Chapter 3

The introduction week flew by. Abigail and Michaela became friends, and they often met the other girls. It seemed as if it had never been different, as if Michaela had been there right from the start. Even though Michaela was the last one joining their group, it didn't keep the others from talking about everything or everyone. This way she learned that Grace, Abigail and Myra had been friends for a long time. They grew up together. They had met Dorothy during their first year at high school, when she had moved there because her father had hit her mother. Conversations about that where a heavy topic but Michaela felt honored that she was welcome to share them. She herself wasn't the one to talk that much about her personal life. Of course she talked about her family but some thoughts should be left private.

Another topic that was discussed often where boys. Myra and Dorothy were still single, Grace had a boyfriend called Robert E. Michaela had seen him a few times during introduction week and at the café. He seemed to be a kind boy and they looked very much in love. And then there was Sully. Abby talked about him like he was the best thing man ever created. Michaela didn't understand it, he never texted or called and they hadn't met last week. If they were a couple, he would want to be with her every day, wouldn't he?

Her friends didn't tell Abigail that this Sully wasn't worth all the fuzz, so Michaela didn't want to give her opinion yet.

As much as Michaela loved to hang out with the girls, she also loved to have some time alone. For that, she had found a quiet place in the park. It was under a large oak. The tree gave her the feeling as if it protected her. She felt at peace there.

Today she wanted to get a head start on some classes. Looking trough her already taken notes, a gust of wind blew away a piece of paper. She ran after it but didn't see the rock and tripped.

"Are ya ok?" a male voice came from behind her.

She was startled but sat upright and rubbed her knee. He held out his hand to her. When she looked up, she saw a handsome boy with the most handsome face she'd ever seen before. These eyes…

She couldn't speak. She took his hand, and while she was trying to stand she almost fell again. Because her knee hurt, she hadn't noticed that she'd strained her ankle, too. Luckily, the boy took her by the waist and held her close. They were so close that she could feel his breath on her neck which caused a tingle inside of her. Quickly she dismissed this feeling.

"Maybe I should sit down for a moment."

"Sorry, of course." He helped her walk to the tree trunk and kneeled down before her, slowly pulling up her jeans a bit.

"Doesn't look that bad," he said.

Michaela, still a bit dazed because this strange boy was touching her, shook her head. "No, it doesn't. I have an ointment with me which would help lessen the swelling."

"Good," the boy looked at her closely. He'd never seen such a beautiful girl before. Her eyes were stunning and her hair hang in a half ponytail behind her back, it was so long, he'd never seen anything like it.

She found the ointment and saw him staring at her.

"What, do I have something on my face?"

"Uhm no," he shyly looked away.

"Do you have a whole emergency kit in that bag?" he asked.

Opening the ointment, she laughed. "My father gave it to me when I moved here. He's a doctor."

"Ah, that explains it," he smiled. "Here let me help you."

"That's not necessary. I'm perfectly capable in doing this alone." She tried to get to her ankle but her knee hurt.

"There is no shame in letting people help you now and then."

She gave in. "I'm not used to having a boy at my feet," she laughed. "There is always a first for everything," he winked.

While slowly applying the ointment to her ankle, he looked up at her and saw her blushing.

"Thank you," she said quietly.
"What brings you out here?" he asked.

"The quietness and the view," she replied, looking at Pikes Peak.

"I know what you mean. I love this spot; not many people know it. It's just a ten minute walk from the place where I work. I come here often on my break."

"Where do you work?"

"At the rehabilitation center."

She eyed him, "That's interesting. Can they use more people? I don't mind doing volunteer work. It will be good for my study."

"I'm going there Friday afternoon, maybe you can come by and I'll introduce you."

"That would be excellent."

"Now, lets see if this ointment did its magic." Sully stood and reached out his hand.

Michaela took it and slowly tried to stand on her foot.

"Put some more pressure on it, how does it feel?"

"Better, I guess."

"Try walking, I'll be next to you. The ointment does help," he smiled, "you are doing well."

At this moment his cell phone rang. "Hello? Yes, I'll be there in ten minutes. Geez, don't call me Byron," he rolled his eyes.

Michaela giggled, "Byron… like Lord Byron."

She looked away to hide her grin. He closed his phone and looked at her. "Sorry, but I'm running late. Can I have your phone number? Then I'll call you about Friday."

"Sure," she nodded.

They exchanged numbers and said goodbye. While walking away she was watching him. He truly was a handsome one. She blushed at her thoughts. He turned around and her cheeks became even more red.

"I don't know your name," he called back at her.

"It's Michaela."