Murphy's Laws

The art of mumbling

"Sebastian"

I'm used to be tackled down on the football field by guys huge as a closet, but bumping into Hannah at the school hallway rattled and surprised me in a way I didn't think it was possible. I didn't actually fall. She did. I saw this cute short and curvy girl sprawled on the floor and then looking at me with sweet dark eyes as she found support on her elbows.

I knew I should be a gentleman and help her to get up. But I just stood there watching her. We have studied together for a long time, but our crowds never mingled.  It's easy to be surrounded by other jocks and cherleaders. Thinking about it I realized she was never at any of the parties we usually have. How come I never paid attention to her before? She is really cute. 

I was about to give her a hand when I was intercepted by Debbie. Seriously this girl can't take a hint. I told her it's over between us, but she just doesn't get it. Everybody at school thinks of us as this endgame couple. Even my mom. If only they knew what happened. 

The truth is I was never into Debbie as she was into me. This is our last year and I want it to be the best. Walking the same old road holds no appeal to me anymore. I want to feel the same excitement I used to feel everytime I scored a touchdown and the crowd cheered my name. 

Debbie is fussing about what happened even though I'm not the one who needs help. I see Hannah getting up and mumbling to herself like an old lady. It's funny. I guess I heard her say "Are you OK, Hannah? Oh, I'm fine. Thanks for asking".

She went away before I could say anything. Debbie is holding my arm. Girl got a vicious grip. With all my ability I try my best to get away from Debbie as fast as I can. 

"I'm fine, Debbie. I told you. I need to go to class, OK?"

"OK. We'll see each other later at the cafeteria, right?"

"Sure. Maybe. I'm late".

I don't know what else can I do so she can finally get that we are not getting back together this time. I'm tired to find her waiting for me outside my locker, after the game and even in my house talking with my mom and my sister. Geez!

I have Mr. Sparks' class. English Lit. I'm a good student, but I could have a boost at English. My grades are not so good at it right now. The assigned book doesn't help it. It's such a chick story. I started reading but I couldn't get past the second chapter. I hope my partner can help me with that.

As I turn around to settle my backpack I see Hannah. Well, well. Twice in a day. It must be my lucky day. She makes this weird face as she catches me staring at her. Most girls at school are more enthusiastic when they think they have my attention. A little too enthusiastic if you ask me. But she doesn't. I'll admit she is intriguing. I feel the urge to get a smile out of her. 

She seems annoyed by my attention. She tries to hide herself with her long dark hair. It's covering her like curtains. Oh girl. I'm persistent. You have no idea. It just makes me rattle her even more. I stared at her so much I almost missed Mr. Sparks announcing my partner for the project.

"... Miss Elliott and Mr. Hart..." 

Wow! Lucky day indeed. How will she avoid me now?

"Please join your partners now"

Reluctantly she brings her chair closer to mine. 

"Hi". Her voice is barely audible.

"Hi, Hannah".

"Listen, I know you're probably angry I bumped into you. It's all my fault, entirely. But come on! I was the one who went down. You just stood there. So honestly... I don't know why you keep staring at me. Can we just get over that and work on our project?"

Geez! She is a blabber when she is nervous.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare and get you all nervous". I sure did.

"I'm not nervous".

"Well, you look nervous, but I get it".

"I'm not. Wait. What do you mean? Oh, so you think I'm nervous because I think Sebastian Hart is so hoooot and dreamy". She makes this voice which I think is an attempt of impersonating Debbie and her friends.

"You're the one saying that". I smirked. I couldn't help it.

She blushed and started mumbling again. I tried really hard to listen to. My best guess it was something like this "Just my luck. At least it's not that creep Justin Reynolds".

I got excited by her reactions. I guess I'm just tired of girls throwing themselves at me. Maybe this project will be interesting.

"I think we should focus on the project. When do you want to start brainstorming?" And she gets back to business.

"Let's meet here after classes today".

"Fine".

"Fine".

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Who do you guys picture as Hannah and Sebastian? Let me know. Comment.