~This is a short story
Early in the morning, I walk through the halls at school. It's amazing how it's already so crowded. I see the jocks yelling at everyone they pass by. A group of cheerleaders followed them; with their perfectly fixed hair, glossy lips, and extremely short cheer outfits. One of them bumped into me and I winced. She didn't even bother saying sorry; it was like I was totally invisible. Almost there, I thought as I approach my locker. I unlocked it and started to prepare my things. I grabbed my Romeo and Juliet book. (for English's home reading report; which I already passed.) And a couple of my notebooks. I was closing my locker when a voice called, "Erika!" It was my friend Patti; she skipped towards me with that cheerful smile which showed off her braces.
"Hey Pat." I said smiling. I slung my bag on my back as we started to walk towards the English room.
"What's the first subject today?" she asked.
"English." I said.
She snorted, "No wonder your smiling. 1st subject of the day... favorite subject..favorite teacher... what more can you ask?" she joked.
I pushed her lightly as I giggled. "What are you so happy about?" I asked. She was being more cheerful than usual.
"Didn't you hear? We have a new student!" she said; completely excited.
"So? What's so interesting about that?" I said flatly.
She gave me a bored look, "Light up, will you? Have a little fun!" she laughed.
"I just don't understand why your so excited about this." I said. We reached the doors of the English room. Patti stopped in her tracks, "Did I mention the new student is a guy?" she said. I rolled my eyes at her and walked in.
Ms. Cameron, our English teacher, was sitting on her desk. She was checking test papers when I approached and greeted her good morning.
"Erika! Hello, dear." She said. She grabbed a paper from her drawer and gave it to me. "I checked your essay... Well done. One of the best works I've read." she said.
I blushed, "Thank you, Ms. Cameron." She fixed her glasses as she said, "I marked some corrections, as you can see. I want you to fix those and submit it to me by tomorrow." she said and gave me another warm smile.
I nodded and went to my seat at the very back of the room. Nobody was sitting there with me. I was 'isolated' as Patti calls it. I was the top student in the class, and Ms. Cameron thinks that it would be better if I keep my knowledge to myself. (You know how cheaters are). I grabbed a pencil in my bag and started fixing my essay paper. The bell rang, and everyone was settling. I heard a voice from the door before Ms. Cameron closed it.
"Good morning class!" Ms. Cameron said. The class murmured a greeting back. "Before we start, I would like to welcome the newest memeber of this class." There were silent gasps in the room, but I didn't bother looking up. I was too busy with my essay. "My dear, you could seat beside Erika at the very back."Ms. Cameron said. I heard footseps coming towards me. I heard a small creak as the person beside me took his seat. A note reached my desk. I opened it and found Patti's handwriting, saying: "Look at the dude beside you! He's a total dream!"
I looked at Patti, who was seated two rows from me and rolled my eyes at her.I went back to writing.
My eyes never left my essay. I was too inspired to write. I even added some things to it. It was okay for me to not listen to the discussion about Romeo and Juliet (I've already passed my report two weeks earlier!) and Ms. Cameron didn't mind. The bell rang and everyone was getting of their seats; except me. I still had 15 mins 'til Calculus. "Erika, I'll see you in PE later 'kay?" Patti said. I nodded without even looking up. The classroom was more quiet now, and I could think more clearly. Someone cleared his throat, "Excuse me?" a voice asked. I took a deep breath, I hate it when I get disturbed when I'm in the middle of writing. I took my eyes off my essay and looked up.
My heart skipped a beat and I gave a small gasp. Patti was right, the new kid was a dream. I've never thought someone could actually look this gorgeous. He was wearing a plain white shirt underneath a black leather jacket. He matched it with black jeans and combat boots. I stared at him for a while. Then he started to speak, "Your Erika, right?" he asked. I nodded; I couldn't speak.
"I'm Lance Conner. Ms. Cameron told me to borrow your Romeo and Juliet book, since you've already finished it. Is that okay?" he gave me a shy smile.
My senses snapped back on and I was able to speak again. I grabbed the book from my bag and handed it to him, "Yeah, sure... here." He reached out and our hands touched. It gave a shock through my whole body, making me shiver. I looked up to see his surprised look too. After a second his expression went back to normal.
"Thanks." he smiled and walked away.
2 days after...
At the end of classes, I went straight to the Music room. It's been a weird and confusing day. I don't know if it's just me, but everytime I saw that new kid, Lance, he happens to be staring at me. As in deeply staring with those violet gray eyes. It sent shivers up and down my spine. I needed to clear my head; and playing some music might help.
I entered the music room and stopped dead in my tracks. Lance was sitting by the piano. His back was facing me. He took a deep breath and started to play. WOW... was the only thought that came to me. He played with such grace and he looked perfect. The melody he was playing sounded familiar; in a weird way. It's like I knew the melody and it made me want to sing-along. I began my retreat slowly, the door creaked and the music stopped. He turned around, and when he saw me, he stood up and grinned. "Erika. What are you doing here?" he was facing me now; his eyes sparkling, like I'm the best thing that's ever walked into this room.
"Um... I was going to play some music; but I guess your busy here, so I'll just-" I turned around , but before I could walk out a hand held my wrist. "Wait... Don't go." he said. when I looked at him, his expression was like pleading. "I mean, don't leave. it's alright. I could use some company." he smiled. I wanted to say no thanks and leave, but something in his eyes made me want to stay. There was a pull inside me. "Um... okay." I said. I placed my bag on the floor and grabbed a guitar. I started playing random chords. Lance sat by the piano on the other side of the room.
"So you still play?" he sighed; like he was dreaming.
I shot him a stare, "What do you mean still?" He looked down and said, "I mean... you look like someone whose been playing music. The way you hold your guitar is a give away."
I tilted my head and looked at my guitar, "Really?" I asked.
He smiled and nodded, "You hold it like it's a part of you."
I gave him a smile and played a tune. It was the melody Lance was playing a while ago. I have a vey fast pick up. When lance heard this, he smiled at me, and faced the piano. He accompanied it and it sounded beautiful. It was like we were meant to play it together. I stood up and walked towards him, stll playing. I played by his side as I watched his fingers play. He would glance up at me and smile; and I couldn't help but smile back at him. When we played, the world didn't exist. It ws like were the only ones here. I looked at the clock hanging by the door. It was 5PM. I've been here for 2 hours! I stopped strumming and Lance noticed, he stopped playing as well.
"What's wrong?" he asked frowing. I looked at him, "It's 5PM... I've been here for 2 hours." I said. I moved to the other side of the room and returned the guitar to it's original place. I grabbed my bags and started for the door.
"Time flies so fast when your having fun." Lance said.
I smiled at him, "Thanks. Let's do this again sometime 'kay?"
He grinned, "Can't wait."
End of Part 1
