Metal Rose

Chapter 10

Mrs. Anderson sighed as she stared at the class.

"I know it's Friday, but please try to keep it together."

Hunter leaned over toward Mercedes and whispered. 

"So, are you being a chicken today? You've had all week to change your mind."

Mercedes let out a small laugh.

"I told you I'd do it. I'm going to. Besides, it's one class. It won't kill me."

Hunter shook his head with a chuckle.

"Oh, I know you'll do it; it'll just eat you alive a little."

Mercedes raised her eyebrows.

"If you don't want me to change my mind, I suggest you be quiet."

Hunter turned toward the teacher, smiling. He occasionally looked over to see Mercedes's neatly written notes, which he would copy later. Mercedes had instructed him to focus on the presentation, assuring him she would handle the note-taking. Hunter glanced down to twiddle with her hair tie now on his wrist. He knew it seemed sentimental, but having it felt like carrying a piece of her wherever he went. Hunter had it in his possession all week, but it wasn't as though Mercedes didn't have a hundred others at home. There was something about it being her specific black and purple striped hair tie. The first period seemed to pass by swiftly. The bell's ring left Hunter in dazed confusion. Mercedes watched as Hunter appeared slightly unsettled. She tilted her head, observing him.

"Hey, you okay?"

Upon hearing her question, Hunter responded by shaking his head.

"Oh, yes I'm okay. I was just shocked at how quickly this class ended."

Mercedes laughed and motioned toward the door. 

"Pack up. I'll wait for you."

As the other classmates exited, they noticed Mercedes standing by the door. Some even turned back for a second glance. Eventually, Hunter emerged from the room, and together, they strolled away deep in conversation. At that moment, they were indifferent to the onlookers. They were aware that they must be the subject of conversations because they had fought so openly in the past. Reaching a particular corridor, they part ways.

"Have fun in painting class."

Mercedes raises her eyebrows.

"Oww, math is so much better right?"

Hunter rolls his eyes with a laugh. 

"Any plans for this afternoon?"

Mercedes looks at Emily shocked.

"Huh?!"

Emily pauses and tilts her head confused.

"Are you okay? You seem jumpy. I asked if you had plans this afternoon."

Mercedes laughed awkwardly.

"Oh, sorry. My afternoon is pretty simple today. I don't need much excitement. This week has been tiring."

Emily nods in response.

"That I understand for sure."

While Mercedes proceeds with her art assignment, she poses a question to Emily.

"Oh, hey. How is your portrait of someone you find beautiful coming along?"

Emily sighs and shakes her head.

"It's coming along. I don't think it looks like my friend though. It does a little. Have you even started yours?"

Mercedes looks up with a smile.