Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Three

How long can someone drone on and on about one battle? Especially one that was forever ago? Sitting here in history of Civ is torture. I love history but this teacher is the WORST. He has to get bored with hearing his own monotone voice over and over again. I know we all are. I promised Kyle I'd take notes for us so I can't even leave early.

I look at the clock on the wall. Still half an hour to go.

Our teacher has stopped talking and now is showing us slides from the same battle he's been talking about for 45 minutes. Actual slides. Has he ever used a computer? Power Point?

Kill me now.

I look down at my notebook, three sheets filled with absolutely boring facts and dates. I'll be so glad when we're done with this and move on. Maybe I should've gone to biology. Then I could've skipped this fun.

I start to think about last weekend and my new job. I have to say, I'm actually looking forward to going back. Leo is awesome! I was thinking the only person I'd have to talk to was Elise, but she doesn't even work Fridays. Leo and I have a lot in common. Tyler's pretty cool too. Ronnie, my way to serious, creepy boss, not so much. Well, two out of three's not bad.

Tonight, Laney and I are meeting Jax and Nate at some place in the Arena District. I can't remember the name of the bar, but it's close to Nationwide Arena, where the Blue Jacket's play. There's a band playing there that Jax knows, and wants us to see. I wonder if Jax has seen Lickit?

You did not just think that. You have no burning desire to see Lickit or suddenly immerse yourself in punk music. You just want to see Michael.

Lies!

"Excuse me, Star?" Mr. Thompson says, snapping me put of my conversation with myself.

"Ah! Flies, Mr. thompson! There...um..there are flies back here!" I say.

It's February.

"Really?! That's highly unusual. Thank you for letting me know, Star. I'll get someone down here today! Why don't you come down front. Maybe there's something decaying back there."

Oh good! Now I can be closer to Mr. Thompson and his slides.

I pick up my stuff and coat, sighing, and move down to the front, taking the only open seat, between some guy wearing a blue beanie and a huge fat guy wearing a Patriots sweatshirt.

Beanie's are cool and all, but I do love the Patriots.

"Hi there." Patriots says, winking at me.

Wow.

"Twenty more minutes, it can't go fast enough." I say, quietly taking my seat.

"Hey." Beanie says.

"God, really?! Not interested, buddy." I say. What is with everyone right now?!

"Get over yourself, I was just saying hi." Beanie says, flashing attitude.

Seriously?!

I turn to say something.....

...and see Michael staring back at me.