Before the Factor

Just another class

I walk into class just before the professor starts the lesson. My smile is apologetic and I take my seat in the back of the class by the window.

My eyes wander and I end up watching the birds fly from branch to branch. How they spread their wings and sing to each other. There's one in particular that I find myself staring at again and again, it has green wings and white flecks across its torso. It reminds me of Harry, I guess. His gorgeous eyes and pink lips dance across my imagination, making me sigh slightly.

Next thing I know the bell rings and I'm off to social studies. I stop by my locker and grab my books. Almost immediately I see Jessica lean on Harry's locker and Sarah not too far behind. She stands so close that her designer perfume starts to choke me.
"Hello, Angela," she says as she picks at her nails, "so are you and Harry a thing now?"

I slam my locker, and she jumps, looking startled.
As I level my glare at her I hear Harry's voice in my head, reminding me that she wants me to get mad.

A sigh escapes my lips as I grab my backpack and turn to walk away when Jessica grabs my arms and yanks me back.
"I'm not done talking to you," she says with venom in her voice.

I yank my arm away and take a step closer to her, so close that Im less than an inch away from her.
Her perfume chokes me, but I don't care. I hear my heartbeat in my ears, I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins.
"Don't ever touch me again." I whisper to her.

I turn and walk away before I punch her. I knew if I stayed any longer that I would.

I wall into class and take my seat, it's in the middle of the class so I'm not by a window. But that doesn't stop me from daydreaming.

What if I stayed longer? Would I have hit her?

As the teacher drones on I think about Harry, and what he said. Band is next and he's always there early.

I'll be able to tell him then.

I feel the excitement bubbling in my stomach. I'm going to tell him.

I promise myself that today, I am going to tell him I like him.