Daydreaming at Night

Chapter 12 - Making arrangements

I never had my photo taken before. Matter of fact, unless it's not for a family portrait there are little to no photos of me. Besides the little paparazzi flicks my Mom manages to snag, I don't have social media and I don't have a very engaging camera roll. 

The school photos came back quicker than expected and my parents couldn't believe they had a new and professional photo of me to hang besides my candid pictures of eating birthday cake.

 "My little girl looks so grown up here!"

"And look at her wearing my tie."

Even with Mom and Dad's cheesy comments about my coming-of-age, I couldn't help but be impressed too at the immortalized photo of my growing up. Looking at my school photo I felt a wave of newfound hope. I'll enjoy all my classes and make the most of my limited highschool experience. And if it's anything like my photo, maybe school won't be so bad.

Which brings me to here: shopping at Galleria Mall with Talia and Scout.

"I don't know if I want a mermaid dress or a gown."

"Well it's Homecoming Tals, not Senior Ball if that helps."

My parents were ecstatic to learn that I was going dress shopping with the girls. So far, every weekend I've turned down hanging out with them. Opting for the TLC channel instead. It wasn't until mom started criticizing every decision made by the couples in "90 Day Fiancé" I understood I needed to hang around people other than my Mom.

"Mari? What do you think?"

Oops, I zoned out again.

"I think the mermaid dress would look good on you Tali."

Talia and Scout exchanged a look.

"We were talking about the upcoming chemistry trip," Talia explained. 

"Yeah," Scout began. "I think it'd be a good idea to invite that quiet Korean kid Baek-hyun into our group."

"Oh my gosh Scout, what did we say about profiling!"

"What? I attached a name to the description this time," Scout innocently remarked.

I've been doing my best trying to avoid the mention and look of Baek-hyun ever since that fateful encounter at the stairs. Since he sits behind me I make it my goal to never turn around. And even though Duke told me he's in the same lunch period he's never turned around.

"Why don't we invite Jensen into our group?" I offer.

"Jensen?" Talia scoffs. "Yeah, why don't we just invite Dwight Schrute while we're at it?"

Okay no to Jensen... "I doubt Baek-hyun will say yes anyways."

"You don't know if you don't ask."

Scout nodded to her friend's logic. "Yeah, who knows, he just might say yes. After all I don't think he really has any other friends."

"Scout!"

"What?! I didn't profile, it's an observation that he's a loner. I mean, at least he is now ever si—"

Scout never got to finish that sentence and Talia made sure. A swift glance with the eyes and it was like nothing was ever said.

"Ever since what?"

"It's nothing Mars. You know Scout. Can't stop yapping about anything.""Talia laughed, but nothing about it screamed funny.

"Just ask him to join our group, will ya?"

I looked at Scout who chose not to meet my gaze and returned my eyes back at Talia.

"Yeah, sure."

~~~~~

"I hope everybody got their permission slips signed," Mr. Murphy started class with. "After you all left I made sure there were no Annie's in my class, so there's no excuse."

As kids were pulling out their slips to hand up front to Murphy, it can be noted that a few were quickly forging their parents' signatures.

And Murphy caught every single one.

"I didn't know you were both the parent and child, Amy."

"Derek, I know you're not an emancipated child. Put the pen down."

"Don't even think about handing me that fraudulent slip, Jessica."

All three were tasked with the alternative assignment of a 5-page paper detailing the history and significance of the periodic table.

"Now for the rest of you, get into your groups. I believe we're all old enough to pick."

At this, teenagers dispelled into their foursomes. Idling chatting away before Murphy gave the next string of instructions.

I spotted Talia and Scout on the other corner of the room. They were waiting for me.

Here goes nothing...

"Hey Baek-hyun, would you want to—"

But his back was towards me. Talking to three other classmates.

I turned back to Talia and Scout who looked like they were still ushering me to ask him anyways. It seemed like a fruitless endeavor, but if they were so insistent then what can I do.

"Baek-hyun," I repeated his name a little bit more sternly than I meant.

He turned around. Green eyes boring into my own brown ones.

Stay focused Amari!

"We need another group member."

"Well that's no way to ask."

"Are you serious?"

"If I'm not mistaken Amari, it sounds like you need me. Not the other way around. And if it wasn't already transparent, I'm already being recruited."

Spectating my disgrace of an attempt to draft Baek-hyun into our group, Talia and Scout came over.

"Science wiz Baek-hyun," Talia was folding her hands as if praying. "Could you please join me, Scout, and Amari into our chemistry lab team?"

"We know you're really smart and not because of the stereotypes."

Talia, visibly conflicted on whether she should scold or slap Scout didn't get to settle on either due to Baek-hyun interrupting the choice for her.

By laughing.

A deep contagious laugh I've never heard before. I mean, but it's not like I was actively paying attention to the range of his reactions anyways.

After a good few seconds of laughing, Baek-hyun finally looked up at Scout. "Irish girl, you're funny. Did you know that?"

Scout, lifting a strand of her ginger locks, looked at Baek-hyun as if he just said the most politically incorrect statement ever.

"I'm Welsh."

"Whatever, whatever," Baek-hyun said through a smile. "I'll join you guys."

"But what about our group?" The guys who were previously talking to Baek-hyun before I interjected were now loitering, having witnessed Baek-hyun's complete 180°.

"Sorry guys," Baek-hyun unapologetically stated. "But this group just seems more fun."

Mr. Murphy, having caught wind on the situation, informed the guys that Jensen still needed a partner. Dejectedly retreating, I watched as three boys willed themselves to invite the Schrute character into their quartet.

"Now that that's that, let me brief you guys on what behavior will be expected and carried out next Monday."

With all the kids calmed down in their groups now Mr. Murphy began to go over the trip details in depth.

"Psst."

I didn't turn my head but the whisper continued on.

"Psst."

I lowered my head at an angle to let know that I was listening.

"I have no doubts that you will make this interesting Barlowe, I hope you know that."