RE : julian apolskis.
HE’S GROUNDED – in a way where a mind doesn’t wander and creativity sometimes come to die. he’s not GOOD with metaphors and he’s not MADE to talk about his feelings, or anyone else’s for that matter. but there’s something about the poem, and the way she shrinks when asked to elaborate that is cause for worry. “ no, don’t – don’t apologize. i asked. ” he speaks, a skateboard kicked to the curb as he sinks down beside her. “ i don’t know if… ” julian continues, shoulder grazing hers, his stare at the road before them. “ i don’t know if you’ve FORGOTTEN, but – i live right next door. ” a motion is made down the street, and he goes on, distancing himself from the gravity of the situation through half-assed theatrics. “ and my number, i was so sure you had that already… i don’t know what happened there – maybe you accidentally deleted it between now and thirty minutes ago when i asked you to hang out, but – it’s 585 - ” julian makes a point out of pausing between each digit, as if he was expecting her to write it down. “ - 721 - and … i – i actually don’t know the rest. ” brows are brought together now, a boy desperately trying to recollect what he’s supposed to know. “ shit. ” ˛he breathes out. “ i’m like a whole ass MILLENNIAL. ” there’s a laugh now, partly created by disbelief and the other remaining percent out of nerves. he’s not anxious, rather concerned. it’s an emotion he doesn’t experience anymore, not a significant level, but he does now. thus chuckles die down, and he offers her a glance. “ ––… you know you can call me, right. ” beat. “ especially when… ” and just like that, eye - contact is broken once more.
“ You asked, but that ... It doesn’t mean you wanted to know. ” Words are small, and small frame feels like it’s getting smaller. Juli sinks down next to her on the steps, and she shifts slightly, suddenly aware of the small space between them. His shoulder brushes hers, and there’s an involuntary shiver from the blonde — shyness creeping inside her and onto her face, as she quickly ducks her head. But he’s never been one for sentimentality, so she’s not surprised when he turns to theatrics — nudging his shoulder gently at his words. “ I know, Jules. I just ... ” Pause. “ I don’t want to bother you, y’know ? It’s not ... It’s not that big a deal, anyways. I’m fine. ” She shakes her head slowly with a shrug. “ How do you not know your own phone number ? I mean, how do you even talk to people ? ” She teases, in an attempt to change the subject. It doesn’t stick, however, and she offers him a small smile, despite the fact that he breaks eye contact. “ I know. I know. But really, don’t worry about me. I’m fine, I promise. ” She lies through her teeth, and she knows that he knows. But it’s habit, to make sure people aren’t worried about her. To tell them she’s fine, that she’s okay and there’s nothing to worry about. Arms hug knees tightly to her chest, and blonde waves fall in front of her face. The conversation makes her wish the cement would open up and eat her, along with the long-forgotten yogurt.
