Mare noticed Marianne immediately. She rushed over to her, a wide grin splitting her face. She gave her a small wave and threw open her locker.
"How was class?" she asked Marianne brigthlty, relieved at the sight of a familiar face.
"Hey," Marianne greeted, and the grin that lit up her face was bright enough to rival the sun. "Boring, as usual. And you?"
Mare dramatically whipped around to face Marianne. "It was fabulously educative."
She laughed, adjusting her backpack straps. “Well, I’m glad.”
Mare smiled. She grabbed a handful of random books, zipped up her bag and closed her locker. She gestured to the door. "Shall we go?"
"Yes, let's," Marianne agreed, beginning to weave through the throng of students. "I can walk you to your house?"
"Sounds perfect." She reflexively reached for Marianne's hand– but caught herself just in time. Instead she smiled eagerly, jerked her chin towards the doors and started walking.
Marianne fell into step with her, replaying the events of the day in her mind. Mare seemed all of a sudden happier, where she'd been distraught that morning, and though she didn't fully understand, Marianne was glad that something seemed to have changed.
Mare maintained the content expression on her face. Though the weight of the morning's events stil weighed on her, all she wanted was for Marianne to forget about everything. She couldn't risk anything messing with what they had right now, as it was all she had to rely on in this moment. She looked away, towards the throngs of couples walking around hand in hand.
I can't eat…. Marianne decided that she would ponder those words later. "So," she said to her girlfriend, "I was thinking– d'you want to go to the amusement park just outside town with me this weekend? Just us two?"
Mare's face brightened until she remembered. "Oh god, I wish. I really do." She sighed, frustrated, ran a hand through her hair. "I have a show this weekend."
"Wasn't it on Sunday? You invited me to it, remember?" Marianne reminded gently. "Don't worry about it though, we can do it another time."
"Right, right." She turned towards Marianne, blushing furiously. She paused, then quietly added, "Are you coming?"
“Of course! Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Marianne’s voice was sweet, sincere. “Why wouldn’t I?”
Mare shrugged a shy shoulder. "I wasn't sure if you like ballet?" She met Marianne's gaze, the blush fading from her cheeks.
"I enjoy watching anything with you in it, and I've been to a couple dance shows before. They were fun." She raised her eyebrows slightly. "Besides, not liking ballet isn't exactly reason enough to skip out on your big show."
Mare smiled bashfully. "It's really not that big of a deal. Nothing compared to the showcases."
“Either way, you’re going to be spectacular.” She bumped their shoulders together affectionately. “And I would never miss it.”
Mare nodded. "If you say so." She faced Marianne. "I should probably head home. Homework, you know," she said regretfully.
Marianne nodded, her fingers itching with the need to cup Mare’s face before they parted. But she made sure that her hands stayed limp by her sides, knowing the consequences. “Yeah, unfortunately. Text me, alright? I’m home alone later on, maybe we can video chat?”
Mare nodded. "Sure." She turned to leave, turned towards Marianne to brush her hand as she left.
“Bye..” she whispered, electricity shooting up her arms from the brief touch.
Savouring the last bit of contact, Mare took her time to walk home.
She locked her bedroom door, collapsed on her bed and went to sleep.
(skip?)
(Sure)