Strum On My Heartstrings

Chapter 4

The bell rang and I skedaddled my way to my Social Studies class trying to push away my annoyance. I walked in to see most of the students already in their seats chatting away with their friends. I just stood by the door as I observed the classroom surroundings. It was fully equipped with interactive media equipment like ceiling–mounted projectors and DVD players, everything looked brand new. This time, I can’t say that I’m not impressed.

Moments later, a guy who looks like he’s in his thirties walks in and everyone went into their seats, so he’s most likely my new Social Studies teacher, I went up to him and introduced myself.

I stuck out my hand, “Hi, Sir. I’m the new transfer, Jesabelle Alliston?”

“Oh hi there, yes the school informed me about you. Call me Mr. Evans and welcome to Social Studies here in Melrose High.” Mr. Evans replied as his enormous hand engulfed mine to shake it. He seems nice enough. “Nice to have you here with us.” He said with his professor-esque voice.

I turned around to face my new classmates, they were all staring at me blankly, some of them looked at me jeeringly. Maybe it was my outfit, I probably had worn a little too casual for their liking, most of the girls had at least something to accessorize their outfit with, even most of the guys were wearing striking Ralph Lauren shirts. I guess I call myself a Comfort-over-Fashion kind of girl when it comes to attending school.

Mr. Evans didn’t seem to notice my discomfort. He introduced me to the class, and made me tell them where I came from, so I did. I began to feel sweat trickling at the nape of my neck as I looked at their gaping faces. Times like this when I preferred the company of the undead. Wealthy sixteen-year-olds can be really scary. Thankfully, Mr. Evans only made me stand there for a minute under all those stares, and then he told me to take a seat.

“Let me see…” he scanned the classroom. “Why don’t you have a seat with our very own Liana Pierce?” he pointed at empty seat next to a pretty tanned girl, she had curly honey-blond hair with a streak of pink extensions which I thought was pretty cool. She was busy flipping through a Vogue magazine until she heard her name being called so she looked up.

“Seriously? There’s a reason why this seat has been empty all year long. It’s because I like the company of someone named ‘No One’, Mr. Evans.” The girl, Liana, complained. I should probably feel offended but surprisingly I wasn’t.

Mr. Evans sighed, “Well, Ms. Pierce, I’m afraid ‘No One’ is going to be replaced by Ms. Jesabelle Alliston today. And I trust your decent self to make her feel welcomed.”

She gave me a glance and let out a heavy sigh, “Fine. But if she turns out to be a disturbance then she moves.”

“Very well Ms. Alliston, off to your seat, I have a class to get on with.” Said Mr. Evans. I nodded, thanked him then scrambled directly to where I was assigned to save myself from the awkward stares.

I sat down and settled my books on the table. Mr. Evans had turned around to write something on the board. I glanced at Liana while she was still continuously flipping through her magazine, she must have sensed me looking at her when she turned her head to face me, so I gave her a friendly smile.

“So um, thanks for letting me sit here.” I said

“No problemo. Though I did really enjoy being solitary.” She replied

“I’m sorry about that.” I apologized, but she just waved me off. I decided to give her some privacy so I opened my textbook and begin reading through the contents. As soon as I did that, this girl a few seats away snickered and went, under her breath, but perfectly audibly, “Congratz on scoring yourself a seat next to the outcast.”