Chapter Three

At first, he didn't see her. He wasn't thinking about anything in particular, so he couldn't blame his ignorance on that, yet...he'd just grown used to being ignored, and to ignoring in return. In any case, he wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting there when she finally decided to pinch him on the arm. And, he noted with a grimace, she was strong!

They sat, staring and silent, until after several minutes the girl opened her mouth to speak. He prepared himself, wondering what kind of insults she was planning to throw at him.

"You all right?"

He was confused. Was this girl joking? She looked serious, but then...the mocking laughter normally came later anyway, after he'd made a fool of himself. He decided it would be safer not to answer.

"Hey," the girl smiled a little sympathetically, "I said, you all right?"

None of the usual taunters would smile like that. He nodded. "Yeah, absolutely great. I love my life. Don't you?"

The girl laughed. "Yeah, I absolutely love living on this complete dump of a planet. Wouldn't dream of living anywhere else, frankly."

He risked a smile in return. He tried not to feel too wary, but...how could he know that she wasn't just another one of them? She looked like them; maybe prettier and more healthy looking...but she had the blonde hair. Rather wild and unkempt hair, but blonde all the same.

"Why are you talking to me?" He wanted to know.

For a split second he saw an offended shadow cross the girl's face, but it was gone before he had time to regret his sharpness.

"What do you think?" she grinned, "You're different. Interesting...you're like me!"

"I'm like you?" he repeated, dubiously.

""Yeah...you're like me. You can't dance-" She ignored his stricken look, "You don't do computers, you don't have any friends...you're not obsessed with yourself," she continued, "Or, at least, I hope not!"

"It's like you know me...!" The girl had his attention now.

"Of course I do! And I'm sure you could get to know me to if-"

Then, as a digital clock bleeped the hour, there was a disappointed groan as every computer was switched off, and hundreds of Ga Ga kids tore themselves away from their blank screens and filed from the hall. White-clothed bodied slammed their way past the two insignificant individuals, making no effort to avoid painful contact with their heads and shoulders in the process. The girl gave an irritated sigh and forced her way to her feet.

"I'll find you again soon. Shouldn't be too difficult...I'll just look for the best-looking guy in the school!"

She left with the throng, yet not as a part of it.

He remained, staring stupidly at the empty chair beside him, flattered, excited, anticipating.