When the bell rang to let us out for lunch, the hallways filled with people and it was hard to walk anywhere. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry to get to the cafeteria. When we finally made it to the end of the line, trays in hand we made our way to the outside tables that, according to Ethan, were the best place for lunch.

“So, what is so great about eating outside?” I asked while sitting down.

"Oh, it's just a nice spot, plus I'm a little claustrophobic. I hate the cafeteria." Ethan responded and looked around the yard. It wasn’t empty but certainly had fewer people. I understood that as I was the same way.

"Okay, is there anything I should know so I can avoid surprises like this morning?" I asked.

"Oh that, um well, not really. I know everyone in this school, and everyone knows me, so they are friendly, I guess." he shrugged his shoulders.

"Hmm, okay."

I looked around at the people eating lunch outside and started asking Ethan about them to test his knowledge.

"Those guys over there by the parking lot. Who are they?" I started.

"The stoners, fun people real easy going." He laughed.

I laughed, "I see. How about the three girls sneaking off."

"Cheerleaders, on their way to enjoy cigarettes. Even though smoking at this school has gotten so out of hand, the faculty can’t punish half the school, so now it’s allowed outside the school premises."

"So why are they sneaking?"

"It’s not allowed to smoke if you’re a cheerleader for some reason." Ethan shrugged and took a sip of his water.

I looked around the yard as students started pouring out to enjoy the sunshine and saw a girl sitting under a big tree reading in the shade.

"Who’s she?" I asked, unable to take my eyes off of her.

"Oh, um. That's Jade. No one really knows anything about her except that she's always by herself. A little weird, according to some people. And she wears bright green contacts like emerald-green, for some reason."

"Really? No one knows anything about her? not even you?" I questioned him since he knew everyone in this school.

"I've tried because, frankly, I felt bad for her. She's super polite and nice to talk with but didn't seem interested in being friends with me."

"Weird," I said, trying to avoid looking at her so she wouldn't accidentally notice.

I listened as Ethan explained the teachers; suddenly, I let out a gasp. I felt something piercing me. I looked to my side and saw two emerald-colored eyes looking straight at me. What is this feeling? I couldn't stop staring, and neither could she.

“Rose? Hey Rose? Are you listening to me?” Ethan shook my arm, which made me break eye contact.

"Huh? Oh, sorry.. what were you saying?" I apologized, and he looked at me confused.

"I asked if you can help me pick out a book for English later? Um, are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I guess I just zoned out…" I tried laughing it off.

I looked back at the tree, and she was gone, as was the pain.

"You're a weird one, Blueb. I tell you that." Ethan said and continued eating.

"Yeah, I guess so," I murmured.

The bell rang telling us lunch was over, as we walked to class we saw Jade walking towards us.

"Hey, Jade!" Ethan said and waved as we got closer to her. Her eyes were even more green up close.

"Hi," she replied with a gentle voice.

"How have you been? haven't seen you in a while?"

her voice stayed so gentle throughout the entire interaction it baffled me.

"Oh, this is Rose! She’s new; it's her first day." Ethan stayed as excited as always.

"I know." her tone changed. It was low. she looked at me straight in the eye, and the piercing pain came back. Stronger.

Hi- hi," I tried saying. But as I said it, she turned to Ethan.

"I have to go. See you later, Ethan." and walked away.

Just like before, the pain was gone…

"I don't know what that was about, but I swear she's nice to most people." Ethan explained and tried making me feel better, like it was his fault she was rude to me.

"It's okay, I didn't mind," I replied now that I was calm again.

The rest of the day went by in a flash. All I could think about was her. What was all that about, and why did I feel that way? Maybe I just got muscle spasms coincidentally on both occasions? I couldn't explain it.

Ethan walked home with me. I asked if he'd like coffee as a thank you for helping me, and of course, he agreed.

We got to the house, and I noticed that Henriettas' car wasn't there. She must be still at work.

"Is Henrietta home? Ethan asked, interrupting my train of thought on the same matter.

"No. I guess she's still at work.

"Oh, okay." I said in agreeing.

The house was so quiet. I realized I hadn't been here without Henrietta yet.

"Make yourself at home, I guess.” I laughed, looking at Ethan, who was already lying on the couch. He peeked his head over the back of the couch, looking foolish.

"Oh please, I know this house like the back of my hands, Blueb."

I couldn't help but laugh. I started the coffee maker and went and sat next to the couch on one of the chairs.

"Awe, I won't bite if you want to join me on the couch." Ethan lifted his legs as an invite.

"hahaha, I can take you anytime, pretty boy."

"I'm holding you on that one, but for now, I'm settling for that coffee you promised," he smirked at me and laid his head back.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, I couldn’t help but to smile a little.

When the coffee was finally ready, I almost ran to the kitchen. It felt like I haven't had coffee in forever. Of course, Ethan looked at me amused as I poured a cup for myself.

"what?" I asked and handed him his cup

"Nothing, it's just funny how much you like coffee."

"And you don't?"

"I'm more of a tea person myself." he laughed

"Oh, I see" I smiled. ”Could have asked for tea, you know."

“I know, but you offered coffee."

"You are such a dork, Ethan."

"And you like it." he smiled and took a sip of his coffee.

The door opened, startling us both, and Henrietta walked in looking tired.

"Hey, Henrietta!" I said.

"Hey Rose, Oh hi Ethan, I didn't expect to see you here too." Henrietta said and glanced a look my way, which to I immediately responded, shaking my head a firm no.

"Oh yeah, Rose wanted to thank me for helping her out with coffee." He responded, lifting his cup slightly.

"That's nice of her, but aren't you more of a tea drinker, dear?"

"I didn't have the heart to tell her since she practically ran for the coffee maker." he laughed and looked at me.

I was now blushing from sheer embarrassment.

"Anyways, how was your day Henrietta?"

"oh, you know cutting corpses is always a blast."

"huh?"

"Oh goodness, I never told you what I did for a living, did I?"

"Uhh... no."

"I'm the lead mortician for this town and next one over."

"Oh wow. That sounds cool."

"It can be." Henrietta chuckled.

"I remember all the stories when I was a kid and Henrietta was still in school." Ethan chimed in.

"hahaha, I do too," she said.

"I also remember the strict talking to's I got from your mum."

We all laughed, and Henrietta continued to tell us about her day. We all sat around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and talking.

After awhile of talking, Ethan said, "Well, ladies, this has been a pleasure, but I have to get going now." Ethan said and got up.

"I’ll see you tomorrow then," I said.

"Of course, Blueb." "see you, Henrietta!"

"See you, dear. Thank you for stopping by!"

As the door shut, I turned to Henrietta, who was now glancing at today's paper.

"Henrietta, you know most if not all around here, right?"

"Yes, I guess you could say that. Why?"

"Does the name Jade ring anything? She goes to my school."

"That's not telling much. What does she look like?"

"I heard she wears these bright emerald-colored lenses."

Henrietta froze. She didn't move a muscle. She just stared at the paper.

"those aren't contact lenses…" She whispered.

"What?"

"I'm sorry, dear, it doesn't ring a bell. I think I'm going to go take a shower and start dinner." She got up and walked to her room without even glancing my way.

What got into her? I thought to myself. I got up myself as well and cleaned the table. After that, I decided to go to my room as well. As I walked up the stairs, only one thing rang in my head.

“Those aren't contact lenses.”