Crashing Down Into Flames

Chapter 29

Chapter Song: Skyfall- Adele 

Tuesday- Morning- Afternoon

-Evangeline-
.
.

.

The paper feels like a death scroll in my hands.

"Serena Williams." I look at Serena in the back row- whose eyes are wide and jaw dropped.

I can't help but give her a big smile because I'm truly happy for her. She got a free lunch, and my name didn't get drawn. I didn't have to spend the whole afternoon with Mr. W.

I'm truly, truly happy for her.

"Way to go, Serena!" I say with a smile and start clapping for Serena- which turns to a couple of students clapping with me while looking at her.

To my surprise, I got Stephanie to clap, too.

Serena's cheeks blush red as she nervously smiles while looking around- not knowing how to react. To be honest, same. It's awkward when everyone in the room claps for you, and you don't know what to do.

The bell rings to signify the end of class while the clapping continues. It makes me wonder if the students are clapping now because of the end of class or because Serena got chosen. Either way, students quickly pack up. My phone starts to ring at the end of the bell.

I pull it out from the back of my black jeans pocket to see August calling me. I roll my eyes and press the red button to hang up.

"What a dick move," August's voice calls out from the back of the room. I roll my eyes- knowing he's already in the classroom. Why bother calling me when he's already here?

"I knew you were already waiting for me. Don't you have a store to run instead of stalking me?" I say, turning to August -who's already walking down the steps with his hands in his leather jacket pocket- past students- who are urging to leave the class.

Lockwell is pretending to organize things on his desk but eavesdrops on the conversation while Stephanie stands behind me and Mr. W stands by my side still- bluntly listening to our conversation.

"I've got plenty of time to run it. Besides, I wouldn't want to miss lunch, and spending time with my little sister." I roll my eyes. Two minutes behind him- and he still reminds me every moment he gets that I'm his little sister.

"Oh, Mrs. Stone!" All our heads turn to Lockwell- who's staring at me. He looks around me to Stephanie and Mr. W, and now August is standing on the other side of me. "I still need to see you in my office."

August puts his hand in front of me -in defensive mode- and steps towards Lockwell, "No." He says plainly in a calm tone that doesn't match the twitching of his hand in front of me.

"No? I'm sorry, but you can't decide-"

"And who are you determine what I can or cannot decide?" August snaps back, "Are you God? Because even he doesn't rule me."

"I-" Lockwell swallows- trying to maintain the eye contact that August holds against him. He clears his throat and puffs his chest to be manly, "I have to speak to Mrs. Stone about a private disclosure."