I felt sick, watching Jenna purposely start making out with K.C. in the middle of the hallway. Even letting out a breathless 'K.C.' as I walked by. Pathetic. Why couldn't she just let sleeping dogs lie? I knew the answer; she didn't want me happy. Or she was just looking for trouble. Because I felt the anger slowly building up, just near bursting if she didn't stop bragging about 'doing the dirty' with K.C. while I was near.
I kept looking at my feet, nibbling on my lip and oblivious to the outside world. Only when I bumped into someone did I snap back from my self-pity. Now, flat on my butt, I looked up to see a boy in the same position, legs sprawled out with a confused expression. Papers fluttered down between us, but neither of us seemed to notice.
My eyes met his and the world slowed, the people disappeared and I was lost in a familiar sea of green. I had to blink a few times before snapping out of my reverie. I felt the slow build-up of heat, knowing I would be blushing soon enough. I kept my gaze on the floor, gathering my things. A pale hand met mine as I went to grasp my Pride and Prejudice book for English. A spark zapped up my arm, leaving my ears ringing and mind reeling.
The hand didn't leave mine, and I slowly followed the appendage up to face the boy. Oh, the boy who ran over my glasses. He seemed somewhat dazed, his green eyes glossy, but he shook his head. The slightly gaping mouth was now closed, and currently in an half-smile. No. More of a smirk in my opinion. Still oblivious to the outside world, I continued to look into his deep green eyes, and he stared back with as much fervor.
"Uh..." He trailed off, and I shook my head, my curls fluttering in my face as I did.
"Um, I'm sorry but I never caught your name the other day. I'm Clare. Clare Edwards." I said, trying to throw off whatever leftover high I was feeling.
"Eli. Eli Goldsworthy." He said, his hand grabbed mine and lifted it to his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Uh...um..." I stuttered, my face flushing a bright red as his slight chapped lips brushed my knuckle.
The bell rang, snapping me out of my daze. Realization struck me and I quickly went for my things, only to have my wrist grabbed as I went for my Pride and Prejudice book. I looked up and saw that Eli had grabbed it, only he was standing - well crouching - now. I gulped and stood up, his hand still wrapped around my wrist.
He bent back down, picking up my book and examined it. "Are you in English?" He asked.
"Yes. Honors English III. Why?" I asked, suddenly confused.
"I'll see you there." He stated, looking up with a smirk on his perfectly imperfect lips.
He took my right hand and placed the book in it, then curled my fingers across the worn cover before kissing the knuckle once again. "Pleasure seeing you Miss Edwards."
With that, he turned around and walked down the secluded hallways. I brought my right hand to my lips and stared at his retreating figure, my heart swelling and cheeks flushing. From embarrassment or joy, I had no idea. But what I did know, is that this year would most definitely be one to remember.