the voices that heal

Chapter 6 ~ He's my Tour Guide???

Einstein's theory of the relativity of time has always been one of his greatest feats in my eyes, and never has it felt more stark than in moments such as these, where forty minute classes stretch into hours without reason but to make my life a misery.

  Throughout this painstakingly long class, Brett has not given me a second glance. None of my usual tactics have worked. When I asked him for the page number he replied with a grunt, though I could clearly see his book open on the correct page. When I dropped my pencil (always a winner!), Brett ignored it completely, and Stephen kicked it to the other side of the classroom. When I asked Brett for a new one, he handed me a compass. The walk across the room to fetch my original pencil was not a pleasant one.

  Finally, the sweet sound of the bell is heard, signaling the end of my torture. I am determined to leave the room as quickly as possible, but a mousey, bangled hand waves at me, calling a halt to my escape.

  "Y/N and Brett, I would like to speak with you after class", she squeaks.

  Brett throws Stephen an exasperated glance and I can see Stephen stifling his laughter. He walks up to me and expertly jabs me in the bellybutton. He snickers before skipping out of the classroom. I double over, maybe exaggerating the pain a little, and look up at Brett for sympathy. He, of course, seems to have none to spare so I straighten myself up quickly, avoiding his eyes. I turn to the teacher who is smiling at us both timidly. I notice where some of her magenta lipstick has rubbed onto her front teeth.

  "I noticed how you two seemed to have been getting along so well in this class", she says, wagging her finger enthusiastically, "so I decided that it would be a good idea for Brett to show you around the school."

  I freeze, and can feel Brett do the same beside me. She seems to notice Brett's distaste and her lip curls into a more menacing expression.
  "Don't forget Brett, I have the power to ban you and your little band from entering 'Battle of the Bands' this year, so tread lightly before you tread on your dreams!"

  I twiddle my thumbs in discomfort and glance at Brett. His eyes look dark beneath his bangs and I can see his fists clenching at his sides.

  "Fine", he says in a low voice, through gritted teeth. He turns and walks off without even so much as looking at me. The teachers timid expression returns and she gives me a small smile of encouragement. Unsure of how to respond, I flash her a quick thumbs up and turn to follow Brett.

  "Wait up, Brett!" I call desperately, not wanting to be left alone with this psycho. Brett quickens his pace, and I have to jog a little to catch up. I link his arm in mine and beam up at him, hoping my bubbly charm will finally win him over. Much to my dismay, he doesn't much seem to enjoy my arm in his, and elbows me in the side to shake it off. I massage my side and look up at him with a scowl. For once, he looks back at me with almost a touch of regret.

  "Sorry." He mumbles. He slows down and stops outside a door. "In here is the cafeteria. I don't know if you have them in country schools, but it's where you go to eat. Unless you're a loser." He gives me a look. "They usually eat in the bathrooms."

  "Speaking from experience?" I ask, arching an eyebrow. I smirk to myself.
 
"Ha ha, very witty." He sighs, but it seems my attack has landed.

  "Hey Brett!" Calls a guy in a leather jacket from across the hallway.

  "Hey Easton." He replies, edging away from me slightly. It's almost as if he doesn't want to be seen with me...

  Brett shows me to a few more classrooms, each as shoddy as the last, and at last the tour is done. He is a rather underwhelming tour guide but I decide not to tell him this.

   "Alright, I have music now and I can't be late", he tells me bluntly.

"Oh right!" I say, snapping my fingers rhythmically, "You're in a band!"

"Yeah, whatever", he says, shaking his bangs out of his eyes. I realize I have nothing left to say. I finally think of something, but he is already leaving.

"Have a nice band practice." I whisper. Brett turns around, looking slightly annoyed.

"What?" He says, impatiently. My face heats up uncontrollably. I twiddle my thumbs and suddenly sprint in the other direction. I turn a corner and collide with something large and muscular. My books are sent flying and pages fall to the ground, like large, clumsy snowflakes on a spring day.

For the second time today I find myself on the ground. It seems that inconspicuousness is not that simple to achieve. I await the jeers and laughs that are bound to follow, but instead I hear chimes and fairy dust, the sound of bunnies and woodland critters, personified in the gentle face I look up to see. If compassion were to bear a face, I am certain it would be that of which I see before me.

  "Are you alright?" He asks, a look of concern filling his kind, dark eyes. His voice seems to be as rich and fresh as the woodland itself and I have to prevent myself from being pulled under his enchantment. He reaches out his hand to help me up. It is large and strong with a good grip. I am off the ground in seconds.

  I suddenly become conscious of my books strewn about the floor.

  "I'd... better pick those up", I half-whisper, still caught in his dark eyes.

"Wait, let me help." He says earnestly, reaching down for my algebra textbook. Without thinking, I slip my hand onto the book before he reaches it. A current of electricity shoots through my body as his hand lands upon mine, and time stills in the hallway. (Thanks Einstein!) I slowly lift my head just as he does, and I can for a moment feel our hearts beat as one.

"Y/N," He says softly, looking at the label on one of my textbooks, "You know, you really resemble a bunny rabbit." And with that, the moment has ended. A bunny. Really? Everyone knows I have the aura of a starfish.

  "I- have to go", I quickly say before snatching my books off the boy and hurrying down the hall.
 
  "Wait!" He calls, "My name's Carl, Carl the Quarterback!"

I didn't ask, but I'm glad he told me all the same. He could be useful in the future. I skip down the hallway and stand in front of the door to my next class. Art.