SilverStone Academy

Dianna

I nod and compose myself, "London, Yeah."

Christopher

I nod, "How'd you come to be here then? Like... what made you want to go to school here?"

Dianna

I sigh, "I needed something to keep me busy. For be to behave. This seems to be the only solution."

Christopher

I flash a smile and nod, sighing, "I'm from upstate New York. I want a career in Special Forces when I'm grown, so my parents were alright with paying for my stay here."

Dianna

I nod, "I have to pay for my own stay..."

Christopher

"Oh, sorry," I say, wondering if what I said qualified me as one of those spoiled kids I'd come to hate, "Well, at least you're prepared for the real world. You know how it works and will have a better chance coming to terms with it."

Dianna

I shrug, nodding, "Guess so. I'm just..not ready to grow up yet. I'm only sixteen."

Christopher

I shrug, "I don't think anyone is ready, even when the time comes."

I realize I never got her name and look at her again.

"I'm Christopher, by the way. Most people call me Chris," I introduce, "You are?"

Dianna

I look back at him, "Dianna. Nice to meet you," I flash a half smile, running a hand though my hair.

Christopher

I flash a smile and nod, "Nice to meet you too, Dianna."

Dianna

I nod awkwardly and bite my lip, grabbing my bag and notebook in hand, "I'm going to the marine training lake," I glance at it, "Wanna come?"

Christopher

I shrug and stand, offering a hand to help her up, "Sure. Where is it?"

Dianna

I take his hand and stand, letting go once I am, "Over there," I point in that direction.

Christopher

I nod and follow her to it, glad to not have my bag anymore.

Dianna

I lead him there and plop down on shore once we get there, writing my name in cursive in the sand.