Hourglass

The troublemaker

"The boat looks like it's gonna sink any second now"

"Well, it did sink in it's 5th sail."

"It's really arousing when you are all nerdy you know."

"Everybody knows about 'The hourglass' idiot, it was even in our history lesson remember? "

"Hmm, really? I don't remember. Maybe because I wasn't focusing on the class. Honestly it was your fault."

"What? How was it my fault? "

"It was thee, who sat in a beautiful white top in front of me, weren't you?"

Snickering was heard from behind.

"Poophead"

"Ugh Max, if you're gonna insult me, atleast use better words."

"Nerd."

Loud laughs were echoching in the silent halls now.

"Ouch, that was too strong. Watch your mouth lady!"

"Quiet children, we're in a public place. Lower your volume. You're representing your university's reputation here."
Mrs.Miranda bickered staring at the group of nuisances gathered around the model ship of 'The Hourglass'.

"Sorry Mrs.Miranda!" The group shouted back in unison.

"Yeah sorry" One boy intentionally shouted after everybody quietened up. Sarcastically.

It was Ethan Millers. A young handsome boy of 17. His orphic, ocean blue eyes standing out from the rest. While his felicitous brown hair drowned along the rest. Max's best friend since they were 3. They grew up in the same neighborhood and their mothers were best friends since their childhood too.

The group started howling again. Mrs.Miranda was furious. She marched towards the group until she was face-to-face with Ethan.

"Come to my office after school. I'd like to chat with you about your manners Mr.Millers."

"Like you're gonna find me" Ethan whispered.

"What was that?"

"Yes ma'am, I'll be there"

"See. Already better." Mrs.Miranda smirked before turning and walking towards the front to lead the tour again.

The rest of the group except Ethan and Max joined behind her.

"You got me in trouble. That's new." Ethan said before turning towards Max, who was trying really hard to hold in a laugh.

She burst out as soon as Ethan turned.
"How was that my fault?" Max said while struggling for breath as she rolled over from laughter.

"Well if you haven't called me a- the n word. They wouldn't have laughed. And Mrs.Miranda wouldn't have scowled at us."

"That's not what's the 'n-word' poophe-"

"Aw c'mom. Anything but that. How about shithead,huh?"

"Alright then shi-"

"Hey, Ethan Max we are leaving."
A boy, almost the same height as Ethan interrupted.

"Oh yeah Leo. We're right behind you." Ethan said then turned and winked at Max before following Leo.
Max rolled her eyes and then followed.

It was 6 in the evening. Winter was approaching and the air was chilly yet soothing. The sun hid behind the white cotton candies of the sky. While the yellow-red rays played around the vast ether reaching through the pores in clouds as vermillion. Max sat along the lakeside watching the sunset while Ethan stood beside her with his hands in his pockets, looking as smug as ever.

"Look a husky!" Max stated when a big dog with it's owner jogged past them.

"That's not a husky, nerd." Ethan sneered.

"What is it then?"

"It's obvious. It's an Alaskan Malamute. Nerd."

"How is it obvious? And why am I the nerd here?"

"It's obvious because of that tail-" Ethan started while pointing the tail of the dog that was curled over its back. Putting the finger back he looked down at Max who was looking up at him. He smiled and cocked his head slightly to the left "-And you'll always be my nerd."

"You shi-"

"Ethan. Max. There you are. I've been looking all around for you. Mrs.Miranda called asking for you. What did you do now?"

"Mom, didn't see you there. I didn't do anything, ask Max if you want." Ethan said glancing at Max who was now standing and dusting off her skirt.

Max quickly looked through her eyebrows while her head was still low. She gave a sly smile to Ethan before turning to Mrs.Millers.

"He's right. He didn't do anything. But if you want we can head up to school and you can go back home. We'll inform you if anything is wrong."

"Alright Max, I'm counting on you. I don't know what would happen to this futile boy if you weren't there."

Max snickered.

"C'mom mom, I'm not that bad. And you're embarrassing me. Go home We'll see to it ourselves." Ethan jumped in.

Max and Mrs.Millers started guffawing. A jogger passing them looked at them for a second and then continued on his journey.

Mrs.Millers left after giving them both a vegetable sandwich."You both must be hungry. Here take these." She said before leaving.

"Loofs life we're foing to schol ghen?" Max blurted with her mouth full.
"Eat you sandwich then speak you barbarian."
Max giggled. Then finished her sandwich and spoke again
"-Looks like we're going to school then?"
"Yeah, looks like I'm in for detention."
"You deserve it." Max said while a smug crept on her small baby pink lips.
"And you are misunderstood if you think I'm doing anything alone."
"What do you-"

Before Max could say anything Ethan grabbed her wrist and dragged her along to Mrs.Miranda's office.

He stopped once they were in front of a door that seemed to be made of oak wood. A glass label bulged on top of the door. 'Mrs.Bella Miranda' was etched in silver color on it.