Flowers & Bruises

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

The last class of the day. World history. Sadly, I don't have this period with Malcolm or Tara, or any of my close friends. But in a way, I'm kind of thankful for that. Out of all of my classes, this is the one I actually enjoy. Most people hate it, but without history we'd be doomed to repeat our mistakes. There's a famous quote that goes something like, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Deep stuff.

Another thing I love about it is my teacher, Mr. Hawk. He is without a doubt the most attractive, intelligent, and charismatic teacher in the entire school. His hair is always slicked back in a classy manner, he wears tan slacks, button up shirts with a tie, and reading glasses. Some of the girls drool over him and his crooked smile, and get all giddy when he pays them any attention. All to no avail though because Mr. Hawk is happily married with two kids and a pet hamster named Earl that is the screensaver on his desktop.

I plop down into my usual seat in the furthest row from the front, but on the side of the classroom closest to the door, and set my things down on the table. There's still a couple minutes until class starts, so I pull out my phone to keep myself busy. Tara texted me, probably with more gossip.

From: Tara

Talked to Liam yet? ;)

I hadn't seen Liam since he smiled at me during lunch. From the looks of it, I have absolutely no classes with him, which sucks. It was going to take a lot more effort getting to know him if I didn't have at least one class with him.

To: Tara

Not yet :(

Her reply is instantaneous.  

From: Tara

Better hurry before someone else snatches him up :)

Now she's being ridiculous. I don't know the guy. I have no idea what type of person he is, or anything about him. She wants me to throw myself at him because I haven't been interested in anybody at our school in a few months. "Boringggg," is what she says to me when I tell her for the tenth time that I don't have a current crush.  Tara is the type of girl to say, "You only live once," or to get "Carpe Diem" tattooed on her ankle. I admire her ability to jump into situations with little worry for what might happen. This is why we work as best friends; she pushes me out of my comfort zone, while I try to be her voice of reason. 

To: Tara

Oh yeah, like who? You? Lol

I love that we can tease each other, and not get upset about it.

From: Tara

Maybe ;) Ttyl.

The bell ringing brings me back to reality. I notice most of the class is filled now, and Mr. Hawk is at the talking podium sifting through papers with today's talking points on them. I pull out a notebook and my favorite fine point pen. I write my name in cursive in the top right hand corner of my paper and today's date underneath. We all sit patiently waiting for Mr. Hawk to begin the lesson. Five minutes have passed when he finally clears his throat to begin today's lecture, but the door opening stops him.

"Sorry I'm late. I got lost," A male says.

"That's alright. You must be Liam Carlton?" Mr. Hawk asks. I snap my head up at his name. I had been too busy doodling in my notebook to pay attention to who walked in. Sure enough, Liam is standing there in all his glory.  His eyes are bluer than I thought.

"That's me." He's standing next to Mr. Hawk now, and his eyes are taking in the room full of students. His eyes fall on mine and I give him a friendly smile.