REWRITING Burn You Alive

Chapter 3

Round 3: JAZZ

“I’m, uh, I’m gay.” Addams said smiling.

The whole classroom was in chaos after Addams chose to unveil his orientation. I mean, who would have thought that he was actually a faggot? But then again, I just met Addams today.

Ms. Styles tried to silence everyone in the room, but they just won’t stop. Therefore, she reluctantly gave up, sat on the teacher’s chair, and waited for us to be quiet.

One girl from the back came running to him and slammed her hands on Addams seat, “Alexi, tell us it’s not true!”

Addams, without hesitation, replied, “I might also be bisexual. But I still prefer burritos over tacos, y’know?”

The girls in class sighed in relief. What is with them? They’re relieved he’s bisexual even though he still prefers men. Heh, women. I don’t think there will ever be a time when you could understand them.

Ms. Styles tried to silence everyone again, but her attempt failed and she slumped back to her seat once more. Poor her. This might be her hardest advisory class ever since most troublemakers are here.

“Free time, everyone. And no one is going out until the second bell rings.”

Fifteen minutes passed and the first bell rung.

“Okay, students, it is time for all of you to meet your subject teachers. The students from the special class may go to their respective rooms. Mr. Lewis, Mr. Addams, you may now go.” Ms. Styles said turning to us.

Addams and I walked out of the room together. We walked down the clean and empty halls of the school, turned right and stopped at the elevator entrance.

“Why?”

“Huh?” I asked confused.

“Why?” He asked again.

“Why what? Finish your sentences. Geez.” I muttered.

As we entered the small metal room, Addams continued to pester me,

“Why do you, um, strongly dislike me?” He silently asked.

I looked at him, surprised.

“Because.” I answered, embarrassed, not telling him that I didn’t like him for some childish reason like him outranking me.

“Look who can’t finish their sentences.” He chuckled.

I turned around so he wouldn’t see my red face.

“Why?” he asked again.

“Because you stole my spotlight. That’s why I dislike you. You took my place in the rankings. There. Happy?” I finally said. Dammit. I want to make a pistol magically appear and shoot his balls.

“Oh.” Was his only response.

A moment of silence.

“So, if I give you back your rank, will you, you know, like me?”

I paused to consider this. Will I like him if I got my number one rank back? I’ve never taken this into consideration. If I got my rank back, I will still dislike his cocky attitude. I turned to him for my response.

DING

The elevator door opened. Is it already the seventh floor? Guess not, I thought as I see Devon Sterling enter the elevator. Devon was the one who spotted third in the special list. He’s half Asian and always wore dark colored clothes. Even when he wears yellow, it still seems dark, which is weird. He never fails to look glum and gothic with a depressing aura around him. He has a good fashion sense, though.