Chapter Four
It had been a week since Joan had started at her new school. She had notice that not many people had tried to make her acquaintance; some giggled as she limped by, but nothing more than that. Joan thought it best not to confront them when they laughed at her. She didn't want a repeat of the incident that gave her the injury in the first place. Joan wasn't too bothered by her lack of acquaintances because at least she had one friend.
Everyday Sherlock waited for Joan to get into a cab with her and spend the afternoon studying at the Holmes' flat. Mostly they just studied. They never anything that Joan considered typical of teenage girls. No talk of boys, no gossip, and no mention of popular culture. Joan knew that Sherlock Holmes was no ordinary girl, but she didn't mind. Sherlock was interesting and Joan enjoyed her company.
Joan noticed that like herself Sherlock was left alone by the other students. It was safe to assume that this was because every time one of their classmates opened their mouths Sherlock was quick to insult their intelligence. She never did this to Joan though. She didn't understand this, but she wasn't complaining. Joan figured it was better to have one good friend (no matter how idiosyncratic) than many ill acquaintances.
Joan had been recovering rather quickly. Her injury wasn't too bad, it wasn't broken or fractured, but she still wasn't able to walk at her usual brisk pace. She was sick with a bad cold. This combined with her injury made Joan feel quite under the weather. Because of this Joan's father allowed her to stay home from school.
She was resting on her bed re-reading a J. R. R. Tolkien books when she heard a knocking on her door. "Come in." She was puzzled as to who it could be. Her sister, Harry, never knocks, and her father was off at work. Sherlock? Joan thought.
"Um, hello. Your sister let me in." It was a boy with light reddish-brown hair wearing a St. Bart's uniform. "My name's Oliver. Oliver Hooper, but most everyone calls me Ollie. I'm in your physiology course. I was asked to bring over your homework."
"Oh, thank you." He took out the homework from his shoulder bag and stood there awkwardly in the doorway.
"You can sit down if you want" Joan motioned toward the chair at her desk.
"Thanks" Ollie smiled pulling out the chair and sitting down. "So, how do you like St. Bart's so far?"
"It's alright, I suppose. I'm still getting adjusted to everything."
"Oh, right because…"
"Because of what?" Joan asked. Ollie nodded his head toward Joan's leg. "Oh, yeah, that."
"How'd it happen?" Joan didn't look at Ollie. Her eyes remained fixated on her injury. "That is, if you don't mind me asking."
Joan was brought back, "I'm sorry, but I'd rather not talk about it."
"I'm sorry" He replied nervously.
"It's alright, really."
"Well, if you ever need help with our class I'm your guy!" He smiled "Or if you ever need a friend to talk to…" Ollie rose from his seat to leave "Speaking of which, you're friends with Sherlock Holmes right?"
"Yes, I am."
"She's great isn't she?"
"Yes," Joan said "but she's a bit…"
"Odd" they both said simultaneously. The two let out a chuckle.
"Um, are you and her…" He started.
"Are we what?"
"You know…" For a moment Joan was confused as to what Ollie meant then it hit her.
"Oh, no. No, we're not…We're just friends." She could feel her face flush. "Besides I've only know her for a week." What did I mean by that? thought Joan.
"Okay, do you know if she's with anyone?" Ollie kept his eyes glued to the ground. She could saw that he was embarrassed and couldn't help but to feel embarrassed too.
"No, I don't think she's the dating type." Joan wasn't sure what to say and it seemed that Ollie didn't either so the two stayed silent for a moment.
"Well, I hope you feel better" Ollie finally said.
"Thank you. And thanks for dropping by with my work."
"You're welcome. I'm sorry if I was forward. I don't do this very often."
Joan smiled, "Me neither. It was nice to meet you Ollie Hooper."
Ollie relaxed, smiled back, and shook Joan's hand, "Like wise Joan Watson. I'll see you at school!"
After Ollie left Joan lied in silence with only her thoughts. Ollie seemed nice. He was a bit awkward, but Joan could see herself becoming friends with him. She thought it was strange that he fancied Sherlock though, since no one in their class seemed to like Sherlock. What was even stranger was her reaction to his question about Joan and Sherlock dating. Why did she blush and get so frazzled?
Joan had never been particularly interested in boys or girls, but there was no denying that Sherlock was beautiful and a very interesting person. Joan had never quite thought about being romantically involved with anyone until now. Well, Joan thought, I guess I can just sleep on all this. She closed her eyes and took a long, deep breath.
