a world of lies

chapter two

    I headed into fourth block, sadly Catherine wasn't in this class with me. Once I sat down, I opened my notebook, pulling out my notes, along with my highlighters. Yes, I was a nerd. 

"Good afternoon class," Mrs. Jefferson spoke. "Today we have a returning student. Why don't you still introduce yourself?"
"Hey, my names Parker if you didn't know. Parker Michaels."
    I looked up, seeing his eyes sparkle. My thoughts became tides, drowning me. Leaving me with only two seconds of air. Why was he back? 

    In that instant my skin became pale, my mouth hung open with my lips slightly parted and my eyes were as wide as the could stretch. I wanted to erupt in a furious state. At this point I was rigid with fury, clasping my hands, clenching my fists.

"There is a seat next to Mae, so why don't you sit down over there?"
Of course.

    He looked over at me. Instead of seeming upset, his facial expression was blank, as if he had no emotions. Parker sat down in the seat directly in front of me. I looked at the back of his head. I wanted to point out all of his flaws, seeing I was angry. But I couldn't find one. I fell in love with everything about him. His chiseled chin and his strong, wide shoulders. His hair that was easy to tug, that ran though your fingers like silk. 

    Class then started: it was World History. It was my best subject, but I couldn't seem to wrap my mind around it. Instead, I was focused on him. All the memories we had together, the ones we shared. Why did he come back? I thought he was finally happy?

* * * *

I walked out of the classroom, keeping my head up. I went straight to my locker, not paying attention to my surroundings. Once I finished grabbing my things, I looked at the floor and headed to my car. 

"Oof!"

I fell to the floor, on top of a well built figure. 
"I'm so, so sorry! Are you o-"
Suddenly, I learned who I fell on top of: Parker. 

    He looked at me, eyes wide. "I'm fine, are you?"

    My face was stuck in an incredulous expression and maintained an unblinking stare. I looked like a deer in the woods, finding out there was a hunter after me.

"Mae?"
"I'm fine," I spat. I retrieved my books and papers quickly. He kept trying to help me, but I pushed him away. 

    I exited the doors, once I did, I sprinted to my car, not wanting to look back. I opened my car door and sat there, trying not to cry. But instead, the tears fell down my face. They rolled down like tides, wanting to find the shore. I checked myself in the mirror; makeup was plastered on my face as if a little kid did it. I grabbed a makeup wipe from my bag, leaving my face spotless. Instead of having my face naked, I put on a layer of mascara. 

* * * *

"Mae! Someone's at the door for you!"

"Coming," I yelled running down the stairs. 

   Coming towards the front door, I saw Catherine. 

"You could've let her upstairs," I mumbled.

"I brought ice cream," she said, holding up a Walmart bag.

"What's the occasion?"
She stood in silence for a moment, then replied," How about we just go up now to eat it? I don't want it to melt."
"Okay," I said, seeming confused.

We walked upstairs into my room. I sat on my bed and she closed the door behind her. 

"How are you?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I saw him," she stuttered.

I froze. I didn't want to bring him up. I didn't want her to know I was in pain.

"Oh, I saw him too." I looked at her as if I didn't feel anything about him.

"Mae?"
"Yes," I spat, trying to hold back tears.

She looked at me for a moment, letting silence settle in. Then she opened her mouth, as if to say something. "Alright then. How about we eat it anyways?"
"Sounds good to me."

I grabbed the remote and turned on the tv. Catherine kept looking at me, but I didn't make eye contact. 

* * * *

I changed in the bathroom, putting on my night gown. Walking downstairs, I heard mom talk low on the phone.
"Of course, just don't let her find out. She would be mad at me."

I slipped on one step, causing her to turn around.

"Oh hey Mae! Are you heading to bed?"
"Who was on the phone with you?"
"Just Catherine's parents. They wanted to know if you were going to spend the night Friday."
"Okay," I said, feeling awkward.

"Goodnight, get some rest."
"Night?"
I headed upstairs, seeming confused about what just happened. I decided to ignore it though, I already have enough on my mind.