Claustrophobic (Teddy Duchamp)

15

Teddy found himself very aware of Cecelia's presence when he was around her, or even within a 30 foot radius of her.

He noticed things about her that he never knew he cared about. Things like the way she tapped the eraser of her pencil on her lips when she was thinking or how she said "present" when roll was called.

He knew why he was suddenly so conscience of her, but he wanted to know what to do about it. Sure, the normal thing to do would to ask her out for a date, but Teddy was not a very suitable contender for a date, or at least, that's what he assumed from what he'd heard about himself.

He just wasn't sure.
_____

Cecelia had zoned out in science class, yet again. She had been doing that often lately, especially in the classes she shared with Teddy.

She was starting to daydream about him, which embarrassed her just thinking about it.

The bell had rung which had snapped Cecelia out of her daze. She gathered her things and made her way to the door.

"Oh, Cecelia, please wait," Ms. Jackson asked.

Cecelia stood in front of her teacher's desk. "Yes ma'am?"

"Cecelia, I just wanted to ask how you are," she stated, her voice sickly sweet and quite cautious.

Cecelia was rather confused. "Um... I'm alright, I suppose. Did I do something, Ms. Jackson?"

The woman gave a small, almost forced laugh. "Oh no, sweetheart! I just simply felt that it would be good to get to know you. You know, check up on you."

Cecelia was really getting weirded out by the conversation in whole. "Alright. May I go now? Mrs. Landers doesn't like when anyone is late." She was already inching towards the door.

"Yes, yes. Go on," Ms. Jackson relented, the false smile still plastered on her face.

Cecelia nodded a goodbye and hurried out of the room.
_____

"Cecelia Jamison?" Vern questioned. "Really? I did't think you were into brunettes. I always thought you'd go with a blonde or something."

Teddy smacked Vern in the back of the head. "Never mind what you think about her. What should I do?" Teddy glanced at his friend before sighing. "But look who I'm talking to, the guy who's girl asked him out. This is hopeless."

Vern frowned. "Hey, I could've asked Cynthia out, but she didn't give me time."

Teddy rolled his eyes. "Right, and how's that supposed to help me?"

Vern thought for a moment before his face brightened with an idea. "I know! We can ask Cynthia to find out who Cecelia likes, and then you'll know whether you should go after her or not."

Teddy thought over this. "Vern, I don't think you've ever had a better idea." He gave his friend a smile and a punch in the arm.
_____

"Please, Cecelia," Cynthia begged. "Do you not trust me?"

Cecelia hesitated before answering. Cynthia had come up to her in math class and asked her who she liked. Cecelia wasn't sure if she wanted to admit who she liked to anyone just yet.

She took a deep breath. "I'll tell you, but I'm trusting you. Please don't tell him." Cynthia nodded emphatically and leaned in. "I like Teddy Duchamp."

Cynthia sat upright and squealed. "Eeek! Oh that's great, Cecelia! Just great."

Cecelia was embarrassed at the other girl's outburst which resulted in everyone else staring, including the teacher.

"Ms. Matland, Ms. Jamison, is there anything you'd like to share with the class?" Mrs. Hardy asked impatiently.

Both girls shook their heads, mouths closed tight and eyes wide in fear of trouble.

"That's what I thought." Their teacher went on with her lesson.

Cynthia turned to Cecelia. She mouthed I'm sorry.

Cecelia shrugged, but she mouthed back Do not tell him, please!

Cynthia just nodded and began to take notes.

Cecelia sighed and tried to copy the notes from the board, but she was too preoccupied by the fact that she had just admitted her crush.

It was real now.

I hope you all like this chapter! I know I'm dragging this out, but they're one step closer to happily ever after. Thanks for all the reads, votes, and comments. M'kay.

~Mariah