3 strikes you're out

Chapter 3: The locker

6th September 2023:

Bria's POV

The desk.

Anya moves over a seat onto Chris's chair and I move over to sit in Anya's old one. Her fingers grip the sides of the table as she starts to inspect it. I look at the table too, eyeing down the table legs, not quite sure what I'm supposed to be looking for.

"GCSEs are very important exams which determine which sixth forms you can be accepted into. Maths is a subject you must pass." The teacher continues.

"Have you found anything?" I ask Anya, glancing at the teacher to not make it obvious that we're talking.

"No. Wait... yeah, I did. Look." She said, moving over so I can take a better look, scooting to the side.

"Are those numbers?" I ask, my fingers reaching over to trace the engravings. "What do you think it means?"

"Hang on, I'll take a picture." She said, taking a moment to take in the carved out message.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket and secretly snapped a picture while the teacher's back was turned. She then tilted the phone screen to my direction for approval on how clear the picture came out.

"Is that a phone, Anya?" The teacher asked, slowly approaching her and raising her eyebrows.

"No, it's a calculator." She said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Give it to me. You know the rules." She said, reaching her hand out for Anya to place her phone.

"Why do you want my calculator? Don't you have a maths degree?"

"You think this is funny, do you?" She said, slightly raising her voice.

"Yeah, very amusing, don't you think?" Anya responded, trying to hold in a laugh and a smile seeping through.

"Anya, stop" I hissed, also trying to conceal a laugh.

The teacher paused for a moment and gave Anya a look that could kill.

"Either hand over the phone, or get out of my class."

Anya collected her book and pencil case and shoved them into her bag. She threw her bag over her shoulder and smiled at the teacher as she walked out.

Great, now I'm alone.

The teacher was now standing at the front of the class, going through the slides again. I stood up and threw the first thing in my sight which happened to be my exercise book. Unfortunately it missed and hit a boy called Alex at the front.

She turned around and walked up to me, giving me a look ill never forget. She learned forwards and paused fairly close to me.

"Get. Out." She said. "Come back when you and Anya have calmed down."

I smiled at that, feeling like I had accomplished something.

"I don't think that will happen any time soon." I added.

I picked up my bag and walked over to the front of the class. I crouched down to pick up my exercise book that was sprawled on the floor next to Alex. He was giving me the dirtiest look when I looked up at him. I smiled and stood back up and walked out of the class. There was no way I would stay in that class by myself.

I hurried down the corridor trying to find Anya but she wasn't in sight. I pulled my phone out and dialed her number and put the phone to my ear. After three rings, she picked up.

"I'm in Miss Field's office with Chris. Hurry, the police are here." She said quickly.

"Why? what's going on?" I ask just before the police start talking in the background.