~~~~

That morning, Sophie woke up promptly her alarm. She didn't dare miss the bus, because that meant not being able to ride with Amelia. She refused to let that happen.

She walked into her bathroom, changing into light blue overalls, with a pink, long-sleeved undershirt. Before this however, she slathered her arms back and legs in aloe. It made the scars less irritable.

She left the house without eating breakfast, because she was behind schedule. She didn't even care that she would be hungry. It was more important to get time with Amelia.

When she got on the bus, she almost ran to her and Amelia's usual seat, in the very back were no one else was. That way, according to Amelia, they could talk about whatever they wanted and wouldn't get made fun of.

Then again, it was more of a one-sided conversation.

She sat next to Amelia, and Amelia smiled. Amelia always had the window seat, since her stop was before Sophie's. But Sophie didn't mind, honestly. It simply meant that she wouldn't have any distractions when Amelia talked to her.

And Amelia was always talking. She had so many interesting things to say. For someone so full of words and life, she never seemed to have any friends.

It was odd.

////

Amelia rambled off into her thoughts almost as soon as Sophie sat down. She was thoroughly excited that Sophie listened to her so completely, every time. She was an amazing listener. Of course, it's not like Sophie would ever interject, but still. If she did 'say' anything, it was a nod or a quick word in sign-language. She never contradicted what Amelia had to say, nor did she zone-out and ignore what Amelia was talking about.

For instance, today she was talking about mythical creatures. Unicorns, ogres, the like. It was exciting, thinking about what life might be like in a world of magic. Sophie seemed to think so as well, because she wouldn't stop smiling.

As they arrived at school, Sophie barely blinked while Amelia continued to talk. It seemed that Sophie's attention was never-ending. Amelia felt a light blush dust her cheeks, for whatever reason.

I mean, she couldn't possibly be falling for Sophie. It would be unheard of.

The pair walked into school, Amelia talking the whole way, of course. But suddenly, she remembered what she had discovered last night, and stole a glance at Sophie.

There, on the side of her neck, was a dark red scar that made her skin look tough and uneven. She hadn't really noticed it before, but now that she looked, it was hard to miss.

It was odd.