Just Once

Chapter Three

     The bell rang, alerting students that lunch was over and that they should start heading to their lockers and retrieve their things for fourth hour. My class for fourth hour is language arts, the class that I have with Chloe, my new partner for the major book project. Snapping back into reality I picked up my lunch box and headed over to my locker, where I set my lunch box into my backpack and picked up my binder and books for language art class. I easily strided around the halls, the path to Mr. Hayle's classroom known by heart. Since I knew all the shortcuts and the quickest way to his class, I got to my desk within two minutes. Just across the room from my desk is Chloe's, today we'll get some time in class to get some work done on our presentation's. Chloe must be really glad she found a partner, I'm just glad she asked me to be her partner. Within minutes Mr. Hayle showed up and began his lesson. It was short and sweet, only about ten minutes of class time when he stopped and told us that we could use the rest of class to work on our projects with our partners. Chloe and I instantly looked at each other as we heard him utter those words. As soon as he gave us the go to meet up with our partner Chloe was bringing her binder and books over to the empty seat next to mine.

     "Hey Alex!" she greeted and smiled brightly, her green eyes shimmering in the fluorescent lights on the ceiling. They're just so beautiful. I just wish I could hug her and tell her that. But that would be hella weird. So that plan, is definitely a no-go. "So, I read that book, I managed to fit it in between practicing routines. So, I have some ideas about the project," she continued to talk on about her plans and ideas for our presentation, but I couldn't focus on anything besides her face, so at least it looks like I'm keeping eye contact. She didn't seem to notice I was paying any attention to her words, so I continued off in a lala land of her face. "-ex. Alex, are you listening to me?" I heard her sweet voice question. It was almost like velvet.

     "Um, yea. Sorry, just zoned out there for a second," I apologized, looking for a smile to return to her face. Soon enough it did and she waved it off, telling me without words that all was forgiven and fine. I smiled back and she continued talking, this time I actually gave an effort to listen this time, but no matter what, I can't seem to stop zoning out here and there. I did hear something about 'flashy', 'fun', 'bright', and 'creative'. She probably wants to do a real flashy and elaborate looking presentation with very in depth writing for the actual project part of the presentation. I do agree, so I nodded my head, this obviously made her happy as she smiled even wider, knowing that I approved of her ideas.

     "I'm glad that you agree, I think Mr. Hayle will really enjoy our presentation. SO could you start working on half of the writing portion while I work on the other half. We can agree on it later, I'll text you," She said, the bell going off right after she finished her sentence. It's like everything respects her, even the school bell, that waits for no late student.

     The rest of the school day went by like a blur. Science class was boring as always, but thankfully we had no homework so I'm not going to complain. The bus ride home was terrible too, but it ended quickly enough. Once I got home I could hear the yelling of my parents from the door. I decided to wait to go inside and instead went around the house and hopped the fence into the backyard. I sat down on the swingset and began pulling my binder and book for language arts. I felt a small buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out to see that it was from an unknown number. It's Chloe. The text read: 'Hey Alex! It's me, Chloe. I have a plan for what we should do. On the requirements paper, I'm thinking that you should do #5, #7, #3, #10, #8. Thanks alot! -Chloe.' I sighed and cracked a smile, even when my house was experiencing complete chaos Chloe could still manage to make me laugh.