Watch Me Find

Zack

Ugh, they won't shut up. I pressed my fingers onto my temples, soothing the oncoming headache. The girl was quiet but Leo had to go and talk to her. Typical. We were supposed to bring her back, not learn her life story. My eyes darted in their direction. She looked uncomfortable and kept fiddling with her fingers. I can't believe this is the girl we are looking for. I expected her to be—actually, I don't know what I expected. But she wasn't it.

I yawned. Human class was bo—ring. When are we getting out of this stuffy classroom?

I took a deep breath. This wasn't fun. Not exciting. I just want to go home. Ugh now I'm stuck babysitting a thirteen year old. I don't bother to suppress an eye roll as Leo asked yet another question.

"Hey man, what's wrong?" Leo asked. As much as he was annoying, he still cared.

"I'm fine," I say, not bothering to turn over to look at him.

"Sure you are fine, you are always fine." I could hear the eye roll in his voice.

"Leo, Zack, Willow, you all have been talking for the past ten minutes, don't think I didn't notice. If you don't listen in class, you won't do well and the two of you are already behind class," the teacher gestured to Leo and me.

I automatically rolled my eyes muttering,"I could do this in my sleep."

I think she heard me because she said,"Zack, what's the answer to question 28?"

I am aware of the piece of dead tree in front of me and I eefuse to touch it. I wondered how humans could be so cruel to the trees.

"Why?" I asked.

"I'm sorry?" The teacher gave me a weird look.

"Why?" I repeat,"Why must we do this?"

"Because..." she was at a loss for words. I could sense her frustration even through the smile plastered on her face. Faker. She took a breath, and replied,"You do want to do well for your examinations, don't you?"

"No, I don't really care really," I say staring dead into her eyes. Her frustration morphed into something hot, violent. Anger. She didn't like me. To be fair, no one but Leo really enjoyed my presence. Even my parents thought of me as a burden. They never said that of course, but I knew it in my heart, I could sense it.

"Zack," she said, that fake smile still on her face. The word was a warning. And frankly, I don't care. I don't know why, but I just don't like her. You could say she gave me a wrong vibe.

"Yes?" I put on an innocent front, matching her fake smile.

"Zack," It was Leo this time. I shoot him a questioning look, suddenly aware that I was standing. Leo shook his head and hissed,"we aren't supposed to attract attention."

"Well," I whisper,"it's too late for that now." All eyes were on me. The silence was the annoying kind of silence that made everyone uncomfortable. So, I walk. Right out of the classroom.