Ashley trudges into her English class, clad in her school uniform just like everyone else except without the red and blue striped tie, already dreading it. Dreading Mr. Hawthorne's boring lesson about whatever and getting in trouble for not paying attention. It's the first day of her senior year and she's already gotten into trouble three times in previous classes. It's not that she hates school, she is good at it without having to try; it's her dislike for the teachers, not being able to sit still for very long, and not being able to express her opinion freely that drives her crazy. Oh and her, Madison Duarte, the girl that attempts to make her life a living hell. She scowls at Madison, who glares back, as she takes a seat in the middle of the classroom in front of her good friend, Chelsea.
"So what are the odds that the pervert got a new wardrobe this year?"
Chelsea laughs, "Slim. Too busy making inappropriate comments to underage girls to notice that his wardrobe is creepy, much like him, and out of style."
Ashley snickers at this and then immediately squirms in her seat, "Gross, I hope he doesn't make some lame attempt to yell at me to get me to stay after class again. I've already gotten in trouble three times today. They just don't appreciate my positive feedback, you know?"
Chelsea's eyebrows raise, "Positive? Ashley, telling Ms. Reynolds she shouldn't have cut her hair because she reminds you of Jack Black with shaggy hair when she asked about it is not positive."
Ashley's mouth drops open in shock, "It was too! Now she knows for next time! I was helping her out in the long run really. I mean think about it…"
She trails off as she notices Chelsea's attention is no longer focused on her, but rather the door. Ashley turns to look also, and sees a young, gorgeous blonde walk in. She is wearing a blue pencil skirt, a white collared button up tucked into the skirt, and a pair of red heels with a red beaded necklace to match. Ashley just watches her with a smirk on her face, but it disappears as soon as the girl begins to right her name on the board. Once she is done, she turns towards the class and smiles, walking in front of her desk and against it. Ashley stares at her legs for a bit before letting her eyes roam up the rest of her body. She turns and smirks at Chelsea, who only rolls her eyes.
"Morning class, my name is Miss Carlin; I'll be taking Mr. Hawthorne's place for the year."
"You're a teacher? You don't look old enough to be one; you look as old as us…kind of."
"Well luckily for you guys, I am just old enough to do so. And who are you?"
"Ashley, Ashley Davies. How old are you? And where are you from that you have that accent?"
"Nice to meet you Miss Davies," she holds eye contact for a second with her smile never faltering and then looks to the rest of the class continuing on ignoring the girls questions. "So seeing how I'm stuck with all of you for a year and you are lucky enough to have me grace you with my presence, we should get to know each other. Everyone move their desks to form a circle." She smiles and waits for everyone to do so, but no one moves. They're all looking around at each other hesitantly, a bit thrown off by her. "Come on don't be shy, I don't like rows very much… they seem too impersonal, I want everyone to be able to see everyone."
Chelsea is the first to get up and start moving her desk. Everyone else then quickly follows until the desks form a large circle. Miss Carlin takes a seat in between two students and is directly across from Chelsea, who is sitting next to Ashley.
"Good that is much better; this is how the desks will stay for the year unless we're working in groups. There will be no assigned seating because honestly, it's a waste of my time to make a chart up." She smiles at everyone's shocked expressions before continuing on. "Now I know all the other teachers have their own way of doing things, but in here we will do them my way. So, let's get to know each other. I'll start. My name is Spencer Carlin, but ya'll have to call me Miss Carlin because of some rule that annoys me. I am 22 years old and just graduated from Dartmouth with a double major in English and French, with dual teaching certificates. Boring, I know. I grew up in the south, Texas to be exact, hence the accent Miss Davies." Ashley only smiles at this, happy her questions are finally being answered because she doesn't respond well to people ignoring her. "What else? My parents live in Texas still, but I needed to get away, which is why I'm here in Connecticut with all you lovely people. I have one brother, Glen, who is currently playing basketball for the Suns in Phoenix. Let's see… I love to run, I love to read, I'm addicted to coffee, and I love children and all animals. And also, I have a problem with rambling and a very short attention span, so try to keep up!" She looks around the room once again, her smile still in place.
Chelsea leans over to Ashley, "I think I'm going to like her, she seems interesting."
Ashley nods, "Yeah, but does she always have to smile? She can not be that happy all the time." She looks over at Miss Carlin completely enthralled by her. She's gorgeous without question, but there's more to her. She's interesting and draws attention without trying. Her accent is amazing and different. She's also dresses well, which seems to be a problem for the other teachers, Ashley decides as she takes all of her in. Feeling Chelsea nudge her, Ashley snaps out of her thoughts and looks around realizing everyone is staring at her.
Miss Carlin laughs, "Sorry to interrupt you over there Miss Davies, but I was just saying that since I know you're name already why don't you tell us something else."
"Oh, um, ok… I'm Ashley, I've been at Atwood Academy since freshman year, but I live in L.A. whenever I'm allowed to go home. I play the guitar, I like to have a good time, and…"
"And she's also the school's local slut." Madison starts cracking up at her comment, along with her two friends, Sherry and Carmen.
Ashley glares at her, ready to pounce on her, before grinning evilly, "You would know personally right Madi?"
Everyone becomes silent and Miss Carlin clears her throat, "Right well that's good to know. See, isn't this great? We're learning tons about each other. Now miss," she looks at Madison, "is it Madi? Why don't you tell us a little more about yourself?"
Scowling still, Madison slumps down in her seat, pissed off that Ashley told everyone. Everyone will now know in a matter of 10 minutes. "I'm Madison Duarte, I'm captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, I'm from Malibu, and I love to dance. Is that good enough?"
"Yes, that was great. Who's next?" A raven haired boy raises his hand, "Ok, go ahead."
He smiles, "I'm Aiden. I'm the captain of our school's basketball team; I'm the point guard. I live in L.A. also," he gives a little nod in Ashley's direction and continues on, "and I'm basically the best looking guy at this school so it's ok if you're crushing on me already Miss C." He winks at Miss Carlin and high fives the guy sitting next to him before cracking up.
Ashley rolls her eyes at this, "See? This is why I don't date guys anymore," she whispers to Chelsea, "they're all pompous asses."
Chelsea laughs at this, but quickly stops as soon as Miss Carlin asks her to go next. "I'm Chelsea Lewis, I paint and draw, I live in New Hampshire, and I also love to read."
"What types of books do you enjoy most?"
"Well, I like everything really… but mysteries are probably my favorite."
Miss Carlin nods, and turns to another student. They spend the rest of the period letting everyone else take their turn and chatting until the bell rings, signaling the end of the school day. "Ok well, I guess that's all… oh! Tomorrow I'd like ya'll to bring your favorite book to class for our discussion. Ok great, see you all tomorrow!" Ashley is the first to stand and make her way towards the door, "Miss Davies, I'd like a word please and Miss Duarte, you too."
They both let out a small groan and sit back down in their chairs. Chelsea gives Ashley an apologetic look before leaving. Once everyone leaves the classroom, Miss Carlin just looks at both of them for a second, still in the desk she was in during the class. "So am I to expect it to be like this all year or what?"
Madison starts to say something, but Ashley interrupts, "It doesn't have to be if she would just back off… or you know, disappear."
Madison glares at her, but says nothing.
"Right, well let's not let it happen again or you'll learn soon enough that my bad side isn't too pleasant. Madison you may go." She gets up and quickly leaves the classroom mumbling something involving Ashley's name to herself.
Ashley doesn't pay attention though because Miss Carlin is staring at her now and she can't seem to look away. "Miss Davies, where is your tie?" She stands now and walks over to her, stopping in front of Ashley.
"Oh, I took it off during 2nd period. The thing drives me insane and it's unnecessary. And besides, I already have Madi hear to drive me insane, I don't need something else to also."
She nods, "I understand that, but unfortunately it's a rule that you have to wear it. So tomorrow, please wear it. I don't like punishing people over such idiotic things." She's smiling again with her head slightly tilted to the side, "I've heard a lot about you from the other teachers, and I'm not going to lie it wasn't too nice. So, how about you prove them wrong this year and keep me from forming the same opinion ok?"
Ashley stares into her eyes, deciding that there really are no words to describe that shade of blue, "Ok…"
"Great!" She looks away and walks over to her desk, "You can go now, and don't forget your book for class tomorrow!"
Ashley stands, and leaves the classroom with a smirk on her face. She heads back to her room, and finds Chelsea in there lying on her bed, "So how hot is Miss C?"
Ashley just nods before flopping down next to her, "Yeah, I'd do her. What do you think my chances are?"
She shakes her head laughing a little, "Ashley, just because you got with your counselor and Mrs. Cole last year doesn't mean every other gorgeous, 'straight' teacher will sleep with you."
Ashley grins evilly, "Want to make a bet?"
