{COMPLETED} ✔ December Bloom

thirteen

I rubbed my eyes sleepily as I half-listened to the drone of the teacher as she went on about god knows what I do not know nor care.

I was in English/Literature right now, we were discussing poems I think. Now, normally, I would've been alert and listening but this teacher was a substitute and she made everything so boring, even her name…jeez, I can't even remember what it was…

"Project!" the teacher suddenly said, clapping her hands together in a delighted way. I was immediately awake and listening.

I love projects. Call me a geek, teacher's pet, I don't give a purple Chihuahua's tail.

"I will pair you up according to this list." she announced. I groaned. I looked up at the ceiling, praying desperately to God that he would not put me with Dante. Yes, Dante was in my class. I ignored him for the majority of it though and he, me.

"Anya Wafers and Esther Limbers!"

"Reese Seaton and Robert Tustin!"

"Norah Parker and…Claire McHale!"

I winced. I turned around to see Claire bounding over to me.

No offence to her but she is a ditz. A real live one. Really, she's always hanging off the guys' arms and looking…ditzy. Okay, I've never talked to her before but her appearance pretty much says it all. Jenna, Wes and I all feel the same way. She's a cheerleader. With blonde wavy hair. Baby blue eyes. Tanned skin. Typical evil. Mean, slutty etc.

You get the picture.

"The project that I am setting you will be due in, three weeks from now. You will have to find a famous poet, copy out one or his/hers poems and present it in the best way possible. Extra marks will go out to students who put in extra effort. Class dismissed." she announced then began gathering up her papers. I sighed heavily, stuffing my books in my bag. Then, I turned around only to see Claire grinning at me. I smiled nervously at her.

I mean, what with her being a cheerleader and all, she would've made her escape by now seeing as I clearly fall under the 'Freaks' category.

"Claire McHale, it's nice to meet you." she stuck her hand out and I shook it.

"Norah Parker, nice to meet you too." I replied, confused.

"I have to say this one thing first before we start anything. I know that I am a ditz to a lot of people, it's the image that I have been projecting to everyone for years on end. Truth is, I'm not. I'm just a normal kind of girl. Sure, I may be a cheerleader but I'm not stupid, I know what I want. Well, that was all, just wanted to clarify that. See you around? Bye!" she told me quickly, rushing it all out before making a hasty exit.

I was left standing in the middle of my now-empty English classroom, staring after her with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.

What the hell?

I ran right after her.

"Hey! Claire! Wait!" I called. She slowed to a stop before looking at me with wide eyes.

"Uh...are you okay? Really? Do you need the nurse or something?" I asked her a little worriedly.

She groaned and dropped her head into her hands, shaking her head.

"Oh god, I knew this would happen! Stupid me!" she exclaimed, slightly annoyed.

I just watched her nervously with wide eyes.

"Look, I'm sorry Norah. I know this is really sudden it's just…oh why am I even bothering? I'm just a ditz. Look, forget about what I said, alright? Tomorrow, you can come to my dorm at 4, dorm number 121. Okay? Fine!" and with that she stomped off.