Pulse

6

Hot water burns my skin and I scrub every inch of my flesh as streams from my shower run over me. I take the time to wash under my eyes where stained eye liner and mascara has pooled this last week and I try my best to wash my damaged hair. I shut my eyes and allow the water to fall over my face and I breath in the steam surrounding me. I even take the time to shave my legs for probably the first time this month.
I think the best thing about getting out of the shower is the steam covering the mirror, protecting me from the reflection that I know would be waiting for me otherwise.
I neglect the towel hanging outside the shower door and go straight to slipping my dark clothes on. They stick to my body from the moisture and hug me as if they'd been glued on.
I decide against make up today and since its raining I choose to drive to school, but before I leave I slip out the pack of cigarettes from yesterdays pants and shove them into my pocket.
I know... I don't smoke.

The drive to school is quiet and I've managed to go without hearing that damn voice since this morning. I take the long way even though I know I'll be late, and I stop off at a convenient store to buy an energy drink.
I'm not magic, I can't exactly live off of 1 hour of sleep.
By the time I get to school the parking lot is full, so I opt into parking about 2 blocks away and walking the rest of the way. The rain is cool and comforting, and I instantly regret driving to school instead of walking.

First period bell has already rang by the time I get into the building and all the halls are empty. I walk as slow as possible to my first class, and before I enter I realize this is once again a class that Mike is in.
Ever since the other day in the parking lot I haven't been able to shake the thought of our conversation out of my head.
Well.. His conversation. I didn't exactly contribute much, and I sort of feel bad for driving away so rudely. I've considered apologizing but every time I think about I I also remember his words... About how he knew her too, and how much like her I look. I've been told that enough times in my life, but hearing I from him was different. He had this hint of sorrow in his voice that made me wonder exactly how well he knew her...

When I walk into the room, the entire class is stairing at me including mike, and I feel myself turn red and panicky. I quickly take my seat and the teacher begins talking again. Something about George Washington... I don't know.
When I'm sure that everyone's attention is back on the teacher, I glance over to Mike, whose desk is conveniently only 5 seats away from mine. Today he's in a black FFDP T-shirt and matching black sweat pants. His hair is a mess, but in a sort of cute-teen-dude way. He notices me staring a few times, but I make little to no effort looking away or hiding the fact. I can tell that he isn't paying attention, because he seems to be sketching something. the entire class period I wonder what he's sketching until finally the bell rings and everyone scatters.
I stand up and begin shoving my stuff into my backpack when I see a hand holding something in front of me.
I look up and its mike...

"Hey.. Uh.. Here.." Mike says quickly as he shoves a piece of paper into my hand. I'm in awe but I say nothing. Instead I watch as he leaves the class room.
As soon as he's gone I unfold the paper he handed me and what I see is absolutely amazing.
A perfect sketch of a girl sitting in a desk with wide eyes fills the entire page. Her hair is under a beanie and her expression shows that she's tired but definitely fascinated by whatever she's starring at. It takes me less then five seconds to realize that the drawing is of me.
Under it is Mikes scribbled handwriting. I read it slowly.

"You know, starring is rude. But here's my number If you'd like to talk instead of stair at me next time. 555-762-2190"