Kinks & Nerdy Winks: A High School Love Story

Chapter Two | Him Again

Edrick

The sound of birds chirping filled the quiet room. A beam of sunlight made its way though the curtains, signalling that it was time to wake up.

"Edrick!"

The call of my name woke me up in a jolt. I feel like I still need more sleep. Yawning, I stand up and walk towards my mirror. My dark green hair was all over the place and my hazel eyes were puffy. Forcing my eyes away from my reflection, I turn to the door,

"Yes Ma, I'm up!" I reply groggily.

Looking at my clock I realise that I'm already late so I run to the bathroom. Speed shower, speed change, speed brushing my teeth and speed eat. Before I know it I'm out of the house in Dad's car just in time.

The drive to school is quiet, Dad and I don't have the best relationship so there's not much conversation to have. He disapproves of me. My died hair, my piercings, my friends. Even though I still ensure I have the highest grades, he doesn't want me having the bubbly side that I was born with. He wants a stereotypical nerd to brag about to his family back in Malaysia.

Our relationship has been even worse ever since our trip back to Malaysia during the summer holidays. Mum told me Dad's side of the family were making fun of him for failing to raise a good child. Apparently it doesn't matter if you're top of the class if you don't fit the image of a 'perfect child'. Either way, I continue to unapologetically be me because that's how Mum raised me.

"We're here, get out." My Dad's strong voice breaks me from my thoughts. His stern frown never leaves his face.

"Okay, thank you for the ride Pa." I reply half-heartedly, getting out of the car and walking to the gates.

I take a deep breath before plastering a large smile on my face. I have an image to uphold, I can't let my Dad's cold personality get to me. This is what matters, school is where I belong.

••••••••••

Luzi

The lunchtime bell rings and not even a second later students are scurrying around the hall, running from the classrooms. The previously pin-drop silent hall is now filled with chatter and laughs.

I'm waking to room M08 since that's where the debating club holds their meetings. As I get closer, my palms start to sweat and I get an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I keep pushing through the feeling, I know the debating club is where I belong.

Back in Sydney I was part of the debating club. I was awarded the overall best speaker last year after winning best speaker for almost all of my debates. The senior school team even managed to make it to States, winning an honours award. Debating is what I am best at, it's a challenge yes but it's so thrilling working to find the best arguments, searching for evidence. The process is so rewarding.

Finally reaching the room, I push open the door. Once again, I'm greeted by attentive eyes looking my way clearly wondering who I am.

"Hello! Are you looking to join the debating club?" A young chubby lady asks. Her joyful expression forces a smile onto my own face, her green eyes paired with her red hair seem to brighten up the room.

"Yes, I recently moved here and was in the debating club at my old school so I was hoping to continue debating." I reply, smiling softly as to make a good impression.

"Come right in sweet, we're just having a discussion about what debating competitions will look like this year before we get into a practice debate! I'm Ms. Farry by the way!" She guides me over to a table while fiddling with her little rainbow badge.