The Calm

I ran across our adjoining yards to Austin's house. I knocked on the door, then hopped from foot to foot. Apperently the ground is cold in winter. Who knew?

Nora, Austin's little sister opened the door.

"Hey Lila! Come in," she said.

I walked in the open door and awkwardly held my textbooks in my arms. Austin came over to me and smiled.

"Lila! I'm just about ready."

He walked over to our usual couch and sat down. I sat down on the right, like normal. I opened my textbook and started doing the homework.

My mind left me, and went to planet Math, where all the rules make sense, processes define everything, and there is only one correct answer. I love planet Math. Everything makes sense there.

I finished all the practice problems and closed my textbook. Austin looked over at me.

"How are you already done? I still have like five more problems!"

I shrugged. "It makes sense to me, I guess." I looked over at him. He hunched over the page, rubbing his forehead. His notebook was a mess of problems and solutions. I wonder daily how he manages to keep track of it all.

I decided to take pity on him. "What doesn't make sense today?" I shifted to sit sideways on the couch, facing him.

"Everything..." he said. His glance at me was pleading. How can I resist that?

I laughed a little. "I need a more specific problem."

I helped him understand today's chemistry assignment, then we both sighed in relief.

Austin looked over at me slyly.

"Do you want to watch some Gravity Falls?" He reached toward the remote, already knowing my answer.

"Of course!" He smiled and turned the TV on.

I don't have Disney+ at my house, so I have to go over to his house when I want to watch anything besides VHS's. His family is really nice about it, and actually encourages me to come over and watch things. I'm pretty sure Austin's mom ships me and him, but I've never been able to comfirm it. I'm also not quite sure how it makes me feel. Austin is just my friend, after all.

I curled into the couch cushions and focused on the episode. Gravity Falls is awesome.

Austin started jiggling his leg, like he normally does. Instead of annoying me, it always soothes me. I smiled and looked over at him. He was completely zoned on the TV. He had no idea he was doing it.

I took a deep breath and let the vibrations relax me. I wish I could always stay with Austin. Somehow, he makes me relax.

The episode ended, and I looked over at the clock. Quarter till 6. I really need to get home. I stretched, then picked up my textbook and notebooks.

"Oh, are you leaving?" Austin asked.

"Yeah, we're gonna have dinner soon," I said. I sat up and walked to the front door. Austin followed me.

"Bye Lila! See you tomorrow!"

"Bye Austin!"

Then I stepped off the porch into the twilight.