Metal Rose

Chapter 5

Mrs. Anderson blabbered on with her lesson for the day. Mercedes was paying attention, however, she could feel eyes on her. Just as she turned to look at Hunter, he quickly looked away as if nothing had happened. He slowly developed a face that said, "Hmm, that's weird." Mercedes turned toward Mrs. Anderson, smiling. She suddenly felt another pair of eyes on her. She lifted her gaze only to receive a small smile and wave from Bradley. She looked at him confused but gave a small wave back. Mercedes immediately looked down at her pocket as her phone gently buzzed. She slowly pulled it out and clicked on the notification.

...

"What a fucking basic boy with his little smile and wave. 🙄"

Mercedes turned to Hunter who was also trying not to laugh. She whispered.

"Stop."

She shook her head, trying her best not to make a sound. Hunter watched Mercedes for a few more minutes and then decided to pay attention to the teacher.

"Okay, class. Time to get out a pen to write this part down."

Mercedes heard shuffling and a groan from beside her. Without looking over, she grabbed an extra pen and held it toward Hunter. Instead of snatching the pen, Hunter gently took it, letting his fingertips linger on her hand. The class went on as normal. The bell rang and Hunter extended the pen back to Mercedes. She responded by shaking her head.

"You'll need to be able to write in other classes, Hunter. Keep it."

Hunter sighed.

"I don't know why I keep forgetting things."

Mercedes let out a small giggle.

"We need to work on your organizational skills. That would make your life feel less chaotic."

Hunter was jokingly offended.

"Are you saying my life is chaotic?"

Mercedes laughed with a nod.

"Only a little bit."

Mercedes headed toward the door and stopped. Hunter was slowly getting up.

"Are you coming?"

Hunter nodded.

"You go ahead. Don't be late to your next class. I'll see you at lunch."

She smiled one more time before leaving the room. Hunter couldn't think at all about school. He was too distracted by his personal life. His thoughts were nonstop.

"Is this really how I'm acting around her? She irritated me at first sight! Well, that's not entirely accurate. But is this characteristic of me? I don't usually do the whole boyfriend role. Wait, did I think 'boyfriend'? I've never had anyone to be a boyfriend to anyway. What's going on with me? I'm not the romantic or sentimental type. This isn't going to pan out. And then there's Kevin. But Mercedes... she's so sweet, kind, and gentle. She's caught me off guard. Argh!"

"Hunter, what's going on with you?"

Hunter looks at Kevin confused as he walks up to him in the hallway.

"What do you mean?"

Kevin gazes at Hunter with curiosity.

"You seem different lately, lost in thought, and you've also been jumpy and secretive."

Hunter shakes his head, attempting to behave as if nothing is amiss.

"I'm at a loss for what you're referring to. It feels like you're drifting off into space sometimes. I'm not sure. Nothing is happening, Kevin. I'm okay."