A Rift Between Us

Chapter 15 - Secret Confessions

Mr Dodge pulled himself away from the door. He rubbed his ankle with the back of his other foot, wiping his lips with his forearm.

"Stop laughing and focus on your revision! Anyone I catch laughing from this point on is getting a detention." His index finger was as straight as a spear, pointing towards the general direction of the class while the rest of his fingers clenched tightly. "Is that clear?"

Silence enveloped the classroom as swiftly as the laughter had erupted. Mr Dodge's eyes roved around the lab, scanning everybody's faces. Some students hid their mouths from view, while others did their utmost to contain whatever was left of their amusement. Alfie walked up in front of him, grabbing a few pieces of blue paper towel from the dispenser. Mr Dodge stepped forward, his arm whizzing past Alfie's face. A light crumple came from his hand as he swiped the bundle from Alfie's hand. Alfie gazed back in shock as Mr Dodge pointed at his stool, prompting him to return to his seat.

"Sir, I need to use the toilet."

Mr Dodge's arm flopped to his side.

"Go then, and don't waste too much time."

Alfie didn't hesitate to exit the lab and sped down the corridor. Keiko tilted her head to the right, watching him walk away through the glass slit. She snapped back into focus as Mr Dodge's heels scratched towards her. He thrust the bundle of paper towels into the puddle, watching as they gradually submerged and darkened. His palm pressed down on them with a heavy force. They squelched for a few seconds as he left them to soak.

His movements resembled those of a drunkard as he waddled unsteadily back to his seat, slumping into the chair. Resting his elbow on the desk, he propped his head on his palm, eyes drooping and completely drained. Keiko watched as he blinked, his eyes staying closed a little longer each time. She pulled out her diary, laying it open on the textbook.

Wednesday 12:02 pm, April 27th

I'm not sure he likes me. Well, at least he doesn't seem to. I don't understand. He reminds me of that girl I tried to befriend in my old school. I gave her my attention like I did with him, but she kept avoiding me. She kept avoiding me like I was some kind of monster. She eventually made fun of me, called me all sorts of names, and got other people to back her up. She mocked my drawings and everything. People like that are vile. I hope Alfie isn't like this. I hope that situation doesn't repeat itself. I just want a friend for once in my life.

Keiko's pen froze over the page. Her eyes darted to the right. She swivelled her head in that direction, catching the chubby boy next to her sneaking a peek. An intense clap sent a plume of dust into his face, making him cough. Her diary had snapped shut and she glared into his eyes with a menacing look.

"Mind your own damn business."

The boy frantically gazed around, unsure of what to do.

"A-ah oh...I'm sorry."

She returned her attention to the words she had written, letting out a light sigh as she closed her eyes. She held the diary close to her heart, then gently placed it in her handbag. The latch on the door clicked, revealing Alfie holding a few revision papers. Keiko tracked him from the moment he entered until he reached the desk.

"Humph, where'd you get those?"

Alfie glanced at her for a split second, ignoring her question. He dragged his stool away and seated himself perpendicular to her.

Do you think I'm gonna tell you anything? Gimme a break, Keiko.