A Rift Between Us

Chapter 8 - Forcing His Hand

The freshly picked Blue Tack was now a ball in his hand, picking up lint, sweat and other nondescript particles. The door slammed behind him, causing the Georgian-wired glass within it to tremble. Several people raised their heads to the windows, half sitting up as they followed Mr Dodge with their eyes. Moments later, he disappeared from view. Nathan waved his hand, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Yo guys, why is Mr Dodge so stressed? He acts like us not knowing a few things is so bad."

Tyler interjected, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke.

"Nathan, he's right though. Exams aren't even far from now, and most of us don't know anything."

Nathan tilted his head back, his face scrunched like crumpled paper.

"So what? He can't expect us to remember everything. There's tons of other stuff we gotta keep in mind from different lessons as well."

Tyler repeatedly tapped his index finger on his temple, a sarcastic expression on his face.

"Memorise the themes and there won't be any problems. It's not hard."

"Shut up bro. I know the themes. Maybe you don't, but I do."

"What? Well why didn't you give us one when sir asked for the themes then? Idiot."

Tyler loosened his tie, his gaze fixed on Nathan.

"Are you mad, bro? Don't talk to me like that." Nathan pushed his chair back, taking a few steps towards Tyler. "Call me an idiot again, I dare you."

The class erupted into a frenzy, vile words flinging over everyone's heads like frisbees. Alfie's head bounced back and forth between the two boys. A palpable tension sat between them.

Oh my days...Are they seriously doing this right now?

Novels were tossed aside in favour of watching the argument. Phones were pulled, recording the feud. The room buzzed with hysterical energy, the boys at each other's throats like two wild dogs. Alfie focused on the torn paper, diligently writing notes, trying to ignore the chaos. Keiko's focus shifted from the fight to Alfie's hand.

She gathered her hair in both her hands and flicked it back. Her elbow dropped onto Alfie's arm, causing him to jostle his pen. Ink snaked across his words, ruining them. His face twisted in frustration as he let out a quiet sigh, hoping she wouldn't notice.

"They're making too much noise. Go to the front and introduce me to everyone."

Alfie's eyebrow raised as he adjusted his glasses, his face receding from her own.

"What?"

Her hand yanked the pen from his grip, smacking it against his nose. His skin crinkled reflexively, temporary wrinkles spreading across its surface.

"Are you deaf? I said go to the front of the class, and introduce me to everyone."

Alfie rubbed the back of his head, avoiding her gaze. The argument between the two boys raged on, their cries fuelling the already heated atmosphere in the classroom.

This girl is truly nuts.

"I-I need to focus on my studies."

His voice was weak, fragile, and sickly, as if suffering from a debilitating illness. It harboured no sense of grit. A swish of air curved ahead of him, sending the torn paper fluttering around. She brought her hand back, crossing her arms. Her heels dug into the floor, balancing her on the hind legs of her chair. Her head tilted to the right, waiting for his move. Alfie wavered.

"Go. Now."

His teeth clenched together as a battle raged in his mind. He plodded to the front of the room, weaving past the two boys. He turned to face everyone, careful to avoid eye contact. The noise dwindled as heads turned toward him.

Why am I doing this??

"What's this guy doing?" said one student.

Sweat pooled on Alfie's forehead. His eyes dashed around the room aimlessly, lips dry and quivering.

"H-hey guys...I just wanted to announce...I mean...well we have a new person...her name is Keiko...Keiko Higashi. She answered earlier..."

Many students stared at Alfie in confusion, including Nathan.

"Yo, do you want me to slap your head again? Just sit down. Nobody cares."

Mr Dodge stormed back into the classroom, angrily mumbling as he tried to sip his coffee. A splash twirled over the rim of the mug, burning his hand.

"Ahh! Damn it!"

He bit his tongue, hastily setting the mug on his desk before drying his hand on his shirt. His eyes locked with Alfie's.

Why are these boys standing up? No, I'm not having this.