nefelibata (n.) | ✔️

ten.

Present. September 18th, 2018.

"Is there any chance that you could let me sit here?" I look up from the book I have planted in my hands and sigh. "My usual 'friends' aren't here." He continues, putting finger quotes around friends.

"Why the air quotes?" I raise my brow and grin up at Parker.

"Well, I use the term friends loosely. They're just people I chose to associate myself with for my well being," He shrugs. "So can I sit?"

"Sure." I laugh and move over on my seat. "Are they assholes or something?" I realize how sad it must be for this attractive kid to find a girl dressed in all black reading on the couch in the library.

He shrugs again. "They don't accept me for who I am. I mean, they pretend to, but when I'm not around, they talk shit about how I am or whatever."

"How you are?" I question and frown at his sad look.

"I'm gay," He says proudly, but his face falls again. "I thought it was obvious by now." He's gay? I guess I could tell by his voice, it's a bit different than other boys at this school.

"They treat your shitty because you're gay? Fuck them! You're free to be yourself, always." I say genuinely. People that hate on other people for being who they are, especially when it concerns sexuality, is absolutely the most pathetic kind of person there is.

"Thanks, Lena. I don't know why people are so rude to you. You're a really nice person." He gives me a soft smile and pulls out a brown bag.

"I have Brooklyn to thank for that, I guess. It's dirty looks and rumor galore in my world." Parker throws a handful of cheez-its in his mouth and offering me some after.

I hear Parker continuously ask me questions and I can't help but yawn at the countless nods and shakes of my head. Is this how making new friends in this school would be from now on? Millions of questions about the bitch that told people I worshipped Satan in my free time? Hell, if anyone was worshipping Satan, it was her. The girl is literally the devil reincarnated.

"Sorry, I'm sure you don't want to talk about Brooklyn." He says softly, realized my bored expression.

"It's fine," I said with a sigh and leaned my head back against the cushion. "I just wish we could all grow up, you know? Move on from the petty bullshit and be real in our futures. Create the lives her we are destined to. Maybe it sounds silly, but if I have to battle through high school to get to the bright side, I will."

"You believe in destiny?" He asks kindly, searching my face intently.

"I guess so. There's got to be a reason we're all here right? A set path we all have? I just wish I could fast forward to the part that's not bitter and depressing." I shrug and watch as Parker's eyes light up in awe. "What?"

"It's just no one has ever believed in that stuff like I do. Oh my God! Lena, we are soul sisters! It is our destiny to become friends!" I roll my eyes and laugh at his dramatic tone along with him.

"Maybe you're right." I muffle between laughs.

"You ever thought about writing, Lena? You've got a way with words and I've only had one real conversation with you." He gives me a soft smile, and I look down.

"No," I lie, shaking my head. "Not in high school at least." I don't know why I didn't tell him that I write nearly every day of my life. Part of me just wants to keep that a secret, for now. Not that anyone will care anyway...

"Why not? Even like an anonymous blog or something? You'd be killer!" Parker continues to stare at me with some kind of sparkle in his eyes, making me laugh.