Soooooo... I did plan to spend my whole holiday writing, but you can see how well that worked out. Sorry this is a bit short, but just a few more chapters and the REAL drama starts! Plus I've finally worked out how to make those grey line things so you'll be seeing more of those! Enjoy!
Chapter 5: Chemistry in Chemistry
And lastly, Chemistry. That's right, the silent, smart, sensitive young gentleman also had a secret love for chemistry (Roland had once refused to speak to Hershel for a day as a result of the boy announcing that he prefered the subject to archaeology). It was the Wednesday of Hershel first week, and chemistry was the last lesson he hadn't been to yet, meaning the last lesson where he didn't know what to expect.
Hershel's classroom was in the basement (as well as most of the science labs). When he entered the room the first thing he registered was the it was a bit chilly, and his quick thinking brain followed that up with a and this is also my chemistry room in the winter, perfect. He found himself a seat near the middle of the room on a high wooden stool at a typical science lab table (which was also cold to touch).
"Good morning all." Hershel awoke from the trance he had fallen into while fiddling with his pen. He looked up to the owner of the voice, his teacher was a short, Japanese woman (although her English and her accent were both perfect) with long black hair in a plat, and pair of square shaped glasses sitting on her nose. She smiled sweetly at the students, and glanced at a clipboard that was rested on her hip. "Right, so, for those of you who don't know, I'm Mrs Smith, and I'll be your chemistry teacher for the year." She placed the clipboard on the desk and folded her arms, glancing about the room. "... Oh come on! What are all the long faces for?" She threw her arms into the air in a dramatic manner. "You're back at Gressenheller! Some of you are having a whole new experience! We're going to do some learning!" A small 'yay' came from somewhere within the crowd of students, causing a wave of giggles to come over them. Mrs Smith smirked "Yes, yes, alright, now settle please." She picked up the clipboard again and studied it. "Right" she addressed the class. "From last year's experience, I have discovered that some combinations of students" at this some of the older looking turn to a pair of sheepish looking boy's, one of which had made the sarcastic joke. "... Can have some devastating, and sometimes explosive, results in practicals." She sighed and turned to the blackboard, writing names alongside one another. "So this year, I am assigning you all a chemistry bubby." Groans chorused through the room, echoing off the stone walls. Without turning, Mrs Smith continued. "This will be your partner for all of your practicals and assignments, and as chemistry buddies, it's your job to look after each other." Hershel glanced about the room, there were a couple of people he'd spoken to once or twice there, but no proper friends, come to think of it, Clark was probably his only 'proper' friend so far. People were already beginning to form into their pairs, and once again Hershel felt that panic about who he was to sit with, but at least this time it was being chosen for him. Soon, Mrs Smith had added ' ' to her list. Hershel starred in anticipation, waiting to see who he would be paired with…
'C…. F… o… l...e...y.'
Foley… That name seemed familiar…
"Who's ' '?" Hershel turned, sat a couple of rows behind him was the girl Paul had pointed out the other day, Claire. She had been talking the girl sat next to her, who was dark haired and dressed in purple, but when she saw Hershel turn towards them, she shot him a friendly smile. "Is that you?" the sound of her voice make the hairs on the back of his neck stand up in a strangely pleasant way. He glanced about himself, then faced her again, pointing questioningly at himself. Claire giggled. "Yes, you!" she smiled again. "Are you Mr Layton?" Hershel nodded slowly, as if unsure. What was it about this girl that was making him so… Flustered? He didn't even know her, and it wasn't as if she looked particularly special, for instance, she wasn't beautiful like Angela, but the more he saw of Claire Foley, the more he wanted to.
Claire hugged her friend, then picked up her things and sat next to Hershel, beaming at him. "Hi, I'm Claire Foley, what's your name?"
"Urm, Hershel." He replied, looking away before she realised he was blushing.
"Well, pleased to meet you, Hershel Layton." She held out her hand, which Hershel hesitantly reached for (because he'd just realised his hands were a bit sweaty). When he took her hand, a chill ran through his whole body, then was flooded warmth. He smiled awkwardly at her, before realising how much of a idiot he must have looked. What's wrong with me? Am I really falling for this girl?
Hope thatbit at the end wasn't to cheesy, please review as it is greatly appreciated and I'll see you next week! Bye-bye!
