Falling like the Stars

5

She stood at the front of the room and glared at her surroundings. I could not help myself but to be so mesmerized at how she looked. She stood tall and proud. Her hair flowing down just past her shoulders with loose curls. The tank top she wore was solid black and completed with a flannel; jeans went down to her ankles with one hole exposing her knee, finishing it off with sneakers. How did she manage to make the casual attire this attractive? I think it was knowing that her name, Skye, was just so original and with the way she looked, it matched her perfectly. She smiled as she finished looking at the class and I could not help but notice that she had some sort of glisten in her eyes. A glisten that could be mistaken for her previously crying. I mean, that would be completely understandable given the fact that this was a huge change from public school and she did not know anybody. That thought immediately vanished when both Miles and Ward got out of their seats from the front row to embrace Skye in a hug. s**t. They know her. Which means Miles will tell her not to like Fitz and I just like half the school has already done.

                “Hey guys! I told you that I could get in.” Skye said as she hugged each of them. And can we just recognize the fact that her voice, ah her voice, is just so sexy.

                “I have to say, I did have my doubts…,” Ward mentioned as he hugged her first, “…but I am definitely glad you’re here.”

                “Do me a favor and stop hugging my girlfriend will ya.” Miles butted in as he hit Ward on the back to move so he could in turn embrace the girl. Just brilliant she is dating a douche bag. I just don’t get it. She seems like the type of person who would never go for a guy like him. Maybe her personality does not match her looks.

                “Oh my gosh, Miles for the one hundredth time… We are not dating we are just friends.” She said as she hit him on the shoulder and then allowing him to finish the hug.

I was just kidding. She is great.

                “Well Miss Bennet, I can see that you are already familiar with some classmates.” Agent May motioned for the boys to get back to their seats.

                “Yeah, my Dad is the pastor at the church just up the road. Miles and Wards parents are very active members. So we have known each other throughout the years.” Skye smiled at the boys.

                “ANNNNDDD, she forgot to mention that we are soon to be dating,” Miles then turned his body to face the class, “just so you all know.”

Skye just rolled her eyes. She glanced up and locked eyes with me. I had no idea that I was only focused on her rather than the whole situation. God, how embarrassing. I immediately felt the heat crawling up my neck and spreading to my cheeks. I knew that I had to look like a tomato because Skye did a slight chuckle and smiled at me. Her smile is already so addicting and knowing that I put that smile there made it that much better.

                Agent May began to speak before any more time was taken away from her class, “Okay Skye, as you can see we have a pretty filled class. We start Labs next week and everyone has picked their lab partners. So class, is there a group willing to have Skye join?”

My hand and Miles shot up in unison while other groups just put their hand down once they saw the eagerness in both Miles and I face. Could I be any more obvious that I have a crush on this girl? What in the world are you thinking, PUT YOUR HAND DOWN. Fitz was too busy staring at Ward to even notice that I was wanting to add someone he has never met to what he has previously said, “the smartest group in class”.

                “Alright Skye, as you can see you are not going to go unwanted in this class,” May said as she looked at us, “I will let you take your pick. I would suggest picking Je—“

                “Sorry BRITISH GIRL…,” Miles turned around in his seat to look at me and when he slowly said British girl people began to laugh under their breath, “…but she is mine and Wards for the year, so too bad.”

                “Well actually Miles…,” Skye looked from Miles straight into my eyes and smiled, “…I would rather join her group. I mean, I don’t want to fail like you did last year.”

The class began to sound like a comedy show with all the laughter, oo’s, and oh’s that were being done by all the students. Miles just looked shocked and went red with embarrassment. Ha. Serves him right. 

                Agent May couldn’t help but smile at the situation, “Alright, Alright settle down. Sorry Miles maybe next year. Okay Jemma and Leo, you have a new member for the year. Skye very nice choice, I can guarantee you will be getting an A. Go on ahead and take a seat in the back with your new lab partners.”

Fitz had finally broke his gaze from Ward when he heard Agent May say his name. He looked at me with the face of death. I knew he was mad that I just volunteered our group, but I mean he is not the only one that wants to sit next their crush for a whole year. A year. Now I know that I just gave into my impulses to have Skye in our group (which I am ecstatic to know that I get to have a yearlong with her being next to me) but the last time I attempted to talk to my crush was when I first came out to everyone and well let’s just say she never got to know my name because I may or may not have threw up on her. Worst experience ever.

 Skye started to make her way to the back of the class. Fitz was still angry that she was going to be part of the group and I was just trying to keep my nerves under control. Please do not go red again. But that is exactly what happened when she took the seat right next to me. We both smiled at each other as she made herself more comfortable at the table. She glanced at Fitz and did a short wave to which was in turn rejected when he rolled his eyes and faced the front.

Jeez Fitz now she is going to think she made the wrong decision joining our group.

The first hour of class May had turned out the lights to make it easier to see the rather long PowerPoint that she had made that went over thoroughly what each lab was going to be throughout the year.  Hardly anyone was paying attention. Some were just looking around the room, others were trying not to get caught while playing on their phone, and the last few had out there laptops taking “notes” (really just playing games). I on the other hand, was trying my hardest to pay attention. The table we sit at is already cramped for two, and now having three, the space was very limited. Throughout the lecture Skye would shift and turn to stretch. I knew this because each time she did, either her hand or leg would brush against me. Luckily, I wasn’t the only one that blushed when that happened because despite her tanner skin, the red that grew on her face was very visible. She dismissed it by mumbling sorry under her breath and then returning to face the front. She couldn’t have been that sorry because she did it at least eight times every ten minutes. I mean not that I minded it or anything.

                “Alright I think everyone gets the picture of our plans…,” May turned to go and shift the lights back on and faced the class, “…We have 15 more minutes until class ends. Now, since this is the last time we are in the room until Monday, use this time to get to know your group. When the bell rings your free to leave. Have a good weekend, and please keep the noise level down. Miles. Ward. That means you.”

The commotion of other groups chatting began immediately. It was like they were craving the socialization. I was not that eager.

It took two minutes of just awkward glares and giggles for any of us to say anything.

                “Well, I guess I will start then…,” Skye said as she looked at Fitz and I, “… I’m Skye. I’m a future hacker, hopefully, and um, yeah that covers it. You two are - Jemma –and uh Leo, right?”

                “I-I, uh, um,” oh great just kill me now. I can’t even say yes without stuttering.

                “Actually, we like to go by our last names. I am Fitz and this is Simmons. Think you can handle that, BENNET?”

I know he is mad, but it was really unnecessary for him to talk to her like that.

                “Oh some more Wards! How awesome. I think your last name suits your personality much better Fritz. I mean FITZ. I on the other hand like my first name so can you handle that?”

I could not help but giggle at the face Fitz made. Someone other than me put him in his place. Normally I would defend him, but in this case she just did it so cutely. I’ll just have to give her a pass.

                Skye had formed a half grin on her face when she heard me giggle, “Is it cool if I call you Jemma? I mean not that your last name isn’t good or anything it’s just-“

                “No-- no I mean yes. I mean, you may call me Jemma.” This was only because I never liked my first name until I heard it come out of her mouth.

She giggled at my shyness and I just pleaded to God right there that my luck would continue because that is yet another time that I put that smile there. Unfortunately, that’s when the bell rang signaling for us to head to our next class. Everyone began to gather their things ever so quickly. Miles and Ward stopped in front of the door and motioned for Skye to hurry as they stood waiting for her.

                “Alright, I look forward to a great year with you. Including you Fitz,” Skye smiled ever so cheesy at him, “Sorry to rush, but as you can see the dudes are waiting for me. We’re going to try and convince Coulson to change my schedule to theirs. According to Ward that’s going to take practically the whole day. I’ll see you guys later. Bye Jemma.” She turned to walk away and paused turning back, “I don’t know if you guys are interested but Miles and Ward are having a “Beginning of the Year Party” tomorrow and it is supposed to be one of the parties of the year. We could all get better acquainted. What do you say?”

                “Yeah, sure we’ll go.” I said as I looked at Fitz who looked more shocked than Miles in the background that we were actually being invited.

                “Great,” Skye’s face lit up and she grabbed a paper and pen out of her bag, “…Okay here is the address. I’ll see you two then!”

She walked over to Miles and Ward. Ward smiled at us and mouthed See you then. Miles just glared at us and mouthed Don’t Come or else. Skye slapped Miles shoulder as she turned back to give one last smile before they all walked out.

                “Looks like we got plans for the weekend Fitz!” I waved the piece of paper with the address in his face.

                “Yeah, plans that you set up. I am not going to that jerks party. I’m sorry but you are going to have to see your crush some other time.” He grabbed the paper from my hands and stuffed it in his bag.

                “I never said she was my crush.”

                “Oh come on Simmons. Okay look who am I, uh-um-I-Uh-ummm.” The uncontrollable laughter was never ending when he was done mimicking me.

                “OKAY. I get it. Maybe I have a slight minor, baby crush on her. However, I still think we should go. You know for social reasons. This is going to be one of the parties of the year so everyone who’s anyone is going to show. PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE.”

                “No.”

                “PLEEEAASSEE!”

                “NOO.”

                “PLLLEEAAASSEEE!”

                “NOOO.”

                “Waaarrdd will be there!”

                His eyes got extremely wide, “Okay, I say we go for social reasons. Agreed.”

The rest of the day as much as I tried to focus on school, I couldn’t. I was too thrilled. I mean Skye Bennet, hands down the prettiest girl in our grade level, is my--I mean mine and Fitz lab partner and she invited me to the party of the year. Nothing is going to ruin tomorrow and I’ll make sure of it. Let’s all just hope Miles did not mean anything by or else. I guess I will soon find out.