Chapter Four: Forgiveness

The clouds in the sky grouped together thickly, threatening to rain on the school below. The teens on the ground huddled together in their own groups; talking, laughing.

There was Zephyr Adams, sitting on the bench and making some joke to the many admirers of his. As he reached the punchline, everyone doubled up with laughter. Zephyr was smiling his irresistible grin. Then he changed. He glanced around the school yard and sighed sadly.

Safe inside the library, Markiel watched him through the window. As the boy looked around, Markiel ducked, hiding behind a book on knitting which was upside down. He didn't want Zephyr seeing him; he didn't want anything to with him... Yet... Why can't I get him out of my head? he thought grumpily, lowering the book and resting his head in his hands. He massaged his temple, trying not to think about him more.

To distract himself, he thought about the up-and-coming English assignment: speeches. Usually he would write the speech out and have it marked by the teacher and that was fine. But this year was different, the speeches were being marked on presentation. Markiel had to choose to fail or get someone else to do it for him. This worried him because he didn't think he could trust someone else to do it right, but he didn't want to fail either. Worrying about this took his mind off Zephyr so effectively that when he walked into the library, Markiel didn't even hide. Walking straight to Markiel, Zephyr asked him,

"Why didn't you come hang out with me? I was waiting for you."

Markiel didn't reply, his mind working like clockwork, trying to think of something to write. He didn't want to hang out with the teen because he played games with him; confusing, unfair games. Then again, he didn't want to hurt his feelings. He grimaced at Zephyr, his head beginning to hurt.

"Is this because of last night?"

Markiel looked away, not wanting to look Zephyr in the eye. He knew that he liked the kiss. He loved it... He loved Zephyr deeply... He just didn't like how he treated him. He felt tears heating the corner of his eyes as he became frustrated.

"Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't of led you on like that, and then just leave. I was scared and nervous, OK?" Zephyr tried to explain. He knelt before Markiel and put his hands on his lap. "I'm really sorry. Let's start again, OK?" Markiel glanced at him to see that he was close to tears as well. He smiled and nodded slowly.

"We'll go out. To dinner," Zephyr proclaimed, standing up again. Markiel felt excitement build up inside. He wrote on a spare bit of paper:

"You mean, like a date?!"

Zephyr chuckled and nodded, smiling his irresistible smile. "I knew you'd like that!" he laughed, ruffling his hair.

"So... You're gay?" Markiel wrote, his heart beating in his throat. Zephyr grimaced, glancing around the room. He took the paper and screwed it up, throwing it into the bin.

Answering Markiel's questioning stare, Zephyr whispered quickly, "I don't know... I like you... But..." He flushed and dodged glances around the room again.

Markiel felt hurt, but he understood. Zephyr didn't want people to think that he was gay. If that happened, he'd lose his popularity, his friends and respect. Even though this was very selfish of him, Markiel smiled.

He said he likes me! I can't believe this is happening to me of all people... I'm so happy, he thought excitedly.

"So where are we going for dinner? Do I need money? When? What time? How will I get there?" he wrote messily on another bit of paper. Zephyr was laughing as he deciphered the writing.

"Um... How about after school at 7? We'll go to the smorgasbord down Berry Alley... They've got some nice food there, and it's a reasonable price for students. You don't need money, I asked you out, so I'll pay for you as well. And I'll pick you up in my car," Zephyr answered as the bell rung, signalling the end of lunch.

Markiel smiled in agreement, nodding while trying to remember everything he had just said. He's paying for me! And he has a car! He's picking me up and dropping me back home! he thought. 'He must really like me!'

"All good? Good. I've got to go, I've got a biology test now," Zephyr said, picking up his bag and rushing off, stopping to wave merrily at Markiel.

*Here's Markiel's profile:
FULL NAME: Markiel Sommers

AGE: 16

EYE COLOUR: Black

HAIR COLOUR: Black

FAMILY: Lives with mum. Dad lives elsewhere. Only child.
PERSONALITY: Is easily flustered and is hard-headed. An average student that works hard. Very loyal and trusting.
FUN FACT: Doesn't mind wearing female clothing.