Super Lost

'Oddities Introduced'

I had spent the rest of the lunch period with the surprisingly humorous counselor, passing jokes back and forth, mocking the rude coach. Discovering the majority school staff's hatred for his aggressive money hungry behavior, learning of conspiracies that hinted his influence to the vote of raising the football team's funds just to waste on frivolous things unrelated to the athletes aside from new jerseys.

The bell rang, signifying the end to our enjoyable chat. As I made my way out the door, I felt as if he needed the perk as well, seeing how he was napping before my entrance. I appreciated the break from this disaster of a morning, able to let loose with out the need of going all the way back to my car. Exactly what I needed right now, someone to distract me without tugging my nerves.

As I made my way back to the art room from Mr. Stock's office, I noticed everyone's eyes on me again, however their demeanor had become much less criticizing. I could tell the one's whispering to each other was about me, all their back and forth glances availing its apparency.

I chose not to focus my hearing, letting it all tune out. My mood unaffected as I made my stride into the barren classroom, choosing to sit in the front for shits and giggles. Not like I had to worry about anyone else sitting next to me. I was surprised she would even bother to take a single student for this period. It would sound easier to just rearrange my classes; I could have avoided study hall with Ben.

As I waited for the late bell, I looked over at the same easel she was painting on earlier. The canvas contained an abstract of many splatter of different shades of red, all but a single yellow bead, aiming straight downwards from the center of the red blobs. The painting confused me; I couldn't see the inspiration behind it. It was just a fancy splatter?

My interest taking a nosedive, eye lids beginning to feel heavy as I waited for the absent teacher to appear. I close them, intending to last only a short moment however the pain numbed slightly, encouraging to keep them shut.

I hardly noticed the light footsteps enter the room over the loud chattering from the hall as students scattered into their appropriate class. Staying tuned out until the booming sound of a textbook slams onto my desk, shooting my eyes wide open as I jump back. Seeing the same painter from earlier, her bun now down revealing her long wavy hair.

"Well hi!" She smiled brightly, creasing her eyes that had been magnified through thick round glasses. Her unblinking stare sending a shiver down my spine. Oh God, what have I done...

"Hello..." I mutter out, still spooked from her sudden enthusiastic voice. Unable to take the visible cue of my discomfort, she didn't back down.

"Kraig, right? Oh, thank you so much for joining me today! It's a pleasure to meet you! You can call me Miss. May". Her voice sang, warmed by her enthusiastic energy.

I give a little nod, noting her formal title.

Her introduction to the class was less than simple, explaining the one rule she had. "Have fun." Never have I had a teacher who was so bubbly, or even remotely nice like this. Her continuation of the class was becoming harder and harder to focus on, seeing how she was distracted so easily.

"Who's your favorite artist?", "What color explains you best?", or the unforgettable mention of 'music' that seemed to have nothing to do with the topic of historical significance.

"I don't give out homework, however the tests and projects won't be easy. This isn't a nap class, it's a 'creative environment'" She explained, my mind racing a mile a minute.

"You had me at no homework." I offer her a small sliver of my attention, giving the instructor a chance to catch her breath from the rush of words.