lost.

calculus

billy//

Rosy lips, translucent skin, long golden strands and kaleidoscope eyes.

I let out a puff of smoke and watch it form into shapes I don't understand. Lyle was the one who could read cigarette smoke.

Elaine.

I looked her up in the yearbook, her last name's Trott. I nudge Terrance, who's rolling up a blunt.

"You know Trott?"

Terrance looks up and his hood falls down a little. "Jason Trott?"

"Elaine." I breathe, taking another drag.

"Oh sure. Elaine Trott, the teacher's pet. What shit do you have to pick with her?"

I sneer at him and he shrinks back. "None of your fucking business. I just want information."

A creepy, wide smile stretches across Terrance's face as the bell rings for second period. "All information comes with a price."

I scoff. "Since when has that been a problem?" I drag him to his feet, causing him to spill his weed and kiss him hard on the mouth. He tastes like beer, but I palm him through his pants a bit and then shove him into the garbage container behind him.

"Elaine Trott. Go."

He catches his breath. "You're a bit feisty."

I glare at him, and slide my pocket knife out of my sleeve, letting the sun hit the metal.

"Okay okay, Trott has track practice after school and goes to the park every Wednesday to jog. I can get you her class schedule and phone number."

I grind my teeth. "You're a filthy rat." I spit at his feet. "Do it."

I turn and throw my cigarette on the ground behind me, and make my way to second period. Calculus tests are the only reason I haven't been kicked out.

-------

Blond hair whips around. The sound of soft laughter, a smile from a pair of rosy lips I recognize. Eyes crinkling like paper airplanes and baby soft hands.

Elaine Elaine Elaine Elaine Elaine.

---

"-up! Goddamnit, I said wake up, Billy! Fuck."

I jolt awake. Terrance scurries back.

"Why the fuck-"

Terrance shoves a piece of paper in my face.

Elaine's schedule, with a messy number scribbled at the bottom.

"While you were drooling on your finished calculus test, I found what you're looking for. It's all here, Dwight."

I take the paper with him and shoot a sneer at him. "Don't call me Dwight."

"Dwight."

I grab a handful of his collar and his feet lift from the ground a little. "Que dijiste?"

Terrance's eyes widen as his hands fly up, shaking. I drop him and gather my things. "Third period, right?"