Inseparable
Gia shifted nervously in her seat as the door to the vice principal’s office opened and someone came in. Unlike the last two times, this was not some middle aged secretary with judging eyes and a false smile, this was a beautiful girl with black hair that had been French braided and a tentative smile.
“Emma,” Mr. Nichols said, “come in, come in. You’re just the young lady I needed to see.”
“Sir?” Emma asked.
“Emma, this is Gia Moran, a new student. I understand that it’s your turn to be the student guide.”
Emma glanced at Gia, then turned back to Mr. Nichols, “Are you sure that’s wise, sir?”
“I know you’ve had some trouble,” Mr. Nichols said, frowning, “but I thought it had stopped?”
Emma shrugged, “Just stupid people repeating things they don’t understand told to them by people who should know better. I’ve kept Mr. Bradley informed.”
“All right,” Mr. Nichols said, “and yes, Emma, I’m sure I want you to show Ms. Moran around school. As luck would have it, you have many shared classes this semester, which should make it easier on you both.” He picked up a blue folder and offered it to Gia, “Here is your schedule, map, and all the rest of the paperwork they insist a new student must receive. Remember, we do recycle at this school, and the paper recycling bins are located at several points around the school.”
“Of course, Mr. Nichols,” Gia said as she took the folder, “thank you sir.”
Emma glanced at Gia again before heading back out of the office. “You’ll have to excuse Emma,” Mr. Nichols said softly, “she’s had a difficult year.”
“I’ll remember that,” Gia said as she stood up and slung her backpack over her shoulder before hurrying to catch up to her guide. Emma was waiting in the hallway, arms crossed and glaring at a small group of boys in letterman jackets. Gia glanced at them curiously before turning back to Gia, trying to think of something she could say.
“Hey, bike! Got a new toy there?” One of the boys shouted.
Emma huffed, put her hand around Gia’s elbow and tugged her down the hall. Gia glanced at the snickering boys, who were now heading into one of the other offices. “Did he just call you a bike?” Gia asked finally, glancing at her companion.
Emma looked over her shoulder, “Honestly, I wouldn’t be at all surprised.” Then she stopped short. “Wait, what?”
“What?” Gia asked.
“Did you just…” Emma hesitated, then started yanking on her sleeve.
“Did I?” Gia began, then realized why Emma was pulling up the sleeve of her soft, pink cardigan. She slid her backpack off, then her jacket, holding her arm out at the same time as Emma did the same. Gia touched the words on Emma’s arm with her thumb, gently, awed at the sight of proof.
“Someone saw it,” Emma whispered. “I guess they misread it or something.” She ran a shaking hand down Gia’s arm.
Gia reached out to cup Emma’s face with gentle fingers, “You aren’t alone now, Emma. If I have my way, you’ll never be alone again.” She leaned over and gave her soul mate a gentle kiss.