It was a Wednesday afternoon, the winter was just beginning. Vivian was once again enjoying the time she had by herself sitting on a bench, staring at one of the many little ponds Central Park has, thinking about absolutely nothing. She was happy in a way she couldn’t really understand why.

Not far from there, actually in the little path that lead to the pond in question, Aster was taking a walk with Breck, just because they had nothing better to do. They were talking about Breck’s last attempt of a relationship, and Aster was pointing out the marvelous world of not having one. That was when Aster saw her. I mean, they had shared glances at school, at least for the past few days she had tried to share those glances with that girl but it had not been enough. Going over these thoughts she stopped walking.

Breck still walked a little by himself before realizing he was alone. He came back to Aster and asked what had happened. That was when she realized that she had stopped moving. Then Breck followed her eyes just to encounter Vivian at the end.

-What? – he asked

– That girl is from our school isn’t she?

– Yeah, I think she’s in my French class or something… Why?

– No reason.

– Wait… is it possible that Aster has a crush on someone and hasn’t made a move yet? That’s a first, you must really like her!

– Shut up, I was just wondering about her familiar face.

– Ok… let’s go.

– Where?

– Talk to her of course. Now, get back to your over-confident self please!

Breck took her hand and started dragging her towards the bench Vivian was. Aster’s first reaction was to turn around and run. But then Breck’s words started to make sense… “what she was doing?… talking to someone had never been a problem”. She tried to put some sense into her mind and told herself “she’s just another one”. But the fact is, she wasn’t.

– Hey – Aster said to Vivian while sitting next to her

– Hey – answered Vivian a little surprised to suddenly see two people right next to her.

– So… what’s so interesting? – asked Aster.

– I’m sorry… what? – Vivian was a little confused.

– It’s just that you seemed to be staring at something all concentrated and all.

– Oh, that’s me letting my mind be clear of everything.

– Do you mind me sitting here next to you and clearing mine also?

– Not at all – Vivian still seemed a little confused.

– Ok, that’s my cue. Good clearing you two – said Breck while moving away with a little smile on his face.

Both stayed there for a long time. Quiet.

For the next month Vivian and Aster couldn’t be seen without each other. They spent as much time possible enjoying the company of one another. And one month later there they were again… at the same Central Park bench. In silence.

Vivian was lost in her thoughts, on what it seemed to be the only thing she could think about for the past few days… on how much she enjoyed to be with Aster. She felt she needed to express that feeling, because it was so real she just couldn’t keep it inside her. So she turned to Aster and said:

– I feel so much better when I’m with you.

Aster gave her a crooked smile and came really close to Vivian’s face. Lips almost touching. She looked into her eyes, then looked at her lips, and then reached for her ear and said really softly:

– You make me better too.

And that was it. It was real now. They both sat back. Vivian reached and held Aster’s hand.