I felt like the air was sucked from my lungs. He stood with his face slightly turned from the students as if he wasn't ready to confront them, but knew it was too late and we could all see him. He had a strong jaw and good build. His brown hair had hidden gold strands that reflected the fluorescent lights. He was taller than Ms. Menstal which would put him over five feet tall. I heard a sigh from the girls, and I could almost feel the tension in the air as the boys sized their competition up.
For once, Ms. Menstal kept her mouth shut while the new guy continued walking to the center of the room. I eyed his stride with the tight grip he had on his backpack strap. When he finally turned to face us head on, I couldn't get a look at his face because Karen grabbed my arm and jerked me towards her.
"Trade seats with me'" she whispered harshly. I was still shaken and just thankful I hadn't fallen out of my chair when she yanked me so hard.
"What?" I asked, slightly annoyed. "Now? Why?"
She looked at me incredulously. "Are you blind? He's gorgeous! I need to work on him."
"Oh." Realization dawned. I recalled the nervous vibe I had gotten from the new guy. Karen pouncing on him might be too much. Plus, me just getting up and changing seats right now might make him feel bad. He could think I don't want to sit next to him. I don't care who was asking me, my mom taught me that was something rude to do.
"No, Karen," I said, yanking my arm back. She must've momentarily forgotten where we were since she yelled my name in protest, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Heads snapped toward us. Ms. Menstal glared at our interruption. Karen shrunk in her seat with embarrassment. I was aware of the new guy watching this scene, but didn't let that change my actions. One of Ben's friends that sits in front of me had her face scrunched in the ugliest scowl I'd ever seen. Instead of stepping down, I raised my eyebrows like you really want to do that? Turn around.
I believe Ms. Mental might've seen this exchange because she inquired, "Nell, would you care to share something with the class?"
I rolled my minds-eye, but maybe my expression accidently displayed my sarcasm. I just hate that question. Little did I know, she had more up her sleeve. Ms. Mental was annoyed even further with me.
"Or perhaps, you can come up here and present it in front of the whole class. Maybe teach us something?" She stepped away in her heels and gestured to the now open space. I stood, with a quick glance at Karen, and moved to the front of the room. My place just so happened to be right next to the new person. I couldn't be sure but I think a small smile might've been on his lips. It puzzled me. There could be a lot of thoughts behind that smile.
When I spun on my heel, I observed what people were avoiding me. Ben must've been so ashamed and Karen probably felt guilty. I wouldn't blame her for getting me up here. I actually don't really mind. Due to some of the looks I was getting, I realized that girls were jealous because I was the first one to get close to the new guy. A devious plan formed in my head to get back at them. Even though I don't like being noticed, I still need some type of reputation. I'm at my best when I annoy Ben so how can annoying a bunch of Ben's girlfriends be any different? In fact, I think it'd be more fun.
"For this presentation, I will need an assistant," I announced and then turned to the guy next to me. "Would you care to do the honors?"
This close, I could see brown eyes that made me feel warm or maybe it was that he smiled and slid his backpack off of his shoulder. He was going to help me. Score one. Now, what exactly was I going to present? Ah, yes. I gave him the one-minute gesture as I addressed the class. This time, I didn't even want to see their faces.
