In Another Life

II o'Clock - The beast is uncaged

I was walking towards the entrance when I first saw him. He was just standing there, watching me. I knew it wasn't just an illusion because his eyes followed me as I moved past him. He stared at me like I'd never seen anyone staring at anyone. Without any expression. No shame. He never looked away. It's like he didn't know I could see him. But what was so impressive about me? I thought. Was it my hair? I didn't have time to comb it properly... Did a bird poop on my face? I'd feel that, right? Or maybe I forgot to put on clothes!  I checked my clothes quickly. I was dressed, luckily. I decided to let it go and just forget about it.

"Hey Alister!" I heard Haley call when I entered the classroom. She pointed at an empty desk next to her's. I placed myself on the seat. "Did you hear it yet?" she asked unsubtle. I waited for her to say the answer on that unclear question. "Jonathan broke up with Eliza." I waited for the interesting part to come out of her mouth. "So...?" I proceeded. "So, that means he's single again!" she yelled. The whole class was being loud so nobody could hear it. "And?" I asked, pretending not to care. Okay, secretly I was happy that they broke up, but I wouldn't freak out about it. "So that means you have a new chance..." I sighed, laughing. "Forget it, Haley. Not gonna happen." She laughed disappointed. "Come on, you're in love with him! You have been since middle school!" I shushed her. "Not so loud! And I wàs in love with him. Not anymore." Haley grinned. "Sure. That's only what you've been saying since you found out he went to the same high school," She said sighing, "And I still remember how you blacked out when he asked you if you wanted to show him your homework..."

Haley's gaze fell on something behind me. "When you speak of the devil..." she said. I turned around and there he was. Jonathan Wade Campbell. Hot, manly and single. The most popular guy on this school. And all I ever wanted in middle school. That ended when he got together with Eliza Lennox. Guess what she is. Yup, the most popular girl on this school. She's all I ever hated. She wasn't ever mean to me, but she always acts selfish and she knows how pretty she is. And I know that, every time she looks at me, she thinks about how ugly I am. He deserved so much better.

Jonathan walked in slow motion towards me and settled himself in front of me. Fantastic. I turned my head towards Haley and she burst out laughing. I rolled my eyes and took my books out of my backpack. Mister Abrams rushed into class and yelled politely at us to be quiet: "Shut your face holes please and open your books at page 43!" I heard everyone whispering and once in a while I caught an 'Eliza' or 'Jonathan' or 'dumped'. 

Trevor, a guy sitting next to Jonathan, leaned in and asked him something that sounded like: "Hey man, sorry if this comes at a bad time, but is it true that Eliza dumped you for Blake?" I acted as if I was concentrated on my book. Blake? Who the heck is Blake? I focused my ears on Jonathans voice. "No dude. Stop asking that! Why does everybody think she dumped me?" He sounded irritated. Trevor apparently found it amusing. "So you dumped her? Why? She's like the hottest chick in school!" I laughed out of annoyance to find out that even Trevor was one of those dicks who couldn't care less about personality. Jonathan wanted to answer, when Mister Abrams suddenly stood in-between them.

"Are you talking about me?" He asked Trevor. "No sir." He said, poorly containing his laugh. "No, I'm almost very sure that you were talking about me. The hottest chap in school, was it that you said?" "Chick" Trevor corrected. "I'm sorry?"Abrams reacted insulted. "I said chick."Trevor said, smirking. "You're calling me a chicken?" I wasn't sure if that was a joke or if he was being serious. Abrams isn't the youngest man. But then again he has a sense of humor. Trevor laughed and rubbed his eyes. "No sir, that's just a synonym for girl." Mister Abrams widened his eyes. "So you're calling me a girl? That's even worse!" The whole class laughed. I endeavored. I never mentioned his sense of humor was good. Apparently good enough for the rest of the people in my class. Not that that surprises me. "Quiet people! This is not a case to laugh with! This is bloody serious for god's sake!" The class laughed even harder. "Well say something, Trevor!" he said. Trevor wiped his tears. "No sir, I was talking about Eliza Lennox." Jonathan stopped laughing. "Dude..."he said annoyed. Mister Abrams took a look at Jonathan. "What is it with Elizabeth Lennox? Is she a girl? No way! So that means Jonathan isn't gay?" Everyone died from laughter. "That means my whole career was a lie! This is unbelievable! Kids, I want you all to write an essay about the fact that Jonathan Campbell is not gay!"

"Except for you mister Fisher and Campbell! You write an essay about how hot I am. Any questions?" The class was laughing in silence. "No? Let's get started then! The goniometric circle! "

Most times our Math class starts out with a good ol' Mr. Abrams joke or insult. Those are the same to Mister Abrams. I don't hate him for it. I actually find it amusing how he insults the people I'd wish to insult. Though I felt bad for Jonathan. Just broke up and the whole school's already on it. On the other hand he must have seen this coming. Dating the most popular girl doesn't come without conditions. I wonder if he's done with popular after his break-up. Maybe now he's interested in girls that don't take drama with them everywhere, or make-up. Maybe he wants someone... like me.

Suddenly Jonathan leaned back on his chair and rested against my desk. I realized I had been staring at the baby hairs in his neck since Mister Abrams told us to start working. Was I actually fantasizing about how he would fall for me? Gosh, stop being such a mellow heart, Ali. You're pathetic. You're a moron. You're worthless. Jonathan would never see anything in you.

Jonathan's back was within an arm length close to me. I swear I could smell his after shave.