CROSSED PATHS

welcomed the break. Her plans included finishing the art project, reading a good book

ning table sketching ideas for the next p

free afternoon? We should w

and wasn't sure if meeting up was necessary. Then again, Ryan had be

Where do you

school? There's a picnic tab

couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Sp

-

utumn day, with golden leaves scattered across the grass. She s

lled out whe

cking a loose strand o

aints and brushes. I figured we could start o

phie said, sett

and discussing ideas. Ryan was surprisingly focused,

g as he painted a figure holding a string that con

like art. It's...

. It's nice to lose yourse

"Do you ever show anyone you

d quickly. "No way.

t they're amaz

his gaze. "Besides, people can be...

I get that. People can be prett

d at him. "Yo

p months ago, but she still acts like we're together. I don'

e confronted me in th

ened. "What? Wh

ould stay away from

through his hair. "I'm sorry.

ie said quickly.

shouldn't have to

firmness. "That'll just make things worse. Let'

fore nodding. "Okay. But if she

-

starting to come to life. The figures and colors blend

r than I expected," Sophie

e a good team," Ry

r eyes but could

ot, Ryan said, "Hey, you want to gr

with Ryan felt risky, but she was enj

," sh

-

cozy and quiet, with soft music playing in the background.

corner table

forward. "What do you thi

New York. Smaller, quieter. People here

Sometimes I hate it, but other times it's nice. Peopl

her drink. "I guess I'm

it's worth, I'm glad you ended up here. Y

s flushed. "Th

iment," Ryan

chool to their favorite movies and books. Sophie found

eny that she felt a growing connection to him. But she also knew

-

t Sophie stepped into the hallway, she felt the stares.

t the n

offee shop with R

gonna l

ut the noise. She wasn't used to being the

bright contrast to the dull lockers. "Well,

muttered. "Jus

blow over eventually. J

wasn't sure how long she

-

e back of the cafeteria. Sophie was halfway through her sandwi

ession darkened. She whispered something to h

breath. "Looks like the quee

on her lunch, hoping Amber would lose

r, her heels clicki

ce dripping with sarcasm. "If i

keep her expression neutra

've been spending a lot of time with Ryan la

" Sophie said. "We're ju

ng. "But let me give you a little advice:

on her hips. "Back off,

yes at Jenna. "This

harassing my friend

rgue, but then she tossed her hair and wal

Sophie sai

tight. "Don't let her get t

he knew that as long as she and Ryan were working t

-

rs were vibrant, full of life and meaning. But as much as she loved how it was turning

buzzed w

t lunch today. Sorry

ated before

I'm fine. Je

let her get to y

her phone down. She wis

ring at the ceiling, she wondered

it worth the risk to kee