Solitude

Chapter Four: Taking A Hint

Number thirty-six. Problem number thirty-six. I think in my head. Find the area of the largest rectangle with one side on the x-axis and is inscribed in a triangle formed by the line y=x, y=0, and 2x+y=12. First we... we.... What the hell do I do?

I try to remember what I had just been taught in math, but the shuffling and distracting noises coming from my right make it hard. I find the slope and have the idea of what to do next when my train of thought is interrupted.

"So," new/possibly hot guy begins, "Calculus BC eh? Damn, you're smart. Who knew chicks could be hot and focused on their studies, huh?"

I bite the inside of my cheek and almost smile, when memories come flooding back.

"Wow, you're so good at math, I can never get this stuff straight. Thanks for helping me. And... I bet everyone's told you this, but you look pretty, Evangeline. Really pretty."

"Damn girl you look good"

"She's smart too, advanced math and English."

"Gosh I love your hair, it's so pretty!"

"Hey can you help me after school? I'm struggling with lesson 9."

"Were you born with that hair color?"

"Gosh Evangeline, you're so lucky, pretty and smart."

"I wish I were you, you have such a perfect life."

Tears well up in my eyes and I blink them back before they can spill. I'm on the verge of crying, and I'm at school. I thought I was over crying at school. I thought I was now immune to things kids say. But I guess in the long run when it comes to two years ago, my barriers can be penetrated, and that's what I'm really afraid of.

I continue to silently work on my math when not five seconds later he says,

"Do you have a problem with talking with people? Like not necessarily anti-social, just more like you can't talk that much because of a health issue or something? Or maybe.... oh wait! I got it!" He jumps out of his seat, but no one notices because of all the usual commotion that happens during study hall with Mr. Matthews, "Someone told you a secret and you're bad at keeping them, so you don't want to talk too much!"

He snaps his fingers and points at me looking all excited.

"I hit it right on the nose, didn't I?" he questions, with so much energy he could power a 5000 watt light bulb.

I mentally sigh, this guy is just like his sister, he can never shut up.

b equals... ugh what does b equal? I look back at my previous work. 2 over 1-x times x plus b...

"I know I'm only in Algebra 2 but I think part of the answer is b equals negative two x over something." a voice cuts into my thoughts.

At first, I have no idea what he's talking about, but then I process the words, and I look over at my paper filled with math problems. I stare at what I had just been working on and think over what new guy had just said. He's right you know, my conscious cuts in, that's part of the answer to the problem.

Quickly, I scribble it down and the rest of the answer comes easily to me, 1 minus x. I mumble a quick thank you and continue working, but not without hearing the classic line of,

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

I look up at him and only intend to glare at him briefly when his facial expression stops me. He's not smirking smugly like a typical arrogant boy would, he's just grinning slightly, his eyes twinkling in amusement.