A F R A I D | a Bell ff

T W O

"YOU HAVE 45 SECONDS TO GET TO CLASS!" I heard a man yell behind me, as I ran to my classroom all the way across the seemingly endless hallway.

My heart was beating incredibly fast and I could feel my anxiety level rise. I finally got to the classroom door and exhaled, trying to find my cool again. I swung the door open and walked in, with a small smile, trying to hide the fact that I was just running what seemed like a race.

My teacher gave me a stern look, but continued to talk about our upcoming events. I took a breath and walked over to my seat. I pulled out my chair and sat down, throwing my backpack on the floor next to me. I then got out a pencil and my notebook to take notes.

He was sitting next to me, his head turned to look at the teacher, giving me a perfect view of the backside of him. His tall body and wavy chocolate brown hair. I admired him too much, but I knew he would never be mine. He hasn't even spoken to me all year. He doesn't even know how much I am in love with him.

"Bianca? Are you listening to a single word I'm saying?" My teacher harshly said to me, snapping me out of my day dreams. I shook my head, realizing that everyone was looking at me, including him. My face started to burn and I wanted to go home and hide under my covers at this moment.

"Right, you guys get started!" My teacher finally said, after returning his attention to the entire class. I was completely lost, I had no idea what to do, I wasn't listening. All the other kids started to form into pairs and talk about things, while I sat quietly, unsure of what to do.

I nervously took out my phone and began to text Maddie: I am a complete idiot. I want to drop out right now.

She texted back within a few seconds: You don't mean that. Keep your chin up, I believe in you :D

I sighed, reading her text. I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder and then I looked up, my eyes meeting his. I gazed into his brown eyes, realizing what was happening. Our first encounter.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his soft voice like a reassurance.

I stumbled with my words, automatically finding it hard to talk to him, "I-uh-yeah. I'm fine, thanks." I gave him a forced smile, beating myself up mentally, for having such trouble with my words.

He changed the subject, "Well, we need to get started on this project now. You have any ideas for what we can do?" He stared at me, waiting for my response.

I had no clue, "Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to what the teacher was saying. What do we have to do?" I could feel his eyes burn into me as I was speaking.

He gave me a small smirk, "Oh. We have to create a video project together with relation to global warming or some shit." He shook his head after he spoke.

I laughed in my head at how cute he was. I wanted to let him know how I felt about him, but I knew that he'd probably think I'm completely crazy. I replied, "Sounds interesting. This shouldn't be too difficult."

He scoffed, "I guess not. I'm pretty good in the whole film department. I could shoot and edit and even write the script for the video if you wanted. All you have to do is show up and talk on camera," he leaned in closer, "I'll just slap your name on the assignment."

I was taken back by the way he was speaking so easily to me. I didn't know what to say, I was overwhelmed to say the least. I wasn't used to this attention from boys, especially him. I shrugged, trying my best to act cool. "Sure that sounds alright."

He nodded his head in agreement. "Cool. What's your number? You can come over to my house and we can film there."