunned by the tall brunette watching me with a small smirk. Her features are delicate and friendly as she pops a hip and places a hand on it. She’s dressed in jean shorts with little embroidered suns on the thighs and white high-tops.
She’s definitely new.
I’ve never seen her around before…
Her plump lips thin as she tilts her head. “Just keep staring at the new girl, why don’t you? What a welcoming atmosphere.”
I blink, breaking eye contact as I stare down at the floor. “Sorry…”
She watches me closely, and I can feel her eyes as if they’re peering through to my center. “It’s okay. I’m Charlie.” She shoves her hand towards me, offering an olive branch as her smile returns. “What’s your name?”
I stare at her hand, my throat closing at the thought of touching her. “Rosalie.”
Her eyes light up as she draws her appendage back. “That’s a pretty name!”
My skin crawls with the compliment. “Thanks?”
She doesn’t notice my discomfort as she places her hands on her hips and sighs down at my half-cleaned mess. “What are we doing here?”
I’m stunned for a moment, stumbling over my words. “I-I’m, umm, cleaning?”
“Need some help?” She asks, but doesn’t wait for a response before bending down and ripping some of the paper towels off the roll. I watch her, dumbfounded as she begins to scrape up everything I left over.
“Are you going to help me, or just stand there staring?” She chuckles, jolting me into action as I crouch down beside her.
We fall into a comfortable silence as she scrapes the curdled milk out of the cracks. I run the mop over everythingonce she’s done, appreciating our teamwork as the floor sparkles.
Charlie tosses her used paper towels into the trash can before dusting her hands. “What class do you have next?”
“Music,” I mumble as I close my locker.
“I have music too!” She gushes. “My dad is a music producer, and he convinced me to take it as an elective. Is it hard?”
She links her elbow with mine, causing my shoulders to tense as I turn away from her. My stomach clenches painfully as I hide my hiss. My heart pounds so hard I think I’m going to pass out before she quickly releases me.
“Are you okay?” I can hear the concern in her voice, but I can’t look her in the eyes. Not until I can gather my bearings.
I nod, taking deep breaths as the feeling of her hands on my elbow gouges into my subconscious like a knife. I know it didn’t hurt, but I can’t stop my reactions to physical touch. No matter how hard I try, it never gets easier.
Distract yourself.
Say something.
“The…The only hard part is when we have to sing.” I manage past trembling lips. I take one final breath, schooling my features before facing her. “It’s an easy grade.”
Her worried face melts into another soft smile. “Well, since I’m new, do you mind if I stick with you? I don’t really know anyone here.”
I rub a hand over my elbow, a nervous habit I picked up over the years. “I…you don’t want to be friends with me.”
Her head rears as I’ve slapped her. “What? Why not?”
My neck flames with embarrassment. “People will target you—”
“And I’ve got something for them,” she holds up her balled fist, smirking. “Don't worry about what anyone thinks of me. I think you’re cool, and you’re going to keep me company while I try to figure this new school out. Capiche?”
“Capiche? Who says that?” I snort.
