Autumn Leaves and Teenage Dreams

6. Routine

When the last school bell rings for the day, I make my way over to the library. Aurora has already gotten us a spot at my favorite table, which she now knows is my favorite after I accidentally slipped it once. She giggled at me at the time, telling me she thought that was cute, but now I'm worried I'll have competition for my favorite spot.

Aurora gives me a tiny wave with her thin, long fingers, and I throw my bag down next to hers, beginning to pull out the homework.

"Have you already started?" I ask, seeing she's already down to the end of the paper.

"I started during class. But don't tell," she says, holding her finger up to her lips. "Mrs. Hall would be furious if she knew I wasn't fully paying attention during class."

"Don't worry. I do the same," I promise, showing her my homework sheet with a few problems already filled in. "Sometimes, if I'm really speedy, I'll start working on another class's work."

"You could be expelled for that," Aurora teases.

"I know. I'm a risk taker," I joke before starting to get to work. We mostly work in silence, with the occasional comparison of answers. When my Calculus homework is done, I realize I don't have much else to do, so I start packing up my things.

"Leaving already?" Aurora asks.

"Yeah, I had a light load today. You should stay though if you still have homework. I'll get home okay," I promise.

"Oh, I was thinking of heading home early anyway," Aurora says, even though I see a clear stack of textbooks on her side of the table.

"Are you sure?" I ask. "If you have work to do, I don't want to make you leave."

"It's fine," Aurora assures me with the wave of her hand. Does she really have a light workload? Or am I just being egotistical thinking she's doing this for me?

Either way, I stand to the side, waiting for her, as she packs up her things. Since we're out earlier today, the sun is still brightly out, though there are some stormclouds lurking in the distance.

"I hope we get a good storm later," Aurora remarks.

"You like the rain?" I ask.

"It's good writing weather," Aurora answers as she stares upward at the clouds beginning to roll in.

"You like to write?"

"Yes. I am planning to be an English major in college after all," Aurora states.

"Oh! Um, nice."

"Aren't you going to ask me what I like to write?"

"Do you want me to?"

Aurora pauses for a moment. "No, I guess not. It always bothers me when people ask that, like I'm pitching my next idea to them. Writing is just something I like to do for fun for now. I haven't thought about anything getting published anywhere, not even in our school's literary magazine."

"Don't you have a few friends working as editors on that magazine?"

"Yes. I'm afraid they'd be biased towards me," Aurora answers.

Why does she have to be so humble all the time? It gets on my nerves. Sometimes I wonder if it's all just a façade, if she really feels any other emotions besides kindness. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile on her face.

"Well, maybe you should try some time," I suggest.

"I don't know if I could. Not anytime soon. Would you ever be willing to read over a piece for me? I get antsy if people I'm really close to read my works, but since I just started getting to know you, I'd be okay if you look it over," Aurora says.

"Well, I guess so," I say, not really seeing any harm in reading over a piece of written work.

"Thanks, Callie! You're the best. I'll have to give you something to read soon," Aurora says. Her face twists into an even bigger smile. Maybe it's just the sunlight reflecting in her face, but her smile looks more genuine this time around.

"Well, don't expect great feedback. I'm doing well in my English classes, but I'm not the best critic," I answer.

"That's okay. Any feedback is helpful," Aurora states.

We're nearing the corner where we depart, I realize. If it really does rain for a few days, then I realize we won't be able to walk home on Thursday. This might be the only walk of the week.

"Well, see you tomorrow," I tell Aurora as we depart.

"Bye, Callie," Aurora says. She suddenly leans forward, engulfing me in a quick hug. I tense against her slightly, not expecting it. She pulls away and smiles, before heading off with a wave. I slowly compose myself, brushing off my sleeves quietly, even though I know she hasn't tainted them in any way. My friends and I don't hug much, save for events like dances where we all show up and hug each other and tell each other how pretty we are. I'm not much of a touchy person anyway. I must get that from my mother.

Strange. I can smell the scent of coconut in her hair even as I walk away.