After lunch the next day was better than lunch itself had been the day before. It was English time, and I got seated right next to Sean. It was uncomfortable, especially because today of all days was when we were reviewing Shakespeare's most famous works, starting with Romeo and Juliet. Once we had completed our reading, miss Kwan assigned us to be in partner's to act out certain scenes from the play, which would be put on in front of the school Friday Night.. Of course, Sean and I were matched up and of course, picked to do the balcony scene. My heart was fighting a battle and I could feel it thumping against my chest. Sean had saved me from something...well, that I didn't want to think about, yet he was so cold, and every time I looked at him, it felt like I was diving into ice water.
"Everyone, get with your partner please. Half of you will go to the library to practice your scenes and half of you will stay here. Ok, left side, go to the library, right side, your staying here. I'll be back in a minute." And she left, just like that, she left me!
Sean paced around our desks, looking at the script. He groaned and sat down, putting his hands over face. "What? What it is it?" I grabbed the script from his outstretched hand and almost screamed. Ok, so we didn't actually have to kiss, thank god, but we had to pretend for reality's sake! I groaned too, "This sucks." Sean nodded, but he stood up again. "Well, I need this grade to pass this semester, so let's get started..."
"Fine by me." I smirked at him and read my lines. We continued going back and forth without making eye contact, until a boy named Spinner slammed into Sean. Spinner and another girl, Hazel, were portraying the death scene of Tybalt, but I guess Sean didn't know that. "Hey, what's your problem?" Sean growled at Spinner, pushing him backwards, into Hazel. "What's your problem?" Sean motioned for Spin to bring it, and I stepped in between them. "Cool down guys, it's a simple matter of a misunderstanding. Come on Sean, we'll move up a few desks so we don't get in their way again." I smiled at Spin and Hazel, and pushed Sean away from the brimming fight. He got so angry all the time, but he was very... I don't know, cool?, when he did it.
Sean wasn't as pleased as I was with my little intervention. "what did you do that for?" He practically yelled. I stepped back, Sean suddenly reminded me of Jay. "I was just trying to help you out!" I yelled back. I felt it, everyone's eyes were on me and Sean now, and Sean looked even more angry than before. "Look, just because I helped you out, doesn't mean that I want to deal with your crap again! Why don't you just leave me the hell alone! I don't need you and neither does anyone here!" Sean was yelling at the top of his lungs and he pushed me back. I hit a corner of a desk and winced, dam it was sharp. I stared up at Sean, suddenly very angry. I lunged at him, and slapped him. "And what makes you think you're so dam important? Nobody needs you here either! Go back to whatever slime pit you crawled out from!" I yelled.
And then it came. It was quick, but it hurt like mad and I felt dizzy and afraid again. Sean's image blurred into Jay for a moment and I shook my head in pain. I looked up at Sean, because his hit had sent me to the floor. He was standing over me, with Spinner restraining his arm. Sean' face became his own again, and he looked just as afraid as I did. I held my right cheek in agony, it hurt really bad. Sean stepped back, looking to me for answers. I didn't scream at him, or scowl, I just sat there and started to cry. Not blatant sobbing, but silent, hot tears flowed down my cheeks. I stood up shakily , not even realizing that Hazel and another girl named Paige were holding onto my shoulders. That's when I started to shake with anger and shock. I stomped over to Sean, but couldn't find the words to express how angry I was. I couldn't stop the tears, and I just stood there, like an idiot. Then Sean did something I never thought in all my wildest dreams he would do. He put a hand up to my bruised cheek.
"Don't touch her, you freak!" I heard Paige scream in the background. Sean withdrew his hand, but we continued to stare into each other's eyes. I stepped away and ran out the door, past Miss Kwan and the returning half of the class. I ran to my locker, and grabbed my things in haste, then I raced out the front doors, with no regard for who saw me, or how much trouble I would be in later. I was crying and running, not towards my home, but somewhere where I could be alone with my thoughts. I ran into some thick trees by the school, and stumbled along for what seemed like hours. I finally sat down, exhausted and confused. I looked at my watch, I had only been gone for half an hour. How lame am I? I thought. So I stood up and walked back towards civilization.