Flower Boy

Chapter Nine

I strolled into the math room, my mood considerably improved after the incident at lunch. Despite what I said, the kiss had sent butterflies through my body. Just being near Donavan made my chest flutter. No matter how many times I told myself to calm down, it just happened.

"Attention, class! I'm passing back the quizzes now!" Mr. Carpenter announced. My stomach dropped. The quizzes. How could I have forgotten? As he came closer and closer to my name, I closed my eyes for one final prayer to any God that could be out there.

"Rosalena Mechant!" He called, and I stood shakily, inching my way to his desk.

"See me after class." He whispered and I snatched the quiz from him and hurried to my desk. I peeked at the score and my heart nearly stopped when I saw the grade. Dad was going to kill me for this. I groaned inwardly as Mr. Carpenter kept calling names. I hardly paid attention in class, fearing what my dad would say or do when I got home.

The bell rang and my classmates rushed out. I stayed in my seat, slowly packing up my stuff, leaving the quiz out. Once everyone was gone, I went up to Mr. Carpenter's desk. He sighed and cleared his throat.

"Rosalena, I must say I'm surprised by this score. You've always been a good student. Did something happen to distract you from class?" He started gently. I shook my head.

"Mr. Carpenter, I just forgot there was a quiz that day. Please, can you give me another chance for this quiz? I would really like to redeem myself." I pleaded, hoping he would find kindness in his heart for me. He sighed again and shook his head.

"I'm afraid that's not possible, Rosalena. If I let you have a second chance, I would have to give everyone a second chance, and we simply don't have time for that. I truly am sorry, but it is only a quiz. It was just such a drastic drop that I was worried something had happened in your social life that caused you distress. Do you not understand the concepts?" He asked, and again I shook my head.

"I understand them better, after looking at the quiz, I understand what I did wrong." I said and he nodded.

"Well, it's only one quiz. It won't hurt your grade if it's only one quiz. Next time, be more mindful of quiz dates, alright?" He said, giving me a soft pat on the hand and I nodded, taking that as my cue to leave.

There were only a few stragglers left in the hall, and I dragged myself to my locker, half-heartedly putting homework in my bag, along with the quiz. I momentarily thought of leaving it here, but quickly dismissed the thought. Lying would only make it worse. I stuffed it into my back and closed the locker door. I trudged outside to the bus stop when someone called my name.

"Rosalena! Hey, you're late!" I turned to see Donavan waving and running to me. I simply turned, not in the mood to talk. The bus pulled in and I gave the driver my token.

"Rosalena! Wait!" I heard but I moved to a seat. I saw him stop running, a hurt look on his face. The doors closed and I saw his mouth move before he was out of sight.

"Rosalena..."