Episode 9
1447 Words
HAYLEY.
I was able to successfully avoid Easton for the remaining time of the day. I would dare not catch his gaze again. I took out my sketchbook to sketch the alluring sight of him in shorts, his abs and muscles.
I drew Easton and admired it for as long as I could. It was enough for me. The next day, I hurriedly prepared for school. Mom called the previous night to check on me. I couldn't bring myself to tell her that I couldn't make dinner because I was avoiding Easton.
By the time I went downstairs, Easton had already gone to school. Looking at the time, I couldn't bring myself to make breakfast either since I was already late. I would starve again.. He was so heartless, he made pancakes and fresh fruits but just for himself. He drove to school without me again. Do I have to spend money on a cab everyday when he has a car. f**k him.
Arriving at school, Alessia approached me the moment I stepped into the class.
“Hayley! You didn't invite me to your home anymore? You left school without me?” She pouted, linking arms with me and I kind of rolled my eyes. Says the one who spent all day with Chloe and her gang.
“Oh sorry, I thought you were busy” I responded.
“Oh it's fine..I can come today right? Can't wait to see what your new home looks like..” She giggled, following me to my seat.
I sat down on my chair and Alessia sat near me. That was her original seat but she stays anywhere she likes.
“About the party? You are considering it right? It would be great to make new friends and hang out with new people.. I can paste it in the school group that you are…”
“Ally…” I stopped her talking. I can't believe she is still interested in this so-called party..
She paused, staring at me intently. “I'm not holding a party. The last one I went to was a disaster.” I answered in a low tone..
“What? Why?” She frowned instantly. “Thought you wanted to stop being a prude? Don't tell me you took what Easton said to heart?”
I heaved a deep sigh, speechless at this point.
“Come on, Hayley. You are better than that. And Chloe? She's just being fun and jovial… She doesn't mean any harm. Trust me…” Alessia muttered with all conviction.. She talks as if she knows her better than me. They just started getting along well a few days ago.
“So?” Alessia asked in anticipation.
I hesitated for a while before answering.. I know Alessia would be mad but I thought she already understood me.. I mostly feel intimidated with having so many people around.. I just want my space.
“Ally I'm not. I'm sorry…”
Alessia’s face contorted into a malicious frown.. “You are so boring, Hayley…. This is why I'm always looking for other people to hang out with!” She yelled and stood up from her chair, instantly heading to Chloe.
I chewed my bottom lip, watching her walk away.. But I enjoy hanging with Ally and Bryan.. I'm very much comfortable around them but not with too many people. I thought Ally understood!
I picked my phone and texted her..( Ally.. I'm sorry.. we can hangout on Saturday to make up for it) I typed and Mr Jonathan’s voice echoed in the hallway. Oh gosh, Maths again? Can't we just having a drawing section?!
Everyone rushed to their seats and Easton just walked into the classroom, taking his seat like a saint with no sin.. I let a scoff hint with sarcasm. One would think he was so cool. He acts like a devil behind closed doors.
“Turn in your assignments!” Mr Jonathan shouted once at the class stage and students began moving to submit theirs. I had no idea what I wrote in these assignments but I used Google and artificial intelligence a lot so that should do. I submitted mine as well and it didn't take long for Mr Jonathan to start his lecture. He was ten minutes away from the lecture and my eyelids felt heavy with sleep. I had no idea what he was blabbing about! Math wasn't my thing at all..
“Easton, come and solve this maths problem and point any student of your choice to solve the next….” I was shaken out of my daze when I heard that. Mr Jonathan hardly does this in class. My stomach churned with anxiety. I remember being called a dummy for straight 1 week in eighth grade for not being able to answer a question everyone saw as easy.
Easton gently stood up and Chloe initiated a clap and the rest of the class followed accompanied with shouts. Easton 's head must be exploding. Feels good to be known by everyone, smart, sexy, and handsome.
Easton didn't waste time to solve the problem on the board..
“Good! You got it right. Easton would always be the best student in maths across science and arts students!” Mr Jonathan exclaimed and Chloe was quick to initiate another clap. My chest felt heavy as Alessia was giggling and clapping alongside them.
“Now point any student to solve your own math problem.” He instructed and Easton nodded, facing the board to write out a problem.
He turned to the class as soon as he was done. I lowered my head, trying to hide from him..I don't want to face the biggest embarrassment of my life. What did he write there? Spanish? Chinese? Japan? I can't understand a thing!
“Flat… sorry. Hayley.. interested in solving the maths problem?” He uttered, looking my direction and I froze in shock, a gasp crossing my lips. Hell no, he can't do this to me.
I sat still, unable to react, my mind was moving far and near..
“Hayley?”
“Who is Hayley?!” Mr Jonathan barked and Chloe was quick to point at me!
“She is Hayley! I wonder if she has gone deaf!” She spat rudely.
“I … I .. I am..” I stammered, raising my hands in the air.
“Do you think I have all the time in the world to waste!” He yelled after spotting me..
“No… no…. Sir….” I stuttered again, standing up from my chair. All eyes were on me at this point and I felt like I was going to faint. Easton had this evil smirk across his lips. He passed me the board marker and shifted backwards to watch me solve the maths problem.
Everyone was staring at me, waiting. I faced the board and my head swirled. I didn't know anything about the Algebraic equations Easton set on the board. My cheeks burned in embarrassment as I kept standing in front of there like a log of wood.
“Are you done?” Mr Jonathan asked after some minutes but I hadn't even started.. I fidgeted with my other hands.
“I don't think Hayley knows what to write, Mr Jonathan…” Easton said, his voice dripping with mockery.
“But the maths problem is quite simple! Is she that dumb?!” A voice rang out from the class.
Mr Jonathan came closer and scanned the maths problem,his face scrunching up in distaste.
“Wait, you are Hayley Anderson? The student that always degrades the art class grades right?!” He asked, his voice ringing out in a shrill as I flinched..
“Would you ever be useful?!” He barked and my expression twisted in shame.
“You can't even solve this simple Algebra! What can you ever do?!” He shouted and the class erupted into laughter. My lips trembled as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.. This is all Easton 's fault, he knows my plight yet he chose to embarrass me!
“I'm…I'm sorry….” I stuttered, hiding my gaze away from Mr Jonathan. He quickly snatched the marker out of my hands.
“Get out of my sight! Dumb Hayley!” He instructed, his voice dripping with venom. I crawled my feet, trying to return to my seat. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on me, their faces twisted in ridicule.
“But you are so dumb , Hayley.. even a baby from sixth grade can solve that” Chloe snickered when I was walking to my seat but I look at her. I just feel so humiliated..
- Writer
