I thought school was an escape from the current situation of my life.
I thought wrong.
Hearing a series of whispers, about me and her, made it hard for me to concentrate.
"I still can't believe Paigne is gone."
"I know right. I wonder how Dayton is taking it. I mean they were totally inseparable."
"She's over there. Look at her. She looks like she hasn't eaten for days."
"I miss the old loud, lively and funny Dayton. She was so much fun."
"Especially with Paigne around."
"Yeah, I hope she gets better soon."
"Same."
Even in death, they're still talking about her.
That's how popular she was.
It's hard to refer to her in the past tense.
Every time I do, the reality of the situation hits me.
Hard.
Ignoring the curious and sympathetic looks thrown my way, I walk to my first class of the day – Calculus.
"Good morning miss Sheath." I begrudgingly greet.
Not because of any hard feelings – I mean she's a pretty great teacher - but mostly because I'm not in the mood to speak to anyone right now.
"Morning, Dayton. H-how are you holding up." I hate the look she's giving me right now. Like I'm a broken doll.
"I 'm good ma'am," I reply, not feeling the need to offer so much as a smile, before taking my seat behind the class.
Can you blame me?
Not.
I let out a silent groan as the sight of dy/dx fills my poor eyes.
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Halfway through the class, the door opens and every head turns in the direction of the source of the disturbance.
I watch silently as the Vice Principal, Maya Jonas, enters with some new kid and introduces him to the teacher.
All the girls look awestruck and I guess he notices because he throws a suggestive wink in their direction.
She, Mrs. Jonas, leaves and the class face the new guy.
"Class, we have a new student today. Why don't you introduce yourself, sweet pea."
I nearly scoff at her term of endearment.
Or lack of.
"I'm Dante. Dante Morretti. I'm from Italy." He says in a sensual deep voice dripping heavily with a strong Italian accent.
"Ok. Please take a seat right next to......" I silently pray she doesn't mention my name and she doesn't. "Paigne Santiago"
But the name she calls is enough to stiffen every single body in the class.
Maybe except Dante.
She winces as she notices her mistake and my entire façade crumbles like the wall of Jericho.
"C-can I be excused?" The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
She nods, almost stiffly, in understanding and I bolt out of the class.
The hallway is practically empty as I enter it.
I suppress the urge to scream my heart out in pain.
No.
In agony.
That's the best word to describe my current dilemma.
I run until my legs fail me and I wobble onto the ground with sobs racking through my body.
Why her?
The question comes again.
"Paigne...please tell me this is a joke. Tell me you're still alive. You're still here with me. I-I need you." I whisper into the cold air.
And once again I am the weak girl I've been since she...
Since she left.
With a shaky sigh, I stand up and make my way to the car.
Heading to Dunkin' Donuts.
There is nothing chocolate glazed donuts can't fix.
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For the next few days, I don't go to school.
I spend them locked up in my room, thinking about memories we shared.
Memories I have left
I go to school again, like every other day.
Today, the annoying pitiful gazes increase.
I trudge down the hallways towards my locker and open it to prepare for my class.
"Hey" A deep voice whispers and hot breath hits my skin.
I nearly jump out of my skin and I turn around to get a good view of the perpetrator.
Dante Morretti
"What?" I snap.
He holds out a book for me to take.
I stare at it warily but decide, against my better judgment to take it.
I gasp in utter surprise and gratitude as I notice it contained every single thing learnt in Calculus.
"T-thanks."I manage to say.
"So Paigne...why'd you walk out of class when I was told to sit next to you."
"I don't know, why do you want to know?"
"Just curious." He replied and walked away, leaving me gaping like a fish.
