Chapter 3
Tessa's class teacher, Mrs Branwell, had already arrived. Mrs Charlotte Branwell was a firm but kind teacher, who always insisted on being called Charlotte. She was a small woman with thick brown hair always tied in a chignon. Though quite small in size, she exuded an air of authority and benevolence. She was one of the nicest teachers in school and taught Tessa's now weakest subject, Calculus II.
Tessa used to like Calculus but now, it frustrated her. She couldn't wrap her head around the 10 million way to solve one single problem. Jeez. She walked to the only available seat next to the window and most importantly, next to the school's best violinist, James Carstairs.
In her opinion, James Carstairs was a mystery. The only thing she could rightly guess was his Asian heritage. He had fine almond-shaped eyes, which were brown flecked with bits of gold, high cheekbones which emphasised his already sharp features. His hair was straight and thick with the exception of a single silver streak of hair on his right side. He always gave off an "I'mma good boi" vibes but unlike others, Tessa felt quite drawn to it. He was exotic and enchanting in a good way.
Enchanting? Tessa thought to herself as a blush spread across her cheeks. She knew nothing about the guy and was already considering James Carstairs as enchanting. Get a grip, Tessa! She banged her fists on the table. A second later, she realized her mistake. The whole class had gone quiet after hearing the sound while Charlotte was explaining.
"Tessa, is everything alright? Do you not agree with what I just said ?", Charlotte asked. Tessa said with a deep blush on her face, "Everything's fine, Charlotte. I agree, um, yes I do. Please go ahead." A velvety voice from her right asked, "Tessa, is everything okay? Your face looks really red!" Tessa turned to her side to see James turning to her in concern. How was she possibly gonna say that he was the cause of her tomato face? That's right; she wouldn't. "No, no. I'm fine. I was feeling the onset of a headache," Tessa replied. "Wow! First thing in the morning, huh?", James laughed. "Hehe, Calculus is not my forte anymore. It gives me a headache all the time these days," Tessa said thinking of continuing to use this excuse.
"Well, it's not that hard. Here let me show you," James said with a smile. He explained the concept with such clarity that Tessa was awestruck. "Are you kidding me? Is that all there is!? Oh my, Chuck!" Tessa said. "Chuck? Wait, are you a Supernatural fan too?", James asked with avid enthusiasm. "Yes! Wow, this is so cool James! I never knew that the people in our class actually watched anything. No offence, but our class definitely looks a dumb lot," Tessa said.
"Yeah, only cool people watch it," said a drawling voice next to James. Tessa craned her neck to see who it was. Wait, William Herondale watches Supernatural? Interesting, Tessa thought.
"Oh Will! You're finally awake. Why do you try to test Charlotte's patience? Can't you just sit awake for some time?" James asked William in an exasperated tone. Tessa had never heard anyone scold William; she was even more surprised when William sat up and grumbled to James. "Enough, Jem. You ain't my mum," William sulked. James gave a small laugh and turned to Tessa, "I don't think he's ever going to listen. Though I actually wonder how he gets a perfect score on this paper." "I think its probably because of you, James,' Tessa replied with a small smile on her face.
"Oh please, call me Jem," James said. When Tessa's eyes lighted up, he said with a laugh, "Yes, just like Jem Finch from 'To Kill A Mockingbird'." "You read too? That is amazing. You are full of surprises, Jame- I mean, Jem," Tessa said giving him her best smile.
"Stop flirting with her, Jem," William snorted. "Will, I'm not flirting," Jem told it with such simplicity that William just kept his mouth shut. "You are the only person I've seen William listen to. Tell me how do you do that," Tessa giggled. "Well, he's my best friend. Almost like my brother in everything but blood. I've grown up with him all my life. I guess I'm the only one he listens to," Jem shrugged. Wait, what? Tessa stared at Jem. "He's your best friend!?" "Yeah, I get that a lot," Jem said with a laugh.
"Wow, I never knew. I barely talk to anyone in class except Sophie. I, um, I just don't think I get along with people that much," Tessa said to Jem. She was surprised for the second time today. She never talked so openly to people like this. Probably Jem was a comfortable person to be around. There is something so calming about Jem's presence, Tessa thought to herself.
"I've indeed seen you sit apart with your earphones or sometimes, books," Jem laughed. "I've always wanted to talk to you but you looked rather-" "Unapproachable, I believe," Tessa finished with a wry smile on her face. Jem looked surprised. "No, I was about to say busy in your own world," Jem replied with a smile. "Oh," Tessa said with embarrassment colouring her cheeks. "It's not every day you see people who actually get engrossed in books or enjoy music like that," Jem said with a smile. "My, my, Jem. Its seems you know quite a lot about her," William said dryly. Once again, Tessa blushed furiously and retorted, "Why do you keep butting into the conversation? It would be a mighty help to keep your opinions to yourself."
Tessa tried her best to hide the surprise she felt when she saw William take a once-over at her. He opened his mouth to speak but decided that it was best to keep his mouth shut. Jem looked thoroughly amused. Tessa saw him hiding a quick grin. "What are grinning about, Jem?" Tessa asked with pretend-anger. "Oh, nothing. I believe you made it into the Guinness Records of being the second person to shut Will up!" Jem replied with a laugh. "Haha, very funny, Jem," Will drawled with a scowl on his face but nevertheless, Tessa saw that he looked at Jem with a certain fondness.
Trrrrriiiinnnggg!
Finally! Tessa thought. Oh wait, next is Applied Statistics, isn't it? Damn!
"Hey, Tessa! Can I sit with you at lunch today?" Jem called out to her with a smile. She blushed and replied, "Um, yeah, sure Jem!" and dashed out of the classroom. She had to climb two floors to be on time for the next class. It was a drab of a class but thankfully, Sophie would be present. She had to tell her best friend about her most peculiar morning!