Promises, Change & Daisy Rings

(6) The Gift from First Period

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You want to know what is worst than starting your day off completely not as planned? Having it go a complete 180 degrees from you expected. I knew from the beginning it wasn't going to be happiness and sunshine, but damn, it was worse than worse. Let me explain:

My little altercation with Holden did more than just set rotting butterflies in my stomach. That boy had my insides turning outside and me on a really deep edge. I told myself that I would not let anyone screw with me this year, but I think its time I re-evaluate my little mantra. After a few mini breathing exercises, I grabbed my notebooks for my first period class, checked my schedule one last time, closed my locker and practically bolted to my first and favorite class: AP Literature/Comprehension.

     Walking into my English class brought an unexpecting sense of peace. Seeing the multitude of books and papers and writing utensils made me feel like my day could not possibly go wrong, and especially not with a teacher like Ms. Siato. How do I already know her? Well, Ms. Siato was my tutor during my freshman year, and when she saw how much I loved writing, she helped me improve on it. She became a really close friend to me and my family (who I will talk about later) and she really inspired me to pursue a writing career. When I walked into the classroom, I found myself surrounded by a mass of empty desks, some already preoccupied with the butts of fellow classmates. I guess I'm early, I mused as I found the perfect seat in the class: second row, second seat- close to the class door, easy to hear Ms. Siato's lectures, and the perfect place to see the board clearly. Not to mention the added bonus of being far away from all the people who would bother me, who (as I've already figured it out) would take their asses to the back of the classroom where they could make absolute morons of themselves without being a nuisance to those who really do want to learn (aka: me again).

As the warning bell rang for first period, Ms. Siato walked out the class and stood outside the classroom, patiently waiting as a swarm of students crammed through the doorway and to the remaining seats. Most of the faces that passed by me were people  I chose to forget, but as the last few kids came rushing through, the faces became more distinct and the fear in me heightened. First came Calissa and her posse, which wasn't a surprise because no matter how much of a skank she is and how embarrassingly stupid she acts, Calissa is book smart. Trailing behind her was none other than Holden, wearing his infamous "bad boy smirk". A few jocks walked in and took their rightful places in the back of the class with the populars, and last but not least, Stevie. At this point, almost all the seats were taken, except for (ironically)two: one in the back and another right next to me. Stevie looked absolutely torn. His popular friends were expecting him among their ranks, and his best friend was silently pleading for him to keep her company. But alas, a friend can only wish right? Giving me a 'sorry' expression, Stevie rushed to the back and took his seat, slapping pathetic high fives with his buddies. To say I was hurt is an understatement. I was insulted. How am I going to change if my sole motivator was once again not here to coach me?

The official first bell rang, but Ms. Siato was still outside. Being so close to the door, I was able to hear her talking with a very deep voice. Another teacher? The principal? The conversation ended, and in came Ms. Siato with a boy who was definitely not the principal. He was tall, from my guess and comparison of my 4'11" frame, 5'9" or so. His tight fitted shirt showed off his solid eight-pack, and he had without a doubt the most beautiful hazel eyes I had ever seen. His hair was dark brown and short, and his bangs almost covered one eye (I'm pretty sure its called a douche-louche, but then again, I have no style). From the corner of my eyes I could see all the girls (especially Calissa) fixing their clothes to show their assets and shamelessly ogling him, which I have to admit I was doing a little of that myself.

"Good morning class! Congratulations on becoming seniors and welcome to AP Lit/Comp. My name is Ms. Siato, and before we begin, I would like to introduce a new student. This is Reese, everyone. He just moved here from Florida with his family, and I hope all of you treat him like he's been apart of this school since day one!" Ms. Siato gently pushed Reese towards the direction of the seat next to mine and began roll call. Reese took his seat, I awkwardly fidgeted in mine, and the rest of the class kept staring at our new classmate like he was a new toy. And while all this weirdness was going on, the unthinkable happened.

"Hey."

He talked to me. He talked to me. HE TALKED TO ME!!! I was so nervous and excited that I barely squeaked out my own "hi".

"I'm Reese. What's your name?"

Finally gathering my courage, I smiled and turned fully to him. "I'm Annalise. You have a cool name."

"Thanks. I like your style. Casual, but not homeless. You look more approachable than almost all the girls in this class."

I giggled (yes, I fucking giggled) at this. It was the first time someone appreciated me for me, and not saw me as some "freak" just because I didn't want to get dressed up for HIGH SCHOOL.

"Thanks." And just like that, my sunken mood was lifted. We talked the entire period (which was a huge shock to me and the rest of the class who spent more time eavesdropping on our conversation than listening to an excited Ms. Siato). After comparing schedules (which were practically identical), we agreed that I would be his personal tour guide. Our lockers were on opposite sides of the hall (his fortunately nowhere near the claws of Calissa and the popular kids, mine right in the middle), so when the bell rang, we agreed that we would meet in the front of Ms. Siato's room and go from there.

Walking to my locker, I felt ridiculously giddy. The smile on my face would not come off, even though numerous glares and jeers were pointed my way. I felt invincible, all because after so many years of having no one but Stevie, I finally had a friend who I had a feeling would stick around when shit hit the fan. Speed walking from my locker and back to my new friend, I couldn't help but wonder: what does the future hold for me now that Reese has come into my life?