Chapter 6-Persistent
886 Words
As my teacher goes over exponential and trigonometric graphs again, I sit in the back of the class and doodle smiley faces on my notebook.I heard my name being whispered by someone. Recognizing the voice, I chose to ignore it. Suddenly, I felt a paper ball hitting my shoulder. I turned around quickly and shot a glare at Latif, who was sitting two rows down.
"Essel, we need to have a conversation," he murmured.
"I don't have anything to say to you," I retorted.
"Please just listen to me," he urged.
"Go to hell, Latif," I whispered angrily before turning away. Luckily, the teacher had turned her back and didn't hear us.
Latif called my name once more, but I chose to keep ignoring him. I had no interest in hearing what he had to say. He had no justification for how he treated me. By cheating on me, he destroyed what we once had. He caused me a lot of pain and I doubt I will ever be able to forgive him for that.
I direct my gaze towards Michael as he raises his hand. The teacher gives Michael a stern look and asks, "What is it that you need, Michael?" Clearly, he is her preferred student.
"Excuse me, but what's the purpose of learning math? I mean, my mom works as an accountant and she doesn't even use the quadratic formula."
I sigh and rest my head on my desk. Can this class just end already? As if my wish was granted, the bell rings. It's lunch time, everyone! *mini celebration inside* What? I enjoy my food.
I rise and prepare my belongings before making my way to the cafeteria. Contrary to the portrayal in movies where cafeteria food is unappetizing, our school offers delicious options such as pizzas and chocolate mousse.
After receiving my food, I settle into the familiar seat at the table where I've spent the last three years. "Hi Ella," I greet my best friend, Emmanuella Golo. "Hey Essel," she respond with a smile as I take a seat and begin to enjoy my meal.
Jessica shifts her gaze to the right, joining the others in observing Michael and his two closest friends, Stephan and Nazif, as they take their seats at a table with the rest of the popular crowd, known as the promiscuous individuals and athletes.
Unfortunately, Ella has a crush on Stephan, so she insisted that I join her at one of the tables near the popular kids. Hooray. Not. 896
The popular kids are noisy and unpleasant, for example; a cheerleader is currently sitting on Michael's lap and passionately kissing him. Gross.
"Man, I've been with almost every girl in this school. There's no one I can't charm," Michael boasts to Stephan. Stephan arches his eyebrows and then looks around the cafeteria. His gaze continues to wander until it unexpectedly lands on someone and he grins. It's me.
Stephan challenges Michael, "I bet you can't win over Essel Grace." He gestures towards me as I quickly avert my gaze to Ella, who is wide-eyed. "Did you hear that?" She exclaims. "He's betting that Michael can't win you over. You know how competitive Michael is, right? Run," she whispers loudly.
I pay attention to Ella and get up, quickly looking over at the popular crowd and noticing Michael and Stephan staring at me.
I hasten my way to the cafeteria's exit and step outside. With five minutes left until lunch ends, I suppose I'll just stroll to class.
While walking, I hear my name being called out. I look back and am surprised to see Michael running towards me.
I begin to move away slowly, but Michael quickly catches up to me and forcefully slams me into the wall. I let out a groan and close my eyes, "That hurt."
As soon as I hear Michael's whisper, "Step one," I open my eyes, or at least I think that's what he said. "Do you recognize me?" Michael inquires. I furrow my brows and nod. "Good."
He lowers his head towards me and presses his forehead against mine. I sense his minty breath brushing against my face as his blue eyes lock with my blue ones.
His body remains tightly against mine, "Next step," he says, a smirk appearing on his lips. My mind is urging him to back off, but my mouth stays closed.
I stand still, unmoving, as Michael leans in closer to kiss me.
Suddenly, Michael kisses me with such intensity that I would have stumbled if the lockers weren't there to support me.
I can't believe it, Michael Andoh is actually kissing me!
Michael embraces me tightly, pulling me closer to him. He playfully nips at my lip before kissing me again, his lips pressing firmly against mine.
However, despite my inner turmoil and the urge to push him away, my body betrays me as I lightly touch his cheek and return his kiss.
What am I doing? I scold myself. This is Michael Andoh, for crying out loud!
I push against his chest, taking in a deep breath. I can't believe I just kissed Michael Andoh. Gross.
I lift my knee and deliver a swift kick to his sensitive area.
"Damn it! [s**t!]" Michael curses in Spanish. Wow, he's Spanish. That's pretty attractive.
- Writer
