Naturally

The next morning, for the first time in a long time, I got up before someone started banging on my door. At first, I was considering dressing nicer than I usually do, but decided against it. That would make me look too desperate, and it's not like I liked Connor or anything. We're too different from each other.

I was just pulling my shoes on when Dad started pounding on my door. I yanked it open and dodged his fist.

"Sorry Champ!" he said, laughing. "Not used to you being up so early."

I smiled and pecked him on the cheek before going downstairs. When I walked into the kitchen, Mom gave me a look of surprise.

"Raven! What are you doing up so early?" I shrugged and nibbled on the toast she set in front of me.

"Mom! Guess what I heard!" Taya sang as she skipped into the kitchen. "Someone told me that a certain Raven is going to work on a project at a boy's house!"

Mom gave me a shocked look. I shrugged and stood, making my way out of the kitchen.

"Hold it, young lady!" she said in a stern voice. I spun around and raised my eyebrow. "Who's this boy?"

"His name is Connor Mason!" Taya volunteered. "He's in her French class, and they're partnered for a project!"

"Really now? And what do y-" Mom was cut off by me slamming the front door.

I skated down the street and met Justin by our usual corner.

"What's up buttercup?" he said cheerfully. I just shook my head and we continued on.

When we reached school, I couldn't help but get the feeling that everyone was staring at me. I looked up and saw that Justin was thinking the same thing. Once I was finished switching out my bags we headed to French.

"Raven! Hey Raven!" I turned and saw Connor running toward me. I looked at Justin and raised an eyebrow. "Hey, how's it going."

I shrugged and muttered an "Alright."

"So, I was thinking, after school, we could just meet by your locker, and we can take my car," he said, smiling.

I forced a smile. "Sounds good."

"Alright, I'll see you in French. Later, Justin!" Connor turned around and went back to his friends, who were staring at us.

"Oh my gosh!" Justin squealed excitedly. "He has a car? That is so cool! And he knows my name!"

"If it weren't for the lack of boobs, I'd think you were a chick," I said quietly.

"I resent that!" Justin whined. "You don't need to be rubbing that in my face!"

I just shook my head and walked into French. Justin groaned and pointed to the board. It read: Sit with your partners today.

I moaned and hugged my friend before heading to my usual seat. Justin sat where Kaitlyn usually did.

I sat at my seat, dreading the moment the bell will ring. Unfortunately, that moment came all too soon. As soon as he saw the board, Connor grinned and skipped-yes, I mean full on skipped- over to me.

"Hey Venny!" he said, plopping down in the chair next to me, and giving me a big hug. I looked at him questioningly. "Well, I assumed that everyone calls you Raven or Ray, so I decided to call you Venny!"

I couldn't help but smile. Hey, he's kinda funny! Anyway, Mademoiselle cleared her throat and clapped her hands.

"All right, this entire class period will be spent on your projects! And, go!" she sat down at her desk and began to paint her nails.

The class erupted into noise. Kids grouped up and started talking and laughing, completely ignoring the project. Connor propped his feet up and leaned back, hands behind his head.

"So, Venny, tell me about yourself," he said, looking at me. I blushed a little and looked down. What was I supposed to say? I shrugged. "Oh, come on! There's gotta be something! There has to be a story behind the face! I hear you're an artist."

My eyes went wide at this. I didn't show many people my work. I mean sure, some people saw my work in the tunnel, but I was never around for it.

"Kinda," I said, looking away.

"Ooh! Can I see something?" Connor begged excitedly. I shook my head. "Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top? And whipped cream? And sprinkles?"

I sighed and pulled my sketch pad out of my bag. Connor squealed and snatched it out of my hands. I giggled a little. Yes, I giggled, something I haven't done in a long time.

"These are really good! I like this one! And this one! But this one is so my favorite!" Connor flipped through my book the whole period. I just sat and watched his facial expressions change with each sketch. I laughed more than I have in a long time.

The time flew by, and before I knew it, I was shoving my sketchbook into my bag and darting out of the room to catch up with Justin.

"So, you had fun with Connor!" he said, slinging an arm around my shoulder. I slapped his arm. "What? I haven't seen you laugh that hard in a long time! Let alone laugh at all!" I giggled a bit. "See! You never giggle! You've only been partners for two days, and he's already changing you! For the better, might I add!"

"Shut up!" I groaned. Justin laughed and started talking on about how annoying Kaitlyn was.

I still find it hilarious that she had a major crush on Justin, and was still unaware of the fact that he is gay.