Walking in through the front doors of Lincoln High, I had a sense of confidence and courage. This was all quickly shot down when I saw a group of the most popular girls in school walk by. I had high hopes for this year, but I wasn't too sure now. We get the same lockers every year so I already knew where I 'd be heading. Behind me, two people were having a conversation that I couldn't help but overhear.
"Hi um.." a voice with a lisp began. "I'm barely a freshman this year... I was wondering if you could help me f-"
"Look freshmeat, I really don't have time to be helping you out with your stupid problem, kay?" a voice interjected. I turned around towards the smaller girl. Her red-brown hair looked a little greasy, strung down in two thick braids. I couldn't help but notice the small white flakes on the shoulders of her navy blue turtleneck. The circular lenses on her glasses were smudged with... oh God I didn't even want to know. She wore her bell-bottomed jeans just a little too high above her waist, showing off her muddy brown crocs and clown socks. A gigantic pimple was formed at the very tip of her nose, obviously picked at. In a way, I felt bad for her... but I had always hated it when anyone pitied me, so I decided to help her instead.
"Hey hun, I can help you out... if you want I mean," I said with an eager smile. "Where are you headed to?" The girl seemed to be startled, talking to me. For a good minute, I stood there feeling like a cheesy idiot in the midst of an awkward silence.
"Umm, uh...I-uh..." she stuttered. Deciding that it would be the best action at this point, I grabbed the wrinkled schedule from her hand and read:
PERIOD 1 - Adams, Sarah - Honors Chemistry
I thought to myself. Wow, she's lucky to have Ms. Adams this year... WAIT, she's a freshman and taking Honors Chemistry already? This chick must be super smart or something... Motioning for the girl to follow me, I headed down to Ms. Adam's class, room 279.
"So what's your name?" I asked.
"Samantha. Samantha Cooper," she replied, sounding so professional.
"Nice to meet you Sam," I said. "My name's Summer. Summer Sparks."
"Sam? Wow... I've never really had a nickname before... You don't have to do this you know, talking to me and all. Everyone knows I'm a loser and you'll probably get made fun of if you talk to me. I won't be offended if you decide to leave now..." she mumbled, trying to lighten the dark stains on her armpits. I stopped walking and turned to face her, looking her straight in the eyes.
"Why would I care about other people's opinions of me? As long as I know who my real friends are, it's all good. I don't ever want to hear you talk like that though, you hear me? The only way to survive this place is to have confidence and wear your smile like it's the last thing you have," I found myself lecturing. Of course I knew this all from personal experience, I just didn't want Sam finding out later than sooner. "Besides, you seem like an interesting person to hang with," I said with a smile. And I really meant it too.
"Thanks..." she said with the biggest smile on her face. Turning around, I realized we were in front of Ms. Adam's doorway.
"Well this is it," I started. "I'll swing by after first period to help you find your next class, mmkay kiddo?" I said cheerily. Waving goodbye, I turned around to head to first period English. Sabrina met me by the door. We finally had some classes together after seven years of being best friends.
"Hey babe," she said kissing me on the cheek. Don't get me wrong, we're both as straight as poles. That's just the way we always greeted eachother. Walking into Mr. Lazar's class, we both had to stop for AT LEAST three whole minutes of admiration.
Mr. Lazar's broad shoulders, toned pecks, and fit body in general had every girl in school drooling! He always had a clean shave, and his green eyes stood out against his handsome, tan face. He had two cartilage piercings and a gorgeous smile to top it all off. More people filled the room as we all took our seats. On the board, written in almost perfect handwriting, were the words "Poetry Unit" in big purple letters. Great, just when I thought the start of my junior was bad already... I love poetry, but not cliche ones that we study every year like "Romeo and Juliet" or "The Raven." The summer breeze floated in through the window, and just for a second, everything in life was perfect. The ringing of the bell interrupted my thoughts, and everyone who was late started rushing in through the door. A couple of leaves hit the window as Mr. Lazar introduced himself to new faces. Taking a sip of my Strawberry Frap, I listened to Mr. L as he explained the poetry unit for this semester. A hard knock on the door startled the whole class (considering the fact that everyone was falling asleep by now.) We all looked to see who was about to walk in through the door, but no one came in.
"YES!?" Mr. Lazar shouted at the door. It suddenly opened and the cold air from the hallway made it's way inside of the room. The familiar scent of iced mochas and cinnamon brought me back to the memories of the morning at Starbucks, and my stomach lurched. I was stunned to see a head of black, tousled hair come in through the door.
"Hey sorry I'm late teach'. My shift at work ended a little later then I had hoped," he spoke, with a light, carefree tone.
I suddenly started to choke on air itself. My throat felt like it was being squeezed, and butterflies rang out in my stomach. I felt everyone's heads turn around to stare at me, including the Starbucks guy. His piercing blue eyes seemed to peer staright into my thoughts. He chuckled stiffly to himself, knowing exactly what was wrong with me.
"Are you alright Ms. Sparks? Do you need a drink of water?... Or perhaps a trip to the nurse? Oh... Daniel! Would you accompany Ms. Sparks to the nurse? Make sure she gets there all right, okay?" Mr. Lazar pressed on. I got up from my seat and dragged my feet towards the front of the classroom. Grabbing the bright neon pink "Nurse's Pass," I began to follow this 'Daniel' out of the room. I turned around, only to see Sabrina giving me a thumbs up underneath her desk, aswell as a sassy wink. I rolled my eyes and headed out the door. Daniel was outside, leaned up against a wall and drinking from the water fountain. I swear, even water on that boy's lips... Oh my gosh, get it together Summer! I scolded myself. Looking up at me, he started to chuckle again and looked back down to try and stifle his laughter.
"Well don't you do a swell job of hiding that laugh of yours," I remarked sarcastically.
"I'm deeply sorry Ms. Sparks, you just look some damn funny when you're choking on air like that," he laughed. That's when I realized, he didn't even know my name.
"It's just... Summer, by the way," I mumbled. He walked even closer to me, closer than I was comfortable with at the moment. This kid literally smelled like the coffee shop.
"Well then nice to meet you, Summer... so Strawberry Fraps huh?"
(A.N.- SOO??? Like? lol I'll admit the story is a little slow now, but it gets SO much better! (Promise!) <3 Nonetheless, love you guys!!! Don't forget to read/ comment/ vote, you're opinions really matter (so don't be afraid to add suggestions! Muaaaahhz :-* lol)
