by Dane Bagley
***
“Starlean, why don’t you want to come?”
“I just don’t want to. I’m fine, I want to enjoy some time alone tonight.”
“You’re so weird; it’s going to be fun.”
“You’ll have more fun just being with your friends. I always feel like I’m in the way.”
“Are you upset?”
“No, I’m great. I really am. I just don’t want to hang out with your friends tonight. I want to finish my book. I’m going to hang out here and read outside, while it’s still light. I’ll be fine. Go have fun.”
“Alright, but don’t tell Mom that I won’t let you come with me.”
“I won’t; I’m good, really. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Starlean was dressed to go out for the evening, and she had thought about it. But last time she had gone out with her sister, and her friends, she felt completely ignored. It would feel less lonely to be all by herself, than to be with a group and feeling alone and left out. Besides, she really was enjoying her book, and she loved to have an evening to herself, from time to time.
She walked outside with her book and blanket. After arranging the blanket, and trying several positions to get comfortable, she finally just sat on the ground, crossing her legs, and opened up the book. There was a soft cool breeze that blew her long blond hair. She tilted her head, so that the hair wouldn’t keep getting into her eyes. She, like always, looked lovely. She had on a royal blue skirt, and a white blouse. A smile crept over her face as she read—very similar to the smile that had so smitten Caryell the last time that she had gone out with her sister.
This was the exact scene that was captured by the ZX-120’s now instantly in view, but hidden momentarily from her by the book that she was reading.
