From here to Eternity x Ashtray

9

                            {~˚ ʚ♡ɞ˚~}

"If you get below 50% you will have to retake the math test Tuesday morning" the math teacher spoke.

Sighs and complaints echoed across the class until the bell rang, a collective signal for liberation. In a synchronized motion, students stood up, the rustle of bags and the shuffle of feet signaling the end of the lesson.

The classroom emptied rapidly, each student rushing out in a flurry. Jada lingered behind, becoming the last one out.

"My mum's gonna fucking kill me if I have to retake this shit," the brunette-haired boy complained, his face etched with frustration. As he walked alongside Jada, his steps carried a mix of irritation and anxiety, each footfall echoing the weight of academic stress.

His brows furrowed, and there was a restless energy in his movements, as if trying to shake off the looming fear of disappointing his mother.

"The library is an option for studying, you know," the girl lazily suggested. Her words held a hint of nonchalance.

"Nah, I'm good, I'ma just cheat my way through," the boy said with a shrug and a grin. His laid-back attitude carried a hint of mischief, as he glanced at Jada, catching the unamused look on her face.

"Good luck-"Jada started.
"Jaden!" a boy yelled across the hallway, causing both Jada and Jaden to turn around. The interruption created a pause in their conversation, the unexpected call echoing through the bustling hallway.

"Sup, Jada," the unknown boy greeted casually.
"Hi?" Jada responded with a hint of uncertainty as he offered a fist bump.

Caught off guard, Jada mirrored the gestures, her expression reflecting a mix of confusion and an attempt to navigate the unexpected interaction.

"Whatchu want?" Jaden said, his tone indifferent, a casual shrug accompanying his words. The other boy, eager and animated, asked, "You got plans today?"

His hopeful expression and slight bounce on his toes added to his eagerness, showing a noticeable contrast with Jaden's laid-back demeanor.

Jaden's "Nah" earned a furrowed brow from Jada, her expression silently questioning the unfolding conversation. The boy, looked down at the unamused girl, echoed her confusion with a simple "What?".

"Nothing, ima dip, bye y'all," Jada shook her head, biting down on her bottom lip before leaving the two to talk.

The girl strolled through the loud hallways on her way to the dining hall, her walk exuding a casual ease

Amid the bustling surroundings, she spotted Maddy and a genuine smile lit up her face as she waved at her, Maddy reflecting her actions.

"Rue," the girl mumbled to herself in confusion, surprised to see her in school.
"Oh, hi, Jada," the older girl mumbled back, not looking her best as she stood slouched.

The unexpected encounter carried a hint of surprise and concern as Jada observed Rue's less-than-energetic demeanor.

"How are you doing?"
"I'm alright " the girl lied, it was quite easy to tell due to the horrible state she was in, as she stood fiddling with her fingers.

"Haven't seen you around"
"I'm...I've just been out of rehab and stuff" the girl explained pressing her lips into a straight line.

"That's great. I hope you're doing better. I gotta go, but see you around," Jada waved, getting a wave back from Rue.