Shot of love

1

-Lily, I need you to get everyone from the list to be outside the gym tomorrow at 12:30. - The woman pointed at a list of about 30 people.

Excuse me, what?

-Yes, ma'am, I'll text everyone to be there. Anything else? - I flashed Ms. Binzon my trademark smile.

-That will be all for now. - she said, heading toward the library.

-Okay, I'll take care of it. Goodbye. - I smiled even wider, then turned around and headed back to the classroom.

I never went to the cafeteria during lunch because it was just too crowded, especially when you had no one to sit with. Oh well. I'd gotten used to it over the years, people just didn't vibe with my personality.

✿✿ ✿

Happier than ever, I was passing by the principal's office, listening to *Not The 1975* after my classes were over. I'd already texted everyone on the list an hour ago about the rehearsal. Thanks to my connections with the biology teacher, I told her it was a life-or-death situation, so I could sit on my phone for the whole lesson with a clear conscience. Half of the class, I spent finding and texting those people, and the rest of it I spent reading a new ebook. The book turned out to be an absolute gem, and I could already see myself losing sleep over it.

As I walked directly past the principal's door, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that it was opening. I reacted almost immediately, but it was too slow, and I ended up getting smacked in the face by the door.

-Ouch. - I groaned, putting my hand to my forehead, while my phone flew out of my other hand.

-Oh my God! I'm so sorry. - A young girl rushed towards me from behind the door. - Are you okay? Oh God. I'm really, really sorry. - she said, sounding panicked.

I took my hand off my forehead and looked at her. She looked back at me with a panicked expression.

-I'm really, really sorry. If there's anything... - she trailed off as the principal came out with a woman I didn't recognize.

-What happened? - he asked, pointing at me.

-Nothing.

-I hit her with the door. - we said at the same time.

-Madison, take your friend to the nurse's office. At least you'll discover a new spot in this school.

-But I... - she tried to say, but he cut her off.

-I'll still need to talk with your mom anyway, and at least you'll get to know someone. - The man nodded towards me.

-We're on our way. - I muttered, walking off. - Oh, and ma'am, don't worry, your daughter will be safe with me. - I smiled but quickly winced from the pain in my forehead. She only opened the door, but she sure had some strength.

-Come on.

-Uh... Yeah, I'm coming. - Madison practically struggled to keep up with me, so I slowed down so she could catch up. - I really am sorry. Oh, and here's your phone.

-Oh shoot, I forgot it fell out. - I said, taking the device and immediately putting it in my sweatpants pocket.

On the way to the nurse's office, I also took off my headphones because not even music could make this situation better.

-Nice to meet you, by the way. - I smiled at the girl, who was nervously wrapping her hair around her finger. - I'm Lily. - I held out my hand.

-Madison. - she smiled kindly.

-Are you new here? - I asked, seeing the door to the nurse's office up ahead.

-Yeah, tomorrow's my first day at school, and let's just say I'm off to a smashing start. - she giggled under her breath.

-I'd agree, but it'd be better if I didn't have to suffer for it.

-There are always sacrifices. - At this, I turned my face toward her, walking backward.

-Not cool. - I gave her a sad face.

-Life. - she replied quickly. - How about this? As an apology, we'll go to a café on Saturday.Is she serious or what? She actually wants to go out with me, willingly? A first.

-Sure, sounds good. Just wait up here, I'll be out in a sec to work out the details. - Then I knocked on the nurse's door.

If anyone's wondering how long it takes to put cream on a bruised forehead, I'd be happy to enlighten them. It took the nurse twenty whole minutes. I get that healthcare shouldn't be rushed, but she only needed to put on some cream.

-How was it? - Madison asked, apparently waiting there the whole time.

-I think if it hadn't taken so long, it'd have been an 8 out of 10. - I laughed at my own joke, and, surprisingly, so did she. She had a good sense of humor.

-Here, I saved my number in your phone, so text me what time you want to meet up on Saturday. - She handed me my phone back, and I quickly shot her a text.

◼︎ To Madison

Best door tester

-If you want, we can go to a store where you can test doors.

-Maybe I'll pass. Alright, I gotta go. Bye! - I waved at her, then quickly headed home, already running late.