Voices - Xavier Thorpe

12

The Study Hall was silent, Wendi sat at her usually table alone reading through her textbook making notes as she went. She enjoyed the quiet atmosphere as she was able to get more work done. Not long after Xavier came to her table sitting down across from her.

Usually, he would take out his homework or art supplies but this time he just sat across from her, staring. Waiting.

Uncomfortable from the eyes focused on her, Wen looked up. He was smiling, a big cheesy grin plastered on his face as he looked onto the girl.

"What up with you?" wen asked in slight discomfort and curiosity.

"Well, the dance is coming up..." He began as his smile began to disappear slightly, "I was thinking about asking someone but then I heard someone was going to ask me." He finishes as his smile grew once more, eyebrows wiggling a bit.

"Oh really? I assume it's the same person?"

"Yeah." He said with a laugh.

"So, you're going to make them ask?"

"Of course." Xavier says, smile still very present on his face.

"Well, I hope you two have fun." Wen says with a smile.

Xavier's face drops a little, "Why does it sound like you don't want to go?"

"Because I'm don't, and I'm not." Wendi says going back to her work.

"What?" Was all Xavier said for a moment. Wendi begins to read again, but before she can get through a line, he speaks up again, "Why?"

"I don't like crows, they kind of overwhelm me." Wendi says as she waves her hand around her face, shooing a bug away.

"Oh, you don't even want to go for a little bit?" His eyes focused on her, how she was continuing to try to read while still waving her hand around.

"I mean yeah, but I know I'll just ask myself why I went the entire night." She answers.

"I'm sorry, what are you doing?" Xavier breaks into a laugh as he's staring at her almost hitting herself.

"There's a bug." Wen replies finally getting it to go away.

Later that day, Wendi walked into Ms. Thornhills classroom. Most of the students had already arrived taking out their notebooks. Wendi took her seat quickly taking her own notebook out. As she sets the book on the counter, she catches Xavier looking back at her, a smile on his face as their ryes connected. He gives a small wave before turning to Wednesday to talk a bit before the lesson started.

Wendi looks onto the two thinking about how Wednesday must be the girl Xavier was going to ask. A sad smile forming on her lips, as she looks onto the two.

"The orchid produces a pheromone that mimics a female insect, luring the males in. Now, once the plant is pollinated, what do the male insects get in exchange?" Ms. Thornhill asked.

"Nada. Just like all the guys at the Rave'N." Bianca quickly chimed in causing the class to laugh.

"Okay, okay. I know you're all excited about Saturday, which is why I haven't assigned any homework." Ms. Thornhill said gaining attention again caucusing the students to get excited. "Yes! But I do still need volunteers for the decorating committee. Anyone interested, come and see me up here." She finished as the bell rung and everyone began to pack up to head out.

As Wendi passed the front of the classroom Ms. Thornhill spoke up to her, "Wendi, would you want to volunteer?"

"Oh, no- I'm not going." She replied.