Strings of Fate

6th String: Busted

I smiled at her. "Don't worry. He's trustworthy. He's been my friend for years. He won't do anything like what Clark did."

She glared at me. "If he does it I will not hesitate to push you off a cliff."

I stared at her for a while then laughed. Did she really think he would do that? He couldn't even bring himself to imagine it! The guy was scared of her! He wouldn't even have the chance to talk to Natalie if I hadn't called her over. I wiped my tears (of joy) from my face and grinned at her. "He wouldn't dare."

She huffed and said distrustfully, "Fine." She looked at Armand and awkwardly scratched her forehead. It must have looked unladylike to others, but when she was the one who does it, it just looks adorable. Plus the way her cheeks blush up a light shade of pink... I bet everyone would agree with me. She looked up at him and warily bit her lip as she spoke. "Um...hi?" I rolled my eyes at her shyness. Seriously, could this girl get any more awkward? She's making things hard when it really isn't! I nudged her and nodded towards Armand's direction. He nodded back and smiled as he extended his hand, attempting a handshake. "Hello, Natalie, I'm Armand. You can call me Andy if you want. I just wanted to talk to you so we could be friends."

Natalie smiled back and shook his hand. Her mood visibly plummeted. Her eyes were practically sparkling, and I knew then that she was starting to ease up. I felt something in the back of my head, but it disappeared all too suddenly before I could even know what it was. I watched as Armand and Natalie talked, and realized that they were now talking with Alexandria Joshen. They all had those bright, smiling expressions, and I tried to smile too, but I think it ended up a grimace. Thankfully, they were facing the other way and didn't see it. Because they probably would ask the reason behind it, and I surely would not have answered. Because I really didn't know why.

All I knew was that I wasn't happy about this situation. I didn't even know why.

"Hey! Lee---ooonnnn!!!"

Natalie's voice snapped me out of my reverie. I looked at her and said, "Why?"

She pouted. "Goodness, that was the fifth time I called your name! What's up with you lately? You've been like that since Monday."

I shook my head and forced a smile. "Nah. I'm okay. Let's just eat lunch together! I'm starving!"

She looked at me warily and she frowned. I kind of hoped that she'll just agree. I didn't want to talk about this now. Because I didn't even know why or how I'm feeling like this. I just didn't feel like... You know, talking about things that upset me. She just bit her lip and nodded, pulling me by the wrist as she walked to where Alexandria and Armand were. "Just eat, okay? Maybe it'll make you feel better..."

I smiled at her and did a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am!"

She giggled and said, "Guess you're feeling all better now, huh?"

My smile grew wider, if that was even possible. "Yeah..." Because of you..

*--*

×Natalie's POV×

Whatever he says, I could definitely see through that jolly mask of his.

He was sad and somewhat...hurt. I could see it in Leonel's eyes, even at the way he moved, smiled and spoke. His voice was kind of strained, and his smiles were forced. Fake. I don't know why... I wished I did. I hate being pushed in the sidelines when someone I care for is going through something. I want to help...but how would I do it if I don't even know what his problem is? He was happy just a while ago, and now, this? Was he bipolar? Or is he actually a late bloomer and is still going through puberty? Nah... That's absurd. He's 16. We're the same age. No one goes through puberty this late. And besides, his voice isn't cracking or anything. Normal. Just... Strange.