Love At First Not: A Non-Stereotypical Love Story

Chapter 5

"Get right to the heart of matters, it's the heart that matters more." -Omaha, by Counting Crows
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"Sit down."

Evelyn entered the principal's office and sat in a chair across from the desk, looking at her surroundings. A huge bookshelf spanned the wall behind the principal's desk, and a window was in another wall. On the desk was a laptop, some paperwork, and a nameplate that read Ms. Morris. The principal shook her out of her thoughts, saying, "So, Ms. Boyce, what exactly went on in the entrance hall?"

"Well, I was looking around while you were talking to my mom," Evelyn started nervously, "and I accidentally made eye contact with some mop-head— uh, I mean, some kid. He kinda, like, smirked at me, so I gave him a sort of 'back off' look. Then I turned away, but saw Mop-head— er, the kid, shove some other kid, a sixth grader probably. So I went over to tell the first kid to knock it off.

"Then I realized they were arguing about me and some stupid— I mean, petty, thing about 'checking me out' or whatever the heck it was. Then Mop— uh, the kid, started acting completely innocent. Then he told everyone he's going to date me, no matter what, and I guess the rest is history."

Ms. Morris was silent for a few moments. Then she sighed and shook her head slightly. Had Evelyn annoyed her? "Evelyn," the principal said, finally using Evelyn's first name, "please do stay away from Jack Walterson. He seems to have a bad hold on the students, and I don't want you to get tangled up in it."

"Who's Jack Walter— oh, wait. Sorry," Evelyn said sheepishly. Of course mop-head Idiot Kid had a "bad hold" on everyone. A good prank should sort him out.

"Anyway, the bell's about to ring. I'll find someone to help you to your classes, Ms. Boyce," Ms. Morris said, not unkindly. Evelyn thanked her, and both walked out of the office, heading their separate ways.

As Evelyn stared at the hallways in confusion, wondering where on Earth the english classroom was, when Jack "Mop-Head Idiot Kid" Walterson waltzed up to her.

"Need any help, Ev? I can show you around if you want," he said, smirking at her while simultaneously glaring at everybody who walked by.

"First of all, don't call me 'Ev', mop-head." Evelyn's voice was a low growl by now. "And I'm fine on my own. You could do me a favor, actually, and leave me alone for the rest of the year."

"Aw, Ev, thanks for accepting my generous offer!" he replied.

"If you're going to keep bothering me, mop-head," Evelyn sighed, "why do you even want to 'like me' or whatever garbage you got worked up in your mind? You've known me for literally less than an hour."

"Because you're cute and we would look good as a couple! Everyone would see how cool I am, and you'd get a share of my newfound popularity as the hot sidekick!"

Evelyn was in shock. "Tha— that is literally the worst thing you could ever say to someone to make them like you, idiot!" she yelled, tears sparking in her eyes. "Am I literally a person to you or anything?! I am not some trophy you can take and show off!"

"Well- isn't that all you're supposed to do? Just sit there and look nice while I go out and do stuff? That's what my parents always told me," Idiot kid said, shrugging like it was no big deal.

Evelyn could almost feel the fury about to ignite the room. She could vaguely hear someone calling her name, but what she mostly felt was hatred. And hurt. "J-just do yourself a favor and throw your morals in the dumpster, mop-head," she squeaked, turning and running to the bathroom.
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Thank goodness for the bell ringing. Evelyn could cry in peace while the rest of the school went to class. She sat in a stall, shaking and sobbing and fuming. That stupid idiot of a person!

"Evelyn?"

She nearly formed a new crater in the ceiling. Who would someone be looking for her? Then it hit her. Ms. Morris had said she'd find someone to help Evelyn find her way around. That must be the person, except now wasn't really the time. "S-sorry, but t-this stall's occupied," she said, failing to keep her voice steady.

"Girls have no secrets amongst each other," the girl replied matter-of-factly. "I'm coming in." The lock slid open, and the newcomer opened the stall door. This girl had curly, brown hair that faded into yellow at the ends, and lively, yet comforting blue eyes. She was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt. Evelyn could tell this was a good person to be friends with.

"So, what's up?" The girl asked.

"N-no offense, but I literally have no idea who you are," Evelyn said.

"Oh, I'm Ava Somali. So, quit stalling, Evelyn. What's up?"

"That mop-headed idiot," she muttered.

"Oh, Jack," the girl said. "I hate him too. He is the definition of idiot. So, uh, are you— is he-?"

"Yeah. Does he do that a lot? Like, I'm not the first one to be hit upon, right?"

"Don't worry, Jack tries to find a 'soulmate' or whatever garbage you'd call it every year. Just ignore him and reject him at every possible opportunity. It's hilarious to watch him not put two and two together," Ava said, trying to lighten the mood. It succeeded, and Evelyn chuckled.

"I have been looking for a window to pull a prank or two," she admitted. "My friend Tim's been helping me out."

"That's great, but class started five minutes ago, and I wouldn't want to get detention on the first day," Ava said, handing her a tissue.

As Evelyn walked out of the bathroom with Ava, she realized that private school might not be so bad after all.