Collaborators

Rider and I slowly approach my house.

"Thanks for walking with me." I stop to thank him.

He smiles and shrugs. "No problem, um.... Natasha.. right?"

I nod smiling. "Yep."

"Well, its nice getting to meet you, honestly you do not act anything like a Shadow." He says meeting my gaze.

I chuckle shrugging. "I'm not sure that I'll ever fit in with the other Shadows...."

He tilts his head confused. "You want to? Because if you do... I can...."

I jump back suddenly. "Um... uh.. I'm not sure." I say honestly brushing some stray strands off hair away from my face.

He looks more confused. "Well, yeah... um okay.. see you at the school convention tonight." He starts to walk away.

"Wait !" I shout. He jerks around. "What-----" His eyes widen confused.

"School convention?" I take a step forward.

He shrugs. "Yeah... wait... didn't you know?" His face is even more confused.

I shake my head. "I'm new so that's probably why..."

He nods. "Tonight their planning a convention at the school, basically where all of the classes come together, make projects, play games, and just in general have fun."

I nod though not completely understand. "And when... is this?"

He looks down at his watch. "Around 5:30ish..."

"Oh, ok.."

"Will you be attending?" He looks up at me now.

I just shrug. "Uh... I don't know," I clasp my hands in front of me nervously.

"Well, if you do that's when to come, so yeah.. I got to go, cya tonight?" He turns around.

"Um..."

"Yes?"

"Alright." I finally nod.

I can't help, but catch his grin. "Great ! Cya." Then he hurries away.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm out in the park, walking with Ender. I hold his hand, smiling. It feels good. I'm better, now... But the thought of Natasha still casts a shadow on my usual happiness. Dang it ! Why can't I just concentrate and enjoy myself a little ? I've been thinking too much about this, lately... If she doesn't want to be my friend, that's all there is to it... Yet... I felt something, with her... She was nice, and I think we were pretty close, even though we didn't knew each other for that long...

"Arian ? You daydreaming ?"

I gasp and turn to Ender.

"N.. no, not at all ! I was just... thinking about the school convention."

"Oh, yeah... That should be fun !"

"As long as we stay away from Shadow Zibonzi, that is..." I chuckle.

"Right. If he bothers you, I'll help you out." He says, smiling.

I smile back and kiss him on the cheek.

"Thanks, oh my knight in shining armor."

Ender chuckles. "Come on, stop it already ! I'm no knight..."

We both laugh and continue walking. Then, I decide I really should tell him what's going on with me. It'd be better.

"Ender... There's something I should tell you..."

"Hm ? What is it ?"

"I... had this friend, you see ? Natasha, from the Shadow Class... And... She just... Said we shouldn't be friends anymore. All of a sudden."

"What ? But..."

"I don't know why. It's making me a little upset..."

"I see... Well, I'll make my best so you'll feel better !"

I smile. Anytime, I can count on him to help me out.

* * * * * * * *