Housemates

Takeouts

Arianne

I sat in my seat, trying to focus on the lesson, but my mind kept wandering. I was lost in my own thoughts, thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. The program seemed fun at first until it got difficult to keep up with everyone. Suddenly, I heard my teacher's voice calling my name.

"Arianne, do you have the answer to the question I just asked?" Miss Johnson asked, her tone sharp and condescending.

My heart raced as I tried to remember what the question was. I had been zoning out, lost in my own thoughts, and now the entire class was staring at me. "Um— could you ask it again?" I stammered.

Miss Johnson let out a sigh. "Just because you're an exchange student doesn't mean I'm gonna accept anything below your abilities, Arianne."

The other students snickered, and I felt my face grow hot with embarrassment. I looked to my right where Dylan was sitting and he just looked away trying to hide his laugh. I wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

Miss Johnson shook her head. "Sorry doesn't cut it, Arianne. You need to start taking this class seriously if you want to pass. Maybe you should rethink taking APs this year."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. I've always struggled in math, but I'm really trying my best this year. Why couldn't Miss Johnson see that?

As the class continued, I tried to focus on the lesson, but all I could think about was the humiliation I had just experienced. She didn't need to call me out in front of all of them like that, did she?

Not only am I known for being an exchange student, but now a dumb one too.

As soon as I heard that bell ring I grabbed my things and rushed out of class.

Couldn't this day get any worse?

"Hello, housemate," a very familiar voice startles me. A voice I, unfortunately, have to hear every day. That very voice just so happens to be Aaron's.

"Hi," I tried to reply calmly, but my voice betrayed me and came out more like a sigh.

"Someone's not in the mood," Aaron teased.

I rolled my eyes and began to walk away, my hand playing around my necklace. Aaron being Aaron he quickly caught up to me.

"Hey, I was just kidding," He said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Okay," I nodded, continuing to walk. I kept my gaze fixed on the ground, hoping he'd just leave me be upset in peace.

"Are you okay?" Aaron asked, falling into a step beside me.

I shrugged, not meeting his gaze. "I'm fine," I tried to smile it off but I was fooling no one.

Not even the ants on the floor.

But he wasn't convinced. "Come on, you can tell me, I can tell something's bothering you. You can tell me."

I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. Why do I cry so easily? "It's really nothing, it's stupid- and I don't want to talk about it here."

Aaron nodded, understanding. "Okay, we can go somewhere more private, then."

I looked at him—trying to find any reason not to trust him. He looked genuine. I felt something in my chest sink.

Aaron grabbed my hand and took us away from the crowded hallway. We walked into an empty classroom. He sat on a desk across from me. I was hesitant to speak at first. I just stared at him trying to find the right words. I wasn't best at expressing my thoughts when I was upset.