Coffee

6

That girl from my English class somehow found me at my locker Wednesday morning. Throughout Tuesday I was still, more or less, being treated like a celebrity. What surprised me most was that Jaz didn't even show up to school. I hoped today it would calm down a bit. I'd admit it's nice to not be treated like a walking contagious disease but all the attention was beginning to bother me. I shouldn't have asked for more friends at that park.

"Hey superstar," she said, greeting me the same way Thomas had a few days ago.

"Hi Jordan," I said. It sounded more like a question as I wasn't one hundred percent sure that was her name.

"I'm surprised you remembered my name with all the fans you suddenly have."

"It's not that serious, people are proud of me for standing up for myself instead of being a quiet victim like everyone else. It's unwelcomed and unaccepted popularity."

"Just don't trip princess, or you'll just be giving them their next show. I'll see you in English, I have to go."

She backed away and turned to head off somewhere before I could respond. Jordan was interesting to me because of how different she was from the others, who only came up to ask if I'd really done it, or if it was staged. Most of them suggested to hang out sometime, although we both knew we never would. Jordan did ask about the fight, but she was the only one that approached me twice and actually had a conversation with me. She actually bothered to give me her name even though I couldn't even remember it.

The entire day I could only think about Becca. Although I didn't particularly enjoy the class we had together, I couldn't wait for Becca to show up to Economics. Becca showed up about a minute before the bell – alone. For the past few days I'd been meaning to ask her about Chris and what happened after she found out about him cheating but from seeing her come to class alone, I guess I just assumed they broke up. I began to ask when she sat next to me but she got her sentence out first.

"So this quarter is ending soon and if we want to bring your grade up we should start working. Mrs. Owens said you're allowed to make up anything you failed this quarter because she can't change the grades before then."

"Well I'm free when you are," I responded. "I can request off or I can just take my break when you come in."

Rebecca probably thought I was pathetic because I basically just said that I don't ever have any plans. Her expression didn't change but she tucked her straightened hair behind her ears in a way that said something she didn't want to say. I didn't like this hairstyle as much as the curls but still, she looked beautiful. She was waving her hand in front of my face and her lips were moving. I must've zoned out while taking her in as if I'd never seen her before. That's what it felt like. Every time was like the first time and I found something new to stare at. I could only hope she never noticed and didn't think I was a creep.

"What were you saying?"

I watched her lips again as they moved, listening this time. "I said that we could start today, when I come by Rizzo's. Just make sure you bring your stuff."

I nodded and Mrs. Owens began the lesson, a continuation of yesterday's class. Jaz still hadn't shown her face which surprised me. I didn't think I hit her hard enough to leave a bruise on her face and keep her in hiding until she could successfully cover up with makeup. By staying out, she was basically telling people that she was bothered by the experience and someone, me, had finally knocked her off of her throne. Did that make me the reigning queen?

After class I tried to catch up with Becca but she disappeared before I even picked up my bag. Jordan appeared next to me in the hallway however.

"Hello again."