Confessions

3. Buzzing Bees Suck

"The human race only has one effective weapon and that is laughter."

-Mark Twain

CHAPTER 3: Buzzing Bees Suck

"I hope you remember that you only have a couple days left to finish your project," Mr. Holman announces at the end of class, pointing at the due date written on the board.

The class groans, including me, because up to now, most of us haven't really done much.

Mr. Holman sighs. "The extreme procrastination of today's kids never seems to disappoint. Anyway, I guess you can collaborate with your partners right now, though we only have like five minutes left of class."

We automatically rush out of our seats, eager to do anything other than learn. I find my way to Pierce, but balk at the sight of Rachel whispering in his ear. Pierce catches my eyes and motions for me to stay where I am. My heart pounds uncomfortably and uneasy butterflies flutter in my stomach.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Rachel says seductively, blowing him a kiss.

"Yeah, see ya," Pierce replies.

I awkwardly stay in my place, wondering if Rachel and Pierce had something going on between them.

"Hi, Cassandra," Rachel greets as she brushes by me. "Hope you're having fun on your project."

The way she says this makes me feel insignificant and inferior. She wasn't even being condescending, but I still feel like someone pushed me to the ground.

"Hi," I say to Pierce half-heartedly, sitting in the same seat Rachel had just occupied. I'm afraid to look up at his face since I have no poker face whatsoever.

"Hi," he replies, nudging my arm with his elbow. I glance up and he's smiling at me. "What's up?"

"Just failed my AP Chem test - as usual." His lips curl upward, and I can't resist from smiling a little myself.

"That's always good to hear." He winks at me, and I forget about Rachel completely. All I can do is stare at his perfect face. "So, we really need to work on this project. I mean, we've got - what - 2 slides done?"

"Yeah, that might be a small problem," I say dismissively, causing him to roll his eyes. "What do you think we should do about that?"

"Hmm," he deliberates, staring off into space. "Well, I'm not free today, but do you want to meet up tomorrow? Tomorrow's Saturday so just text me when you wake up and we'll go from there."

I nod, but then I remember I don't have his number.

"Can I have your number?" we ask each other at the same time. We grin at each other and then I give him mine.

"Just text me," I tell him as the bell rings.

"'Kay," he yells over his shoulder, already running out of the door.

I smile to myself and shake my head before turning around. I bump into Rachel, who smirks down at me. "It must suck to have to work with someone you barely know," Rachel says with false, dripping sympathy. "It's too bad you're not as close to Pierce as I am."

I stare at her. "Oh, I didn't even know you two were friends," I reply, feeling imnmense satisfaction when she openly gapes at me.

"We're not just friends, idiot," she snaps. "He's my boyfriend."

___________________________________________

"Seriously!?"

I nod sadly.