unconsciously searching

Chapter 5

I could feel the 30 pairs of eyes burning into my face as I entered my science classroom the next day. I didn't dare look at Beth's face, I had gone through enough embarrassment in the past 24 hours.

Mr Collins turned to look at me, standing at the enterence

Of the classroom.

"Uh, sorry I'm late"

I bowed my head down, hoping he hadn't seen the quality of my face.

There was a silence

"Um, class please finish up the lab we started last class, I'll be with you guys in a moment"

I saw his feet appear right in front of me

"Gem step outside for a second"

My face suddenly felt very hot. Jeez, I hated this. I hated looking different, I hated people staring at me, I hated the attention.

We stood outside in the cold, uninviting hallways. I could tell he was looking at my face but I kept my eyes glued to the concrete floor.

"You ok?"

I quickly nodded

"Are you sure? Gem if something's up you can tell me"

I shook my head.

"Well, what happened?"

I could feel my palms get sweaty and I started to shake a bit. I didn't want anyone to know, I didn't need that right now.

"It's ok, I just fell" I wanted to say.

"Haha, funny story.." I thought.

"Come on gem, just lie, he'll leave you alone" I told my self, but I couldn't get those words past my lips.

So I shrugged.

There was an erie silence

Then he quietly whispered

"Did someone do this to you?"

I felt my chin hit my chest as I slowly nodded.

I was so embarrassed.

I was supposed to be here, making a new start for myself and shit and I couldn't even lie to my science teacher.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

That was the easiest question to answer, I quickly shook my head "No"

He sighed.

"Gem, I know all about you, and I know things have been tough"

I looked up at him. Me Collins was a nice guy, I thought.

"So, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm usually here late anyway, I could use a buddy"

I smiled and nodded.

"Ok, you better get in there, Beth's waiting"

My stomach lurched

"Ok" I finally said. I felt like an idiot but I quickly walked into the classroom and took my seat beside Beth.

"Hi, I'm Gem" I said, avoiding eye contact

I heard her giggle,

Which made me force down a smile

"Hey Gem, I'm Beth. What happened to your face?"

"Pack of wild dogs"

I said. She laughed, and I smiled.

"We'll then, you seem pretty brave"

I turned to her

"Oh I'm not! I cried like a baby"

This time she exploded in a full out laugh, I laughed too.

Gosh she was so pretty, her smile was so perfect the way she laughed. I couldn't stop looking at her lips, they were a red-ish pink and looked really smooth. I wanted to kiss her right there, but I resisted.

"Hey so for this science lab, I thought we should start soon"

I nodded, not really caring about what she said, I was more focused on her soft curls. I wanted to run my fingers through her hair.

"And we should hang out"

I nodded

"Yea, for the project! Maybe Saturday?"

She shook her head

"So not Saturday?" I asked confused.

"No, when I said 'hang out' I didn't mean doing the project."

My stomach started turning

"What did you mean?"

She blushed and looked away

Gosh I couldn't stop looking at her.

"I meant, dinner and a movie Friday night? You could pick me up at 6"

My head went spinning. I couldn't believe my luck. Did this just happen?

"Ok!" I said softly, but not hiding my excitement.

"Ok good, I'm looking forward to it"

I nodded

"Me too"

The bell rung. A flush of sadness rushed through me. I didn't want to leave her.

"You can walk me to class if you want to"

I nodded

"I do want to"

We got up and walked out of the classroom together

"So, tell me about yourself"'

She said, her long legs swiftly pacing themselves down the hallway

"Well, right now" I said

"I feel like the luckiest guy in the world"