Looking For You

Chapter 1 - Him

Chapter 1 - Him

*2 years later*

“Why did I even sign up for college?”

My eyes gaze up at Mr. Holloman as he writes up the parts of a speech, having his large back facing towards the class while guys at the back of the classroom throw scrunched up pieces of paper at each other. Laughter is heard as the guys get hit and the whole class seems to be amazed by their actions. I think they’re just plain rude. They came to college to learn, not to throw paper at each other and muck up.

I sigh as I reel my thoughts back to the busy whiteboard, where notes about speech writing are being crammed up onto the tiny board. Things seem to be getting way harder than I thought. Speeches weren’t in my agenda for college and I can already see myself failing English. Again, back to my original thought, why did I even sign up for college?

“You must write down these notes and start planning your speech on your chosen topic that relates to politics.” The boys at the back of the class who were throwing the several balls of paper sit down just in time when Mr. Holloman turns around. Their laughs are kept in and their bodies bounce up and down as their hysterical laughs are now internal. 

“Any questions?” The teacher asks displaying a wide smile on his bearded face as he darts his eyes to the many bored-looking students in my class. No one says a word and the room is silent — apart from those snickering boys who are starting to annoy me. 

Mr. Holloman shakes his large head and the bell rings immediately, signalling that its snack time. I stand up as soon as I hear it, and slide my hands under my heavy books. I rush for the door, so I can get to my locker quickly, but have to wait as the class emerges from the tiny door frame that only fits one person. I shake my head and wait for my turn — expecting to go last since I’m letting everyone through. 

Finally, a nice boy lets me through, pulling out his hand to tell me I can go first. I smile at him, and he nods, making his thin brown hair to fall onto his forehead, only to have it be pushed back up. His black eyes sparkle but in a way where they almost look brown. He must be staring at my eyes; since they’re an unusual colour.

I notice my staring at the guy and snap out of my pointless daydream. I give him one last glance and turn away before my cheeks turn bright red. My feet carry me out into the hall, only to be met with a cluster of people and a very loud noise of conversation. Great. I hate this part of the school day. Walking to my locker is my least favourtie part and you’ll see why in a minute.

I hug my books closer to my chest as I duck my head through the fast moving crowd. Their loud noises and quick movements make me scared for my own self, making me fear the worst. The football jocks throw a ball around atop of everyone’s heads, and because I’m sort of tall, my head is in the danger zone.

I wish Tibby was with me.

Her classes are very different from mine and her classrooms are basically situated on the other side of the school. If she was right next to me, I would feel a lot safer because she always makes me feel safe with her confident attitude and her brave posture. Everything about her makes me wish I was her.