Expect The Unexpected

Chapter 2

Cover by FysteeUnicorn

Rosemary Argent

Slipping into the unfamiliar wooden desk, Rosemary timidly placed her light purple school bag under her seat, pulling out her history notebook and favorite pink mechanical pencil so she could start taking notes. This new school was so different from her old one and she knew she was going to have trouble adjusting to this new background. She sighed heavily, mentally preparing herself for what the school day would bring. 

The teacher, whose name was apparently Mrs. Bustier, was currently in the process of talking to another student who had asked a question. Since she was distracted, Rosemary decided to try and figure out what the rest of the school day would be like. Leaning forward, she whispered to the blue-haired girl who had smiled at her when she first entered the classroom.

"Psst!"

The girl turned her head and once again smiled, face glowing and full of love. "What did you need?" she whispered back.

Rosemary was grateful for her kindness, glad they were in the same class. "What class is after this one? I forgot my schedule at home and I don't want to bother Mrs. Buste."

She smiled sheepishly, hoping she didn't sound off as ignorant and purposely forgetful. The girl winced a little as Rosemary said Mrs. Bustier's name so she knew she had already made a mistake.

Oops. Way to go, Rosie. You messed up the simplest thing and made a fool of yourself.

A warm hand touched hers, urging her to face the girl. She smiled and gave Rosemary a reassuring look as she whispered, "Hey, it's okay. I know how it is to forget school supplies. I do that all the time. The class after this one is Physical Science with Mrs. Mendelaive. I have her as well so I can help you get there."

Rosemary smiled gratefully and squeezed her hand, letting her know she appreciated her kindness and helpfulness.

"By the way, I'm Marinette but you can call me Mari. And Mrs. Bustier's name is pronounced Bu-sti-eh. It's a common mistake though, for people who don't know French very well." Mari winked and Rosemary giggled.

"You can call me Rosie if that's easier for you. Rosemary is a bit of a mouthful."

Mari nodded, smiling before whispering to the auburn-haired girl next to her, who instantly turned around and smiled at Rosie as well. The girl opened her mouth to speak but a loud clap sounded from the front of the room and the trio snapped to attention.

"Ahem. Marinette, Alya, and Rosemary, please face forward and pay attention. I know that having a new student is exciting but please save your questions and comments until after class."

Mrs. Bustier smiled, as though to soften the blow of her strict words and funnily enough, it worked. Rosie even smiled back before releasing Mari's hands and picking up her pencil, ready to continue with the class.

When the bell finally rang, Rosie made sure she had everything before glancing at Mari and found her talking to the auburn-haired girl, whose name was apparently Alya. 

Not wanting to feel or be awkward while waiting by the door, she stayed in her seat and doodled in her notebook while she waited. 

A shadow covered her page and she glanced up, face to face with a red-haired teenager. She smiled warmly at him, hoping to help calm his nerves as he played with his pencil and tapped it against his leg. His sea-blue eyes were kind but shy and light freckles dotted his cheeks.

"Yes? Did you need something?" she asked, not wanting to come off as awkward as he just stood there, gaping at her. 

A few seconds passed before he shook himself and finally answered her question.