Bittersweet

ii.

Val's tired eyes fluttered shut and open again. She leaned wearily against her locker, watching the students and teachers hustle around her, trying to get to where they were going. She stood still, taking everything in. Teenage boys nudging each other as they walked, teenage girls whispering quietly while glaring at other students, teachers just looking pissed off; the norm.

A loud voice caught her attention as a lanky boy came booming down the hallway toward her, a coffee in one hand and tea in the other.

"Coffee for you, m'dear!" 

"Richie," she sighed, taking the drink from his hand, "you don't have to, you know that."

"I like to."

Richie was someone who Val would consider a best friend. He was tall, slim and an all-around great person, someone who would do anything for anyone, which was all the reasons Val loved him.

"So, any news?" he questioned as he sipped his drink and leaned against the locker beside Val's, facing her. 

She mimicked his moves and sipped her drink before leaning and facing him. "Uh, not much. I hooked up with a guy Friday evening, in a coffee shop."

Richie's mouth fell agape before turning into a mischievous smile. "Scandalous!" he gasped, wiggling his eyebrows. "A name?"

"Todd," Val whispered so passer-by's wouldn't take notice. "It was... pretty great."

"A coffee shop, huh," Richie giggled, "please tell me you did it in the bathroom and not over the counter."

Val laughed just as the bell rung out, signalling their first class was beginning. The two of them turned on their heels and made their way across the school towards their class. 

"We have a new maths teacher," Richie said, "Ms. Lonergan left on maternity leave, she might even be quitting."

"Really?" Val sighed. "I liked her. Do you know who the new teacher is?"

"Dunno, someone young I think, straight out of college."

"Fan-fuckin'-tastic," Val groaned, expressing her hatred towards young teachers. Richie could only laugh at this, understanding the feeling.

Stood outside the math's classroom were two girls Val knew as Thing 1 and Thing 2; their real names being Monica and Candice, more known for her nickname, Candy.

Monica and Candy instantly caught sight of Richie as he strutted towards the gushing females. He pushed his hair aside, stepping forward to stand between the two girls, an arm wrapped around either one of their shoulders. Val watched from afar, instantly amused.

Before she could properly listen in on the bullshit Richie was drilling in to their brains, the second bell went off, signalling that they needed to be in their seats asap. The girls skipped in to the classroom, Val and Richie following close behind, laughing quietly.

Each and every student rushed to find their seat among the classroom, pairing up to sit at the doubled up tables. Val, of course, took her seat beside Richie, both of them silently taking out their books and pens and whatnot. 

The rustling and chattering of students died down when the door shut and someone came in. Val only focused on her work, rushing to copy last weeks homework from Richie.

"Good morning, students!" 

The voice was instantly familiar but she ignored it and continued to rush with the work, hoping it was at least somewhat read-able.

"Oh my, I would," Richie whispered beside her, stiffing a giggle.

"I'm going to be filling in for Ms. Lonergan for a while, my name is Mr. Watson."