Parallax

Chapter 2: Blue and Gold

Monday and Tuesday went by surprisingly fast. I almost finished my science project, and Creed, Anne, and I almost perfected our trio.

It was Wednesday that went by slower than normal, probably because I was looking forward to my brother's blue and gold banquet (because of the food, of course).

7th period seemed like it took the longest. Creed and I passed notes all period, making fun of our teacher, Mrs. Merrick, and just talking about random stuff. A couple times, Mrs. Merrick almost caught us, but luckily we were too cunning and quick for her. 

I kept glancing at the clock, eager to get home. 3:01. We had nine minutes.

I tapped random rhythms on my desk and my eyes wandered around the classroom.

My mind wandered, thinking about what I wanted to do with my life.

"Miss. King!"

"Hmm?" I snapped out of my daydream and found Mrs. Merrick tapping her foot, looking at me with her beady eyes.

She pursed her lips and said accusingly, "Well, maybe if you were paying attention, you would know what assignment you have tonight."

I blushed and the class laughed. I mumbled under my breath, and she asked, "What was that?"

"Nothing," I answered.

"Tell me, or I will send you to Mr. Utley."

Mr. Utley was the principal. I did not want to go there.

I smiled innocently. "I was just saying how much I love your outfit today."

The class stifled laughs and Mrs. Merrick raised an eyebrow. Mrs. Merrick is really old, and she didn't have the greatest fashion sense. "Oh, really?'

"Mm hmm," I reassured her.

"Well...thank you!"

I smiled sweetly.

"Mr. Martin, will you please explain the homework assignment to Roth here, please?"

"Sure," he muttered, coming over to my desk. "What a hag," he whispered to me.

My eyes widened and I nodded. "Mm hmm."

He explained the assignment to me, and I glanced back up at the clock. 3:06. Dang.

Creed sat back down at his desk and I passed him a note, thanking him for the help. He smiled at me and nodded in reply. I smiled back and twirled my hair, bored as heck. I looked at the clock again. 3:09. I held my breath. Less than a minute.

I gritted my teeth. Minutes didn't normally last this long. At least, I didn't think they did.

The bell rang-finally-and I rushed out of the class, eager to get away form Mrs. Merrick. I hurried to my locker, but before I could make it there, I was stopped by Claire Foust.

"Hey Claire," I say, baffled. Claire wasn't the kind of person who would stop you in the hallway, especially someone who wasn't one of her best friends.

"Oh, um, hi Roth," she answered nervously. "Well, um, I'm having a party next Friday, and I was, um, wondering if you'd like to come."

I raised an eyebrow. Claire was the shy kid who sits in the back of the class. She wasn't known to be the party animal. In fact, I don't think she's ever thrown a party in her life, not even a birthday party.

"Uh," I replied. "Sure, I guess."

"G-Great," she exclaimed. "C-Can I have your number so I can text you the details?"