Isobel's POV
The surprising slam of the classroom door tore my attention from the expectant sea of predatory gazes before me, evaluations flagrantly being made as if I was fresh meat amongst a volt of vultures. This stranger's grand entrance had startled the entire student body, and for a few seconds, an uncomfortable silence plagued the room as the abrupt interruption left me wordless and dumbfounded. With the intervention unequivocally distracting me from my train of thought, the teacher's prompt for me to continue was barely noticed, and finally responding a fraction of a beat too late, my reply trailed out of coral lips in unintentionally measured syllables.
"Flo..rida."
As the single word slipped forth, sable irises mindlessly remained on the offending student, following him as he made his way to his seat. I couldn't decide what to think of his intrepid statement, though it was evident that its audacity had me mildly flustered, a faint and almost undetectable shade of pink coloring my cheeks. Quickly, I caught myself, and with a clear of my throat looked to my teacher and the class once more, my words taking a lucid, more confident tone this time around.
"I umm, moved here from Florida."
With the flash of a charmingly delicate smile, I complied to Mr. Roth's request for me to take my seat once more, a brief glance thrown in the stranger's direction as I walked past him to take my place at the desk behind where he sat.
John's POV
Florida, huh.. She doesn't look tan enough for Florida. The thought ran wildly through my mind as I heard her restate where she hailed from. The aphotic haired beauty was awkward in her stance and footing, she bumped into the first row of desks as she sauntered to take the desk behind me once she reclaimed her confidence. Cute. My first impression of Miss Flemming was a purely physical one. As much as it was lame that I was ruled by my penis, it didn't make it less true. As she took to her seat and collected herself; embarrassment most likely hit her, inflaming her cheeks until a rosy pink surfaced beneath flesh. The remaining 30 minutes would surely be a chore especially if Isobel had an angered gaze directed at my skull. I had to bite the bullet and apologize, get the situation off the table and relieve some of the tension that was building between myself and Isobel Flemming.
"I'm sorry about that whole mess. I didn't mean to ruin your introduction to Mystic Falls. I'm not always that big of an ass despite what people say."
I had turned at an odd angle and delivered an apology to the new girl, I still didn't know her name and I couldn't ask her for it. Isobel hadn't responded instantly and remaining in an angle that put pressure on my neck was becoming painful so I had no option but to move out of it and stare absent-mindedly out of the window. Way to go, John. God you're such a weirdo. She's gonna think you're riding the short bus.
With a muted huff I balled fists and rapped them on the desk.
Isobel's POV
With my head down as the lesson began, the gaze I had directed at the textbook before me only held for a few seconds, a poor attempt at subtlety grabbing my attention as an apologetic half-whisper was spoken. Looking up through a curtain of ebony lashes, I tucked an errant lock of hair behind my ear, my glance shifting swiftly to the teacher as he reprimanded the student in front of me for speaking while he was.
"Gilbert."
A slight smile dressed my features as he jumped slightly at the teacher's bark, his attention directed at something outside the classroom. What exactly, I couldn't figure out, my own eyes trailing to where his were directed once he'd turned in his seat to face the front of the class once more. Waiting until Mr. Roth began to scribble noisily on the chalkboard, his back to all the students, I leant forward with forearms resting on my desk, my response spoken in a dainty whisper that, unlike his, managed to remain unheard by the teacher as sculpted brows knitted out of curiosity at his apology.
"I just moved here..when would I have gotten the chance to hear anything about you?"
John's POV
Mr Roth. The most belligerent history teacher, Mystic Falls High had ever seen. His decrepit ways were a constant source of gossip in the teachers lounge. We all knew he was packing, a fifth of scotch in his filing cabinet. The only reason he hadn't been replaced was because he had tenure. I could have snorted. Tenure in a small town school. That's something to write home about, to tell your grandchildren about. This town had been my life for so many years it was hard to ignore the hypocrisy. Mr Roth, his command had captured my attention and as I reluctantly tore my gaze from the window, I focused on the blackboard. Only until I heard the whisperings from Isobel which were soft and hushed. She didn't want to get caught, I should have been more cautious in my own apology but a sour mood hadn't helped. I answered her, mimicking the same muted tone.
"Today may be your first day, but it's not over. You'll hear things if you surround yourself with the right people."
Isobel's POV
Raising a brow at his reply, I leant back into the confines of my own seat, idly toying with the tips of my hair out of habit as I considered the words just spoken. It appeared he had a reputation around the school, and Mr. Roth's attitude towards him did nothing but support this. His earlier interruption was a testament to his own words, and I shifted in my seat as, for a brief second, I was reminded of his impudence when he first entered the room. Despite his rebellious façade holding a slight, undeniable charm, the mimicry of my discreet murmurs to avoid being caught caused me to direct sable irises at him through a narrowed gaze, my previous vigilance slipping as my answer was spoken in a more audible tone.
"And who would those people be?"
This caught our teacher's attention, and as he turned to shoot a questioning glance at me.
"Isobel?"
Without any delay, I flashed Mr. Roth a falsely seraphic smile, speaking in dulcet tones to match.
"I was just asking.."
Trailing off, it's only then that I realise the stranger's name was unbeknown to me, and I look to him in silent question. It wasn't long until the teacher answered me, and I directed my attention to his once more as I continued.
"..John if he could speak a little quieter so I could hear you properly."
There was a playful undertone to my deception. After all, it was my first day, and making enemies was the last thing I wanted, especially with a day so early. Without even looking, I knew that John's features would be dressed with disbelief, and to that, I had only a saccharine grin to offer.
John's POV
Sneaky little bitch. I couldn't believe it, the new girl. Isobel, I had found out her name thanks to Mr Roth. Isobel Flemming, the strangely pale girl from Florida had screwed me over. I was impressed. In all honesty the day wasn't going my way so why not let the girl skate and own up to Mr Roth and take the blame. It could inadvertently garner favor with Isobel; My apology hadn't been genuine more of a formality. I slid my hand from its resting place to catch the attention of the history teacher.
"Mr Roth, my bad."
That was all it took for my ass to get sent to the principals office. I didn't look back to gauge Isobel's expression instead I stalked toward the door, backpack in hand and nodded sullenly to the alcoholic teacher before throwing up a peace sign as I exited.