How are you doing? Long time, no see
Grey was meandering about camp. He wasn’t too sure what he was doing, just strolling through the grass, enjoying the warm sun, and thinking about what he’d like for dinner that night. It wasn’t until he’d nearly fallen atop Sol that he realized she was sprawled out in the grass staring at the clouds.
“Oh gods! I am so sorry! Did I squish your fingers?” Grey worried, kneeling down beside her.
“No, now hush. I’m hiding,” Sol frowned, somehow burrowing further into the golden grass of the field.
“Mathew,” Sol’s face pinched up in disgust.
“That one iris boy?” Grey arched a brow, moving to lay down beside Sol. “Is he bothering you again?”
“He’s sweet, but he doesn’t understand that I’m dating Andy,” Sol sighed, looking glumly at the puffy clouds shaped like a peanut and a deformed sea horse.
“Have you tried being mean?” Grey joked.
“Please, I’m not Maria,” Sol snorted, earning a snicker from the older boy.
“Have you at least told Andy?”
“Yeah, but Andy isn’t too sure what to do. He likes Mathew to an extent and doesn’t want to humiliate him,” Sol explained.
“I see,” Grey nodded, resting his hands on his chest. “Appears you’re at a stale mate.”
“I knew you would be here. How are you doing? Long time no see,” Mathew winked. He was a tan skinned kid with wild curls and a cheeky grin. His personality was eccentric and overall quiet exuberant, but his concept of social queues was off.
Sol fought back a screech as she sat upright nearly whacking foreheads with the other boy. “Mathew...hey.”
“Listen, I was wondering if maybe you’d want to hang out at the arts and crafts table? I have this new project in mind-“ Mathew faltered as he spotted Grey. “Oh, hello.”
“Hey,” Grey grinned, moving to prop himself up on an elbow. “Mathew right?”
“Yep! That’s me!” Mathew smiled, pointing a thumb at himself. “But I already know who you are so don’t worry about introductions.”
“Hey, Mathew, you mind hanging out with us?” Grey asked. Sol couldn’t help but shoot him an evil look.”We’re just watching the clouds.”
“That sounds like fun,” Mathew agreed, settling down in the grass. With a grudging sigh, Sol stretched out once more.
“Question,” Grey began, “Mathew do you know who Andy is?”
“Yep. Cool guy.” Mathew nodded excitedly.
“Do you know that he’s dating Sol?” Grey questioned, masking his question as flippant and without secret intent.
“Yeah. He’s pretty lucky,” Mathew sighed. “Sol got a good one. Right Sol?”
Despite herself, Sol couldn’t help but stare in confusion at Mathew. Grey stifled a laugh. “Well, Sol Here was worried that you didn’t know. She didn’t want to hurt your feelings if you tried to ask her out.”
“Oh! Oh my gosh!” Mathew blushed, “I’m so sorry if that was the impression I gave. I’m not-I’m not interested in you like that. I just...I’m not too good at making friends and you’re creative like me so I thought we’d have shared interests you know?”
A weight seemingly lifted from Sol’s shoulders but a small bit of guilt settled in her stomach. “Sorry Mathew, I’ve been avoiding you-“
“I noticed,” Mathew chuckled.
“I just wasn’t sure what to do or say,” Sol admitted, nervously adjusting her bandana.
“I come off a little strong, I know,” Mathew winced. “But I forgive you. No questions asked.”
“I want to. Besides, if you owe me, then help me out with my project idea.” Mathew sat up with a smug smile on his face.
“Oh, alright.” Sol conceded, slowly clambering to her feet. “Just as long as there’s no glitter.”
“Okay, no glitter,” Mathew nodded. “Bye Grey. See you around. Also. You’re super cool.”
Chuckling to himself, Grey watched the young iris camper bound off towards the arts and crafts recreation area. Sol lingered for a moment. “How did you know that would work?”
“The moment he put himself down on my side and not by you I kind of figured he wasn’t crushing on you. If anything it’s a hard core case of a friend crush. You know, where you just really want someone to be your friend,” Grey explained.
“I see,” Sol nodded, “well thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Grey nodded, “now get going before he runs out of energy.”
With a small smile, Sol bid her friend goodbye and went in pursuit of Mathew.
