Shot in the Dark

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Kimberly had managed to get a few minutes of sleep. Not all at once though. It came in short bursts, interspersed with confused imprints of her dreamscapes. Images that remained with Kim in her semi-wakeful episodes. Images seemed meaningful, important but were lost again at dawn.

When she looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes reminded Kim of Franca. Dark eyes, dark circles underneath. Dreadful omens of a night lost to her fluctuating feelings. This would be a long day.

She threw herself back into bed. There was no point in waiting outside the cafeteria. She had his number.

After Kim had nodded off again, Eve woke her up roughly, just in time to prevent her from being late.

With great effort, she kept herself awake during English and history class. The sleepy girl used the first break to take another nap. Once again, it was Eve who woke her up. This time with a can of coffee, which she held to Kim's forehead. A life-saving gift that was gratefully accepted.

Next up were math and biology. Kim was well prepared and had regained some energy. The sharp rise in temperature and bright sunshine had also played their part. The two hours passed quickly, and she went to the cafeteria with Eve for lunch.

But contrary to all expectations, fate brought forward an encounter that Kim had scheduled for three hours later. Robert stood in front of the entrance, trying to fend off a visibly agitated Gail.

For a moment, she didn't quite know how to deal with the situation and just stood there. But Eve simply dragged her along to the two boys.

“…doesn’t talk to me.”

“No idea. Why don't you ask one of her friends?”

Gail had his back to them, but turned around as Robert spotted them.

“Ah, hey. You're Abby's famous friends.”

Kim’s heart sank to her boots. She didn’t say anything while Eve greeted the boys. Robert gave her an awkward smile. He did know. Now she knew the reason why he didn’t show up the day before. He was avoiding her. She lied to him. No, she didn’t. She had only omitted a few details.

“Can you imagine, Bobby didn’t even know who you are a popstar. Forgot to give him a heads up after you stepped in for Teal.”

“I’m not a popstar.”

“Oh, sorry. But you are a famous music artist. Close enough.” Gail chuckled.

“Whatever. Can I talk to you, Robert?”

“Wait, wait, wait. First I need to talk to you girls.”

“About Abby?”

“You guessed it. What’s up with her? She always runs away when I go to see her. She seems embarrassed that I knew her last name isn't Summers. Isn’t a big deal, is it?”

“Do you know her last name?”

“Of course, the academy isn’t that big.”

“Then you already know why she avoids you.”

“What are you talking about?” Eve interjected.

“I’ll explain it later. Robert, please, I’ll have to talk to you.”

Robert nodded toward the benches by the fountain and walked away, while Gail tried to beg for Eve’s support in his love affairs. Kim followed him, feeling uncertain but motivated to seize her opportunity. They sat silently next to each other for a minute.

“I’ve waited for you. Did so yesterday too. During Lunch.”

“What? I’ve waited for you during lunch and you were nowhere to be seen!”

The moment the words left Kimberly’s lips, she felt bad. Why the accusatory tone? She didn't want to argue him.

“Arrived a bit late. Had to deal with Gail.”

“Oh… I only waited for like twenty minutes. But I’ve been there the whole time, during break, and before registration.”

Did she sound desperate?

“Bad luck, I guess. I just took lunchtime for granted. Tried again after school. Didn’t want to come off as pushy and show up at the dorm uninvited.”

“Had a meeting. Otherwise, I would have been there too.”

“A meeting, huh?”

“Are you mad I didn’t tell you.”

“Nah, I get it.”

A weight was lifted from her heart. Suddenly, her chest felt as if it were contracting and bursting at the same time. Not painful, but disorienting. Why did she feel this way? Kim could understand his appeal on an intellectual level. She could rationalize it, so why were her feelings such a mess?

“Is everything alright.” He asked worried.

“What?”

“Your eyes are tearing. Did something happen?”

“I just didn't get enough sleep.”

It was true. In fact, she was only lying to herself.

“Hungry?”

“I don’t feel like dealing with all those people in there. Let’s just stay here.”

“Same here. I'll bring my own food.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. So, what do you say, hungry?”

“Do you have enough for the two of us?”

“Come on, just answer the question.”

She laughed, and meant it, but the pieces of this emotional puzzle still didn't fit together.

“I'd love some.”

He opened his backpack and took out a paper bag.

“Here you go.” Robert said as he handed her a sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil and took out a second one for himself.

“Bon appetit!”

“You took French?” Kim quipped.

“Nah, Spanish. But the sandwich should be able to translate.”

“What?”

“It’s a French recipe.”

They unwrapped and then quickly tucked into their food in silence. For Kim, it was her first meal of the day. It was still a little warm. Toasted white bread topped with cooked ham and cheese. Beneath of béchamel sauce. Underneath the savory toppings, some béchamel sauce rounded off the flavor. She had needed that and was able to polish it off in record time.

“Damn. Where do you get these?”

“Made them myself.” Robert replied while still chewing.

“If I bring you something tomorrow, you have to make me another one on Thursday.”

She questioned her words. Was that too much? Would he even have time for her tomorrow and the day after? Was this…

“An offer I can't refuse.”

“You also had a sandwich at the restaurant.”

“What can I say? I’m a sandwich guy.”

“We’ll see how you’ll handle mine.”

“Sounds like a threat.”

“Well, I hope you still remember what I said about my eating habits.”

“Wait… You prefer spicy food?”

“Always.”

“Have a little mercy on me, will you?”

“Yeah, yeah, but you won't get away without any spice.”

Another moment of comfortable silence followed. Kim's flustered state had subsided somewhat.

“What are we? Friends?”

“Sure, for today. But I can't promise you that it will still be enough for me tomorrow.”

Kimberly blushed.

“Tomorrow?”

“Maybe.”

“Trying to pull my leg?”

“Maybe… Any plans for the weekend?”

The feeling in her chest expanded again.

“Saturday evening would work. Sunday the whole day. Maybe I could also make room on Friday night?”

“Saturday is perfect. A bit earlier then last time?”

“Yes!”

“6 p.m.?”

She nodded.

“Where’re we going?”

“Second stop. Maybe the third. Some catching up to do.”

Kim pouted.

“You could be a little more specific.”

“Let’s talk details tomorrow. I think we need to get back to class.”

Robert was right. They said goodbye. They tried to. At first, Kim didn't know how, but he quickly pulled her into a brief hug. Slightly awkward but pleasant. A feeling that pretty much described Kim's current state of mind.