The Distance Between Us

Chapter One

My motorcycle hates mornings almost as much as I do. I glare at it as I swing my leg over the seat, helmet tucked under my arm. The engine gives me a low, grumpy rumble, like it's judging my life choices.

"Don't start with me," I mutter, twisting the key.

It roars to life anyway.

Good. We're on speaking terms today.

The ride to school is the only time my brain shuts up. Wind in my ears. Road beneath my tires. No expectations. No small talk. Just me and the steady hum of something that actually listens when I tell it what to do. Well, sometimes.

People stare when I pull into the student lot. They always do. Apparently riding a motorcycle instead of a beat-up sedan is a personality trait now. I cut the engine, kick the stand down, and peel my helmet off, shaking out my hair.

Right on cue I hear footsteps running up behind me

"Ari! WAIT!"

I don't stop walking. 

Sylvia jogs up beside me anyway, out of breath, clutching her bag like she's just survived a marathon. "You walk like you're being chased."

"Maybe I am," I say. "By responsibilities. Or just- you know- YOU."

She snorts. "Impossible. You avoid those like a professional. And rude." She slaps my arm. "Plus you love me!"

We head toward the front doors together, her heels clicking, my boots scuffing against the concrete. People giving side eye as we pass, we must look like the most unlikely duo but Sylvia has been there for me through shit no one else would stick around for. As much as I hate to admit it, she's my lovable sweet best friend. 

Sylvia James is sunshine in human form. Loud, dramatic, allergic to silence. If I'm the storm cloud, she's the one dancing in the rain pretending it's aesthetic.

"So," she says casually "Kyle Henderson looked at me today."

I don't even glance at her trying to hide my laughter. "You say that every day."

Sylvia has this great obsession with Kyle, they've been together since fifth grade, well, in her mind! She is insanely head over heels for him and Kyle doesn't even have a clue. Stupid Kyle.

"This time was different."

"How?"

"He smiled."

"Tragic," I deadpan. "I'll alert the media."

She bumps my shoulder. "One day, Arielle, you're going to wake up and realize you actually enjoy talking to people. Maybe you'll even find your own Kyle."

"Highly unlikely."

Inside, the school buzzes with the usual chaos. Lockers slam. Someone laughs too loudly. Someone else is already arguing with a teacher. I move through it all on autopilot, just as I do everyday.

I like routines. Routines don't surprise you. We stop at our lockers. Sylvia immediately turns to face me, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

"What?" I ask.

"You didn't ask me to continue."

"Continue what?"

"My story."

"Oh. I assumed it ended with disappointment."

She gasps. "Rude. For your information, he asked if I understood the math homework."

"That's... romantic?"

"It's a start."

I grin despite myself. Teasing Sylvia is a sport I excel at. Probably the only sport I excel at.