The Substitute Actress [Slowly Editing]

Chapter 3

"No talking, no eating, no texting, and NO..." She approached my table, and placed her hand on it hard, startling me, "...one is allowed to leave the room," she continued in a gentle voice.

"Understand?!" She yelled again, making us all jump.

Our eyes widened and my mouth formed a small 'O'. All of us nodded at the same time and kept quiet.

"I trust you all to follow those rules; though I know none of you will, 'cause ya'll are irresponsible, undisciplined, and disrespectful. And I believe you all are the worst the school has to offer. I'll be at the teacher's lounge; I'll be back at five." She sent us one more threatening glare before slamming the door shut. So much for liking Biology; the teacher's a complete freak!

Awkward silence enveloped the room. It was scary to know I was the only girl in detention. I sat in front, unable to see what's happening behind me. I impatiently tapped my fingers on the wooden desk, producing sounds that killed the silence a bit. Scratches and vandalisms were written on the desk. I read one and my eyes widened at its impoliteness. UGH, high school.

After the first ten minutes, I got bored and finally took the urge to look behind me. I slowly glanced over my shoulder. To my far left sat Lee Anderson, the school's most feared bully and the football captain. Beside him sat his two best friends, or what I prefer calling them his "minions", Jack and Mike. I stared at them, knowing they wouldn't care if I'll stare for a bit. And they were discussing something; so I didn't bother thinking they'll caught me staring.

My heart skipped a beat when I noticed Jack staring back. I saw him tug Lee's sleeve lightly. He whispered something to him, causing him to turn to my direction. My eyes widened when he smirked at me. I turned my head away, hoping they won't come near me.

Goose bumps suddenly started growing at the back of my neck, down to my arms, then to my legs. I swallowed nervously and my palms started sweating. My stomach twisted after hearing a thud from my left, kind of a footfall from a big guy.

I shifted to my right, ignoring their slow approach to me. As I tried to distract myself from the thought of bullies approaching and probably hitting me later, I stared at a familiar guy, narrowing my eyes to his direction.

He sat beside the window, letting sunlight hit his shiny choco-brown hair that looked as soft as it seemed. My gaze fell from his hair down to his eyes: a perfect emerald shade that looked cooler than Dylan's. His nose is a bit crooked from the fights he had during the first month of classes, and he had those tiny lips that looked softer than any cotton you could ever imagine. He's wearing his red and white jersey jacket over a plain white shirt, unable to see some of his body muscles. He has a normal height; perfect for him being a basketball player: 6"1 or so, I guess? He has fair complexion, almost like Dylan's. Personality? Mysterious, tough, curious, and serious. Although Dylan told me he was more than that. He's fun, dork-ish sometimes, and thoughtful. He wasn't just that open to someone he's not close to.

Dylan and he were best friends since second grade, when Stephen transferred to our school. At first, he was this shy, embarrassed, and loner kid until he met Dylan. I wasn't able to be friends with him 'cause I had this puppy-crush. And as the years passed, that crush turned to love. And here I am, after 9 freaking years, still admiring him from a distance. I sighed and bit my lower lip. It's a good thing Dylan's the only one whom I told that secret to. It would be awkward between me and Kate if she ever knew.

"Now, now, look what we have here."

I gasped and jumped violently, surprised at the loud voice from behind me. I turned to my left to see the three bullies standing beside my table. My palms started sweating again and my goose bumps grew back. I clenched my fists, fighting the shaky feeling of my body.