Are They Just Friends?

Untitled Part 2

Senior year was supposed to start out with a bang, but instead, it started with boring introductions. Teachers handed out their lengthy syllabus packets and went on about how the first semester would pan out. My classes were mostly Pre-AP because regular classes were always a drag. I had one AP class, AP Chemistry, which was first period. On the first day, we were asked to turn in the summer assignment and review a homework packet that was to be completed in the next three days. I didn't turn mine in.

My schedule was as follows:

1st: AP Chemistry

2nd: Pre-Calculus Pre-AP

3rd:ASL 1 (I needed an elective credit.)

4th: Lunch (Yeah, I was one of the unfortunate seniors stuck with the first lunch which was also one of the shortest lunches.)

5th: Government/Eco (It would switch to Eco once second semester started.)

6th: English 4 Pre-AP

7th: Creative Writing (Also a half semester course but the second semester's course was undecided at the time.)

8th: Debate 3H (Varsity debate)

Yeah, I was a busy senior. My best friend Rebecca only had two core classes and the others were electives. I always wanted the afternoon classes to come faster because the morning ones made me consider dropping out.

"Well, Jules, Katie and I all have sixth period lunch, so I think you're all alone." I received the text during second period and began panicking. I can't take the stress of crowds so I knew that eating in the cafeteria would be hell if I didn't have any friends to eat with. "Actually, I think Abbigail has your lunch. Maybe you should message her?" The second message gave a bit of relief.

"Ok. I'll see you in third, ttyl." I turned over my phone so the screen would face downward and returned my attention to the boring Pre-Cal lecture. Yes, Mrs. Kall actually tried to shove information inside our brains on the first day of school. She was probably in her mid fifties, maybe early sixties. I knew from the start she'd be trouble. As this year progresses, you'll se why.

I remember walking into third with a smile on my face, knowing I'd see Rebecca for the first time since junior year. We were too busy traveling and never had the chance to meet up during the summer, so I was in great need of her presence. When we caught each other's eyes, we both practically squealed.

"Omg!!! I've missed my Lizzy-beth." She gave me that nickname after we first met. Apparently, I was like a lizard and hid every time people wanted to talk to me. I was the new kid, what else would you expect from a shy, introvert?

"Okay, I need to breathe, weirdo." I tried saying between gasps for air. Her hugs were always the tightest.

"Sorry, I forgot you don't like hugs." She gave me some breathing room and then we chose our seats. The tables formed a giant "U" in the classroom, keeping the board in sight. Since it was ASL, American Sign Language, the teacher and the board needed to be in sight at all times because sound was not always guaranteed. We sat off to the side, but not in the back where the annoying freshmen decided to gather. Being a senior in a class with freshmen mean having to deal with the annoying little shits.

"Okay, so I'm not gonna give you homework today but I will after we all get adjusted and the school is done fixing peoples' schedules." Everyone let out a sigh of relief. We spent the rest of the time introducing ourselves and making desk cards to help Ms. Lubbock remember our names. Mine said "Elizabeth the Elizabest." I'm not proud of it, but I'm not sorry either, because c'mon, that's fucking hilarious.

"I'm embarrassed to be your friend," Rebecca said after reading my nametag. I pretended to be hurt but continued coloring in the background.

"At least it's not boring by just being my name. I put in some creativity." I tried gloating but Rebecca turned hers around, revealing the 3D lettering she'd drawn. I pouted for a few moments, jealous of her artistic skills.