The Guy Through My Window

CHAPTER 36

JUDITH's POV;

The banner-filled hallway, the competitive students buzzing around, the tall ladders leaned lazily on the wall, people carrying extra loads as they grouch under their breath. I glance at my hands the loaded paper bag threatens to expose my exhibit. 

I enter my classroom, to find new benches aligned with the four walls of the class. It looked so spacious and tidy. The Janitor swabs the central potion. I reach my place to find the blue-eyed guy arranging the exhibit, feeling my presence he comments, "Your Late."

I sigh in an attempt to loosen my tensed muscle, "How could you expect me to walk faster with such a load?"

He glances at me, his eyes flashing concern. He picks my bag and places it on the table. I absentmindedly stare at my red-stripped palm, it pains when my fingers close. 

After a while, Luke places a name board, the final dash to our exhibit. We stand a distance away from the table eyeing it as if it were a masterpiece. 

"Hi Judi, Hi Luke!" Ethan and Hannah chorused, they giggled when they realized they chorused in the same order. 

"Awesome topic! Whose idea was it?" Hannah chirped.

My eyes fell on Luke and he was smirking wickedly. 

"The idea was clearly me, Thanks Han."He boasted, making me smack his arm. 

"The topic was not entirely his, he did receive a lot of help." I exaggerated.

"What about your....."Luke was cut-short by some hisses from the other students. 

We turned around to find Ms.May and Mr.Smith accompanied by two other people. Hannah and Ethan exit to their places while we wait for the announcement. 

"Good Morning students, we cordially welcome you to The Annual Science fest. Our judges for today, Mr Rufus Goodwill and Ms. Riley Stronghold. They will be judging you by your presentation, exhibits, confidence, creativity, and hygiene. Better luck guys, give your best." Ms. May announces, a shiver ran down my spine and my throat suddenly felt dry.

My eyes reluctantly wander to the other exhibits in the classroom, their scientific talent displaced beautifully in models. Each one exposed unique exhibits, some had cool T-shirt, caps, painted faces, charts........

CHARTS!!!

"Luke where are the charts?" I hiss.

He goes eye wide and looks out for it everywhere. He masks a worried look my face reflecting the same. 

"The car." He blurts, slipping out without another word.

Thank goodness we are on the other side of the classroom. As the judges near us, my heartbeat speeds up. I chew up my nails, fear clothing me like a blanket. 

I take a deep breath as I pray," LORD, you are our Best provider. Help me not be afraid because you never put inside me the SPIRIT OF FEAR BUT OF POWER, LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND. Give me the courage and never lose hope in you, whatever you do you will always do the best for me. Give Luke strength too LORD, I ask in your Most precious name, Amen."

"Look, Judith is sleep-standing in broad daylight. Do you need a bed sweetheart? How about my lap." Derek teases. 

I look away, trying to ignore his words. 

Luke appears after ten minutes, three spots before the judges' visitation. 

"It's.....not there." He heaves, his breath is shaky.

I gasp, my ears refusing to absorb his words. 

"I'm sorry."He whispers.

The judges arrive, studying our model. Their eyes land on us, I know exactly what's on their minds, Emptiness.

"Loser Marshall." I hear someone comment.

"Good Morning Mr.Goodwill and Ms. Stronghold, I'm Luke Marshall and this is Judith Williams introducing our exhibit 'Electric Power Free Energy Generator."Luke gulps down nervously, his voice breaks down in the end he covers it up with ease. 

He explains the model briefly as I practically performed it. They listened earnestly, our minds preparing for tough questions. He answers so formally, the words flowing out like a pro. How could he master this so well being least interested?

He is a GENIUS.

We take turns to answer finally they wish us luck and leave us.

"What was that Luke?" I literally yell.

"Nothing......I did stammer a lot." He scratches his neck.

"Who cares!" My voice still shrilled.

"Okay Judi, calm down." He assures.

"You did great, I didn't expect that from you." 

"I couldn't believe it myself, I could feel the words just pouring out of me. You know I prayed...the Lord really helped me. I could feel his presence."Tears brimmed my eyes.

Was this really the Marshall I knew?

                                               xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"TO HIM BE THE GLORY."

                                                               AUTHOR's NOTE;

The topic is silly, I know. I couldn't find a better one. If you do please put it down in that orange box below. More to come guys, Thank you for stopping by. 

{JF Abraham}