The Strength Of the Heart

It Was Always Just A Dream - 3

Another week goes by without incident. I didn't see her in the hallway, she moved seats to be closer to her friends, and I was lucky that she didn't do any of the sports I did (which, to be clear, was none). I start to wonder if I ever had that feeling at all. But on one fateful afternoon, everything changed. I sometimes wonder if that was the day my life changed, if it was all planned. For that day, was the day Chloe and I were put together

It was seventh period and we were about to leave for math, our last class of the day. It was a calm summer's day, where you could wear a T-shirt and not get cold, or a jersey and not die of heat stroke. We were on our way to class when the speakers buzzed to life and we heard Professor James's voice.

"All fourth year students to the assembly hall. All fourth year students gather in the assembly hall"

And suddenly the corridors were alive with the buzz of students hoping they were going to miss their classes. Everyone was ecstatic, they're happiness written all over their faces. I saw Justin across the hallway, walking towards me. He looks like he just saved the world, hair in his face, smug smile like he just defeated every supervillan in his limited edition Captain America comics.
"Dude! Free period!" he shouted excitedly.

"Its not. We still have to see James. We might not even be there that long" I said.

I really wasn't getting my hopes up just to be shoved back into Math class at the end of it.

"Stop being a downer bro!" he replied. "Things lighten up when you look on the bright side".

I couldn't help smiling. We walked together and found seats in front, close to the stage. As James walked onto the stage and cleared his throat, the room went quiet.

"Ladies, and Gentle-students, it has come to my attention that majority of you do not participate in extra-curricular activities. Frankly, I am appalled that a group with such potential would waste it in such a way. However, I have decided to take matters into my own hands. Everyone here will now be enrolled in a compulsory, ECA."

At that point, the entire room erupted with complaints from the people who already did ECAs and those who didn't want to. I mean, it made sense from a teacher's point of view (sort of), but since I was not one, I did not feel inclined to explain it everyone else.

"Awww what!" Justin cried. "That's not fair! I have stuff to do! Major sleep to catch up on!"

I guess Professor James finally had enough of it because he stepped forward, hands in his suit pockets, with a glare like dragon in it's nest, and silenced the room without a word.

"And just in case you're thinking of skipping it, there is a 3 month detention penalty for anyone who doesn't show up to their ECA consistently."he growled. He started walking off the stage but stopped halfway. "The lists are in the hall. Now get back to class"

And just as quickly as it had happened, it was over. The drizzle of happiness was over. Just like that. People began filing out the hall, dragging their feet like they were inexperienced at walking. I passed by the boards on the way there. I was put in debate. One of the calmer ECAs, as far as ECAs go. There were only 5 people there.

And one of them was Chloe.