Twins

I start to regret my decision almost immediately. Out of all of the things I could have picked I choose Naïve as my new Word. I can’t get more opposite than that. That was sort of the point though. I was observant, scheming, and sly. No one would expect those things to go hand and hand with naïvety. No one will hopefully figure out what my real Word is. I feel a little better, and a little worse when I see my Mom’s reaction. I like to think she would have been happy with anything I got, but now we’re ‘twins’. She hugs me. My mark isn’t red it’s typical black. A small word drawn with water resistant eyeliner under my right eye instead of under my left. Drawn a little to the right. As if a refection of my real one. I wonder if using permanent marker would honestly be better.

“Mom.” I say. “I have to get to school.”

“Right, right. Just finales, then you’ll be a graduate.” She says with nothing but pride. Thanks to my Father’s position I don’t have to worry about finding work. Once I start getting my pay checks I’ll be out of here. This place suddenly feels to small for me, but maybe that’s just nerves. Or the intent way my Father is looking at me. It goes right over Mom’s head. I give him a nod. He nods back barely perceptively. I head to school. I try to see if Becks around to talk, about anything. Or if Jude free to do shopping. During my first few classes I’m wound up like a spring. I keep expecting someone to notice my make up, and wonder why someone one would need to hide their Flaw. Unless they did something wrong. Unless they were like me. When I get to lunch, and see the two of them sitting together I relax a little. They’re sitting side by side. When they look up they look surprised. Beck looks a little confused for a second, but shrugs. The Flaws never lie after all, and I realize I don’t think he’s ever seen the part of me that is very much not naïve to its full extent. I might have some denial issues, and my not be perfectly aware about everything, but this Word most certainly didn’t fit.

“How could you not have told me?” Jude says. Right.

“I haven’t made a video about it ether.” I say changing the subject.

“Naïve. Cool.” She says simply. There’s not a trace of doubt in her eyes.

“And what are you going to do about it? No, no. Your friend was getting pushed around and you did nothing!” Aaron Thompson. A small, but bold word was across his face. Aggressive. He was almost shouting now at another boy I recognized, but couldn’t remember their name. Everyone knew Aaron had a knack for getting into school fights, and the Word he got only confirmed that. He was shooting daggers at a girl with the Word Petty, and standing in front of a girl with the word Cold. Cassie had someone in her group with that Word. It was Cold, Judgmental, and Selfish. Those were the Word’s her clique had. Aaron only had two people in his clique. His friend Avia who had Blunt, and his ex-girlfriend who had Passive Aggressive. Their relationship hadn’t lasted very long. The small girl with the Word Cold scrolled on her phone sitting with his group now. The man with the Word coward uniquely in all capitals walks away in a huff. The Petty girl just looks pleased with herself. I notice her neckless, and hand bag. She clearly has money, but her shoes aren’t the real brand from her ‘friend’ she’s been claiming they are. Their knock-offs probably made from the promotional material. Those shoes aren’t even out yet. I wonder if- My thoughts are interrupted. Luna is holding her tray looking at me. I suppose I’m technically the leader of this clique.

“Mind if we sit?” I gesture to the free seats. She sits next to me. Shy next to Jude, and across from Luna. They exchange a few words to each other, but otherwise stay quiet. Shy pulls out a book half way though, and Alina makes a comment about how ‘boring’ that one is despite admitting to not having read it. It’s after everyone around us is gone, and lunch is over I hear Luna whisper.

“I have no idea what your real Word is, but you most definitely aren’t naïve. You’re no stranger to how the real world works, and real people operate.” She say. I’m about to turn back to face her when she adds. “I owe you one remember. You can be pretty vindictive when you want to be. I like that about you, and I don’t like many people. Maybe we’ll come sit by you again some time.” When I turn she’s gone. Then my eyes lock with Aaron Thompson. He reads the Word on my face. I pretend not to notice.