Trouble

Despondency

Avery's Point of View
Despondency is a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.

The air was cold and the wind was blowing, hard, might I add. I was currently sitting in the courtyard at school reading one of my favorite books; The Ruined.

"Hey, I didn't see your car in the parking lot today, I figured you weren't here."

I looked up from my book, squinting my eyes at the harsh sunlight peeping from the side of Erick's body. "Yeah, I, kinda got that taken away for a bit." Deciding the reason for it was irrelevant, I left that out.

"Why?" Sighing, I turned to the next page in my book. Discussing this wasn't on the top of my to-do list, plus the death of the Princess is much more interesting. Oh Em, you silly murderer, you.

"Okaay," He spoke quietly. "Moving on then. What're you reading?" Does this boy not understand I don't want to talk. Scowling at him I turned the book cover to where he could see it. I didn't mean to be irritable towards him, it was yesterday's events that still unsettled me.

I felt Erick sit down beside me, feeling his eyes on me made me a bit uncomfortable. "Are you okay, Avery?" That familiar face of concern from yesterday taking over his features once more.

Clearing my throat I muttered, "I'm fine. Don't you have soccer to play or friends to be with?" My voice coming off a lot harsher than intended. "I am with you!" I could feel his grin and I didn't like it. "Not your friend" His smile still not leaving his lips even though I'd just shot down everything he said.

"You're kinda cranky" He laughed, I suppose I was a bit cranky, oh well.  Shrugging, I stood up, dusting my pants off and headed towards the doors of the school, "Yeah, sorry about that."

* Trouble *

"Take your seats class. I have something to discuss with you." Mr.Washington spoke so quickly that if you weren't paying attention you would've missed it.

Sighing I dropped my bag onto the floor, slipping into the seat beside Erick. "Hey Ave," I winced at his use of my nickname but spoke nothing of it. I had no energy left to make snarky remarks.

"Due to some personal issues I will not be here until next semester-" My eyes shot up and the whole class began yelling and protesting. Mr.Washington glared down at each of us from his podium, seconds later silence spread through the classroom.

"Thank you, as I was saying; I will not be here until next semester. You will have a substitute," The whole class groaned in response to his statement. Amusement lit up his features as he continued, "I will be assigning a project that will take up the duration of the time I am gone. You will be working in pairs for this project. I am allowing you to pick your own partner, please choose wisely."

Using my hair as a shield I snuck a glance at Erick beside me. His eyebrows were furrowed in what looked like confusion. "Done staring, princess?" Heat rose to my cheeks and tinted them pink. Regaining control I scoffed and sent him a pointed look, "I wasn't staring, definitely not at you."

Turning my attention back to the front, I watched as Mr.Washington spoke animatedly. "Since this is, an art class you'll obviously be doing something art related. You and your partner will be creating a piece, abstract or representational. No non-objective, though you guys would go crazy over that option."