The Void Between Hearts ~~ongoing~~

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   I turn off the com. Pick up my wallet and join the chatting girls. 

   The doors slide open as we approach. We don't have any bags, so we just walk through security. I spot a wrist watch shop.

   I'll check it out later. 

   Boma stops, grabs my hands and puts her head on my shoulders. Her hair smells like candy and vanilla cake.

   "I really didn't want to bother you guys on your date," Chinny says, twirling her glasses around her fingers. I'm wondering if this is part of the reasons she said I shouldn't trust her.

   "That's fine. Ivan doesn't mind." Boma says. She's looking at me in the way she isn't supposed to. I'm confused. 

   "You guys are so cute together. Ivan you're coming to our prom, right?" Chinny asks. 

   I look around and Boma whispers, "just play along." 

   "Yeah sure. Wouldn't miss it for the world." I say. It feels weird but good at the same time.

   "Aww," Boma purrs.

    Around us, people are huddling their grocery carts, some spare us a few frowns but nothing compares to the drawn faces of some teenagers standing a few feet from us in front of a gadget store. The boy looks especially pissed. I look back at Boma, she's like three inches from my face. I don't know what I'm getting into. I look back at the boy, they're gone.

   "They're out!" Chinny shrieks, Boma heaves a heavy sigh and looks away. 

    Like that?

   "Do you think he saw?" she asks Chinny

   "He looked like he was going to faint," she giggles.

   "Okay, what's going on?" I ask

   "That was Quincy, the idiot Boma didn't kiss. He's with Jacklyn now. The other two are Mabel and Confidence. "

   Boma keeps clearing her throat. I can tell she wants her to stop. Chinny doesn't.

   "Those idiots won't let Boma be. Jacklyn thinks because Quincy asked her to prom instead of Boma. She's better than Boma. Freaking fools. I can't wait till they see you guys together on Saturday." She rolls her eyes. "You're coming, right?" she turns to find two pairs of eyes fixed on her. 

   Mine is amused and amazed, Boma's is annoyed. I can't tell if it's from the Quincy story or the prom question.

   "Wow. That was a lot of info to grind at once." I say. 

   "I'm sorry," Boma turns to me. "I didn't expect to see them." She's looking at Chinny like she could slap her.

   "I'm sorry." Chinny pouts, running an imaginary zipper along her lips. 

   "It's not a big deal, but you shouldn't let them get to you." I say. 

   "I'm still sorry, it was weird for you," Boma says.