The Perfect Gift

Chapter Ten

Sarah

When the class is done, fifteen of us get settled in the classroom for our weekly CTF meeting.

"Hi, everyone." Philip, a senior and an executive of CTF says. We all reply in chorus. I'm excited about our activities for today.

The activities are different every week and more interesting. "Okay, guys. Emily will hand out pamphlets for today's game. The game is called Bible Dictionary."

Ems begins handing out the papers to everyone. She had been the first person to invite me to CTF. Now that I think of it, that's how we met. She's been a member since she got into Westmore High.

We always play a game first. Afterwards, we pray and begin Bible study.

That's my favorite part of the meetings. We'll read a part of the Bible and a light discussion follows as we try to understand the word of God. Then we conclude with a closing prayer.

Philip continues, "Written in the pamphlets are names of people and places in the Bible like Boaz, Solomon, Gethsemane. You'll all be divided into groups of three and the first group to successfully locate all the names from the pamphlet in the Bible wins."

In my group are Ems and Josh, my Chemistry lab partner and we immediately get to work.

In about an hour later, we are done finding all thirty names in the Bible and we ring the bell to announce that we're the first.

We are each rewarded with Lauren Daigle's new album. I almost squeal in delight when I see it. I had wanted to buy it the previous week but I didn't have enough money for it.

After handing us our CDs, Philip says, "Congrats to our winners: Emily, Sarah and Josh," everyone claps and he continues, "We'll begin our Bible study now. Please organize your seats."

Within seconds, our chairs are arranged into a circle and we sit down.

The Bible passage is taken from John 15 which teaches us that if we remain with Him, He'll give us what we ask of Him. We also learn that we should love one another just as much as God loves us.

Once we're done, we pray and leave after clearing out the Art classroom. I catch a ride with Ems since she has a car and my house is on the way to hers.

***

"Mom, I'm leaving!" I yell. Before she can even utter a word of protest about me not eating breakfast, I'm out the front door and running to the McCall's.

Luckily for me, I get there just in time and we're off to school. Today feels different, I don't know why but it does.

I don't get to see Ems for most of the day except lunchtime because we both have different classes on Tuesdays.

After lunch, I hurry to my History class in the west wing.

I abruptly stop my tracks when my eyes lock gazes with a familiar grey pair. Ashton Stewart.

He's sitting with Mac's clique while she fawns over him. Ugh, I thought she had a boyfriend. Wait, why do I even care? I don't know him.

I quickly move to the only free seat which unfortunately is beside theirs.

The History teacher usually comes in late so I take the few minutes to look at the pictures Ems gave me during lunch. She had gotten an A in her landscape photography project.

When Mr. Darren comes in, I put them aside and try to pay attention to his lecture. History isn't my favorite class, I always find myself dozing or spacing out midway through the class.

I steal a glance at Ashton and I can see that he's looking at me intently. I blush and hastily turn away. Why on earth is he staring at me like that?

Of course, Mac notices. And unfortunately for me, so does half the class. She tries futilely to bring his attention back to her but he doesn't budge and soon she gives up.

My heart is doing somersaults as I can practically feel his eyes boring into my head. I shift uneasily on my seat and my eyes connects with his again. This time, I don't look away instead I'm compelled to look to stare into those beautiful eyes.

I see something in them. I can't be sure. But before I can figure it out, I hear Mr. Darren's voice.

"Ashton, can you answer the question?" "Christopher Columbus," he says easily without looking away. So he was listening.

I turn back to the front of the class and silently pray for the class to come to an end soon.

My prayer is answered because soon after the bell is rung for the beginning of another class.

"All right, everyone. I expect you all to turn in your papers on First World War aka the Great War tomorrow. Oh, and Ms Hope,"

"Yes?" I say anxiously. Oh no. Oh no.

"Miss Melanie wants to see you after this class."

Phew!

I swiftly grab my bag and leave my seat and head towards the guidance counselor's office. One knock and she tells me to come in.

Miss Melanie Boner is not only Westmore High's guidance counselor, she's also the peer support group leader.

The peer support group consists of students that help other students, academically or emotionally. Basically, a peer support group member befriends a troubled or intellectually-lacking student and try to help improve the student.

Miss Melanie is a short, pudgy woman who wears thick rimmed glasses. She's also English and she speaks with a heavily accented voice.

"Have a seat, Sarah," she motions to the chair in front of her desk and I obediently sit down, "Tea?" I shake my head.

"Hello, Sarah. I called you today because I have a new assignment for you." I smile, it's been a while since I was assigned to a student.

I joined the peer support group because I wanted to make a difference in the life of someone. Plus I get extra credits which I definitely need.

"Okay. Who?" I ask cheerfully. "Ashton Stewart."

"W-what?" I sputter.

"He's a new transfer student and from his file, I can tell he's lived a rough life. I'm gonna need your help with him."

"But...why me?" I can't be assigned to him. Anyone else but not him.

"I think the right question is why not you. You did such a great job with Ellen Olsen last year."

Well, she was a girl and she didn't stare at me through out History class, I want to yell.

Miss Boner is smiling warmly. "I know he seems intimidating and fierce but I know you can do this. Besides if you were able to get through to Ellen, then you can do the same for Ashton."

I nod numbly and she hands me his file. Slowly I pack up my stuffs and leave.

I'm barely out of the office when I hear Ems' squeals. "Sarah Elizabeth Hope, what happened in History class with the new guy?! Everyone is talking about it. Give me details!"

Great. Just great.

A/N:

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to vote and/or comment cos that's the only way I know you're reading!!!