*Arrow*

*Chapter 2*

     Fear racked through my body, but I tried desperately not to let it show. No matter how nervous I was (and believe me, I was nervous), I had to appear calm and collected. Okay, I didn't really have to, but it was my nature to put on a brave face for everything.

     John seemed perfectly still as I approached him. In his hand was an arrow already strung on a bow. "You know what to do," he whispered as he handed it to me.

     Nodding weakly, I watched as John walked over to a spot marked clearly on the gym floor and tapped it with his foot. I trudged over to where he stood, and the class followed, eager to see what would happen next. I wished that this moment was as exciting for me as it was for them.

     But of course it wasn't.

     Trying to steady my reeling mind, I took a deep breath. Stay calm, I ordered myself mentally. Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm. You can do this. You can do this. 

     I can't do this.

     My stoic façade broke for a second and I blinked, putting it back together. All around me my friends were intently watching my every move with anxiety masking their faces. Behind them stood a familiar face, beautiful and impossibly perfect.

     Ugh, I thought as I looked away. I was not going to be distracted by Sean at a time like this.

     John lightly cleared his throat and I knew what he was signaling. Well, I'd have to get this done sooner or later. I preferred later, or not at all, but that wasn't an option.

     I firmly planted my feet parallel to each other on the ground, directly on top of the spot. The brightly colored target sat in front of me, two hundred feet away, as promised. With shaking fingers I brought the bow and arrow up to its shooting position, the bow string pulled back tightly in my hand. I sucked in another deep breath, and then . . . .

     I shot the arrow.

     It sailed through the air, and before I even had time to blink, punctured the neon red circle in the middle of the target. A bull's-eye.

     Everyone gasped, including me. Did that really just happen? Did that really just happen?

     Judging by the cheer that erupted around me, I was pretty sure it did.

     All my classmates came rushing up to me, shouting their congratulations. I was overwhelmed with hugs, pats on the back, and high fives. Most of them came from Ashley who, although very supportive, had a tendency to get overexcited. Laughing, I gently broke away from her many embraces.

     As my eyes wandered around the room, seeing the many joyful faces of my friends, I saw Sean standing several yards away from the group, staring straight at me. His round blue eyes never moved from my face, even when I turned away from him. When I looked back, there he was, studying me like I was a museum exhibit. Not even cheering or shouting.

     What a party pooper.

     I had to admit, he was starting to freak me out. Maybe he was actually stalking me. He may have been gorgeous, but that did not give him permission to creep on me. But, not wanting to ruin the moment, I turned my back on Sean and didn't shoot another glance his way.

     Archery class ended up being cancelled. Our instructor, Miss Kelly, was sick and couldn't find a decent substitute, as her brother who came to tell us the news had told us. Miss Kelly hadn't been able to call the class on her own, for whatever reason. So, after all that, we had to go home.