Black Rose

Quinn Parker burst into her homeroom, her messy auburn braid flying. This was the third time she'd been late to school in a week, and now she knew she was pushing it.

Quinn's blue eyes darted across the room, scanning the students' faces for judgement before attempting to zip her overflowing backpack. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Goodwin, I—"

Ms. Goodwin turned, smiling as she set down her book. "Hello, Quinn. I was telling our new student about you."

Instantly, Quinn's gaze flickered to the girl standing by Ms. Goodwin. She appeared to have been talking to the teacher, and she must've been new, because Quinn had never seen her before. She was about Quinn's height, with a baggy hoodie and thick black hair in a half-up-half-down style. Her gaze was friendly but tentative, meeting Quinn's with a shy hope.

"Quinn, this is Elisabeth. Elisabeth, this is Quinn. I was hoping you two would get along."

Quinn barely registered Ms. Goodwin's words. She remembered what it was like being the new kid. It wasn't exactly a blast, and she did feel for this Elisabeth, but she had a lot of classes, basketball, D&D campaigns, and chores . . .

"And Quinn, it would be nice if you could show Elisabeth around today."

Crap.

Quinn opened her mouth to decline, but as she glanced up at Elisabeth's face something stopped her. The girl looked happy, yeah, but also anxious, like she was afraid this wouldn't work out. That she would be all alone in this building.

Quinn remembered that feeling.

Yeah. She might be able to make it fit.

"Okay."

Later that day, Quinn slung her backpack over her shoulder as she walked down the hall, Elisabeth right beside her. "So, first things," she said, attempting a casual tone she didn't really feel. "The lockers are down the hall to the right. Yours is on your schedule, and just tell me if you need help with the combination. And also . . . don't hit anyone."

Elisabeth gave a small laugh. "Got it."

As they walked, Quinn noticed Elisabeth glancing around, taking in the posters, the laughing students, and the faint smell of cafeteria pizza that seemed to linger in every hallway. Quinn flashed back to her first day—that feeling of everything happening all at once. Maybe her ADHD hadn't helped, but new schools were overwhelming for pretty much anyone.

An awkward silence stretched. Finally, Quinn said, "Do you, uh, play sports or games or anything?"

Elisabeth shook her head shyly, tucking a strand of her black hair behind her ear. "No, but . . . I like to read, and I used to play piano."

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "Piano, huh? That's pretty cool. I used to be learning the ukulele, but I could barely focus for even that."

Elisabeth smiled, small and warm, and for some reason Quinn liked it.

"Well, I could teach you basketball if you'd like," she said. "But warning: I just might dunk you on your first day."

Elisabeth blinked. Then she laughed—bright, unguarded, and making Quinn forget all about the clock ticking towards basketball practice. "You're funny."

The hall felt a little less tense as they continued on. Quinn was actually enjoying showing someone the ropes, making them feel like they could belong.

Maybe this Elisabeth wouldn't be so bad.