Picture Perfect

I couldn't help but to be ecstatic that school was almost over. I have to admit, Hillside is far better than my last school, but it just gets so routine and bland that summer vacation is like being freed from a prison.

Only three weeks have passed with me in this school but I feel like I'm having a way better experience at this school than my last. Most of my teachers are pleased with my performance in class, Mitchell and I have become the closest of friends, and I also get to hang out with that goofball named Kyle.

"One more week and we're done," I excitedly screeched in Mitchell's ear. He winced but still had a smile on his face.

"I know. We have to do so much this summer," He retaliated.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked, letting curiosity flood my words.

"Well, I have tons of videos in mind that I'd love for you to be in and, I'm not completely sure about this, but me and Kyle were thinking about maybe going on a road trip," He answered and if he couldn't tell my excitement from my wild facial expression, he could definitely tell from the squeal I unintentionally let out.

"That would be so much fun!" I said, letting my imagination run through all the adventures that could take us through.

"Yeah, because Kyle has the van, so we can like sleep in there and I have money because I sold two of my paintings, and we'll have the video camera. It'll be so cool," Mitchell told me. Just picturing all those things made me so happy. All of that just sounds like so much fun, especially since it would be with my two best friends.

"So, what do you want to do today?" He asked me as he outlined the current project he was working on.

"Do you want to come back to my house and maybe watch a movie or something?" I suggested. I can't lie, I adore Ohio but when it comes to entertainment, it's lacking a little bit.

"Sounds good to me. What movies do you have?" Mitchell quizzed while darkening the little monster he was drawing.

"I've got many. My favorites are Wrist Cutters, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Garden State," I explained. I'm more acquired to indie movies because they make me think. I'd rather watch a movie and leave with something to think about rather than just a giggle.

"No way! Those are some of my favorite movies. I've never seen Garden State, but Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Wrist Cutters are two of my favorite movies," He said excitedly.

"Isn't Eugene in Wrist Cutters just the best?" I said with maybe too much enthusiasm.

"Hell to the yes. I love him!" Mitchell said making me chuckle. It seemed that we had more in common than I thought.

"Since you've never seen Garden State, that is definitely what we're watching," I told him. He nodded and seemed to get more intent on his artwork.

"What are you drawing?" I asked him as I tried figuring out what the creature he was drawing was. It looked really cool and it was so creative. Better than anything I've ever done. It looked even more incredible when he started in with the pastels, too.

"Oh, it's nothing really. Just these little monster things I like to draw. I got the inspiration from Alex Pardee's paintings.

"Well, it looks incredible. I wish I could draw anywhere close to how good you are," I told him. I've always been an average artist, but no where near Mitchell's talent.

"Let me show you," Mitchell said taking hold of my hand. "It's all very simple. Just make the general outline, then you can make whatever facial expressions you want," He said, letting go of my hand. I looked up at him with a smile and then worked on my drawing until the bell rang.

"See you in a little bit!" I yelled to Mitchell while we parted ways in the hallway.

I was barely paying attention in my classes because I couldn't really help but to think about Mitchell and I's kiss. It was a while ago, but it had just hit me now. Was it too early? We'd only known each other for a little while and we already kissed. But then again, it's not like we're dating. It was just simply a kiss.

"Hey, do you understand this?" The girl seated next to me asked, breaking my thoughts. I didn't know her very well but I knew her name was Veronica from her being called on in class. She was really peppy and cheery. She seemed quite nice.

"Oh, I'm sorry. What do you say?" I asked her, not hearing her previous statement.

"I just asked if you understood what he was teaching us," I looked up to the board to see the simple equation up on the board. I looked over at Veronica's paper and explained the process of the problem to her.

"Thank you so much! It makes so much more sense now. I'm Veronica, by the way," She informed me, although I already knew this.

"I'm Harlowe," I introduced myself, although I'm sure she already knew this, too.

"You don't talk very much," She stated.

"I just don't really know anyone in this class. I'm not like this outside of school, actually," I told Veronica and she smiled.

"You're friends with Mitchell Davis, right?" She asked me and I nodded my answer.

"Yeah, I always see you guys together," Veronica said and I smiled.

"Mhm. Mitchell, Kyle, and I are usually always together," I told her and finished the last equation on my paper.

"Mitchell is super cute, I'm surprised you guys aren't dating," She said.

"Well, we haven't really known each other for too long, so I guess neither of us find it time, yet," I suggested.

"But you like him, right?" She pushed; I didn't really know if I wanted to tell her. I mean, she didn't seem like someone who would go spilling rumors or something but I just started talking to her.

"Um, I don't really know," I said kind of awkwardly.

The bell rang, relieving me of any more awkward questions from peppy Veronica. I had to admit, it was nice having someone to talk to in a class that Mitchell isn't in but I think that was just too much for one day.

The day blurred by, just like many other days have. I just wanted to get home, relax, and watch some movies with Mitchell.

I was leaning against his car, waiting for him to come out and I saw someone walking along side of him. I couldn't tell who it was at first but as they came nearer, I realized it was Kyle.

"Kyle!" I yelled and we ran at each other and embraced.

"What's up, my best lady friend?" Kyle asked me, making me laugh.

"Nothing, Mitchell and I were just going to watch movies at my house. Would you like to come along?" I asked, and Kyle enthusiastically shook his head.

"Let's party it up!" I screamed as we all got into Mitchell's car.

***

The movie was over and I had Mitchell and Kyle on either side of me. As the credits strolled across my television screen, I popped another piece of popcorn into my mouth.

"So, did you guys like it?" I asked the boys, and they both shook their heads.

"I'm surprised I've never seen that before. It was really good," Mitchell admitted.

"Yeah, I like the relationship between them, kinda reminds me of you and Mitchell," Kyle said, "but I bet you never kissed in the rain all passionately like they did," Kyle added on, making himself crack up.

Mitchell and I just sort of nervous laughed and Kyle gave us a strange look.

"Did you guys passionately kiss in the rain?" He impatiently asked. I looked to Mitchell but he just gave me a look like 'i don't know what to do either.'

"Well, it wasn't in the rain..." I started but definitely didn't intend on finishing.

"Oh. My. God! You guys kissed and didn't even tell your best friend? What's wrong with you?" I couldn't help but to laugh because I could tell Kyle was shocked but he knew how to make it into a joke.

"I'm sorry we didn't keep you in the loop," I sarcastically apologized to Kyle.

"That's quite alright. You guys aren't dating, though. Right?" Kyle asked. Mitchell and I looked at each other. I was about to answer when Mitchell said

"Not yet."