Unlucky Soul

Chapter seven

"Sit here please," my science teacher Dr.McGee says pointing to a chair in the second row of lab stations.

I sit down and look through my papers. Memorizing my classes and hallway routes. Taking mental notes on on the major areas in the school, and guessing which routes I can take to avoid the most people.

I do this for about ten minutes until the bell rings and students begin to enter.

Only about half of them notice me or acknowledge me with stares, questioning looks, and raised eyebrows. 

Only one girl gives me a smile and a friendly wave which I return before she sits in the seat behind me and starts talking to her friend.   

The cycle of people trickling in, (some staring at me) sitting down by friends and immediately starting to chat and catch up goes on for another few minutes. 

And then there was me. 

So alone. So out of place in this new world. Not knowing what to do or what to say. That's why I keep to myself. Going to a new school wasn't going to change that.

By the time the second bell rings, all the seats are full.

Except for the one next to me.

Dr. McGee turns around from the whiteboard where he has written his name. 

"Good morning everyone, I'm Dr. McGee. But if that gets too much for you to bear, just call me Mr. M or Dr.M," he stops, eyes scanning the room. "I am looking forward to a great school year with you all, but first I need to introduce a new student in our midst," he gestures to me, alone at the end of the row, "miss Goreman, would you like to tell the class a few things about yourself?"

My answer of "no, not really," was not meant to be a joke, but it earns a few chuckles and giggles from across the room. But with one stern look from Dr. McGee, I stand up anyway, trying to ignore the eyes on me that seem to burn holes into my body. 

As you can see, I do not like being the center of attention.

"Hi everyone, I'm Mary-Katherine, but I go by MK and I'm new here... obviously," I clear my throat. "I love reading, writing, and-" I'm interrupted by the door opening. And through it steps a boy. The one from the park. The one whose football nearly broke my skull.

"Yo," he says with his hands in his pockets.

The whole room erupts with that syllable. Shouts of "aye Chris," "what's up man?" "Hey dude," and other such variations come from many of the boys. 

Girls squeal and giggle, produce flirty stretched out greetings and waves, some even fake faint.

Well, that's a bit excessive, I think, taking this time to sit back down without being noticed. They're acting like he's some sort of movie star. I roll my eyes.

Once the chaos dies down, Dr.M speaks.

"Ah mister Hill, so nice of you to join us. I hope you have a good reason for being tardy?" Chris just shrugged, face blank. Dr.M sighed and pointed to the empty seat next to me. "Very well then, just take your seat so we can begin our lesson." I smile to myself. Crisis averted. Thank you, Chris and your tardiness. 

Chris nods and moves over to plop down next to me. I have to stop myself from staring intensely.

"Oh, and Mister Hill? I hope your antics don't continue throughout the year," Dr.M says before giving a short clap and starting the lesson.

It's just class review so I don't pay too much attention. I take a few notes, although I spend time sneaking looks at Chris hill from the corner of my eye.