On My Own Time

Chapter 11

"Alright class! I am behind in grading so today you get a study period. Feel free to study for the exam that's next week or go ahead and work on homework from other classes. No phones please!"

Some kids cheered while the teacher rolled his eyes, sitting down and beginning his work of grading. Sara was especially happy, taking out homework that she failed to finish the night before. Her friends also began to work on homework from other classes and I was stuck just sitting there bored due to the fact that I had finished all my work and I was positive I'd pass the exam for next week. Naturally, my eyes began to wonder out of boredom and they landed on Max. He was doing his best on ignoring Caden who was doing a great job of annoying him. I felt bad for him but there wasn't much I could do. I suddenly felt a vibration in my pocket and I glanced at the teacher to make sure he was busy before taking out my phone and seeing a text from the one and only, Victor.

From: Victor
Looking kinda suspicious with you staring at Max. Have I been replaced?

The smile that formed couldn't be stopped no matter what. I glanced up at the teacher before looking at Victor who had a smirk on his face. He refused to meet my eyes as he pretended to be focused on his book. I was about to reply back with a flirty comment of my own but then the image of that girl came to my mind. Was she a girlfriend? If so, I really should back off. I didn't want to steal a guy away from someone, even if it was Victor. I needed to have respect towards that girl, even if I wanted to be her. I let out a small sigh and decided to not respond. I didn't know how Victor would react but I didn't bother to check. I should start putting distance between us because, this, whatever it is, had gone on long enough. If he did have a girlfriend, she would not like Victor flirting with me, especially since I am a guy. However, Victor didn't seem to think the same because I soon felt vibration after vibration. It got to the point that Sara begged me to just answer whoever it was because the vibration was distracting her.

From: Victor
What's wrong sunshine?

From: Victor
Did I do something wrong?

From: Victor
Are you ignoring me?

From: Victor
Come on, sunshine. Talk to me.

From: Victor
I need your attention again ):

"Oh my gosh, are you blushing?"

My neck snapped up at Sara, eyes wide and feeling slightly anxious. Oh god, what is she thinking? She doesn't know it's because of Victor right? I took a worried glance towards their table to see if they heard and to my luck, they did. Thankfully only their table heard considering they were the neighboring table group.

"He is!" Sara's friend accused.

"Guys! Keep your voices down," I silently pleaded.

It was a lame attempt because I knew Sara could be loud if she was shocked or amazed. I prayed that she didn't know why he was blushing. I gave another glance towards Victor's table to see Max frowning from curiosity, Caden and Victor's other friend smirking, and Victor half smirking, half smiling.

"You have a girlfriend! Don't you?!" Sara finally said, instantly making me relax.

In a panic I answered, "Okay yes! I have a girlfriend."

Sara and her friend's eyes sparkled with interest as they leaned in, asking question after question. Well it didn't seem like Sara was upset so at least I could cross her off from the idea of her liking me. I glanced at Max as if to say 'help,' but froze when I saw the frown Victor had. Caden looked upset along with their friend and Max looked amused. However, it was Victor's face that made me freeze for a second.

"You have to tell us all about her. What school does she go to? Does she go here? Why did you keep it a secret? How old is she? Tell us everything!" Sara demanded, pushing aside her homework and learning in even more.

I couldn't help but gulp and panic a little. So much attention was on me and I didn't know what to do or say. Of course I didn't have a girlfriend and I felt like taking it back and pretending it was a joke. However, I felt like I looked too nervous to play it off as a joke. I'd probably make the situation worse if I tried. The only person I could think of was my mother's best friend's daughter, Lacey, who was homeschooled.

"Her name is Lacey. She doesn't go here. I met her through my mom."

"What school does she go to? How does she look? Is she nice?"

"Um. . . She's homeschooled. Too smart for her own good," I said, letting out a nervous laugh. "She's really nice. She's pretty short."

Sara opened her mouth to ask more questions but the bell rang and I couldn't have been more happy. I quickly left, leaving behind even Max who called my name. I was quick to get to my next class, sitting down with a heavy sigh as I ran a hand through my already messy hair. When my phone vibrated I already knew who it was and I wasn't sure if I wanted to open the message or not. When he didn't double text I knew he was serious but I still was too nervous to respond. Did they honestly believe that? I was nervous and almost stuttering! They couldn't possibly believe anything that I said. I mean Lacey was real but I didn't even sound overly happy when speaking about her. I was frustrated with myself and honestly, quite disappointed. I never wanted to be in a situation like this or even near it. I knew I couldn't ignore Victor all day so by the time it was halfway through class, I had gained enough courage to open the message.

From: Victor
Lacey huh? We need to talk.