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Stopping abruptly, his expression changed from soft to very serious.
“No, we have not met before and I’m quite sure you do not know me,” he protested, as though I had asked him something really awful. It was not like I asked if he was a serial killer. Given his reaction, maybe I should have.
His abruptness startled me and I felt the punch to my chest at the realization he probably didn’t want to associate himself as knowing the new girl from the weird family on the edge of town, even if he thought her aunt was nice.
Good one, Claire. Now, think of something to save the conversation before he bolts.
“Sorry, you just seem really familiar, but I’ve moved many times so perhaps you just remind me of someone.”
“Here we are,” he said, ignoring my apology.
Not wanting to push it, I stared though the front doors of the school to the scribble on lockers lining the sides of the hall. I took note of the courtyard. It was beautiful. A lush green garden surrounded several benches and a labeled plaque sat squarely in the front of the scene that read, Donated by the class of 1996. There were six hydrangea bushes blooming with brilliant blue colors that had been exquisitely taken care of over the years. I wanted to curl up on one of the benches with a book, pretending I didn’t have any classes to attend.
We entered the building together. Only a couple of students lingered in the halls.
Crap! I’m going to be late.
“What class do you have first?” Brent interrupted my thoughts. I briefly forgot he was there.
Really? How could you possibly forget?
I swallowed hard against the dryness in my mouth. He was looking down tracing circles on the cement with his foot.
Speak, you idiot.
“Umm, advanced chemistry,” I finally answered.
He lifted his head, his eyes locking with mine and I tried to ignore the heat pulsing through my body.
“Oh, that’s not the best way to start your day. Advanced, huh? ” he questioned, smiling his swoon-worthy smile as though he knew exactly the effect it had on me. My insides threatened to turn to mush. As much as I felt the urge to flee from him, and my suddenly new feelings, I also felt irreparably drawn to him.
Looking into his ultramarine eyes, I couldn’t shake the feeling we knew each other. I could stare into his eyes forever, lost in a sea of warm blue tranquility. Something about the way he looked at me was comforting and I wanted to spend more time with him. He flinched, releasing me from my stare. I had been caught.
“Well, I have gym,” he stated, gripping the strap on his backpack with one hand, readjusting it’s fit. With his other hand, he pointed down a long hall off the courtyard. “Chemistry is that way.”
Breathe, Claire, it’s just a boy.
“It was nice meeting you, Claire. Sorry about my introduction,” he said, reaching for my hair, startling me for a moment. Pulling his hand away, he produced a pine needle. “C
an’t have that in your hair all day,” he finished, tossing the needle at his side.
A soft breeze passed between us and I caught a whiff of his scent. It was an amazing mix of spice, powder and pine. Gazing at him, I inhaled a little longer than necessary, cataloging his scent to my memory. He noticed my stare and I bit my lip, suddenly feeling fire in my cheeks again.
“Ah, well… ugh, chemistry, I better get to it. Oh, no problem about your introduction. I’ll see you around, I guess,” I said casually, although deep down I was desperate to see him again.
“Sure, see you around,” he agreed with a huge grin, turning towards the gym.
I wanted to kick myself for not asking if we had any classes together. I hoped so. Watching him walk away, I found myself gawking at him, admiring the confidence in his step. He was definitely the whole package, his jeans hanging low enough that the waistband of his boxers was visible, but not sagging in a way that was obnoxious. As my eyes made their way up his frame, I made out the defined muscles through his shirt, my inappropriate thoughts returning.
Breathe, Claire, before you pass out.
“He’s way out of your league, girl,” I heard a voice from behind disrupting my ogling. I couldn’t decide if I was more irritated with the girl or my subconscious.
When Brent disappeared behind the doors, I turned at the waist to see a group of all too familiar girls. It was the same group as every other school I had attended. All of them were dressed similar in the latest fashion trends. Voluptuous is what boys would call them, wrapped up in skinny jeans, clinging to their curves. I refused to wear skinny jeans. My legs were sticks; no need to highlight that fact. Each of the girls adorned freshly highlighted hair from their pre-first-day-of-school beauty salon visits.
Bowing my head, I gave them a sideways smile and headed down the hall towards chemistry. As I passed the group, I heard, “Hey, isn’t that the new girl in town, you know, the one that lives with Maggie Blake?” “Yes I think it is,” another girl answered. Number three chimed in. “They’re so strange. You know their house is haunted, right?” They all giggled in response.
Keeping my head down, I continued walking until the idle gossip was behind me and I no longer heard it. Seriously, if the house I was living in was haunted, I think I would have known.
