The Last Kiss

Chapter 2

GOODBYE

Mr. Hewlett wasn’t inside yet, no wonder why the class was very noisy. The boys were throwing crumpled papers to one another, the girls were gossiping, others were laughing, some were singing, making a concert inside the classroom.

I sat down on my seat and dropped my bag on the floor. Kirsten was on my left side. I let my gaze traveled around the room, wishing that Mr. Hewlett would be here sooner so that they’ll all shut up. The noise was really irritating. I covered my ears and rolled my eyes. I glanced at Kirsten who busied herself in texting. I could tell that it was her boyfriend she’s texting as I scrutinize her face; smiling, giggling, and if she’s a cartoon character, I really am sure her eyes would turn to hearts. I just sighed.

Behind me, James Conelly was absorbed by the book he’s reading, not minding the flying crumpled papers passing in front of him. His big round glasses was twitched on the other side, and he’s hair was gelled flat on his scalp, as usual.

“What are you readin’?” I asked him, raising my voice to win over the noise. He looked up to me and moved his book on the edge of his desk, letting me read the text.

“Christoper Columbus”, I read. “We’ll have a quiz?”

He shook his head. That was good, because I didn’t study. I sighed in relief. I looked into my watch, wondering where the hell Mr. Hewlett was. The moment i turned to the door, he walked in and shouted, “Silence! Seat, everyone! I want to see you all in your seats!”

The flying crumpled papers and the noise had gone. Everyone went back to their seats.

“Mr. Devlin, please get in”, Mr. Hewlett called, and we all turned to the door. A guy walked in, and I heard Holly and Grazia giggled and muttered, “Omigod! Who is he? He’s soooo cute.” Their gaze didn’t dart away from the guy as he walked to the front of the room.

Mr. Hewlett stood behind the new guy, his hands rested on each of his shoulder. “This is Rolf Devlin, your new classmate.” Rolf smiled, and Mr. Hewlett continued. “He’s a transferee from Crestmount High.”

“Hi Rolf”, Grazia giggled. “You can sit here.”

She motioned on the seat where Holly was seated. Holly frowned and said, “Excuse me?”

“Just transfer at the back”, Grazia muttered to her.

“Why not you?” Holly fumed.

“Enough, girls.” Mr. Hewlett cut them off. Rolf seemed please. “You sit there, Mr. Devlin, on the vacant seat …” Mr. Hewlett motioned towards the empty seat on my right side. “… right next to Mr. Greswode.”

Rolf walked across the room, smiling as he glanced at Holly and Grazia who were suppressing their giggles. He smiled at me also as he sat on his seat. I smiled back and then looked away.

“Open your books on page 178”, Mr. Hewlett called, facing the whiteboard and writing something on it. I grabbed my bag on the floor and retrieved my book. On my right side I could feel the weight of Rolf’s stare. I watched him through the corner of my eyes as he moved carrying his chair nearer to mine.

“Mind if I share?” he flashed a smile revealing perfect white teeth. I stared at him, taking in his navy blue eyes, tanned skin and blond tousled hair. Despite his good looks and friendliness, the reply that formed in my head was I-don’t-want-to-share-my-book-to-you. I was glad it didn’t came out from my mouth immediately because it’s kinda rude. So instead I replied, “Sure.”

“Thanks. That’s so nice of you.” He smiled, and then eyes darted to the book.

“I can’t refuse. You already moved your chair nearer”, I said as I moved my book on the edge of my desk. “It’s kinda rude if I say I don’t want to share my book to you, and you’ll carry your chair back on your place.” I added laughingly. But there’s a hint of truth to my words.