Melody
I love the way rain gives to sunshine after a storm. The way the gloom recedes and the world feels warmer. Not to say I don’t like the rain, I think storms have a beauty of their own. I like to sit at my bedroom window and watch the raindrops fall down the pane of glass and listen to the pitter-patter of the drops hitting the roof.
Everyday I like to find a reason for sunshine to glean through the dark dreary clouds of life. Often it comes in the form of a smile or a wave, or my best friend Liza. When I’m at home, my little sister and mom make life better.
Recently though, there’s been a new sunshine in my life.
I walk into my english class and smile at Ms. Bridgers.
“Hello Melody” she says, “How was your weekend?” Ms. Bridgers is 6 foot something with honey blonde hair she keeps in a knot at the back of her head and a hint of a southern accent.
Although Ms. Bridgers is one of the brightest souls I’ve ever met, she’s not the sunshine I’m talking about.
I shrug and give her a smile, “Just the usual I guess. I made this new painting though, would you like to see?”
“Of course honey,” She looks at the photo I pull up on my phone of a painted sunflower. “Why, this is gorgeous!” She beams and I beam right back.
English is definitely my favorite class of the day, art being a close second. Both classes have something in common: Rue Weaver. She has a short black wolf cut, chunky Doc Martens that I’ve only seen her switch out for black Converse and a look that could kill. She definitely doesn’t seem like someone to brighten up a day, and I don’t know why she brightens mine. She occupies the corners of my mind and I don't mind her being there. I don't tell anyone and admire from afar. That is until today.
“We are changing seats today. Look at the board to see where you are.” Ms. Bridgers announces after the bell rings. Previously I sat right by Ms. Bridgers at the front of the classroom where we could easily chat, now I’m getting moved to the back left right by the window and my desk partner is…
The color drains from my face as I look over to see Rue placing her bag down in the seat next to mine. I look at Ms. Bridgers. She was grinning from ear to ear at me. I gave her a weak smile. I bet she thought she was doing me a favor, but my stomach was swarming with butterflies. Rue was supposed to be someone I could admire from afar, but not have to actually talk to. Although, I admit, it’d be nice.
I slowly walk over to my new seat and shakily sit down. I really want to look at her but I’m scared I might spontaneously combust, which would be very messy and inconvenient for everyone involved including me. Not to mention extremely embarrassing.
I hear a voice to my right, “Melody right?” Rue is looking thoughtfully at me with deep brown eyes. Strange, they’re a warmer brown in the sunlight from the window than in regular light where they look black. I get so caught up in my thoughts I almost forget she asked me a question. I nod slowly. She nods back and looks back to the front of the classroom.
I exhale shakily. It’s going to be a long class period.