Page 27 of On Broken Wings

His head snapped back like I’d caught him off-guard. “I’m about half finished. How are you doing?”

“Ok, I guess.” I sighed as I glanced at the clock on the wall. Class hadn’t started yet, and we were just hanging out by the door.

“You’re lost, aren’t you?” He smiled as he shifted on his feet.

“No, not lost. I’m just at an impasse. I can’t decide what’s next.” I shrugged. “I was hoping you could help me?” I grimaced as I posed my request as more of a question.

“Sure, but how’s that going to work? I’ve been trying to help you for weeks now.” His brow furrowed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“I was thinking maybe we could meet at the library this afternoon. My last class ends at two.” I nibbled my lip as I waited for him to answer. Evan stepped around me, and glanced down the hallway. Next, he stuck his head in the classroom door. Finally, he turned in a complete circle. “What are you doing?” I laughed.

“I’m looking for the hidden cameras. This has to be a prank. Jenni Stone wants to study, with me.” He placed his hands on his chest dramatically.

“So is that a no? I guess I could find someone else to help me.” I shrugged and attempted to move around him.

“Not so fast.” He spun. “I’ll be there. Two o’clock on the front steps. You better not be pranking me.” His eyes narrowed as his lips turned up in a grin.

“Guess you’ll have to trust me then.” I giggled as I took another sip of coffee before stepping into the classroom and finding a seat.

oooooooo

As the hours of the day ticked by, I began to rethink my plan to study with Evan. Maybe I could play into his whole pranking idea, and not show up. The more I thought about it, the more it sounded like a cop out. I needed to get over this fear, and that was never going to happen if I didn’t take a chance. Evan seemed like a safe chance. Mason trusted him, why shouldn’t I?

I checked the time once more before I began my long trek across campus. The library wasn’t anywhere near my classes, but it seemed like the safest bet for a meeting place. “Hey. I wasn’t sure you’d show.” Evan waved at me as he stood from where he was sitting on the steps.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I rolled my eyes.

“You really wanna study in there?” He motioned to the door. “It’s quiet, and dark, and well…boring. We could sit over there.” He motioned to a grassy patch by a few trees.

“You don’t think it would be cold?” I tugged my jacket tighter around me. I felt exposed out here where everyone could see me.

Evan’s expression softened. “Maybe you’re right. It is a little cool.” He smiled as he lifted his backpack onto his shoulder, and began jogging up the steps.

oooooooo

Evan

I don’t know what it is about this girl. She drives me crazy, but I can’t stay away. She reminds me a scared little kitten. I’ve been trying to be her friend for months. Every time I think I’m making progress, she shuts me out again. At first, I thought maybe her brother was knocking her around, but he seems like a stand-up guy. I’ve seen him around. My friends and I have been to The Rusty Nail to play pool, and unwind after a long week of classes. I’ve gone there after work too. I know the owner, and I know she wouldn’t hire a tool to run her door.

When Jen suggested coming here, I was surprised. She doesn’t have any classes on this side of campus. I wondered if she just wanted to be somewhere public. This is what I can’t figure out. Why is she scared of me?

“How about here?” I pointed to a small cluster of tables and chairs near the back corner. We were still on the main floor. This would be a little more open, but I was hoping my choice would make her feel more relaxed.

“This is fine.” She glanced around almost as if she was looking for an escape route. I watched as she slowly unpacked her backpack, and slid into a seat. When I moved to take the seat beside her, her back went stiff.

“Are you ok?” I stepped around to the chair across from her, and lowered myself slowly.

“I’m fine.” She almost snapped as she flipped open a notebook. “I’m sorry.” She sighed. I must have looked confused or something. “I’m having a weird day. Can you read over this and tell me what you think?” She shoved the notebook toward me.

“Sure.” I spun it in my direction and then began reading what she’d written.

“Well?” She tapped the table.

“This sounds great. What’s the problem?” I handed the notebook back to her.

“I don’t know. I guess I just don’t trust myself.” She buried her head in her hands. As her sleeves started to ride up, I watched a look of horror spread across her face. She glanced at me before tucking her arms into her lap. When I didn’t question her, she seemed to relax. I don’t know what set her off, but this girl screamed problems. She was a nervous wreck all the time, and skittish to a fault. I was constantly on edge trying to read her. I’ve never worked this hard in my life to talk to someone. All my experience, and all my instincts told me to leave her alone, but I couldn’t. There was something about her that made me want to know more. Who was she really, and who made her this way?

“You feel like grabbing some food?” We’d been sitting in the library for a few hours at this point, and I was starving. I needed to do some things for work too.

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