The Magic Ring

Chapter One―Getting Close to Mr. Crush

WHERE THE HELL are you, Marla? Joshua whispered as he impatiently tapped his feet and looked from his watch to his phone. He looked with deep concern.

Joshua was expecting a text from Marla, his best friend. After all, he did not know where she was.

She was either running late or not coming to school.

Joshua lifted his head to look towards the door, but there wasn't any sight of Marla.

Come on, Marla. Please don't be late. Don't give Ms. Chase a chance to roast you in front of the class, Joshua thought to himself.

Mr. Chase was not very understanding with late students. If her mood was so bad, she wouldn't even let the late student in.

As if his prayers were answered, he saw Marla half walk, half run into the class. Instantly his eyes brightened. Joshua let a deep sigh of relief.

Marla was catching her breath, even when she had already seated.

Many students looked up for a second to throw hostile glances at her as if she had done some wrong.

"I'm sorry I am late," Marla said, breathing hard, as she removed a few books from her backpack. Her shoulder-length brown hair partly covered her face.

Joshua looked at her in admiration. They had known each other since their senior year, and she just never changed.

Marla asked with a frown on her face, "Which subject―"

"Math, your favorite," Joshua immediately interrupted her midsentence. He was grinning at her with a knowing look.

Marla rolled her eyes as Joshua broke into a hearty laugh.

"Stop it. I should have just called in sick," Marla muttered unhappily.

"You know that's a lame excuse," he replied as he resisted the urge to ask how Math had wronged his best friend.

Ms. Chase walked into the class. She was followed closely by Preston, a tall, athletic, and one of the most handsome people in the school.

The room was filled with a strong perfume scent. Most students turned their attention toward the door.

"Oh my god!' Marla said as she rolled her eyes. She felt her heart skip a beat.

She repeatedly breathed in and out to catch her breath, still trying to maintain a cool composure. She had a crush on Preston, despite knowing that he had never even thrown a glance at her.

She was not considered one of the most beautiful girls in school, and more than anything in her life, she wanted things to change.

"Why are you late?" Ms. Chase asked while looking at Preston unhappily.

Preston looked around the class as if he was not the one being addressed.

"I'm talking to you!" Ms. Chase asked in a stern voice. Even though everyone else was serious and tensed, Preston had a wide and sly smile on his lips.

"Am I? I do not think so. I mean, if I'm late, then, so are you," he answered as he shrugged and walked to his desk, leaving Ms. Chase fuming.

Marla broke into a loud fit of laughter after seeing the priceless expression on Ms. Chase's face, but her joy was short-lived as Ms. Chase turned to look at her in hostility.

"I'll let his behavior pass. It's his first time," Ms. Chase gave a lame excuse.

Marla inwardly scoffed, knowing very well that she would excuse Preston again next time.