Popular Love

Chapter 2

I closed the door behind Mr. Evans and walked still dumb at what I just heard. Gosh, this is not happening. I mean, how could I possibly be assigned on that big responsibility. I don’t have time on that. My schedule is full and I can’t just insert that boy in my sheet, but what about my future? I just can’t destroy my reputation, especially my popularity. Okay. Calm down. Look in the positive side. This might be my only opportunity to get close to him and have my mission. After thinking it over and over again, I have decided just a simple mission – attract Mr. Snob. And I know, it’s my chance, my only chance. I must do it in a smooth way, where none of my possessions would be touched. And I must plan it accordingly.

After lunch, I looked straightaway for Mr. Snob. I scanned him all over the school until I found him at the library. I walked over him with more confidence than usual.

“Hi. I’m here, especially for you to be your tour guide or you may call it partner, just for this sem.” I scrutinize his face for some emotions, but found nothing at all. Instead, he glanced at me and said, “Okay.”

That may be the worst day of my life and you can immediately examine it through my face. Now, I don’t know how to spend my weekend with ton of dismay about what I’ve just done. Agreeing for that assignment without any chance to speak up at all.

After school, I consider looking for Justin Tyree, but failed. He might be anywhere and I just can’t look for him the whole afternoon. That’s why, I wipe him out of my mind for a few minutes or you may call it hours. I tried every means just to block my mind for him. I called my so-called-friends or surf the net or watch movies or read books. But, I just can’t erase him in my mind. So snob. I even try to talk to him, but what did he do, he just still snubbed me. I must try to control my temper and do better this coming Monday. He must take a glimpse or even pay attention.

I still keep my promise in my mind so that I would never forget it. The next day, I did my weekend routines. Early morning, I jogged a few miles and got inside to Cafés and Coffees for my breakfast. After that, I went to the spa to relax. After relaxing, I entered the mall and bought a few shirts and dresses to give addition to my wardrobe. While fitting a shoe at a renowned shop, I noticed Justin lurking around. I can’t believed that I just forgotten him just now. So, I approached him.

“Hi!” I greeted him.

“Oh, Sam,” he still have that expressionless face.

“What a coincidence! What are you doing here?” I talked to him like we’re old buddies.

“Nothing. Just roaming around”

“But you’re looking at the girl’s section.” I have that confused voice of mine.

“Yeah. I just like this shoe. Look.” He pointed at a leather shoes that is for school.

“Don’t tell me.”

“No, no. It’s not like that. I just adore it. It got a unique but incredible style and I think only a person could fit it perfectly.” He smiled a little. We are really having a conversation now. It’s just so weird, because we’re talking about shoes here.

“Who’s that someone? Your girlfriend?” I asked him suspiciously.

“No, my sister.” We’re heading now to a stand for some drinks and seated at the nearest bench.

“You have a sister? Well, I don’t like having a sister. I would just think that she’s greater than me.” I take a sip and looked around. I think his gazing at me.

“I’ve once met a girl who really like having a sister for she could ask advise. She also likes my sister.” He’s still looking at me.

God! Why stare? “I gotta go. I still have a lot to do. Bye! See you on Monday!” I waved at him and he just backed off and went to the other direction. That’s really the first time that I’m having a true conversation with a boy. I can’t understand my feelings for I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. But I won’t worry about it.

Monday came so fast without even tapping my shoulders. I’d worn my uniform, grabbed a breakfast and started walking to school. Usually, I’m so excited every Monday for I would feel that I would have the week again for some picture taking or autograph signing. Actually, it became my habit now. But this morning, I just remembered my assignment and even though we’re partly friends now, I still feel uncomfortable. I went to look for his locker in realizing that maybe he needs my help.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find him. Actually, I felt disappointed just to think about it. I don’t know, but I just felt it. I set foot in the classroom just to realize that he’s actually there. I feel so stupid that I didn’t think about that he’s here. I sat beside him and still feel crestfallen.

“Hey!” I greeted him with a smile on my face. He didn’t respond or maybe he didn’t even hear me. I examined his face and saw no emotions. He looked so absentminded that I’m very eager to find out.

“What are you thinking?” I slammed my book at my desk to let him know that I’m still alive. He stared at me for a moment and said, “Hi.” He looked back at his own world again.

“Did you even hear me?” I still feel annoyed in the way he responded earlier.

“What did you say? I didn’t catch that.”

“Oh, well, I just wanted to talk to kill time, you know…” This time, I felt relieved that he’s finally in the mood to talk.

“Okay, but I think the bell will ring in a few minutes, so we can’t talk.”

“Oh, actually, I have every means to talk in class.”

“So, after substituting the variable, we would check it and using…” The teacher continued her discussion again and again.

‘What is she talking about’ I passed a paper to Justin. A moment later, I received his paper.

‘Well, if you’ll try to listen, you’ll understand’

“…and if it’s true, then, it’s the solution…”

‘Maybe, you could teach me?’ I passed again the paper and received it again.

‘What? Now?’ I glanced at him and smiled. He’s listening to the teacher. Good boy.

‘It depends on you. That is, if you’re willing’ I passed it again. It took him a while to return the paper.

‘Okay’

‘When do you – ‘

“Sam.”

‘ – we could –‘

“ Samantha.”

‘ – start the – “

“SAMANTHA!” I stood in attention in the call of my name.

“Yes!”

“Could you give me any solution to this system?” She said it with a soft voice. I looked at Justin for a while and made a face asking for help. And he just shrugged.

“Well… You’re with this Mr. Tyree?” She looked at him raising an eyebrow. “Detention. Cafeteria. After lunch.” And the bell rang.

“It’s unfair! I mean she never ever caught me doing this.” It’s recess break and I faced him.

“Not with you. Maybe, you’re the one who let the teacher caught us.” I studied him for a second and looked away.  “BYE!” And I walked, feeling miserable.