Two Ways to Spell Blake

{Chapter 3}

Quickly making my way to my Algebra 2, I see Ms. Hall is writing something on the board. I don't bother to figure out what it is. Instead, I start pulling my books out of my bag when I hear it again. Someone calling my name. This has been continuous. Since this day started, I've had more people try to talk to me and annoy me than in my entire life. 

Groaning, I turn my focus to my desk. I studiously ignore them as continue calling my name until the bell rings.

Ms. Hall starts teaching and I try to focus even though it's impossible. When she turns her back to the class, a note lands on my desk. Nobody ever sends me notes so I open it cautiously. Written on the lined paper is my name...in all caps. I scowl at the paper and put it to the edge of my desk. Another folded piece of paper lands on my desk. And another. And another. I scowl at all of them.

"Ms. Tanner?" Ms. Hall says, snapping my attention to the front of the room.

I grit my teeth and plaster a smile on my face. I don't really think she likes me. Every time I ask for help on something, she rolls her eyes and says that it's too easy to explain. She's basically calling me stupid.

"Yes?" I raise my eyebrows.

Her eyes flick to the pile of notes on my desk. "Would you like to read all the notes that are coming to your desk?" she smiles sickly and I shrug.

It's not like they say anything besides my name. I start reading out each paper. I'm pretty sure I read my name at least thirty times.

"Why are you just saying your name?" Ms. Hall screeches.

"That's all the notes say," I bite.

"I don't like your tone," she glares.

Okay, so she hates me.

"Please read what the notes really say," she sighs.

"Ms. Hall, you realize you're taking up valuable class time?" I point out. Her eyes grow bigger as she realizes this. She continues on with the lesson.

***

I find out I have Chemistry with some of Blake's friends also. Which sucks for me being that I hate Chemistry just as much as I hate Algebra. 

Just as the bell rings, I escape to my locker and quickly make it to one of my favorite classes. Plopping down in my seat, I start reading my book.

I'm okay in this class. No one will bother me in this class. I chant these things to myself before I remember Blake has this class with me. Crap.

Yeah, I don't like to use bad words. I think they make you sound and look dirty if you say them. And my parents don't like for me to say them. So as long as I don't say any of the real bad words, I can use any type of substitute that I like.

Blake plops down into the seat next to me with a smug look on his face. I do what I've been doing to all his cohorts and ignore him.

"Hello, Blayke," he says. When I don't respond he continues, "How has your day been?"

I ignore him again and continue reading my book. A second later, the book is snatched out of my hands. I stare shocked at the place where my book once was. 

Looking up at him, I see my book dangling between his fingers. "Would you like this back?" he smiles. I nod.

"Then you have to answer my questions," he says, flipping through the book, almost loosing my place.

"My day has been fine. Now give me my book back," I snap and snatch my book out of his hands.

"You mean, you haven't been irritated at all?" he raises an eyebrow.