How to Be a Teenager

Chapter Three

I make my way down the aisle,trying as hard as possible to avoid sticky chewed gum on my shoes and any attention.I finally fall back into the far back seat,setting my belongings on the floor.Samuel grabs my purse."I wouldn't do that if I were you."he lifts up the bag,revealing a live roach underneath."Ugh!"I kick my feet on the seat in front of me,heel digging into the edge of the seat.He arches an eyebrow,amused,before settling on the seat beside me.I slouch farther back into the cushion,hugging my knees tighter and closer to my body."I take it you don't like roaches?"he asks,squashing the critter under his shoe.

I laugh."Or spiders or beetles or anything with thin legs."I add.Wait.Did I just say that out loud?

I side look him.He has his leg resting on his other knee,his arms crossed,and his emerald eyes are squinted slightly at me."Don't you dare think about that."

He chuckles."I wasn't."Then smirks."Until now."I feel my body tense up.I frantically look out the window,finally seeing the school building."Oh,we're here."I try,changing the subject.I pick up my books and purse,hurrying out of the bus.I stand in awe,staring at the school building."It's...huge!"I laugh.

A cool rush of wind blows by,sending chills up and down my spine.Samuel taps my elbow.Then he chuckles."How are you freezing cold?It's still hot out!"he grabs his jacket,like a gentleman.Only I don't really want a gentleman right now.Or any man!

I laugh."That's nice of you,but I really don't-oh,okay then."I stutter as he tugs the jacket sleeves onto my arms."Samuel,-"

"Terrance."he interrupts."Call me Terrance,it's my middle name.And it's less formal than 'Samuel',don't you think?Do I seem like a formal guy?"he asks,gesturing at himself.I quirk my mouth."Judging by our earlier conversation,I am gonna say no."

"I can be respectable,"he says,leaning forward slightly."But sometimes,self control is overrated."he grins.I laugh nervously.You know one of those really noticeably high pitched nervous girl laughs?"Yeah,ha,well,what home room are you in?"I ask.He thinks a moment."Mr.Hilks.What about you?"I peek at my school schedule.Oh God."Mr.Hilks..."My voice trails off.

"Hmm,you thought you could escape."he arches an eyebrow.I laugh fakely."I was hoping..."I mumble.