Her Absent Memory

Chapter Two

After a seemingly endless third period, I make my way to Mrs. Thompson's class. For the entirety of the period, I sit in the corner of the room and organize her homework planner while she teachers her students. Being a teacher's assistant is such a breeze. After fourth, I head to the cafeteria for lunch. I meet up with my usual friends. Cora, Leah, Nicole, and Morgan all stand in line to get their lunches. I join up with them just as Cora initiates conversation.

"So, how is everyone's first day back going?" She asks.

"I sit next to the hottest guy in Honor's English. He has the most amazing blue eyes." Nicole swoons as we step forward in line.

"My day's going by quick, so I'm not complaining." Morgan chuckles.

"Mine is good." Leah smiles and pulls her wallet out of her bag.

I'm completely consumed with the task of adjusting the bracelets around my wrist, so I don't say anything. I've nearly gotten my bracelet just right when Cora snaps her fingers and tries to get my attention.

"Sutton!"

"Huh?"

"How about you? How is your day going?" She demands.

Just then, Luc and his girlfriend, Tyler, stroll over to us. Luc is the ultimate cliché. He's a ridiculously hot senior, a star football player, and an excellent student. He also happens to be dating the second most ultimate cliché. Tyler is a painfully beautiful senior, a star volleyball player, and a possible Valedictorian. The two of them are a power couple and I've always wondered why they pick to hang out with us. Our friend group consists mostly of seniors and juniors, but I can't tell if it's because we like each other or if it's because of our status symbols. I try to ignore it as best I can. I like to think that everyone is an authentic friend.

Remembering that I've just been asked a question, I shrug, "It's good. Not really any different from last year."

"Did you request to switch seats in Capaletti's class?" Cora asks, drawing the attention of the rest of the group.

"Why would she switch?" Morgan starts up, "Did something happen?"

"So she doesn't get touched by some nasty lesbian." Cora growls.

"What're we talking about?" Luc perks up at the talk of girls who like girls.

Tyler rolls her eyes at her boyfriend, "Down, boy."

"She seems totally normal to me. She's pretty nice. Kind of funny, too." I say with a gentle smile.

"Uh," Cora gawks, "What? What are you even talking about? You're acting like she's a person."

"She is a person," I scoff, "She's nice. That's all."

"Honestly, Sutton, I hate to say this, but if you're going to talk to her or hang out with her or anything like that... Then I can't be your friend anymore." Her icy blue eyes are riveted to mine and her voice is stern.

I don't say anything after our eye contact is broken. We get our lunches and the rest of lunch is horrendously awkward. Cora continues to bring up the topic of homosexuals and how unnatural and disgusting they are. She's completely oblivious to how uncomfortable she's making our entire lunch table. All I can do is eat my lunch and replay the situation in my head. I hadn't done anything wrong.

I didn't mean to talk about Riley in any way that would seem weird. I just think that she's cool and nice. I don't even think of her as a friend yet, so how could I think of her as anything more? I begin to wish that I hadn't said anything at all. I regret ever sending Cora that text. When the bell finally rings, I stand up and throw my trash away. Cora bids us farewell and struts off toward fifth period with Luc. Leah and I walk to our fifth period classes in silence. We part ways between the two buildings and I enter Mr. Romani's class. He constantly reminds us that we can sit where we please, so I claim the desk toward the middle of the classroom. I set my backpack down and wait for the class to begin.

Just then, Riley and a very tall boy enter the classroom noisily. The boy, who I hear Riley refer to as Hayden, has short black hair and fair skin. He wears some khaki pants and a black, long sleeved t-shirt. He looks somewhat like a stick bug. The laughter comes to a halt when Riley nudges Hayden in the ribs with her elbow and nods toward me.

"Sutton!" She calls with a cheeky smile on her face.

The two of them talk in moderately hushed voices as they make their way toward my desk. Riley strides over to me and stands before the edge of my desk. Hayden roams around the classroom, searching for a place to sit.

"¡Hola, amiga! I just came out of Spanish class." Riley informs me.

"That's not the only thing you came out of!" Ryan Pessler, the Junior Varsity quarterback, shouts from the back of the classroom.

As if she didn't hear a word, Riley beams at me. She takes the seat beside me and places her backpack on the floor. Riley takes no time in getting comfortable. Then, she turns to look at me.

"How was lunch?" She asks me, beginning to slouch a bit.

"It was okay." I lie.

"I saw you hanging around that Cora girl. She's hot, but I've heard she's a total bitch." Riley tells me in an attempted whisper.

"Take it easy," I warn, beginning to feel a little bit standoffish.

"Okay, okay. Sorry. I was just joking around," She assures me.

"Just... Please leave me alone." I grumble as I pick up my backpack and move to another seat.

It feels like all anyone does anymore is say ugly things about other people. I try to gather my thoughts while simultaneously trying to pay attention in class. My friendship with Cora means a lot to me. I don't want to put that into jeopardy. I've known Cora for nearly my entire life. I frown to myself as I pack up my things at the end of the period. I probably wouldn't have liked Riley that much, anyway.