Rumour has it

"Why not?"

"It's just that-- I'd rather not-- Nevermind, I was just curious where you might know me from, that's all..."

"Eight? That’s so interesting — I’ve always wished I could play an instrument. Alas I only inherited athletic genes."

"Oh, I wish I could do sports instead... It's much healthier. What is it that you do, if I may ask...?"

"You’re joking right? The Violin sounds wonderful — impressive too. How long have you played?"

"Oh, thanks, it's not that difficult... I don't know, let me, uh, think, um... Since I was eight, I think."

"Well, if you are into basketball and all of that you probably knew me. But I mean, I know who you are I your name … I might know from where I remember"

"Yeah, it's kinda common knowledge, if you know what I mean... Oh my, I really hope you don't, actually..."

Simon was surprised when he actually had the right amount in his pockets, going and sitting next to the blonde, realizing after a few moments of his talking and her almost silence that she definitely fit the quiet type persona. ”Caramel’s good,” he said with a smile as she met his eyes, though not long enough for him to tell what color. “We had a salty caramel flavored ice cream back in Cali, which was really good. I love Vanilla bean, personally, though I’ll eat about any flavor.” He nodded as she sort of described the restaurant, wondering which guy at school worked there-there were a lot of guys.

Outside the bus, Ellie made sure the boy had followed her and looked around, quickly locating the marketplace at the end of the street. "Oh, I've never been to California... Is that where you're from?" She began walking slowly towards their first destination, hands in her pockets, eyes on her shoes. She felt somehow nervous, as no one would've have ever agreed to spend time with her just for the sake of her company, except--

“It‘s okay you are just said as I understand. Why shouldn‘t I be nice with you? You didn‘t nothing wrong to me or something and in general you didn‘t something wrong to everyone, I think.”

"I guess that makes sense, I guess... I don't know, I think it's maybe just hard for me to trust people-- I dunno."

"Well Ellie, it’s nice to meet you too. You don’t look strange to me, I mean I think I have seem you before"

"You probably have, yeah... I mean, I've been in this school since forever, so it'd be odd if you hadn't... I already knew who you were actually. Kinda. Knew you at sight, you know..."

"As long as I’m not disturbing you.. Can I ask what you’re writing?"

"You're not! Really... Sure, um, just composing a little something for the violin..."

"Band group — What do you play?"

"The violin and the oboe... Nothing too cool, really."

"Why so surprised? I just wanted to say I like your jacket. Is there something wrong with that?"

"Oh! You do? Thank you, um, I like your hairdo... It's just that people usually... don't, you know, talk to me much."

"Well that’s alright, not everybody can be good at everything… Who knows, maybe you just haven’t found the right mystery for you yet."

"Oh, thank you, that's actually super inspiring... But I'll stay put with my band group, I guess, it's what I'm good at..."

"Thank you.. Oh really? That’s interesting. Do you usually manage to piece everything together before the novel is over, or do you just like making a note of the clues and not partaking in the actual solving of the mystery?"

"I actually never did solve any mystery, I'm not really good at it... I do try, though, but the eneding always comes as a shock to me, especially this one-- But I don't wanna spoil it for you, of course."

He stayed at the same pace as her, walking beside her and listening as she spoke. He nodded at the mention of the marketplace, knowing approximately where it was in his mind. “Oh, yeah, I’ve been to the marketplace like once. Mom wanted me to pick up fresh veggies for a stew. I didn’t see the ice cream stand when I was there though? I must have missed it.” Ice cream did sound good right now, even if it wasn’t hot out. Then again, when didn’t ice cream sound good? “What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow as he looked over at her. “Oh? What restaurant?” 

As the bus arrived, Ellie stepped inside, waiting for Simon to follow her. She had forgotten to tell him how much the ticket cost, hoping he wouldn't mind the fee. She sat on the nearest set of empty seats, listening to the boy, not knowing what to say but a polite 'uh-huh' now and then.

“Oh, stop it! Don’t make feel yourself like you are nothing, please.”

"Oh, sorry, didn't mean to play the victim or anything... You're so nice to me, thank you."

No, it wasn’t nothing important anyway I just taking some notes that I missed. I’m Tyler.

"Oh, uh, okay, I'm glad, I mean... I'm Ellie, it's nice to meet you."

"You're quite... thoughtful, aren't you? In a good way, I mean..."

"Oh no it’s fine, honestly. You can stay.. I’d like some company.."

"Oh, sure, thank you...! Take a seat, I was just, um, finishing up this thing for music class..."