â Alice Moreno â
She laughed. Alice never laughed, especially with someone around. But this was different. Beck's actions amused her. She watched him hop across a patch of grass, outstretching his fingertips for the slightest grasp of one of her papers. They danced in the air around him, teasing him when he came close to a firm hold. He continued to hop until he finally gripped one, getting a better understanding of his hop tactic. The papers came easily now, floating into his hands.
"Got one!" He exclaimed, waving the paper in the air victoriously. He continued to do so, grinning as he collected them.
It made Alice smile at the action of seeing someone so enthusiastic in helping her. Usually, in Portland, no one even bothered to help one another. A paper flew towards Alice, hitting her legs as the breeze picked up. She bent over, helping Beck reach for the various papers, even though he was a distance away. It amazed Alice that she stood up for herself, let alone Beck and the rest of his family. She didn't even know what had come over her. One minute she was looking at Lake Otshire, the next, she was practically yelling at a boy she had never paid attention to. Alice felt strange, as if she knew something was brewing in a storm. In fact, it was about to rain. She heard the clouds rumble above her. Her mother had always said that thunder marked that a cruel event was beginning to form. But, then again, her mother had once been insane. Once upon a time.
"Safe and sound m'lady." She looked up, spotting the blue-eyed boy again. His auburn locks tangled in his eyelashes, partially blocking the reflection of the sun in the distance to meet the sea in his eyes. He held a messy stack of papers in his hand, gesturing it towards her. He panted crucially against a mixture of basketball and paper-catching. Alice figured they were both exhausting sports.
She took the papers, quickly glancing at the multiple doodles and math problems among them. Alice absolutely hated math. That's why she escaped to a world of sketching. This time, the doodles consisted of mirrors and sparks. "Thanks." She quickly took the papers, hiding them behind her back. The sweat on the nape of her neck began to dry as the breeze continuously picked up. She looked at her dirty converse, careful to not make eye contact with Beck. She would find herself staring again. She had never thought about someone so much before. Why now? "I'm pretty sure nobody else would come to my rescue." She paused, her eyes slowly making their way upward. "So, really, thank you." She rose up onto her toes, a common habit, then rocked back and forth. She saw him crack a smile, making her a bit more comfortable.
"You know if, if that guys bothering you then I can walk you to your classes tomorrow to make sure he leaves you alone. I mean it's the least I can do, after all you stood up for my family earlier when you don't even know us." Beck was looking at her now, making eye contact. She felt her expression soften. Somebody actually cared. "I mean what if we are freaks?" He grinned.
"I think 'freaks' are pretty cool. If you ask me," She paused, biting her lip. She began to whisper. "I think we're all freaks. Some of us hide it better than others though." She laughed, feeling her body loosen. "Don't worry about Danny," She looked behind herself, searching to spot anyone giving curious glances. Of course, there were many. "He's always been like that. His mother died in a car accident when he was young." She turned her gaze back towards Beck. "The whole town wouldn't stop talking about it." She took a deep breath. "I guess that's why he puts others down." Alice felt a bit of sorrow for Danny. Most of the students at Portland High treated others fairly low, as a result of a traumatic experience in their childhood. Everyone was screwed up.
"C'mon kids, let's go!" Alice turned to see Coach Kingston blow his red whistle, gesturing for everyone to come inside. School was over, and Alice was relieved. It was beginning to rain, too. That was definitely another plus for Alice, even though her papers were receiving a bit of rain also.
She turned towards Beck, seeing the rain mix with his hair. She cracked a smile. "You know, your right. I don't know you, and you don't know me." She saw Beck begin to look confused. "Why don't we walk each other home?" Home?Why did she say that? Why was she even communicating with a boy? She stiffened, taking in a deep breath, afraid of his answer. Some part of her liked the company of a Curwen, especially Beck.