a slight ache of happiness

It was so hard to study, under these conditions. Archie finally came to the conclusion. It was a bit much spending the day with Hayley's Mom and his Dad. They talked a lot about being together. The old days. So much laughter. Evidently, they missed each other.

Archie was very solemn about the whole event. He was their audience, and his Dad said very little to him which made Archie all the more quiet. Archie guessed he should have said more, but he couldn't.

"Next time, just you and me?" His Dad was all grins as if they'd soon be best mates. Archie just didn't  know if he could do it. He certainly wasn't going to let Hayley know. That would be all he needed, having her around with his Dad about.

His father was in pest control.  Not that Archie had anything against it. But what were they really suppose to talk about? Of course, he really wasn't a conversationalist. He didn't even know how to start.

Here he was in his usual spot in the cafeteria. He'd roam the Internet on his phone for a bit and then head off to his room to study. Maybe choke down the vanilla milkshake. His usual.

"Is it full of protein?" A female voice asked behind him. She was holding her tray of soup and  sandwich.

"What?" He looked up at her startled.

"You know, being fit?" Her smile was sweet, Archie looked around to make sure she was actually speaking to him. He looked at her stunned, yet he felt faint at the same time.

He thought she asked if she could sit at his table by the window that looked out at the garden. Although, it was wet and gloomy out. He motioned for her to sit. She did.

She was Magz.

"I have  natural science with you." She reminded him. "I see the back of your head, everyday."

"hahaha.." His laugh was so careful. It felt like words, but not. "Oh."

"So what do you like? When you aren't on that mobile of yours?" Her eyes were so big and serious.

"My Dad" He shrugged. "I go and see my Dad." He wasn't even sure why he said it. But she thought it sweet. No one had ever thought of him sweet before.