Yes, under my tree

It's lunch time and the classes have been worse than ever and I'm glad to sit in my favorite spot and listen to the Modest Mouse album I bought the other day.

The sun burns on my head the second I step out of the building. After adjusting to the dazzling light, I look around and see Sam looking at me. Since the other day she hasn't spoken to me or Ernie and every time we run into each other, she suddenly changes her direction and leaves. I guess I have to give her time.

I walk over the yard and I don't believe my eyes, when I see someone sitting under my tree. As I get closer I recognize Piper and a smile forms. Happy to see her, because I didn't get the chance to congratulate her on her performance I hurry over to her. But something seems to be wrong, when I get closer I see that her body is hunched up, her arms are wrapped around her legs, pulling them closer and tears are running down her cheeks.

Carefully I get closer, making sure she sees me. Piper has always been very proud and I'm sure she doesn't want me to see her cry. She becomes aware of me and quickly wipes away her tears and tries to get her composure back. Of course it is obvious what just happened, but to comfort her I don't mention it.

“Hi Piper. That's my place.” I mock her and get a little smile for my efforts.

“That's bad luck. I was here first.” she counters and puts me in my place. I sit down next to her and we look together at the other students.

“What's wrong?” I ask her after she has calmed down a little bit.

“You were right. Jason screwed us. Happy to hear it?” she asks me sarcastically.

“Not at all.” I reply calmly after I think about it for a second.

“There was someone from Smooth Records at our show. He offered Jason a record deal. They gonna put him up with some band they have on their payroll.” Piper tells me, tears filling her eyes again.

“I'm sorry Piper.” I try to comfort her and wrap my arm around her shoulder. Surprised by my touch she shrugs, but she lets me embrace her.

“Steve quit. The band isn't moving forward and he needs to take care of his mom. The “Giant Ants” are done.” she tells me and the first tears roll down her face. This side of Piper was new to me. Every time I saw her she radiated strength and confidence. Over the years we never have become close or anything, but with her body next to mine, something changed. The image of the tough rock chick that has been stuck in my mind, transforms into the sweet helpless girl next to me. Not knowing what I'm about to do, I lean my head towards her and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. Feeling my lips on her skin she turns her head towards me and I loose myself in her dark eyes. I lift my hand and catch one of her tears before it falls off her skin.

“You'll be fine. You're the best guitarist I know.” I try to lift her spirits. “Including me.”

My last comment lets a smile appear on her beautiful face. The students passing by look at us with curious faces.

“Music is all I got. Everyone looks at me like I'm a freak.” she tells me with a sad voice. Her head slowly tilts to the side and rests on my shoulder. We just look at the other kids sitting around.'for a minute.

“Why are you so nice to me John?” she asks me out of the blue and looks at me curious. Although I have been asking myself the same question, I have no real answer.

“I don't know.” I answer truthfully. After a moment of silence we both begin to laugh. It is a sweet sound from her lips and all the troubles seem forgotten. Piper slowly pulls away and I retract my arm and let her get back on her feet. She around and lets out a sigh. She stands directly in front of the midday sun and a aura of light seems to surround her.

“Thanks.” Piper says and roughs up my hair. I try to grab her hand but she starts to walk away.

“I'd like to play with you sometime.” I tell her before I realize the double meaning of my statement and cover my mouth with my hand. Piper turns around and winks at me. As she makes her way to the nearest entrance, the other students seem to move out of her way like a unseen magnetic **** would push them aside. We're different and it amuses me how scared these people are of someone who is different.