Chapter 5: Crimpy's, Part 1

Throughout her morning, Cianne did her best to focus on her classes, but lunch couldn't get there fast enough. She was starving. When lunchtime eventually rolled around, she went to her favorite burger spot, Crimpy's Burgers.

Crimpy's was located two blocks from West Hills High and it was Cianne's lunchtime hangout three days a week. It was a well-known spot but the place hadn't gained hot status yet. Most of her peers stayed on campus or went to the pizza shop that was directly across the street from the school. The great burgers and her peers' lack of interest made Crimpy's the perfect place for Cianne, who hated crowds and was a burger girl to her core.

She glanced at the time as she sat at her usual table, which was located in the rear of the restaurant, and played on her cell as she waited. After sitting for a few more minutes, Cianne checked the time again. Tranae being late was something she would never get used to. It was moments like this that made Cianne wish she had more than one real friend in the world.

Overall, Cianne found it easy to make friends. She just didn't care for the problems that went along with having them. The "he said/she said" games and petty arguments were not the price she wanted to pay for companionship. Besides, having friends meant sharing your secrets, along with the good, bad, and the ugly times. Cianne preferred to keep her good and bad to herself, with an emphasis on keeping the ugly a secret.

An unearthly grumble that came from her stomach provoked a sigh. Tired of waiting and fearful that her stomach would soon eat her from the inside out, Cianne decided to order her food. With a bounce in her step, she made for the cashier.

Happy she hadn't waited another second; she returned to her seat with her usual, a number three combo meal. The set up was simple: ketchup mountain, remove the pickles from the burger, and set the drink aside for later so the ice can dilute the sugar. Set and ready, Cianne dipped a fry into the ketchup on the side of her plate then put the hot crisped-to-perfection treat into her mouth.

"Mmm." She mumbled with satisfaction as she pulled the book she was reading from her bag.

Books had always been a mainstay of Cianne's life. They were her introduction to the world and not just her small corner of it. They introduced her to people imaginary and real she otherwise could never meet. They were her travel guide and companion, taking her all around the world in a matter of days without her ever leaving the safety of her home. They taught her languages, cultures, and customs that she may never experience but would always respect and appreciate. Most of all, books were a great way to give people she didn't want to engage an indirect brush off. It worked 90% of the time.

But. . .

Before Cianne was able to find the dog-eared page, she folded yesterday, three familiar words of warning whispered in her mind.

*Sadness, Pain, Death.*

For just a second, Cianne lost control and her entire body went rigid before she forced herself to relax.

"Hi."

Tristan's deep, smooth voice caused her body to involuntarily shudder. Cianne was hesitant to look up to confirm that it was actually him standing on the other side of the round table, one of the few physical barriers between them.

Though the need to respond was automatic, she couldn't because she was still dealing with the fact that Tristan was actually standing in front of her outside of school.

. . .and, where was the warmth that usually warned her of his approach? What happened to the broadcast of his pleasant aroma before he appeared? How was it that all of the necessary signs failed? She didn't even have to look at him to hear those haunting words this time.

"You mind if I sit here?" Tristan asked.

Cianne took her time raising her head up to see exactly who she expected to see. Tristan held a tray with just a plate of overflowing fries and a cola on it. She had to clear her throat because he looked amazing as usual. Her hand that held the book sort of fell limply to the side, exposing some of her face.

"I'm waiting for someone."

When he smiled, her heart actually skipped a beat.

"No problem," Tristan said, "I'll leave when your someone gets here."

*Seriously?* Cianne frowned. *Why isn't he leaving? Fine, I'll just ignore him like I always do.*

She shrugged but didn't fail to notice that he bypassed the chair he stood behind and moved to the seat beside her and sat down. Cianne side-eyed him briefly before reaching for her drink and taking a much-needed sip to ease her dry throat.

Tristan grabbed the bottle of ketchup from the middle of the table and squeezed it, covering his fries completely. She felt him watching her, somehow feeling him smiling. Cianne didn't even realize that she was flipping the pages of her book as she wondered why he was sitting with her. Hadn't she been clear about not going to that party?

*Maybe this isn't about the party. He may need help with a school project or something. Doubtful, but it could be the case.*

*Maybe Crimpy's was crowded, and there were no seats left.* Cianne glanced around the restaurant. There were several empty tables.

*Why doesn't he sit at any of them?*

*Maybe he didn't like eating alone.*

*Not a big deal, him sitting here.*

*It wasn't as if they hadn't gone to the same school for four years.* All she needed to do was relax. That's all. I can relax around him, she told herself. As casually as she could, Cianne placed a fry in her mouth.