•Thicker Than Blood•

•Chapter 14•

Once Leon dropped Sherry off at her bus stop, she hugged him goodbye, and then bolted to go see her friend. Genevieve was already standing at the bus stop. She smiled when she spotted Sherry coming her way. Quickly, she was enveloped in a tight hug. She jumped, freezing up for a moment, before she finally returned the hug and squeezed Sherry back. Though, while she was looking over her shoulder, she made a note of the pickup truck's license plate number.

Once she and Sherry let go of one another, she took out her journal. She unlocked it and scribbled the license plate number on one of the pages. Then she closed and locked it again. Sherry seemed a little confused, tilting her head while she looked down at the journal. She didn't see exactly what she wrote, considering how quickly she did it.

"What's that for? What did you write?" Sherry asked, smiling towards her.

"Heh, nothing to worry about. I'm writing a list of things that make me happy... and I'm happy to see you." Genevieve smiled.

Sherry laughed and nodded. "You're funny. You know that? Oh! There's the bus!"

As she said, the bus was coming from down the street. Condition of it was still... questionable. But that was pretty usual for this town. Not a lot of things were new. Surely they couldn't get too much funding with the lack of population. When the bus arrived, both headed on and got in their usual spot in the back of the bus. Where they would chat for the entire ride. Sherry of course rambled on and on about how she helped Leon realize his feelings for Claire. It was something she was truly excited about!

Though this only made Genevieve's heart sink further. Why did she have to hurt Sherry Birkin? It was the first time she truly was able to make a friend. She was never good at talking to people. She was quiet, wore darker clothing, and apparently came off as creepy to most of the other students. Everyone fit into a clique, but Genevieve didn't. She didn't do any extracurriculars. Didn't show any true passions other than writing. She was known for how her dad disappeared when she was just a girl.

Finding someone that understood what it was like to lose a parent was nothing more or less than refreshing. Finally, she felt as if she could be understood by someone. This feeling was reciprocated by Sherry too. Sherry never had any friends growing up. She was always moving around with her parents and studying. She was meant to be just as good of a scientist as them when she grew up. Though, now they are gone. Both shared that bond since they related to each other.

Oh god. What was going to happen to Sherry Birkin?

Though suddenly, she was snapped out of her thoughts.

"Hey, Genevieve. Are you okay?" Sherry placed her hand on the other girl's shoulder.

"Oh, yeah. Don't worry, I'm fine. We're almost to school! You should be getting your class today, right? Maybe we'll be in the same one!"

"You're right!"

And the day would go on as usual. They'd go into the school together and went to the testing center to get her scores. They were referred to the main office where Sherry was given a copy of her schedule for the day. Unsurprisingly, Genevieve and Claire were put in the majority of the same classes! So, Genevieve would lead her to their classrooms.

Then, at the end of the day they took their bus back home. As the day progressed, the more upset Genevieve seemed to become. She leaned her head against Sherry's shoulder while she stared off into space. Sherry glanced to the side and looked at her.

"Are you really sure you're okay? You seem upset." She pointed out.

"Um... yeah, I actually had a question to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Do you think I could come over?"

"Oh! Of course! I'm sure Leon and Claire wouldn't mind!"

"Awesome... I can't  wait to finally see you outside of school."

The two of them laughed together briefly as their stop came. Claire was standing at the bus stop, waiting for Sherry by the pickup truck. Both of the girls got off the bus and headed towards Claire. Genevieve lingered behind Sherry while she ran and hugged Claire.

"Claire! I have a question! Can Genevieve come over to hang out?"

"I don't see why not. Is your mom okay with it?" Claire questioned, yawning as she returned Sherry's hug.

"Yeah, she's busy at work, and thinks being social might be good for me." Genevieve said.

Claire gave a nod and let go of Sherry. Clearly she was exhausted, even after getting a long while's worth of sleep. Leon was likely taking his rest as they spoke. Claire got into the driver's seat while the two younger girls sat in the back of the pickup. Sherry was brimming with a bright joy that filled the air completely. Genevieve couldn't help but smile, staring out the window the entire way to the house.

Once the car was parked, the rep girls got out of the car. Sherry took Genevieve by the hand and ran out into the backyard, down onto the acres long property. Claire got out of the car next, eyelids drooping with exhaustion. She walked inside and headed right up the stairs, laying down beside Leon and laying her head against him. She wanted nothing more than to be around another human being. In a fit of exhaustion, she passed out while leaning against his sleeping form.