Chapter 25: I Receive a Confession

-January 20th, Monday-

Today was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so there was no class. Manuel and I were creating characters for Werewolf: The Forsaken when Bob suddenly announced, "Today is a good day to practice!"

We looked up from our character sheets. Manuel asked, "Practice what?"

"My singing!"

"I didn't know you could sing." I said.

"I don't, but the drama club's next play is a musical. On March, we will be performing The Small Place of Purchase of Frightening Things."

"Long title. What is it about?"

"It is about an antique store clerk that opens a cursed box. He accidentally unleashes a demon that proceeds to possess his potted daisy and unleash a curse on the store. I play the role of the evil optometrist that wants to steal the clerk's girlfriend away."

"That story sounds silly, yet suspiciously familiar."

"It's a musical horror-comedy, so of course it's going to be silly. Now, unlike my practicing for Medea, I will need privacy."

Manuel looked at me and suggested, "We could go for a walk."

"Sure."

We put on our winter clothes and left the room.

Though it was not snowing, there was still snow on the ground. As we walked around the courtyard, Manuel said, "It's still chilly out here, but I love the fresh air."

I took a deep breath of air through my nose and said, "Yeah."

"I-I really like the walks we take."

"How come?"

"I love seeing the outdoors and being a part of it, but it can get pretty lonely…you know?"

I never really took notice of it before, but aside from a few birds chirping, it was very quiet outside. I could see how one could get lonely out here. Manuel looked at the snow covered flowerbeds and said, "I can't wait for spring to arrive."

"Is that your favorite season?" I asked.

"Yes. It's when everything stirs and life repeats itself."

"Life…repeats itself?"

"The cycle of life. Flowers bloom, trees grow leaves, and animals are out and about. Everything begins again when spring comes."

"True."

I could tell from the way he spoke that Manuel was close to nature. Then again, it might be because he was a Wulver. He asked, "What about you, Adrian? Do you like spring?"

"I do," I nodded, "but I'm really looking forward to summer. Um, Iris has summer vacation, right?"

"Yes."

"Then I really can't wait for summer vacation."

Manuel smiled, and seeing him do that made me smile too.

-January 23rd, Thursday-

I had just left Red magic class and was on my way to the cafeteria when I heard a familiar voice call out, "Adrian."

I turned around and saw Damien. Instead of being his usual composed self, he looked nervous. I asked, "What's wrong, Damien?"

"I-I'm sorry." He said. "I've been waiting for a chance to talk to you. I…can we go somewhere more private?"

Now I was worried. "Damien, did something happen?"

"No—well, just come with me, please."

He led me to an empty classroom. He closed the door and turned to face me. I said, "Okay, what's going on?"

Without looking at me, he said, "T-this is hard for me. You can't imagine…you don't know…" He let out a frustrated sigh. "I thought it would be easy, but it's not."

"What's not easy?"

"Adrian, I…I thought that it would be enough if we were friends, but I can't take it anymore."

"Damien?"

He finally looked at me. I was surprised to see that he was blushing. "Adrian, I want you."

"Huh?!"

"I want to be with you. I want to see you smile, to hold your hand and touch your lips and…"

I started to feel dizzy. I placed a hand on my forehead and felt myself burning up. I had to be dreaming…

Is he really saying…does he really feel…?

"Adrian?"

"Damien," I croaked, "do…do you really mean it?"

"I do."

"I…" I shook my head. "I'm sorry, no one's ever…ever…"

"Confessed to you?"

"Yeah."

"If you would give me the chance, I would like to take you out on Saturday."

"You mean a d-date?"

"Yes."

He's asking me out! He's really asking me out!

I rapidly nodded my head. Damien smiled and said, "I'm glad I've finally worked up the courage to talk to you. I'll see you at the mall this Saturday."

I nodded again. We left the classroom and parted ways. I was too excited to have lunch, so I went back to my room, hoping to have some time to myself. Outside the door, I could hear Wally singing.

"Orbs of the soul!" He sang. "Full of light, full of life, full of glamor, full of humor, nothing shows more than eyes! Even in this pickle jar nothing can mar these orbs of the soul!"

What odd lyrics. Oh well, so much for having the room to myself.

I leaned against a nearby wall and slid down until I was sitting. Now was a good time to process everything that had just happened.

Damien…asked me out. This Saturday—oh god, what are we going to do at the mall? Will we eat lunch again? Browse the stores? Have cake—wait, Wally's going to throw a fit if he finds out I'm actually dating Damien.

"Adrian?"

I looked up and saw Manuel standing next to me. He said, "Your face is red. Are you alright?"

It might be fine to tell Manuel.

"Yeah, it's just, well," I gave a silly grin, "Damien…asked me out."

Manuel's eyes widened. "Asked you out? Y-you mean you're dating now?"

"I guess. I know he said he was interested in me, and I, well, like him, but to actually hear him say…" My grin stretched.

"Th-that's great, Adrian. I-I'm glad to see you so happy." He looked towards the door. "Um, I know he's practicing, but I need to get something."

He unlocked the door and walked in. My stomach growled. Having gotten rid of some of that excitement, my appetite had returned. I stood up and made my way to the cafeteria.

I took my time walking there, since I was in a good mood. The grin would not leave my face, so I was sure everyone knew what my mood was. I heard someone running behind me and I turned around to see who it was.

A fist struck me across the jaw and I nearly lost my balance. I stared at the one who had punched me: Bartholomew. He looked angry, just like at the night Medea played. My good mood was instantly soured.

"What the hell?!" I shouted.

Some students stopped to see what was going on. Bartholomew snarled, "So now you're dating him? I told you it was never 'just friends' with him."

"He has nothing to do with you!"

"Me? You think this is about me? Idiot. I've stopped caring since the first fight."

"Then why the hell did you punch me?!"

"Because you don't deserve him. I'm done talking to you."

He turned around and stormed off. I shouted, "What's that supposed to mean?!"

He ignored me. In a single minute, I had gone from happy to angry. I wanted to tackle him and beat the answers out of him, but I did not want to attract a crowd and get detention again, especially since I had a date with Damien this Saturday. I tried to cheer myself up.

You've got a date with Damien…a date…yeah, I can't wait.

Next time, unwanted company.

I don't see a career in songwriting in my future.

It's been some time since I worked on this. I have thought things through, but it's going to take some motivation on my part to write the rest of it.