Danny didn't even ask Elizabeth how this time.

Once again. Right after lunch. When it happened. Geometry class hadn't even officially begun. And yet.

The look on his face probably said it considering how her mouth quirked up.

"No. No, I wasn't holding back about joining cross country because of open enrollment rules. Or to avoid bothering your parents. And no, I wasn't on a team back home. I just...wanted to improve my running speed and endurance."

Because of reasons.

And he found it was kind of relaxing. Well, in a way, it was relaxing. Pushing himself, the company of Arly wagging along, and then the scenery and peace of that little creek.

Danny frowned, trying to place it. Not relaxing, but something...looser? Things loosened and lessened?

Shrugging it off, he shook his head.

"I'm not looking to join any teams."

Teams meant team comradery.

No thank you.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "I figured that much. But there's a coach and other kids to measure yourself against. Not many out for cross country, but there's...nine guys. Jesse made it to state last year. It's not like track and field with some group events. Everyone runs at their own pace during practice. Some of the girls don't though..."

Danny frowned. "Why does it sound like you're trying to talk me into it?"

She blinked guilelessly. "Because I am."

Then, biting her lip uncertainly, Elizabeth took in a large breath. And continued.

"Unless you want my mom to get around to talking to you and doing something by this weekend about your avoidance of making friends or being part of any group. I figure cross country still lets you do that while technically part of a group. And the guys from the cross country team will be asking you anyway."

He stared. Mouth hovering open. Danny knew she'd picked up a bit more with him from before, but. This was alarming.

"How did you..."

Elizabeth let out a loud huff, fidgeting in her seat. "You didn't see me in middle school. And I'm still... Look. I'm observant of other people and getting to the heart of the issue. And ugh. Known for it too. Alex, a senior who graduated last year, best friends with our cousin Scott, we get along, but well, I'm pretty sure he started the whole thing."

She pulled a face. "You have no idea how freaked out I was as a freshman last year when seniors began invading my morning reading area to talk about their problems to me."

Danny blinked, eyes wide at her griping. And what she'd informed him of. Observant. Apparently helped people with their problems.

"You don't...you don't talk to your parents about, about me, do you?"

Startled, she shook her head.

"That's your business. All I've said about how you're doing is that you're friendly to people. That you haven't made any friends yet, but that that's completely understandable as to why you haven't and don't want to. Yet. No one that I've talked to really holds it against you."

Elizabeth shrugged up a shoulder. "Make them worry less. That's all. Promise. Even if what you're doing isn't good for you at all. Especially in the long run. With who you are as a person, I mean."

"Who..." Panicked, Danny stuttered. "What. What do you mean?"

"You're a..." Elizabeth paused, eyebrows furrowing down slightly as she attempted to find words. "I see you as a people person. Compassionate, kind, and gallant. It's who you are. To me. Cutting yourself off from the world is understandable, sure, but you need people."

Danny stared.

An odd look crossed her face and she glanced down at her desk. "At least, that's my opinion and suggestion. What I think. What you do is up to you. Don't have to listen to me," she muttered. "Geometry is about to start."

Danny stared. Felt...striped down and shocked and wanted to hide yet could not move. He kept staring at her as Elizabeth organized her things and prepared for class, eyes intent on that, refusing to peek back over at him.

"Is it an older sister thing?" He breathed out.

Staring.

Elizabeth turned. Confusion clear on her brow. "What?"

"Nothing."

Bring back word travel speed again for this school. And then, at the end, I looked up and went awwwww!