Unexpected - Shawn Mendes

Chapter Twenty One

Shawn's POV

The clock ticked, and I nervously tapped my foot on the tiled floor. In exactly twelve minutes and thirteen seconds, the bell would ring. Ten short minutes after the bell rang, I would be home.

But as of now, I sat slumped in the uncomfortable desks of the place I hate most, learning about English as my thoughts ate me alive.

Usually this isn't a big deal, I'm usually excited to leave school and go home. Today was different. I didn't want to leave, I had butterflies in my stomach from all the nervousness accumulated in me.

About five minutes after I dropped Grace off at home, I had to go upstairs and fix my hair and change into a nicer outfit. This morning, I set up my favorite outfit and laid it out on my bed so I could change quickly and easily. I had to sling my guitar over my shoulder and warm up my singing voice. Then I was ready.

It wasn't a lot of time, but there was so much to do. And she was so worth it.

In addition to writing her a song, I picked up some flowers that I thought she would look absolutely beautiful holding. They were probably the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen. I felt kind of light headed and uneasy, but I knew that asking her was so important.

"Shawn, hello?" My head snapped up to see my English teacher staring at me, disappointment written all over her face.

"Um, sorry, what was that?" I ask, biting my lip. I could feel my face flushing. Usually I'm a good student, but there was so much on my mind that it was so hard to focus in a time like this.

She turns to the class, "Why does no one pay attention? You're leaving soon, you should be excited and attentive. Shawn, I will repeat the question only this once, then there will be consequences." Still, no one paid attention to her. Most people had head phones in, or their books weren't even open to the right page.

By this point, we all just wanted to go home.

"Yes, ma'am," I say awkwardly. I had to push off thinking of the dance to avoid getting a detention, which could delay me asking Grace.

After the question was repeated, I was able to answer. However, it wasn't as embarrassing since no one was really paying enough attention to know that I had just blanked out. I began tuning out again.

The bell rang, startling me. I jumped from my chair, scrambling to put my papers away in my binder.

"Mr. Mendes, can I have a word?"

I mentally groaned. I had the timing and everything planned out for this, I can't let her ruin this for me. "Yeah."

"What's wrong, you seem distracted today?" She asks. I knew she probably noticed, I usually participate every day in the class, and I'm one of the few students who actually do. Today was very different.

"I'm asking a girl to the dance. I'm just nervous I guess," I shrugged, and she nods understandingly before dismissing me and wishing me good luck. I open the door to exit, and head to my locker where Robbie is waiting for me.

He motions for me to look up, and when I do, my jaw drops of surprise, jealousy, and disappointment.

Jake stood in front of Grace. He made sure all eyes were on him, before taking a deep breath. "I have known this girl since she first moved here. I thought she was so beautiful, it amazed me. I wish me and her were able to get closer, but I was hoping if she is willing to let me take her to the dance, I will prove I'm not the self-absorbed idiot she thinks I am." He takes a deep breath, nervous, and clutches a bouquet of tulips in his hands. Mine are prettier.

I was shocked that he actually had the audacity to ask her, and I was praying she wouldn't say yes.

At first she didn't move, just stood there absorbing what he had said. She stared dead at him. And I gulped.

Maybe she won't say yes after all.

"I would love to go with you!" She squeals, taking the flowers and wrapping her arms around his neck. I finish up at my locker, feeling extremely jealous and also very mad.

I put so much effort into that song, and I didn't even get to perform it because she's going with some asshole who dumped liquor on her at a party.

I left without her, not bothering to offer her a ride. She can just get one with her date to the dance.

That night was pretty lonely, I cried in bed for a little while before making me and Aaliyah some soup. Then I laid in bed for longer and watched movies.

My dad wasn't anywhere to be found. I haven't seen the man since a day and a half ago when Tanya left. I do remember him getting really pissed off when he found out she was leaving, though.

I didn't miss him, not an inch of me missed him.

My phone began to ring.

"Hey," Robbie says, and I can tell that he wants to discuss what happened earlier.

"What do you want." I say, sadness evident in my voice.

"Sorry, I know you're sad about what happened, I just wanted to check in on you. I'm sorry that happened, I can't believe she said yes." he says, taking a deep breath.

"Me either," I sigh, "I really like her man, I just thought she would've thought of me when he asked her, I don't know."

"I'll tell Morgan to talk to her about it okay? Take care."

We say our goodbyes and he hangs up.

When I eventually felt bored enough, I began to play my guitar and practice singing new songs, and writing. It helps me get my mind off things.

I was loving my new music, I couldn't wait for all the fans to hear how much progress I am making.

Music has saved me in so many ways. I'm thankful I am able to experience music and have such a wonderful and supportive sister and friend.

I fell asleep with my papers scattered around me, not so sad anymore.