Never Knew I Needed

Chapter 22- I'm Not Surprised

Andréas's POV

The following week at school was the same old. Ortiz got his whole schedule changed so he is in health with me during second period this semester and personal finance next semester, study center during seventh period yearlong and has Pre-calculus with me ninth period. During health, him and his friends were playing basketball in the gym while I listened to music on the bleachers with his friend, Jamal- he's cool. Ever since the situation at the diner, Shawn hasn't been hanging around Ortiz and his friends, or at least when I'm around. But I really don't care 'cause I don't like his a** anyway.

****

During free period, I went to the library to pick up another Stephen King book while Ortiz and his friends left campus for Donatos. I was skimming the book shelf when I heard humming. I look to my left and saw Le'annaMarie flipping through some non-fiction book a few feet away from me. She was slowly nodding her head to her music while tapping on the front of the book cover. She realized that was getting lost in her music and forgot she was even reading, so she quickly took out her headphones which caused me to smirk. I didn't realize it until now how much she loves music. It's her passion.

She looked over and saw me staring then smiled before turning to walk away. I cursed to myself and ended up grabbing a random book off the shelf. I was so angry at myself for not saying anything to her, again. I want to tell her the reason I want to get to know her but because she is so independent, she isn't going to give up her time for a guy like me. According to Ortiz, she has no interest in getting to know any guys anyways.

I looked up from my lap and Le'annaMarie was walking out the library with her earbuds already back in her ears, probably getting lost in the sound of her music.

I'm not suprised.

****

During last period, Ortiz and I sat in the back with another friend of his. Le'annaMarie hadn't shown up for the first five minutes of class and I was curious. She's a good student so I was suprised when she walked in seven mintues late.

"There's Andréas's girl. He's been waiting for her." Ortiz whispered to his friend.

"F*** you." I said as I gave him the finger and he chuckled.

"There she is!" A girl named, Lily, shouted out as Le'annaMarie smiled shyly while closing the door.

"Le'annaMarie Smith is late to class?" Her friend Haley asked dramatically and Le'annaMarie rolled her eyes with a grin.

"Yeah, she's too good to be late!" Another person in the class added jokingly.

"Ms. Smith, is there a reason you're seven minutes late?" Our teacher asked.

"I'm so sorry. I was helping a friend." She said sincerely.

"With?" The teacher asked.

"Some personal problems I'd rather not bring up." She said and the teacher nodded.

"Okay, I understand. See, these are the kind of students we need here! People as caring, nice, respectful as you are...we're glad to see you- we got worried." The teacher grinned while he handed her a paper.

"Trust me, I'm fine. But I appreciate the compliments from you." She smiled before taking her seat by her group of friends.

"Hi LeMarie..." They all said.

"Hi guys..." She said. They all began talking and goofying around while they took notes.

"Hey, why don't you talk to her, rather than stare at her?" Ortiz asked.

"Why don't you stay over there in your seat?" I told him.

"Chill out. I mean, I could probably look at her all day too but I would eventually tell her that I'm into her. Don't be shy man, just do it." Ortiz said and I rolled my eyes because he was right but it was difficult for me to be up front with a girl like her. I'm afraid I'll say the wrong thing, piss her off, then she'll never want to talk to me.

After class was over, I said bye to Ortiz and his friend and made my way out the class. I had to work until ten tonight and honestly was not looking forward to it but when you're in the situation I'm in, you have no choice.

"Hi." I looked beside me and Le'annaMarie was smiling up at me.

"Hey." I said. I've never been this close to her so I never realized she was much more beautiful up close.

"I'm sure you remember me, right?" She asked.

"Of course, from the fourth of July."

"Yep! I never forgot about what you did. That was really sweet." She said with a light smile.

"No problem."

"So, Andréas..." I liked how she said my name. "How do you like the school? You meet any cool people?" She asked in a sweet voice.

"School is fine. I got my cousin, Ortiz. But I'm not about the whole 'friend' thing." I said and I wish I'd taken it back because what will she think of me now? Some jerk who is pushing her away when she is just trying to be nice.

"Oh, Ortiz...he's somethin'." She said raising her eyebrows.

"Yeah..."

"Well, if you're wondering why I came up to you it's because we met a few months ago and we never talked. I mean, we both knew we were going to the same school and we never acknowledged each other so I felt like now was the right time to do that. I noticed you were alone and I know you said you don't do the whole 'friends' thing but if you need anyone to talk to, I'm here." She said.

"I appreciate that, thanks,"

"You're welcome." She said as we walked outside.

"It was nice talking to you. I'll see you around- gotta get to work." She said.

"You're not alone on that one." I said.

"Oh, really. I work 'till eight. What about you?"

"Ten."

"Ooo, well have a good day." She smiled.

"Thanks, you too."

"Nice to meet you, Andréas." She reached out her hand.

"You too, Le'annaMarie." I said as I shook her hand.

"Bye." She got in her car and drove off. I got in my car and smiled to myself.

Suddenly I thought, maybe this shift wouldn't be as bad as I thought.

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