Half a Heart

Chapter 5

As I sit in my chair I wait desperately for him to walk through the classroom door. I wait to see those sparkling eyes, that dark hair, that captivating smile. Just as I am about to assume he will be late, he walks in. My breathing ceases at the sight of him…

He’s gorgeous.  

I struggle to not let my smile creep out but I fail. And once he meets my eyes, it only grows. I abruptly shut my eyes hoping it will make this unwelcome smile disperse. But picturing his smirk only keeps it plastered across my lips.

Class consists of nothing but easy reviewing of last semester. Before I know it I’m heading to lunch. This book the teacher gave out to all the students is huge and I have to stagger all the way across the school to reach my locker.

I’m almost there.

“Don’t strain yourself Stephanie” He rushes to my aid.

Zayn.

He slides the backpack strap for my arm.

“Don’t call me that” I murmur. We begin walking down the empty school halls.

“No thank you?” He questions.

I sigh. “Thanks”

A smile appears on his lips.

“Don’t call me Stephanie” I tell him. I hate when people call me that name. Which is the reason why I tell everyone my name is Steph.

“Why not? It’s your name yeah?” He says, the grin not leaving his perfect lips, not sparing me from melting.

“Yes but I prefer Steph…it’s much better” I say awkwardly while emptying the heavy book into my locker.

“But I like Stephanie its...better”

“Are saying my opinion on my full name or nickname is shit?” I accuse him.

He laughs. His laugh makes my knees buckle, my breath hitch. Why is he doing this to me?

“That’s exactly what I’m saying...Stephanie” He smirks and strides away, leaving me alone with these taunting thoughts of him.

Stop smiling. Gosh…I need to stop talking to him.

-----

“Pick a partner you have two minutes” the teacher announces. 

I look back to Zayn, who seems to be already staring at me. He nods his head signifying us as partners.

“Hey wanna be partners?” A short shiny blonde boy asks me. I think about saying yes because I should not be hanging around Zayn anymore, but then I look at him again.

“No sorry I have one already” I smile at the boy. He appears so young but he’s probably my age.

“So I suggest you get to work on these projects as soon as possible after school. I will not have any ‘I forgots’ or ‘I didn’t have enough times’ In my class, am I clear?”

“Yes” The class says in unison.

----

“So let’s go to Starbucks then?” He suggests.

“Starbucks? To work on our project?”

“Yeah and we can reward ourselves with drinks while we’re at it” He smiles.

“Okay fine…I gotta call my mom I’ll be back” 

“Mom” I say into my iPhone.

“Yes hun” She speaks.