Darling, you'll be okay

Monday. Tristan would be getting out of ISS today. Maybe I could talk to him, at least thank him for standing up for me.

I was walking down the hall, debating what I would say to him if I did see him, when an angel's voice called to me. "Lena, wait up!"

I turned around and was face-to-face with Tristan. He beamed at me, smiling his beautiful smile. Oh. My knees felt weak. I self consciously tugged at my sleeves, making sure my scars were hidden.

"Hi," I mumbled, "um thanks for standing up for me." I sound like an idiot. My palms began to sweat, my heart beat uncontrollably.

"Anytime," he smirked. Please, stop being perfect.

I thought about a way to keep the conversation going, to keep him here, with me. Then it hit me. "Since you're new, would you like me to show you around the school?" Good excuse, right?

His face brightened and beamed. "I'd love that."

I checked his schedule. It turned out that we had first and third period together. Despite the long weekend, with no technology to occupy my time, I was in a good mood. He made me feel happier. A shit ton happier.

As I showed him the path to all of his classes, we made small talk.

"Why did you move here?" I asked.

"My Dad had to transfer here because of his job. He was promoted but that required him to move states." He looked overall content, but I could see a faint sadness that touched his eyes.

"Do you like it here?" I hoped I didn't look too hopeful. He wasn't here for me, after all.

"I've met a few nice people," he averted his eyes to me and smirked.

"I'm glad," I smiled sweetly. Why couldn't I ever think of anything smarter to say?
He thinks I'm an idiot. I'm just the welcoming committee...

"This is our first period class," I said, pointing to a small, literature classroom. We took our seats, he sat next to me.

I felt something that felt like electricity, the air was charged between us. My skin prickled, and my stomach turned. Is this what it feels like to have strong feelings for someone?

All was well, until the most popular and beautiful girl in school approached. "Hi, I'm Holly. And you're Tristan, I presume?"

He smiled and said his hellos. They chatted for a good 20 minutes.

I was down on myself throughout the day. He's smitten by Holly, she's way prettier. Give up. You never had a chance. You're stupid to even think for a minute that you had a chance.

It wasn't until third block that my spirits lifted. As the bell rang, Tristan slipped me a piece of paper.
It had a phone number on it.

He winked at me as he exited the room.

Below the number was a small note.

Meet me outside, in the courtyard, after school.

Notes