The Nerd and the Cellist

Chapter 9

Come Monday, another school week started. Very little was out of the ordinary throughout most of the day until lunch period. I sat down on my spot at my group's lunch table to find Rarity going on about the fun she had talking to Octavia. Fluttershy was excited with the idea of the three girls hanging out when Rarity brought it up, letting out a "Yay" that the group could barely hear. When Rainbow Dash and Applejack asked me if I tried anything while assisting Octavia at the mall, I told them that I hadn't, and Applejack confirmed that I was telling the truth. I secretly thanked the Lord that they didn't ask any other questions that would lead me to bring up Octavia's hug and what that meant to me. I didn't see Applejack call someone out on a lie yet, and I didn't want to risk finding out what would happen if she did.

However, during English class, Octavia was acting unexpectedly chipper. I talked to Sonata by the classroom door, asking about her weekend, when Octavia walked over with a big smile. She greeted both of us with a gleeful tone, which took Sonata and I aback before we greeted her back. I repeatedly glanced at my crush during class to see her still smiling while listening to Ms. Cheerilee and taking notes. I was glad that she was happy, but I couldn't stop wondering why. Then, about forty-five minutes into class, I remembered Rarity also bringing up during lunch that Blueblood was checked out of the hospital the day before. My heart sank as I thought about how that would make Octavia happy, making me low in spirits for the rest of class.

When school ended for the day, I said goodbye to Sonata before Octavia and I walked over to the music room where Starlight Glimmer was waiting for us. We did our homework together, with math being as hard as ever, but Octavia was still cheerful despite struggling with homework too, which weirded Starlight Glimmer and me out. I started to think that Blueblood being checked out wasn't the only thing on her mind that maybe she talked out the problems with their relationship and it made her happy to be dating her boyfriend again. I thought to myself that was too good to be true for my crush, but when I considered my luck when it came to wanting to be with her, I couldn't rule out the possibility.

Finally, around 4:30, Starlight Glimmer had to head home before her dad got worried, so we decided to call it a day with Starlight Glimmer heading home and me walking Octavia to her house. The two of us walked in silence for the first couple of minutes with the gray girl still in high spirits, and I decided to take the opportunity to find out if any of my guesses were correct.

"Say, Octavia."

"Hmm?" Octavia asked.

"You've been acting really happy today," I said.

"Oh? Is there something wrong with me being happy?" Octavia asked.

"No, no, it's not that at all," I said, waving my hands in defense. "It's just a bit of a surprise. Is it because Blueblood is out of the hospital?"

Octavia's demeanor faltered for a second before she turned to me with another smile and said, "Yes, he is, but that's not why I'm so happy."

"It's not?" I asked puzzled. "Then why are you so happy?"

"It's a secret," Octavia answered.

"A secret?" I asked. "Can't you tell me what it is?"

Octavia looked away from me and hummed in thought, and said with a wink, "We'll see."

I stared at her, more confused than before. I reluctantly let it be while we walked in silence again. I felt better knowing that her happiness didn't have to do with Blueblood, but I still wanted to find out what's going on. Then, as we were about to turn to a corner, Octavia stepped in front of me, her hands behind her back.

"Rough Draft, do you need to be home straight away?" She asked.

"Uh, no. I just need to be home by seven, which is usually when my parents and I have dinner," I answered.