Chapter Five: Gentle Pain is the Greatest Invention of All Time

The bell has rung, and the period is over.

I made a mental check-up of what has progressed this morning. I've encountered Kate in the gym, Ethan in first period literature, and Miranda and Claire in second period.

It's now third period, time for my social studies class, which can only mean one thing. My mind will wander to him next.

As usual he comes in a bit late; he takes such a long time to grab and stuff things into his locker.

"Mr. Gordon," Mr. Dig was saying. "Nice of you to join us.:"

He put on a sheepish smile and took his usual seat in the front, dead on center, right before me.

For some reason, seeing that smile, I felt tingly inside. I brush it off.

Mr. Dig cleared his throat. "Does anyone know what the best invention in the world is?"

Larry's voice screeched from behind me. "Easy, that would be the virtual- apex holder that's proven to be acid-resistant by Dr. William K. Strauss."

"As if." Kate said from the other corner. "Like that's really worth anything? It would be the mirror of course, or maybe the dermatologist- approved new makeup line which, by the way, I am SO getting at the mall later."

I rolled my eyes. Kate can be so shallow, and Larry could be so. Larry. A geek like me.

Gordo raised his hand. "As much as I want to answer this honestly, I think I know the answer you're really looking for."

Mr. Dig seemed impressed. "Continue."

"The pop quiz?" he beamed.

Mr. Dig was smiling widely. "Wow, Mr. Gordon, I really don't give you enough credit!" He looked at everyone. "And yes, the pop quiz is the greatest invention of all time. Clear your desks!"

The class groaned, with the notable exception of me, Larry, and Gordo.

Now that I think about it, it's kind of funny. Gordo IS a geek. Sure, in Kate-view he is one, but no one really sees him as one. He maybe a bit of a loser; a few steps higher than me in the social ladder. Or at least, that's what the school has labeled him as.

I take the test which is relatively easy, and I finish in about seven perfectly calculated minutes. I hand over my paper to Mr. Dig and he tells me to go back to my seat, I can't leave yet because had a lecture coming after the test.

I sit down and I can't help but think of Gordo, since he was just right before me. What would make him be on the list? I try hard to come up with the answer but it didn't take long.

He's a coward. A cute coward, but a coward nonetheless.

Everyone knows how much he likes Lizzie, except Miss Dumb herself. And what's up with Gordo not telling her? Is he some kind of freak, afraid of rejection? If he joined Fear Factor, would his fear be telling his feelings?

I glance up and find him over at Mr. Dig's table, handing him his paper. He smiles and retreats back to his seat.

What was coming next was totally something I didn't expect.

He turned around and talked to me.

"So Veruca," he began. "How did you find the test?"

I felt weak for some reason I didn't know. It took me a long time before I managed to answer. "It was easy."

"Cool. I always knew you were smart - "

Wow. He called me smart. That's the first compliment I've heard since eighth grade started. Could it be. Nah. There is no way I am finding Gordo's compliment cute, much less something important.

But with my usual psycho-analysis mode I take a moment to pause. If David Gordon stars to make me fall in love with him - because, even if I am a geek and a loser, I am still a girl, and Gordo's very charming - there's no way he'll be in the list. Heck, maybe there won't be a list after all.

Suddenly it dawned to me, he wasn't quite finished yet.

"- just like Lizzie."

With that, he turned around.

It took seconds for me to analyze his last words and put on a fake smile. "Yeah."

My heart started beating faster.

Just like Lizzie. JUST LIKE LIZZIE?!?! Did he just say that to me??

Forget all my other thoughts. Gordo's definitely on the plan.

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