Legend

Fifteen

FIFTEEN

THE REST OF THE DAY FLEW PAST, as Justin’s sudden appearance had affected it. I didn’t know why he just suddenly decided to hang out with me, but I was fine with it. Well, the rest of the day, except of course when detention came.

I do two sciences: Biology and Chemistry. We only got to choose this year; before it was just called General Science. So, with Biology, and the next class being Chemistry, I was dazed. I love science. It helps me think outside of the box. So, Chem. was the last class of the day, and it was amazing. Amandla, Justin and I walked out laughing. We were just talking about science jokes. Well, I might seem even more of a nerd to you now, but science isn’t about being a nerd, it’s just… wonderful! And what’s more, both Amandla and Justin didn’t mind me going on about all that. They both were quite smart and interested in science anyway.

I still didn’t know if Justin actually thought of me that way, the way I thought of him. I mean, he gives me smiles and acts friendly, but who knows, maybe I just thought the smiles were great and his gestures were friendly because of the fantasies about him going on in my stupid head.

It was so great and everything was so perfect, at that moment, but then Amandla reminded me, “Wait, don’t you have detention with Mr. Crompton?”

My smile, just like that, disappeared. And I stopped in my tracks. She didn’t just remind me of detention, she also reminded me of all the Hope stuff, and the visit to Viola’s, like I think she intended to.

“Oh,” I said dully. “Right.”

Justin looked at me with a bit of pity. He lightly patted my back and I felt my back shudder with the awkwardness of the action. “Hey, guess you were a bit unlucky there. Come on, we can at least escort you there.”

“Oh, uh,” Amandla said. “I have to go. Sorry, I have some family business to tend to.” She had to go to Viola’s alone that day.

“Yeah, uh, go on with your stuff,” I said, starting to feel miserable again. “I’ll be fine.”

“Come on.” Justin said when Amandla left. “I’ll escort you there, then.”

As we started walking, he asked, “So, what’s this ‘family business’ of hers?”

“Umm… well, Amandla’s got a lot of things to tend to, so I can’t really blame her.”

“But she was busy at lunch too.” He said as I shrugged in return. “Does she often do that? You’re used to it, aren’t you?”

“No, she doesn’t do it much, it’s just…” I started. I couldn’t exactly say that she was trying to put us two together. “I don’t know. She started doing it just today, I guess.”

We reached the classroom door as Justin said, “Okay. See you tomorrow. Bye.”

“Bye.” I replied, as I found my heart sinking at his departure.

I turned around and opened the door. As entered, I was greeted with, “Ah, Kristen. Take a seat. And be quiet, like everyone else will be. Do you have anything to do?”

“Umm…” I started. “I – ” I needed time to think but it seemed like Mr. Crompton wasn’t going to just give it.

“Okay, since you don’t have anything to do,” He cut in. “Work on your homework essay.”

Ugh. I wasn’t actually planning to do that homework, but I guess I had to. I didn’t even know what we were supposed to do! I sat down as far as I could away from everyone else in detention. I scanned my surroundings. There were a few boys from my grade, Portia Henson (who was putting on nail polish secretly, not noticing my entrance) and her gang, and a few other people from all the other grades. Except from the two highest grades the school has, known as the seniors (my brother is in the second highest grade), who ended school at five.