Secrets and Silhouettes

First day back.

I am Althea Hall, a Senior at my school, I excel in most of my classes. Graduating with all A's is my goal, yet there's one subject that's my arch-nemesis: Science. Struggling to achieve anything above a B+, I know I need to buckle down this year. Approaching Allen, my childhood best friend, who's surrounded by our friends, I seek solace.

"Hey, babes. Welcome back to academic paradise," Allen greets me with a sarcastic smile as I hug him, finding comfort in his presence.

"Hi, Snuggles. Aww, thank you," I coo, needing to speak with him privately. "I want to say hi to everyone, can we go for a walk?"

"Sure, sounds serious. You okay?" Allen senses my unease.

"Yeah, just need to chat away a distraction," I admit, needing to unload my thoughts.

Elodie, my best girlfriend who knows everything about everything, joins us. With her tendency to dive into every boy at school, I have a love-hate relationship with her.

Lenore, the party animal of our friend circle, and Adeline, my total opposite, also join us, each offering their unique perspectives on the new school year.

"I probably don’t even have to ask, you work through the holiday?" I inquire of Adeline, noting her impeccable appearance.

"You know me well, doll. I had a few shoots. I flew in the night before last. Destination shoots are my fav’s," Adeline sighs, clearly not thrilled to be back at school.

Deciding to speak with Allen privately, we shuffle through the halls.

"Tell me what's on your mind?" Allen prompts.

"Last night Mom and Dad took me to dinner at The Diner, the restaurant with the homely atmosphere," I begin, feeling the weight of my words. "There's a new waiter. God, I can't for the life of me get him out of my head. He's stuck there on repeat."

Allen's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "A waiter at The Diner? That's what's got you all worked up?"

"Yes! You don't understand, Allen. He's... different. I can't explain it. But I can't stop thinking about him," I confess, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks.

Allen's expression softens as he places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. We'll figure this out together. But remember, you're here for academics, not boys. Focus on what's important."

I nod, grateful for Allen's support. "Thanks, Allen. I needed to hear that."

As we continue our walk, I can't shake the feeling of the new waiter lingering in my thoughts. Despite Allen's words of wisdom, the distraction remains, threatening to derail my focus on academics.

As the day progresses, the image of the new waiter at The Diner continues to haunt me. I find myself daydreaming in class, unable to concentrate on anything but his enigmatic smile and piercing blue eyes. It is the last period before first break. I finally managed to focus on my work. Writing and reading, calculating. I hear Mr. Grady say something in the background but I am determined to stay in focused.

“Hi,” A voice broke my focus. Irritation coursed through me and then froze me. What the actual f**k?

As a pair of mesmerizing eyes lock onto mine, their melodic voice echoing in the room, I feel myself losing all sense of composure. My mind goes blank, and I'm unable to form coherent thoughts. Time seems to stand still as I remain transfixed, unable to utter a word. How long has it been? I can't even tell.

Finally, I manage to break the intense eye contact and glance around the classroom, seeking a familiar anchor amidst the swirling emotions. And there, I find Allen, a reassuring presence amidst the unexpected whirlwind of emotions.

I glance at Allen, seated on the other side of the class, and our eyes meet. He raises an eyebrow in silent inquiry, sensing my disbelief at the situation unfolding before me. This is him, the mental distraction that has been plaguing my thoughts, now a physical presence in my class. My heart races as I try to maintain a façade of calm and collected composure.

"Can I help you?" I manage to muster, attempting to conceal the turmoil brewing within me.

"Professor Grady said you will be my lab partner," he responds casually as if he's fully aware of the impact his presence has on me, both mentally and physically.

I shake my head slightly, silently trying to reassure myself that I'm fine. But deep down, I know I'm anything but fine. The new waiter has become a constant presence in my thoughts, a distraction I can't seem to shake no matter how hard I try and now he is my lab partner. I move my books to the side so that he can sit next to me.

I hear Allen's voice, soothing and reassuring, and the next moment, he's by my side, his presence a comforting anchor in my swirling thoughts. "Come with me," he whispers, his tone urgent yet gentle. I stand at his request, feeling unsteady, and follow him, relying on his support to steady myself. "What's happening, where are we going?" I ask, my mind foggy and unfocused.

"We're going to the nurse's room," Allen replies, his voice calm despite my panic. "You're so pale, Ali," he adds, concern evident in his eyes.

As we approach the nurse's room, I'm not sure what I'm going to tell her. I hope Allen has a plan, a way to explain what's happening to me. He knocks on the door, and it opens almost immediately.

"Hi," the sturdy, short nurse greets us, her tone welcoming. "How can I help?"

Allen, still holding me up, steps forward to speak. "She nearly fainted," he begins, his voice steady and supportive. "She turned pale and just looked unwell."

I lean against Allen, feeling weak and vulnerable, grateful for his support as he communicates with the nurse on my behalf. The nurse nods understandingly, her expression sympathetic as she gestures for us to enter the room.

"Let's get you checked out, dear," she says kindly, leading us inside and guiding me to the nearby bed. Allen stays close by, his reassuring presence a source of comfort as I try to steady my racing heart and trembling hands.

Sitting on the bed in the nurse's room, I feel drained and disoriented, the sound of the bell signaling the start of the next period echoing through the hallway. Allen, ever the supportive friend, assures me before leaving the room.

"I will pack your things and bring them to you," he says with a reassuring smile before stepping out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I watch him leave, a wave of uncertainty washes over me. How will I make it through the year if I struggle to function with Mr. Waiter in my thoughts, let alone when he's actually going to my school and... my lab partner? His presence in my head has been overwhelming. Oh God, I am f****d.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my racing thoughts and trembling hands. I know I can't rely on Allen to carry me through every moment of the year. I need to find the strength within myself to face the challenges ahead, even when he's not there beside me.

But as I sit alone in the nurse's room, surrounded by silence and uncertainty, I can't help but feel a pang of loneliness and fear. The road ahead seems daunting, and I'm not sure if I have the strength to navigate it on my own.

Feeling resigned to facing the rest of the day head-on, I turn my attention to the nurse. "I'm nauseous and I feel weak and shaky," I admit, hoping she can provide some relief.

"Okay, we can deal with that, but first I have to ask. Any chance that you are pregnant?" she inquires sympathetically, her tone gentle as she considers the possibility.

I shake my head, feeling a twinge of guilt at the question. "No, I'm still a virgin," I respond quietly, as if confessing wrongdoing for being 17 and inexperienced. I turn slightly to lay down, hoping to alleviate the discomfort.

"Well, that's good to rule out. Have you taken any supplements?" she continues, her tone gentle yet probing.

"Like vitamins?" I seek clarification, feeling a sense of relief that the conversation is shifting away from more personal topics.

"Diet or weight loss supplements?" she clarifies, her gaze focused on me with concern.

"No, nothing like that. I only take my daily vitamins and Omegas," I reply, grateful for the simplicity of my supplement routine amidst the complexity of my current situation.

"Okay, tell me what has changed recently?" the nurse prompts, her eyes focused on me with concern.