In her class, Stella is lost in thinking about what happened. Why did I invite him to lunch all of a sudden? Do I like him? No, I just met him, and we've barely spoken to each other; then why?' She continues this spiral, unable to find an answer. New questions arise: 'What does his family do? Why did he enroll in his senior year? Did he just move here? She snaps out of it when her Chemistry teacher asks, "Ms. Orunson, is my class so boring you can't help but daydream?"
"No, sir." She responds, sitting straight in her seat.
"Then pay attention," he says, continuing with the lesson. Stella's last thought is, these are questions I can ask him at lunch.
Time passes, and its now 5th period, the class she shares with her best friend, Rachel. Stella gives Rachel a look, and then, five minutes apart, they head to the bathroom.
"How's your first day back been?" Rachel asks as they enter.
Stella hesitates, then says, "Now, don't be too excited, buuuut I may ask a guy out for lunch. Not like a date, just to have lunch together."
Rachel looks confused but then smiles. "On your first day back? That's brave."
Stella insists, "I told you, NOT a date."
"Okay, okay. What's the boy's name?"
"Theo."
"Theo… You know how many Theos there are?"
"Well, Theo is a nickname. His real name is Asmodeus Theos… I forgot the last name." Stella looks puzzled. "Asmodeus. I don't think I would forget such a name, but I don't remember having one in our senior class."
Stella scratches her head. "Well, he's new to the school."
"Wow, you snagged the new kid? He must be quite the catch for you to want to get him before anyone else," says Rachel with a mischievous grin.
"I didn't snag anyone. I only invited him because he caught my interest."
Rachel sighed and said, "That's how they all start," as though reminiscing about past love. Stella ignores her and continues, "He said that his last name worked well with what his family does… plus he has white hair."
Rachel ponders. "If you could remember his last name, I could help you. Make sure to ask him again when you have your date."
"It's not a date," Stella repeats adamantly. Rachel laughs. Stella then asks about the story Rachel is going to turn in for her newswriter application.
"It's on the changes happening to plants and wildlife worldwide. They seem to be growing at exponential rates. Even in Costa Rica, I saw some of the biggest trees ever."
"Wow," Stella says, amazed. "I didn't know all this was happening in the world."
"Of course you wouldn't. You're locked up in this small town, but that changes this year. We're going to see all the sights and explore everything."
"Promise?" Stella says, holding out her pinky finger.
"Promise," Rachel says, linking their fingers together. They laugh, then stagger their return to class.
When 6th period arrives, Stella heads to the cafeteria and spots Theo waiting in line. She sneaks up behind him, ready to tap his shoulder when Theo says, "Good, you didn't forget our appointment." Startled, Stella asks, "How did you know it was me?"
Theo gives her a mysterious smile. "Family secret."
"Tell me more about this family of yours," she presses.
"We don't know each other well enough for me to spill secrets like that to you."
"Well then, let's get to know each other," Stella smiles, they grab their food and head to a table.
Stella starts, "If you can't tell me about your mysterious family, tell me more about yourself."
"What do you wish to know?
"First, what's the story behind your unusual name?"
With a bored look, Theo responds, "It's not that the names are weird; they're just uncommon to you. Take you for example, Stella Ebele Orunson: Stella, from Latin, meaning 'Celestial Star'; Ebele, of African descent, meaning 'Child'; and Orunson, also of African descent, meaning 'Cosmos.' Your family has a relationship with the stars. Names have power and significance in most cultures, especially in mine. Your name is simply easier to take in than Asmodeus."
Stella, stunned, asks, "How do you know my full name?"
"It was on the attendance sheet," Theo responds casually.
"Even so, how do you know the meaning of my name? You had to derive that information from two very different languages."
"I was trained from a young age to understand the meaning behind language, not just the meaning of each word."
"Then what's the meaning behind your name?"
"That's your fourth question. I think it's my turn now, don't you?" Theo says. He's avoided my questions again., Stella thought to herself.
"When did your family immigrate to this country, and have you ever visited home?" Theo asks.
Stella reflects and responds, "We came to the U.S. when I was just a baby, maybe a year old. As for the second question, I've never been back home. My parents say we had to leave because our tribe was after us with malicious intentions."
"I'm sorry to bring up such harsh memories, and I'm sorry you've never been home, it's a beautiful place," Theo says.
Stella, her curiosity piqued, asks eagerly, "You've been? How is it?"
"I still have one more question to make us even," Theo replies
Impatient for an answer, Stella says, "What is it?"
"What's the deal with your white hair? Did you dye it, or is it natural?"
Surprised by the question's simplicity, Stella answers, "It's natural. I was born with it. Growing up, it was confusing since neither of my parents had white hair, and I'd never seen or talked to anyone with natural white hair until now. Is your hair natural?"
"Do you really want to waste your fourth question on something trivial?" Theo teases
Stella quickly waves her hands, "No, no, no, tell me about my home.
Theo relents, "It's an amazing sight with flourishing wilderness and vibrant culture. At night, the stars and constellations seem to dance in the skies. The people live in tune with nature; their bronze skin shines in the evening sun. They're strong, fast, and incredibly athletic. The women are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, with obsidian black hair that shines in the sun, eyes deep as though they hold the night skies in them, and figures so perfect you'd think they were carved by gods. Overall, it's a wonderful place."
Stella yearns for these experiences but knows she can't visit while living with her parents. She then asks her fifth question, "Where is your home?"
"That's number five, so it's my turn now," Theo says. "What are your hopes and dreams?"
"Damn, we got deep quick," Stella remarks.
"Ignore it if it makes you uncomfortable," Theo says, continuing to eat his lunch.
"My hopes and dreams… to be honest, they're pretty far out there. If I can, I would love to explore the sea of stars and see everything in our world."
Theo looks at her in surprise. "I would have thought you'd say something like being famous or working in film."
"Why? Because I'm a girl?" Stella retorts.
"Is that a question?" Theo asks.
Stella pauses, considering her response. Theo continues, "Yes, and it's because of the attention you already get in school. Haven't you noticed about five guys looking at you right now?"
Stella looks around, realizing Theo is right. "I see your point now."
"What is your fifth and last question? I must get home.
"Don't you have class after lunch?"
"I'll take that as a question."
"No—" Stella starts, but Theo cuts her off.
"I'm only here for five classes. I would have gone straight home, but you asked me out for lunch. This was an insightful conversation, and I hope for more like it soon."
Still mad about losing her last question, Stella says, "Well, get home safe, and see you tomorrow."
Before leaving, Theo turns to her and says, "I'll give you a free one: yes, my hair is naturally white." Then, he turns and heads to dispose of his lunch. Watching his back, Stella ponders, He is so weird, and how did he know I wasn't from here? She finishes lunch and heads to the editor's room to meet Rachel.