Elle and the Exchange Student

Chapter 4

Elle's Point Of View:

I skipped school the next day, and the day after that. Actually I didn't go back until on Friday, for a couple of different reasons.

One, I got my period. Which could explain all the crying happening recently, but also not, so I don't know. Currently I am crying because of the uncertainty of it. Wow.

Two, I was so overwhelmed by the events that went down on Monday that I just couldn't bring myself to face them, not so soon any way.

Three, I think I just deserved some relaxing time off from life in general.

Fortunately, my parents were aware of the severity of my period cramps. This allowed me to use them as a valid excuse to skip school. Literally the only good thing about my periods is the three-day breaks I get to have each month. Sometimes I would lie to my father that I got my period twice a month if I just wasn't feeling like going to school. He gets so uncomfortable with the topic, there's nothing he can do.

Why only go back for one day before the weekend?Well, for the record, I didn't want to. However, after receiving hundreds of texts and unanswered calls from Fannie and Delilah, I felt I had no choice. They were minutes away from actually coming to my place and dragging me to school, and I knew that's what they wanted to do. But even they knew better.

For the many years we've been friends, Delilah has been at our house only a few times. A lot more back when we were kids, but right after we truly realised what kind of a person my mom is, she stopped coming over. And I don't think Fannie has ever been to my house. Honestly, I preferred it that way. We just hang out at either of their homes and it suits us just fine.

It was 7:30 am on Friday morning as I stepped out of the school bus, only to be tackled down by my two best friends.

"We missed you bitch" Delilah was first to speak.

"I missed you guys too" I responded honestly. After letting me go, they both took a good look at me, eyeing me up and down as if trying to figure out if I was really stable and/or strong enough to come back to school.

"I'm perfectly okay, girls. No need to worry. I'm prepared to face them now; I just needed a bit of time to adjust. You know how I struggle with changes."

"Okay. Just tell us immediately if you feel uncomfortable or.." Fannies started.

"Or anxious" Delilah decided to interrupt.

"Right. Or anything else. We got your back, always."

"Yeah. We love you, bitch"

One could think that by now I would be used to Deli's strong language, but no, still suprises me every time.

After our sentimental moment had passed, the girls briefed me on everything that happened while I was absent. Apparently, Tilda has started to open up a bit, and she supposedly fits nicely into our girl group. I was okay with that.

Both of the boys have found new friends, Damián fitting right in with jocks and Dae-Jung just fitting everywhere it seems. There's speculation that he has already left a trail of broken hearts, faced issues with teachers, and entered into a casual relationship with the cheerleading captain. None of these surprises me, but accomplishing that within a week is quite impressive in a way, I suppose.

However, every day at lunchtime, Damián and Dae-Jung joined the girls to eat, and I found it kinda cute.

I was anxious by the fact the I would have to eat with Dae-Jung. Two things brought me comfort though, all my other friends and food.

All of a sudden, it was already our lunch break. Me and the girls were making our way the cafeteria. I was so hungry I couldn't think straight. I had been fasting for 20 hours now, so my body was craving chicken sandwich even more than usual.

I don't usually fast, not on purpose any way. But after stuffing my face with chocolate and ice cream all week due to my period, I am now determined to lose a few pounds and get rid of the constant bloating.

I am fine, by the way.

I sit down in my usual chair at our table and take out my chicken sandwich. I prepare my own lunches because I'm not willing to taste whatever they are offering in here. And this way I am always aware of what goes into my body.

I am fine, by the way.

The girls sit around me and we are all focused on our meals, until two chairs being moved around signals the arrival of the boys.

Suddenly I realise that the only free spots were right beside and across me. Great. Since the universe is still against me, it is Dae-freaking-Jung who sits next to me.

"Look who finally built up the courage to come to school"

Does he have a death wish?

I know I am not going to do anything. Though I am certain Fannie and Deli will, maybe even Damián.

"Shut up jerk" Deli almost shouted and kicked him under the table. He remains unmoved, as if Deli's sudden kick had no impact on a single cell in his body.

Fannie and Tilda share sympathetic glances with me, fully aware of the pain his words caused. While it's true what he said, as Delilah pointed out, there's no need for him to be a jerk about it.

"Yeah, come on, give her a break" Damián said, clearly tired of his attitude.

"Whatever" he mumbled under his breath while moving his chair further away from me. Thank Lord.

While I hold back tears, everyone else continues with random conversations about nothing in particular.

All I could think about is that the sacred moment with my chicken sandwich was once again ruined. Losing my appetite, I packed away my untouched lunch and kept quiet for the rest of the break.

"So what do you have next, Elle?" this being the first time Tilda spoke to me directly, for a moment, I was a bit shocked. However, I quickly recovered answering "French".

At that exact second, without saying a word, Dae-Jung stood up and stormed out of the cafeteria. Everyone ignored him so I'm guessing it's something he does often.

"Oh, that's so cool" Tilda said genuinely impressed, referring to me studying french.

"I guess" She just smiled in return.

I like Tilda. She seems so innocent, kind and very relatable. I am positive we will become good friends or at least I hope so.

Arriving first to my next class I took my seat at the back of the room. Even though I like French and our teacher is nice, especially when I don't have any friends here with me I try to keep a low profile, hence sitting in the back row.

I am minding my own business when I hear the door closing, indicating that class is about to start, I shift my attention to our teacher Miss Stephanie.

She smiles at me, letting me know she is glad I'm back. I emailed all my teachers about my absence, they were used to it and most of them were totally fine with me staying at home regularly. I know it is unusual, but I 'd like to think I've proven myself trustworthy since I always do my homework and do well at exams.

Then her gaze moves to something beside me and it makes me slightly confused since there is nobody sitting next to me.

"Nice for you to finally attend this class, Mr. Park" Miss Stephanie said and suddenly I felt like I was going to pass out.