Here We Are Again

How Long has It Been?

Julia's POV

I sat by at my desk, paying no heed to what the teacher was speaking of in front of me. I continued to write in my notebook random thoughts as she was introducing herself and explaining the class procedure.

I felt pretty comfortable with my chosen seat, but I couldn't help but feel nervous as classes and lessons were about to begin.

A few students would probably be late today, but it was something I wouldn't be interested in – considering I'm a loner.

I caught a glimpse of someone entering the classroom, and I paid no attention to who they were as I continued to stare at my phone.

That was until I heard him speak.

"Sorry I'm late sir."

My eyes widened and my head snapped towards the direction of the voice.

It belonged to none other then Gabriel Andros, my old classmate, and ex-crush.

My face immediately flushed red and I put my head down on my desk, attempting to hide myself from him.

Remember to breathe, Julia, just breathe,

His chestnut brown hair was slightly ruffled and he wore a grey flannel with black denim jeans. He looked like any typical high schooler, so why was I so affected by his presence after all these years?

I wasn't too memorable, he couldn't possibly remember me. Right?

Wrong...

My gut told me that he would not easily forget about what transpired between us. The real question I was pondering though, was if he was still upset about it.

I took a quick peak to see what was happening, and my eyes nearly bulged out of my head seeing he was staring right at me. A blank expression plastered on his face, prominent as usual.

Immediately I sat up straight and turned away from his gaze, pretending to look at something interesting that was on the white walls to my right.

I noted that there were only two seats left in class, one to my left which was right beside me — and another at the very front of the classroom.

A part of me wanted to put my books on top of the desk to make everyone think it was taken and they wouldn't sit beside me, but that would make it too obvious. And I could have gotten in trouble with my teacher. I had heard from my peers that she was one of the most strict inside the school, and I could not ignore the warning they gave me. I wanted to make a good impression.

I took in a deep breath whilst closing my eyes in an attempt to calm myself.

Gabriel turned away from me and walked towards the seat at the front, and relief washed over me and I was able to regain my composure.

After I managed to relax and accept the situation, I grabbed my water bottle to take a drink to clear my throat.

"Okay class, everyone stand up. You all have seating Arrangements that were randomized. Let's start with Mr. Andros, you and Julia are sitting right here.

My eyes widened and I began to start choking on my water, coughing out with my mouth covered.

I gave her a thumbs up as I tried to get oxygen into my body.

The desks were all set up in pairs, so that meant that I would be right beside him.

As I was about to sit down I heard Gabriel speak up.

"Miss, I shouldn't sit here."

In bewilderment, I felt my blood boiling as he would go this far to not sit next to me. Of course it would have been awkward, but to change the seating arrangement would be completely unnecessary.