The Odd Ever After

Chapter 8: New Year, New Him, Same Old Girl

Summer seemed to go by so quick, and with the end of summer came a new school year. I sighed looking at the school before me.

I said goodbye to all the nights I stayed up late cause I couldn't put a book down, to the sun that kissed my skin as I read outside while the kids played endlessly, to all the 24/7 snacking,  to the worry free life summer brought.

But I couldn't help but smile at the things I'm saying hello to. I'm saying hello to a new year, to my friends, and most importantly I'm saying hello to talking to Samuel again. Now sure we did talk during the summer when he passed my house,  but it was always a few seconds and through a 7 ft. tall gate, with my parents standing witness at some points. I sighed and headed in hoping this year would be a good one.

"Hey." Nickol said with a smile as she walked up to me. Yes she was still my best friend, but sadly Gabby and Lexi moved schools leaving me with Nickol as my only best friend.

"Hey Nicky. How was your summer?" I asked excited as we walked together to get our schedules for the year.

"It was okay I guess. Had to baby sit the twins while my mom worked. How was yours?" She asked adjusting her backpack.

"Eh, it was pretty good." I said pulling my hair into a loose ponytail.

We had a quick assembly in the auditorium and were released to find our homeroom. As me and Nickol started our walk we read our classes out loud to each other so we could see which ones we had together. I was excited that we had one together this year, it was better than none.

As soon as we split up, I felt someone bump into me. I looked over at the offender and my heart pounded in my chest as I saw Samuel.

"Sorry." Was the only thing he said as he rushed off. I watched his back as it swarmed through the crowd. He went over to a short brunette and threw his arm over her shoulder looking at her with a big smile.

Maybe he didn't notice me, and that's why he reacted like that. I hoped over and over that the rest of the day wouldn't be the same, and as I slumped into my seat for homeroom, I realized how disappointed I'd be if he did ignore me.

______

I didn't have choir till fifth period,  so I decided to skip lunch and go over there instead.  I wasn't really hungry, and it would be good for me to catch up with Ms.Hale before doing it in a room full of other students.

On my way there I bumped into Samuel again. This time I know we looked each other in the face, but he seemed distant.

"Hey." He mumbled in a cut-off tone. Before starting up to leave again

"Hey." I repeated quickly, my response kinda hung there in air as he walked pass me.

Did I have the plague or something? He seemed to be avoiding me, and I had no clue as to why. This summer he seemed perfectly fine. He flirted with me through the gate.

I couldn't help but think of the day he tried to give me his number as I entered the choir room.

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Flashback

I was sitting outside as the skin seemed to wrap around my arms and legs as the warm air sent kisses on my exposed skin. I was in a white shirt with some long basketball shorts. My hair was pulled into a big bun hanging loosely on the nape of my neck as I held my falling bangs from my eyes.

My music was a soft background soundtrack to some romance novel I had found. I shifted slightly in my chair when I heard the normal clearing of a voice. My eyes moved away from the book to look at the boy ahead of me, a smile plastered on his face. The bad boy who lived a couple houses down... he kinda sounded like the boy from the novel I found. I couldn't help but chuckle at that, and his face seemed to lighten at the sound while his smile widened.

"What's so funny?" He asked his voice holding traces of laughter.

"Oh, nothing." I said a smile starting to grow on my face as well.

"Hmm. Want me number?" He asked. His breath taking smile never leaving his face

"Mmmm, yeah, sure." I mumbled nervously. I picked up my phone and was ready to get up when he responded.

"Eh, it's not like you'd text me anyway, you're too cool for that." He teased. Before I could respond my mom walked out the door letting the screen door shut tightly behind her. I couldn't help but advert my eyes to her, but as soon as my eyes went back to the playful bad boy with his glowing brown eyes and his bright smile, he was gone.

I sighed and shook my head with a smile before getting back into my book.

End of flashback
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Where was that boy? The boy who saw me and smiled while acting flirtatious. Did he just disappear over night? I felt my heart sinking as I walked into Ms. Hale's office.

"Oh Milly! I missed you girl!" She said happily as she got up and walked across her office to hug me. I smiled well at least Ms. Hale missed me, and I guess that could count for something since she was my favorite teacher.

_________

Luckily Ms. Hale helped take my mind off of Samuel for the rest of the day, and to my amazement the first day came to a close pretty quickly. I was happy to go home and even happier today went so smooth (apart from my Samuel run ins.)

As I got home I lept from the car and went to pet my dog Tiny. Tiny was a Great Dane mix,  and was anything but, and even though he was massive I loved to play with him. After giving him a pat I turned to head up my porch steps. As I was walking over to my porch I saw Samuel pass. He made no noise, said no hello, and continued walking as if he had no idea I lived there, or that I even existed. 

I felt my heart clench as he passed and headed in quickly. I told my mom hi since my dad picked me up today and dismissed myself with a homework lie.

Sighing I threw myself onto my bed as I closed my eyes. I refused to cry, yes it did hurt, but I knew he didn't like me. I knew even getting feelings for a boy like him would result in me being in over my head, and getting hurt in the process. So I guess along with a new school year was a new Samuel.