Silently Shadowless

Chapter 2

Drool spilled out across my desk, and I opened my eyes just in time to hear Mr. Johnson slam down a textbook.

It was his favorite way of waking me up. I always tried to stay awake during class, but because of my nightly lack of sleep plus with his monotone voice lulled me into sleeping submission.

"Miss Jarde?" He snapped. "Miss Jarde?"

"Hmm?" I murmured.

I lifted my head and discreetly wiped away the drool. I glanced around to see if anyone had noticed. Most of the class seemed oblivious, except for Trover Holmes as known as Trip. He had been here a week, and whenever I looked at him, he always seems to be staring at me in a completely unabashed way, as if it were perfectly normal to gawk at me.

There was something oddly still and quiet about him, and I had yet to hear him speak, even though he was in four of my classes.

His hair was dark brown, and his eyes were a matching shade of black. His looks were rather striking, but he weirded me out too much for me to find him attractive.

"Miss Jarde?" Mr. Johnson cleared his throat so that I would look up at him.

I smiled weakly, making my best apologetic expression.

His face was still stern, making a point that I had disturbed his teaching.

I looked down, staring at my desk. Then, an idea popped up. Mr. Johnson was still standing in front of me, waiting for what ever excuse I got.

I took a piece of paper and started to write my apology. I looked up at him and gave it. I can see his expression started to relax as he read. My one advantage was, they think I am mute. Since moving here last year in my freshman year, I decided to close myself out from everyone. I never spoke with anyone here except my Dad.

"Alright. But if you do it again, I won't hesitate to send you to the principal's office," He muttered. I nodded. With that, he walked away and continued his lecture about the history of World War II.

*

When class ended, I shove my books inside my beg and left quickly.

I went into my locker and started switching my books. Without turning, I knew Trip was behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and there he was getting a drink from the fountain. Almost as soon as I looked at him, he lifted his head and gazed at me. It's like he sensed me too. I turned, breaking his gaze. I could hear my own blood pumping through every cells in my body. I was aware with my surroundings.

did he know something? or am I just paranoid?

But one thing was clear that he freaked me out. He freaked me out like those shadows do.

The hair at the back of my neck rose. Someone was behind me. A tap on my shoulder surprised me. I turned and it was him. Trover Holmes.

I tried to act cool, but I know by the look of his worried face, all the colors on my face drained, leaving me pale like a corpse.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "You look pale," he stated. His expression was almost genuine.

I nodded. I gave him a weak smile. I told him I was okay using sign language. It shook him a little though. But he hid it quiet well. He nodded as I said I was sorry and I should get going now.

"Well, okay then." He muttered, his face a bit shaken. But he brushed it off as he gave me a weak smile.

I nodded.

As I was about to turn, I heard him sighed.

Didn't really went like you had planned huh?

Then I walked away. When suddenly, I heard Mr. Smith shouted.

"No running! Trover Holmes!"

"Okay okay. I'm not running," It was Trip. He was running?

I turned...and I saw him. Running towards me.

"Mr. Holmes! No running!" once again Mr. Smith shouted. Trip slowed down, panting.

"Okay Mr. Smith. I'm walking now, see," Trip told as he walked towards me, he was still catching for his breath though.
I was dumbfounded. Did we not just ended our one side conversation just now?

He was now in front of me. I stayed where I was, puzzled.

"I wanted to ask you something." He stated, still catching his breath.

I nodded. Giving him my approval.

"Well, I'll take that as a yes," He grinned.

My lips twitched, forming a smile itself.
"Do you um..can we..be.. um.. do you..wait," He statured. It was a bit funny though. It was rather cute too. Wait. No.

He sighed.

"Do you want to have lunch after school?" he asked, more confident now.
I studied his face. His expression was convincing enough that he wouldn't murder me in a café. So I nodded.

Then I instantly regretted it.

*
A/N
{ what do you think of Trip? :3
Does anyone have anxiety problem? Because I sometimes have. Thanks again for reading♡}