Burn My Paranoia One Last Time

15. Mr. Popular

"Wow, your dad was such a cool guy," Shelby mused in admiration after Carmen retold her latest dream.

"I know, right?" She agreed enthusiastically, pausing to take a sip of her iced coffee. "I mean, I just can't believe Rain actually listened to my request."

Amber stood next to them in the hallway, silently studying their faces. She doubted Rain would show her those memories only for Carmen's sake. There had to be something more...

Her attention drifted to a small group of students quietly chattering across the hall near some lockers. The early morning sun's rays fell through the windows softly. A chill wind suddenly swept through an open door at the end of the corridor, causing Amber to shiver. She rubbed her shoulders over her denim jacket to keep warm.

"Amb? What's on your mind?" Carmen tilted her head to the side.

"Huh?" Amber blinked and turned around, suddenly remembering. "I don't know, I feel like Rain was trying to show you a clue. There must have been something important in that dream we're overlooking."

"The posh guys?" Shelby wondered aloud. "They seemed kinda sketchy. Maybe they bothered Rain too."

"It could be a possibility. Hopefully I'll get more information once I ask Mr. Dacus," Carmen's intrigued expression turned to one of excitement as she did a little dance. "It's perfect timing too, since I finally get to turn in my application and ask for that letter of recc~!"

Shelby clasped her hands and jumped with her. "Yay Carm, I'm so excited for you!"

Amber crossed her arms, clenched her fists under her jacket, and tried her best to sound as giddy as they did. "Woo! Good luck girl."

"Aww thanks, you guys are the best!" Carmen giggled, leaning her head on Shelby's affectionately. "Let's get to class then!"

Amber stared blankly across the hall as they walked, barely paying attention while Shelby asked Carmen something about her drink. Carmen tossed her empty drink into a nearby trash and laughed with Shelby.

Amber wished she could stop feeling this cloud of looming shame hanging over her. How could she apply to the scholarship herself if no one had asked yet? Would it be wrong if she competed against her friend? Of course she wanted her friend to succeed, but she also needed to make sure she could ensure a spot in college.

Her eyelids drooped as she side eyed a giggling Carmen. This is just how it will have to be. Whoever wins deserves it more.

The three of them stopped near the doorway as soon as they took three steps into class.

"Good morning, girls," a young, handsome teacher smiled and greeted them cordially. He couldn't have been more than a few years fresh out of college based on his appearance. Not a single wrinkle marked his smooth, light beige skin. The corners of his lips lift into a gentle smile, forming dimples on either side below piercing blue eyes.

"G-good morning," Shelby blushed as he erased chalk from the blackboard. She could catch a clear view of his biceps under the rolled up sleeves. Oh man, he was godly.

"Good morning," Carmen and Amber said in unison, lifting their eyebrows with a combination of confusion and subtle intrigue.

"Who is he?" Shelby glanced back once more and fanned herself discretely once they were out of earshot.

"I have no idea, he seems too old to be a student yet too young to be a teacher," Carmen pondered while setting down her books on the desk.