the alternate us

oo4 | peanutbutter spoons

oo4
peanutbutter spoons

I called my father three times last night, but got no answer.

My father worked as a salesman. He marketed and sold fancy watches to high rollers in Europe. This meant that he was out of town for weeks at a time, sometimes even months. It sucked that he was barely ever home, but he'd worked that way for as long as I could remember so I was used to it. It was easier when I was growing up though, because I had my grandmother who looked after us. That changed after she passed away three years ago.

    I tapped my pen on my thigh anxiously as I sipped from my coffee. I only got three hours of sleep last night, and I didn't even have time to brush my hair this morning. It was tied in an unkempt bun on the top of my head. I smoothed some of my baby hairs back and doodled in my journal while I waited for class to begin. At some point I felt my eyes droop closed as the voices surrounding me faded away, sending me into a peaceful darkness.

I woke up a few minutes later to a solid tapping on the back of my head, jolting me awake. I rubbed my eyes as I sat up, squinting at my disruptor.

"Rise and shine Brinley."

    I groaned and slumped back into the desk. Why did he have to keep showing up? This past week I've had more encounters with him than I've had the past five years.

  "Class started five minutes ago, your welcome to join the party." He said so lowly it was almost a whisper, leaning in next to my ear so only I could hear him. I felt my heart speed up from the proximity, and his warmth of his breath tickle my ear. But still I was unfazed.

    When I didn't respond once again he continued, "Did you know you drool? It's funny actually, so much spit came outta your mouth it's crazy you didn't choke on any."

    I felt my cheeks heat up as I looked away, wiping the area around my mouth. Fortunately for my ego, there was no drool. I rolled my eyes, "Be quiet Maverick."

    He smirked and sat back, crossing his arms as his gaze flickered back and forth from me and the teacher. I watched his bicep twitch as he shook his head, "That's all I had to say to get a reaction from you?" He said incredulously with a scoff, "C'mon Kaia, I thought you were more complex than that." He egged on, waiting for me to react.

    "How do you even know my name?" I blurted, sounding rude without meaning to. I went to apologize but he cut me off before I could.

    His eyebrows were furrowed, "I've gone to school with you for years," he replied with a shrug, "You think after this many years I wouldn't know your name? Your older siblings were quite the wonder twins too might I say." He added, giving me a feigned impressed look.

    I only hummed in response and turned around, waiting for the teacher to start talking again. All he did was place notes for us to copy on the board, which would undoubtedly be on line as well. That must've been why Maverick wasn't taking any. Well, that and he was ridiculously intelligent.

    After scribbling down a page of notes I finally became uncomfortable beside him. He'd been staring at me the whole time, letting out small laughs each time I shifted in my seat. I felt like an insect under a microscope. It was only a matter of time before I was fed up.

    "Why are you sitting here?" I let out in exasperation, turning to face him. His stoic look remained intact.

    Maverick shrugged, "Why do you always sit alone?" He asked, completely ignoring my question.

    I frowned, "I told you at the football game," I reminded in annoyance, "I prefer quiet, that's easier to get when there's no one to like you to disrupt it."