Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
He continues talking, and I stare at him intently. He’s wearing khakis and a button down, with one of his new ties around his neck. His dark hair is neatly styled, and I can tell he recently shaved. His eye catches mine and the way his mouth turns into this broad smile is brilliant, like an eclipse over the entire cafeteria. I can’t help smiling back, remembering being in his in class watching and listening him talk, just like I am now. Shit, a huge part of me is just giddy to be back in this very building with him. That’s a part of why I took the position. I just want to feel good again.
Principal Finch says a few words, and soon orientation comes to an end. Josh gets back on the podium and begins reading our teaching pairings with only minutes left before the bell.
“Lucinda Cunningham, freshman math with Brittney St. James.”
“Oh no,” I whisper, sinking into my chair.
“What?” Deb asks.
I look over at Brittney, and she’s looking for me, only not me, she’s looking for Lucinda.
“I’m paired with her,” I whisper.
“What’s wrong with that?” She questions.
“She thinks she’s with Lucinda, not Luci,” my voice gets a little too loud. “She doesn’t realize I’m me!”
“I still don’t see what the problem is,” Deb clenches her teeth.
“Her and your brother apparently kissed last year!”
“REALLY?!” Deb shoots up angrily, and everyone turns to stare.
I can’t help my outrageous giggle. It just escapes, and Josh pauses mid-sentence, looking at us questioningly.
“Um,” his booming voice is uncertain as he clears his throat, and I finally stop my laughing enough to pull Deb back down into her seat.
“My brother is unbelievable!” She whispers.
“Apparently when they kissed, or afterwards, or something… he said my name.”
“Oh,” she gives me a look. “That’s sort of… sweet?”
I brush off her comment, rolling my eyes. “No!” I correct. “She knows I was a student here!”
“Oh,” she says again, realizing how bad this could be.
“Yeah, she could easily put two and two together,” I hesitate. “Would she say something?”
Deb shrugs. “I don’t really know her.”
Deb wishes me luck before I make my way towards Brittney.
“Brittney?” I call from behind. She turns around, offering a tight, quizzical smile, as if to say what could I possibly want from her?
I clear my throat. “Should we head to your classroom?”
“Luci!” She sighs as realization dawns on her. “Short for-”
“Lucinda,” I finish.
“Great!” She exclaims a little too unenthusiastically for my liking. “Follow me.”
Brittney’s classroom is on the second floor, right near my old senior year study hall. We walk in, and she has a small desk set up for me, which is awesome, but I can tell she’s less than thrilled I’m here.
She starts telling me about her classes, and where she is in the curriculum as her first period class makes their way inside.
All is going surprisingly well as the fifth period bell rings.
“I usually eat lunch in the faculty lounge,” she says, grabbing her bag. “You’re welcome to join. Unless you have other plans.”
“No,” I’m excited, not to mention a little shocked that she’s including me. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all!
I follow her to the faculty lounge, which to be honest, I’ve never even noticed before! “I thought you might be eating with Josh or something,” she adds while opening the door. “The code is 4321 by the way.”
“Clever,” I mutter, taking a seat, trying to ignore her comment, but she stares at me expectantly.
“Look, I really don’t know why he said my name,” I explain.
“So you’re not dating?” She asks a little too loudly for my liking, especially since teachers are filtering in and out of the room.
“Of course not!” I immediately reply, showing a clear disdain.
“You sure about that?” She asks, looking up.
I turn around, following her gaze, and there he is in the doorway.
“Surprised to see you here, Josh,” she says, again loudly, before turning back to me. “For the record, he never comes in here. Ever.”
I watch as she gets up and goes to sit with another group of teachers. I’m slightly flabbergasted. I know I’m in high school, but I didn’t think I was still actually in high school. I let out a long sigh as my gaze narrows in on Josh.
Standing up, I quickly grab my things before taking him by the arm and leading him out and into the hallway. “What are you doing?” I demand.
“What are you talking about?” He allows me to pull him easily, and we naturally fall in line and start walking towards his classroom.
“You and Brittney kissed!” I accuse in a hushed voice.
“Shit, does she go around blabbing that to everyone?” He pinches the top of his news. “That’s classy.”
“Classy or not, it’s a problem,” I say as I cross my arms.
“Are you jealous?” He inquires, and I can’t help but give him a look.