i can't stay mad at you

two

Olivia

Today was my first day at Barrington High and I don't know how to feel. I've definitely had better first days. When I get home to the house full of children, I'm surprised that I missed this. Anything over going back to that crazy ass school.

My older sister Alanya looks up at me. She is 20 and goes to the nearby community college. She has beautiful short curly hair and the brightest smile. I look up to her. "How was school baby sis?" She asks, looking back down to her laptop.

"It was... interesting. This crazy white boy yelled at me." I state, thinking back to then. The hell was his problem?

"Oh no, you better look out for them, they be crazy." We laugh.

I have five siblings. My older sister Alanya, an older brother named James who got a full ride to Harvard, a younger brother that's 13 named Joshua, and two little twin sisters that are 6 named Tia and Serena. I love them all but boy do they drive me crazy. Ever since James left the house it's been calmer though. He's smart as hell but also annoying as hell and always destroying something with some chemical concoction he developed.

We moved here because Ma wanted a change, and I don't blame her. Who even lives in Minnesota? Massachusetts is much better already.

My little brother Joshua was not as happy about the move. He has not said more than a couple words to the whole family since we left. He had to leave his little girlfriend, so I guess I understand. We all thought since he is literally just in eighth grade, he would get over it by now, but he seems to be holding this grudge pretty well. I look over to his angry little face that's buried in his phone and decide he'll get over it. I give it a week.

As I walk up to my room, I can't stop thinking about the crazy white boy. What was up with him? I think about it for hours until I'm called down for dinner. No one cooked, it's just pizza, like always. I grab my slices and head back up to my room.

I call my best friend from back home to tell her about my day. The phone rings twice before her lovely face comes into view, "What do you want Liv," I clearly just woke her up.

"Well hello to you to," I smirk.

"You know I cherish my sleep. What's up though?"

"Nothing really, I just wanted to call my best friend and tell her about my first day, if that's okay with her," I'm still smiling. I miss her. Not that state, but I do miss her.

I look at her sitting up from her bed, "Tell me everything," And I do. I tell her about the snobby lady who gave me my schedule in the main office, I tell her how hot my first period teacher is, I tell her about being stared at all day, and of course I tell her about the crazy white boy.

"Geesh, crazy white boy sounds interesting, tell me more about him." She laughs.

"Honestly, I don't even know. I bumped into him and spilled my coffee everywhere, but mind you, only a little bit go on his arm. Not even on his clothes! And yet, he's standing there yelling at me as if I'm a damn child. It's crazy I was like half in shock and half scared he was gonna deck me." I laugh. It's funny now but at the time, I wanted to vanish in thin air.

"That's crazy, what the hell be going on in Massachusetts." We both laugh.

"Girl I don't even know."

----

It's the next day and I am standing by my locker praying that today will be better. Please no psycho interactions.

I will just stand here and wait for the warning bell to head to class. I will always look up when I'm walking and I will not tap my foot in third period. Geez, is this how this whole year is going to be? Always walking on eggshells? I guess, whatever I have to do to stay away from trouble.

By third period I am anxious. All I have to do is ignore him. Whatever his name is. I'm sure he won't want to talk to me anyways. Please, lord let this go smoothly. No unnecessary attention on me.

I sit in the seat next to crazy white boy, and look at him from the corner of my eye. He has beautiful brown curly strands, and I can't even deny that I am attracted to him. It's something about curls man. I don't say anything to him. I don't tap my foot. I don't move.

"I'm sorry," I hear a whisper. Shocked, my head whips to face the boy. Did he just apologize? Is he talking to me? Well he must be, who else could he be talking to.

"Excuse me?" I whisper back.

"I'm sorry for losing my temper with you yesterday. It won't happen again," He sounds rehearsed and almost forced. I can tell it isn't genuine, he's clenching his fists so hard and not looking me in the eye, but I wonder who could force him to apologize. His mom? I get the feeling not many can control this guy.

"Uh... no problem." I don't know what else to say. That was weird. I have so many questions. So many things I want to ask him, and even things I am compelled to tell him. So many questions, but all that comes out is, "What's your name?" I mean it's a valid question. I can't just keep calling him crazy white boy.

For a minute I don't think he is going to respond. It's silent besides the chatter of other students. I'm supposed to be doing a worksheet, but I haven't picked up my pencil all class. In the midst of my thoughts I hear, "Miles." It suits him. Crazy white boy goes by Miles. "And yours?" I'm so surprised he asks, I forget to answer until he gives me a curious look. Holy blue.

"Olivia." And that was that. We don't talk the rest of the period, and soon the bell has rung and he's rushing out the door. Well that was interesting.

"Were you guys just talking?" I hear a voice. I turn around to see a girl just about my height with fair skin and blonde hair.

"Uh I guess so?" I mean clearly she can see. We continue to walk out the classroom.

"Nobody ever talks to Miles. In fact we all stay clear of him. Except this one kid, Ethan." She shares. Hm. Interesting.

"Oh, Why's that?" I mean, I might as well start learning the ropes around here.

"Well he's kind of crazy," Noted. "He has anger issues really badly and flips out like every minute. No one really knows why, but I'd stay away if I were you," She warns. Anger issues? Not surprising, but there has to be more to it.

"Thanks, I guess. I think I'll be fine though, it's not like we're friends, we just talked once." I smile at her, even though I'm ready for this conversation to be over.

"Okay, I'm Kelsi by the way, and you're Olivia right?"

"Yup, that's me."

"Nice, see you around maybe?"

"Yeah definitely." Not. I smile and wave. I'm not a bitch, I swear, just not looking for friends right now.

——