The Tempest

GWENDOLINE SNOW

Mr. Ira droned on about a certain term paper as Archie tried to steal glances at Gwendoline. She sat silently for the whole duration of homeroom.

The shrill sound of the electric bell that signaled the end of the homeroom gave Reggie the license to poke Archie in a 'go make your move' way.

Archie tried making eye contact with Gwendoline. Fruitless attempt. Reggie was acting as if he was jotting down some nuclear codes in his notebook while he knew that Reggie's ears were preparing themselves to listen to Archie set off on his 'love conquest'. He felt as if his stomach was a flower under the attack of a swarm of bees. He had never felt this nervous in his life. He then stood up and casually walked over to Gwendoline's bench.

"Hey," said Archie in a keen voice. For a moment time froze again, lights dimmed out, the other kids and Mr. Ira faded away. Only him, her and sparks between them.

Gwendoline's shy hello snapped him back into reality.

"Gwendoline." Archie retorted with an awkward smile. His subconscious mind was at a war with his conscious mind as to whether it was cool to tell a person their name in order to start a conversation.

"Gwen Snow," she smiled tucking a loose strand of golden hair behind her right ear. "I prefer to be called Gwen."

"Why so?" Archie asked sitting on the bench beside her.

"Who names their kid Gwendoline? Hah! My parents lol. They could've named me something simpler like Emma or Kate." Gwen said with an argumentative tone.

"Um. I don't have anything witty to say." Archie shrugged.

"Sorry, for saying so many things altogether," said Gwen laughing nervously. "You are Archie. Right?"

"It's not a problem. Archibald Garfield. But yeah, I prefer Archie."

"Pleasure to meet you Archie," she said as she held out her hand.

"Pleasure is all mine Gwen," Archie said as he shook her hand as professionally as possible. Archie turned around slightly to call Reggie over to be his wingman but he was already smirking at him from the door of the room.

Reggie then walked out tailing Cheryl Watson.

"So we have history now?" Gwen asked.

"Yeah its history now."

"So we stay in this classroom or we change?"

"We stay here and wait for the other kids that have history this year to show up."

"So um, I don't know what to say lol."

"I know something," smiled Archie. "Why did you shift from your old school? A general question."

"Oh no, I didn't just shift schools but countries too. What I mean to say is that we just shifted to this town from Watford that is in England. My father bought a farm here. Basically I don't even see that as a valid reason to shift countries." Gwen said sadly.

"Well look on the bright side. You have a change in life. And that too a major change. Life's all about change. Look at me, I'm stuck in this town since sixteen years. I crave to get out of here."

"Valid point Mr. Garfield. And the first position for the debate competition hosted by none other than Gwen Snow goes to Archie Garfield!" Gwen exclaimed jokingly as she handed Archie an imaginary trophy.

Archie accepted it. "I'm honored, Miss Snow. It wasn't much of a debate though, thanks anyway."

"I know it was lame. Hey, winner boy there's a condition for you if you want this award."