The Forgotten Soul

7

Tuesday comes and Ms. Herring is sick.

Again.

I arrive in Coach Washington's class early so it's already evident that she is absent as her student file into the room. I'm not surprised when I see Maxine step into the class but I am surprised when DC comes in a little later, looking relieved as his eye holds mine. I give a small smile before turning back to the assignment.

I was having one of those days when 'you just want to tell everyone off but you knew the consequences if you did so you don't say anything' kind of day, but DC was already making it better by being here. It was an annoying effect that went along with his care-free personality that I couldn't make myself hate no matter how hard I try. I really want to hate him but I can't seem to. I sigh internally and shake my head.

"Sorry, I didn't know that the class came here," he says to coach Washington. Coach nods before turning back to his book. Our assignment was on the board so naturally, I got started. I want to get done quickly so I could spend the rest of class doing nothing, but when I stand up to get a book I come face to face with DC. Actually it was more like chest-to-face. I realized a few days ago that he was maybe a head taller than me which is completely unfair as I look up at him.

"Nice to see you again. It's been a while," I scoff and roll my eyes, trying not to smile. We just went for a jog this morning. He told me to call him every time I decided to go for a jog and since I didn't have a phone I had to use my landline. As a result I ended up memorizing his number. When I didn't go on jogs he would call me just to talk about any and everything that came to his mind.

"It's been three hours at the most," I replied, trying to walk by him.

"Three too many," I hear him mumble under his breath. I freeze for a split second before I continue walking, ignoring the smile creeping on my face. Already he was making my day better.

"... Such a loser? Am I right, guys," I hear Maxine say. I sigh. Of course that glimpse of happiness is gone as soon as Maxine opens her mouth. What else is new? I've put up with her bullying for three years so I think I can handle sixty more minutes.

"--And her clothes. I bet her mom made them. It makes sense. The dead can't do much I guess," she says.

Or not.

Today is not my day. That just means it's not her day either.

I stood up picking up the book that was in the best condition before turning around.

"Maxine," I say, knowing she hates it when people call her that.

"It's Ma--"

"Whatever. This time can you please refrain from setting my book on fire? I noticed that your capabilities, compared to others at least, seem to be lacking. It's like you have no control but that's okay. Not everyone can be as special as you and thanks the gods no one wants to. Next time, know who you're talking to or I swear your hair won't be the only thing that's died. Take my promise to heart," I say before giving a quick flash of a fake smile before my mouth transforms into a thin line. I turn around, an uncharred book in my hand, and I walk back to my seat.

Under other circumstances I would count this as a victory but she really struck a nerve. My mother was a hundred times better than any person alive and no one could convince me otherwise. I decided to erase Maxine out of my mind so I could finally sit down and get some work done. Unfortunately I couldn't sit down because DC currently occupies my seat.

"Uhm," I say. DC looks up from his phone to me and smiles. "What are you doing?"

"Keeping our seat warm."