Things Change

Effed Up.

[Jacob's P.O.V.] 

"|x-5|= -3," I answered. Mrs. Lopez copied my words onto the board and turned around and smiled. The other students were snorting and saying things like, "teacher's pet!" but I just ignored their idiotic comments.

"Good job, Mr. Perez," she nodded in my direction, hands clamped. Her glasses peeked off the bridge of her nose, loose strands of hair falling from her distressed bun. I always liked the fact that Mrs. Lopez was Hispanic, like me.

"Okay, class. It's partner's week this week, and every teacher must do a project that includes working in groups. We'll be starting a new project in a few days about sales tax. You will be paired in groups of two, and will have to create your own business. I'll give you more information tomorrow. Just come up with some ideas," she nodded and everyone started yelling across the room, speaking to -I'm assuming- their chosen partner.

I just sat alone, scribbling in my copybook to make it seem like I was working on something. I knew Mrs. Lopez wasn't watching me, so I slid my shades back down over my eyes. I slouched in my seat, and dug through my bag, finding my poetry book. I laid it on my desk, and looked up at the board thinking. What should I write about?

"Ayee, gaybird!" someone yelled, I could tell from a different angle of the room than I was.

"PEREZ!"

I felt something hit me, and I knew who threw it. Why does Justin always have to bother me? What did I ever do to him? A few snickers fled throughout the room.

"Boys, settle down," I heard Mrs. Lopez say.

I still looked down at my poetry book, not worrying about this stupid project. I hated partner projects. It was just another chance for someone to pick on me.

Riiinnnngg!

Everyone got up immediately and fled the room, except for me and a few girls. They were all gathered around some girl's desk gossiping. I caught a glimpse of their conversation. "How did that happen?" "How long will it be?" "Are you sure you'll be fine?" Were just a few of the things they were asking her.

I shrugged at my thoughts. Whatever they were talking about, it wouldn't be any of my concern or my business.

I slung my bag over my shoulder, and stalked towards the door.

"Jacob?"

I spun on my heels and turned to Mrs. Lopez. "Yeah?"

"I need to ask you a favor."

"Okay, sure."

She pointed towards the girls over there, and I followed her gaze. "You know Dominique, right?" I looked at all of their faces and none of them were recognizable.

"Um, can't say I do."

"Dominique, please come here," she beckoned towards the girls, and they all looked in our direction. Most of them with confused faces. Who could blame 'em, I'm pretty confused too.

"Okay," a girl's voice said. I saw the girls turn towards the seat they were crowded around, and some of them crouched down.

There before me stood a girl, not only a girl, a pretty girl. But, I'm not all for girls at this point in my life. Not after.... No, forget it Jacob.

Then I realized something different about the girl. She was on crutches with a broken leg. Her blue cast was tatted up with signatures as she wobbled over towards us.

"Yes, Mrs. Lopez?" she looked at her, then at me, then back at her.

"Jacob here is going to help you carry your homework home everyday," Mrs. Lopez smiled.