Tammi Lyn [DISCONTINUED]

v

Time couldn't move any slower, I swear.

My eyes kept roving to the back of the class to check the time, and I'd always be disappointed because the minute hand hadn't moved.

"Mr. Ross kindly pay attention!" my strict math teacher called out sternly, and I grumbled something unintelligent before she continued speaking to the class. Wow, I personally think she has a problem with me, and I didn't even do anything to offend her.

After more note-taking and staring off into space, the bell for break finally rang.

I sprang up from my seat and gathered my things, rushing out the door and looking for my best friends.

Every break time is utter chaos since it's filled with rowdy and energetic students, chattering teachers, gossiping lunchladies and frantic janitors trying to keep the cleanliness of the surroundings despite the messy kids that carelessly leave their trash or their food on the floor. I know, disgusting.

For some reason, today I had no idea what to feel about Tammi. Like, I had a feeling it was my fault I somehow provoked her but I can't just walk up to her and say sorry since it'd hurt my manly pride. Yes, we men have our pride and our ego to feed. Those are some of the things we hold onto, everything else can go die. Except maybe food.

The point is, I just can't go up there and admit I was wrong.

Yes, I know it's selfish of me but what else could I hold onto?

Before I could dive deeper into my spiral of thoughts, an arm slung itself around my shoulders and I looked up to see Dave Hopkins. I grinned at him and was even more delighted as I saw Spencer Collins.

"You look pretty down, dude," commented Spencer as we walked together to our usual seat.

Dave and I knew each other earlier. We met just last year. We weren't classmates, but we were clubmates and that was when we started to hang and get to know each other. Spencer, on the other hand, was someone I met the recent summer. I was in a video game store, trying to find the one game I missed from my collection, when he came and went out of his way to help me find it, even going as far as to go home with me so we could play together.

The day after that, I introduced the two to each other and we formed a group of three. I felt happy every time I'm around them. Today is no different. I'm actually relieved they managed to stop me from overthinking too much.

I shrugged, trying to put in as much casualness as I could in the simple action. I didn't need to worry them, and besides, no one knew that Tammi and I were neighbors.

I was quite embarrassed by the fact and I figured people would see me different if I revealed that piece of information, so I kept my lips shut about that.

It wasn't that Tammi was hated or anything. She just didn't stand out much, like me. She had the same girl by her side, most likely her classmate, and I'd see them chatting calmly like they were discussing the weather.

It's not about her odd behavior (which I find sometimes disturbing), but rather how people would react if they knew we lived literally next door. I wasn't prepared to risk my untainted reputation, so it's best to stay quiet about that. No one needed to know that.

Once we sat down, Spencer started to talk about how he wished he had all the sickest video games to brag about to his brothers. Dave and I just listened as we ate our food, nodding along and sharing our own stories for as long as the thirty-minute break could allow.

The bell rang too soon to signal the start of the next batch of classes, and the three of us bid our goodbyes since none of us were in the same class.

Walking the halls in a slow pace, I spotted my crush talking to her group of friends, and I felt the familiar too fast rhythm of my heart against my chest. It's not entirely unpleasant, but I fear that she might hear it and avoid me.

Oh I haven't introduced you yet to her, haven't I?

Well her name's Hailey Porter and she has blonde hair that's always braided neatly or tucked to the side, never blocking her face. That's a good thing too, since her smile is always enough to make my day.

Ugh, this is what I hate about crushes. It always sends me into a sort of adoring monologue and it's super embarrassing.

We met eyes and I very nearly stumbled over my feet, managing a weak wave of hello before she smiled a little my way and lifted a hand to return the gesture.

Is it possible to float on cloud nine? She's so amazing.

My mood instantly dropped when I caught sight of Tammi, and for a second I didn't know whether to say sorry right here, right now or run away like the total loser I am.

Option two seemed like the best choice.

So I spun a complete three-sixty and took the longer route to class, walking at a fast pace so as not to be late.

Yup I know: I'm a coward.

But hey, not everyone's brave as your favorite hero.