v. the invitation

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Thank you -peachyskies for the amazing trailer that truly represents the book

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Thank you -peachyskies for the amazing trailer that truly represents the book. :)

"Can anyone tell me what the 'x' equals in this equation?" My geometry teacher asks. I look down at my notebook paper and pretend to write down the problem and solve it. I admit that I have severe difficulties in math and have never been able to grasp hold of any of it. Of course I try my best to take the information in, but I always attempt to solve them. Except now.

Now I pretend to know what I'm doing in hopes that I never get called out for the answer. Oh, the thing I hate most is when teachers call on the student who never raises their hand and have no answer, but when I actually know something and with enough courage in me, I raise my hand, yet they never see me until I know nothing.

"Uh," the teacher starts talking, and I immediately put my thinking face on. Although it is a fake expression it mostly alerts people that I'm in a busy situation, probably not the best for school. "Edith. Can you tell me the answer?"

I pick up my head to look at the board, "Is it twelve?"

The teacher nods, "That's a good guess, but that's all it was. Did you actually attempt to do the problem?"

"Yes," I respond.

"Can I see you paper?"

My heart starts to immediately palpate, and with each second comes a faster rhythm. I feel as though I'm about to go into cardiac arrest. I grab the thin sheet of college-ruled paper and handed it to Mr. Ryder.

He examined the material and traced his finger over my pencil marking where I had previously scribbled in numbers and the equation with other symbols to make it seem like I actually attempted to do the problem. He nods, "I apologize, Ms. Evans. That was such a horrible conclusion I had made up. Return to your seat, please."

I let out a breath and walk slowly to my desk as I feel the pressure of the entire classes eyes drawn all on me. Once I'm seated, I put my pencil back in my left hand and watch as the teacher goes over the notes.

As class began to get even more boring, I start to zone out. My thoughts going back to Gabe and the upcoming dance to celebrate our win for their football team. It would be amazing if we could go together but I know that he has his girlfriend. And I don't want either of them to suspect me as some sort of—

"Psst—" I look over to see Nora. In her hand is a slip of folded paper. On the upper left hand corner was a name with sloppy handwriting. I take the paper and unfold it trying to be as silent as humanly possible, but it is pretty hard to do in a math class where everyone is already close to sleeping from boredom.

Inside neatly folded geometric pattern was the word "homecoming?"

I look up from the paper to see Gabe's eyes. His beautiful eyes looking in my direction, his perfect face resting against his fist that was propped up in his desk. I glance back down to the paper as I feel my cheeks heat up from slight embarrassment.

I brush a few strands of my hair behind my ear before folding the paper up and slipping it into my midnight blue binder. I let out a breath and look over to Nora.

"What?" She whispers after our teacher begins a new topic to speak of.

"He asked me to the dance," I say with a smiling finding its way into my face.

She shakes her head, "I told you before that this is a completely idiotic move. He doesn't love you, he doesn't care one bit about you, Edi."

My eyes swell up with tears and I push my chair out and start making my way to the bathroom. I hear the teacher calling out after me but I continue to jog out of the class.

I open the door to the bathroom and suddenly I start to feel the rush of sweats causing myself to burn up rapidly and not too soon after my arms and legs begin to form goosebumps, my body shivers from the warm air that floated upon my body. I shake uncontrollably and my eyes start to close as if I'm about to pass out. I struggle to keep them open.

Only two feet away stands the sink, I tiredly make my way over, holding on to the bathroom stalls and then I grasp on for the rim of the linoleum sink. My hands reach down to the sensor for it to realize I need water.

In its slow motion, the water gradually pours out and I cup my two hands and wait until they are filled all the way before I splash it on my face. The water drops heavily down my neck to my shirt, some even getting caught in my hair.

I reach for the paper towels and dry myself off quickly knowing that by the time I got back to class I would have already gained another detention.

What just happened?

The bell ring. I jump away from the mirror and rest my back against the bathroom stall. My head pounds the door behind me.

The door opens and I per my head around to see Nora.

"What's the matter with you?" She asked, slightly worried.

I shrug, "I don't feel too well."

"Come on," she replies with annoyance, "I didn't say anything that I've told you before. I told you the truth and I want you to know that before he does any damage to you."

"Nora, you've broken me enough."

"What?"

I sigh, "You always break my dreams. For once, I want to be a normal teenage girl that can talk to any guy she wants without her best friend telling her that it's impossible. Gabe asked me to go to the dance with him and I'm going. Whether you support me or not."

"Edith," she looks into my sad eyes. "I didn't mean for it to go like this. You're my best friend and I will always love you. I'm sorry."






Not edited | 1055 words

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