The Perfect Hybrid

CHAPTER VI

Skylar

"Mr. Tyler!" I shouted on top of my lungs, earning myself the attention of every student milling around. I shouldered my bag when I caught the eyes of my target. I almost stop short when I saw the intense and determined look in his eyes. It did not disappear even when he approached me.

"Ms. Tempest! Shouldn't you be getting ready for the bonfire party later?"

I gave him a confused look because I already told him I am not coming so why is he still asking me that? And what is up with that dismissing tone?

"I'm staying in," I said again. "And I think you should too." His eyes darkened after those words left my mouth.

"Why would he stay in just because your parents did not allow you?" One of the girls from the cheerleading squad asked with disdain. Obviously knowing nothing except flaunt her assets and flirt with anyone who has a douche written on a guy's face.

"Aw come on Ms. Tempest. Just because I am no longer a high school student does not mean I can't attend these things, right," he said in a teasing tone, though the stern looks in his eyes didn't change. The intensity in them seemed to have become even stronger. If one would look at them like I am doing now, one could conclude that his eyes are actually glaring at me. "Besides, someone has to look after you, kids. So yeah, you bet I'll be lurking around the forest."

The crowd, that I forgot, have gathered around us cheered at this. Mr. Tyler really is popular and loved by everyone so I could only watch as the student steered our young teacher away from me.

"Nice try, nerd!" Ugh. Stupid. Does she really think calling me that affects me? "He belongs with us. Why don't you just find your other nerd friend who was, by the way, running around, missing classes while carrying a giant book?"

What the hell are you doing, Ella?

"See ya!" she saluted before taking a pause, as if she forgot something. "On second thought, I hope I don't see you."

That's exactly my thought, you jerk.

"You know, she's not really worth your time, right?" I don't have to look towards that voice's direction to know who she is. "She just doesn't know who she's dealing with."

"René, so good of you to talk to me, considering you have been avoiding us since we started high school."

She sighed, "I already told you girls multiple times that I have to."

"But you never really explained why," I tried to argue. "Ella's family was trying to cope with the sudden disappearance of her grandmother, and she needed us most during that time."

"I know, and I truly am sorry for that. No matter how much I wanted to go to you, I just can't. It will be much worse for the both of you if I stayed close."

Now, I am confused and slightly intrigued.

"What are you talking about? Why would it be worse for the both of us if you stayed close? I don't understand."

"You'll understand soon enough," she said it so softly that I almost missed it. "Goodbye, for now."

Before I could say anything, she walked away while I heard my name being called behind me.

I turned, and my confusion from before turned into utter horror as I saw my bestfriend carrying, or rather, dragging a book as she half walks and half run towards me.

"What the hell, Ella!"

*****

Sitting on one of the picnic tables scattered around the grounds with Ella recounting what happened to her in the library made me wish that there are at least people around us. Although what happened to her was downright creepy, seeing her carrying a book that was probably heavier than her is quite amusing... well, after the initial shock of course.