It started with a book club

Chapter 3 - Class with Him?

I jumped into the car noticing that my brother Ian was starring at me. His black hair was in his face and he slightly brushed it to the side, which caused his watch to blind me.

" Are you sure you wanna go?"

" I'm not totally broken Ian. I miss her but there's still school in the picture. Now start the car and let's go, we're getting late"

" Ok. I'm going to pull out of this driveway, If you want me to stop at any point just let me know"

" Just start the stupid car, I already said I was fine"

I rolled my eyes at him as he gave me one last look, then started the car. We pulled out of the driveway and I noticed that I had forgotten the book that I was reading last night. I was about to say something then remembered what he had told me, I really didn't want him to give him any satisfaction so I kept my mouth shut.

I came close to the radio and put on some music. Then I laid back and closed my eyes.

******

There we were. Wadena Glen High School, in all capital letters at the top of the building. I was back to the same school I attended with my best friend. I walked into the school feeling a nice cold breeze past me.

As soon as I took a step I could feel the stares and variety of eyes seeping onto me. I would like to think that it was because of my poor choice of clothing, but I knew otherwise. 

I opened my locker and could see through the mirror that I had my mom put in my locker at open house, 3 girls walking towards me.

" Oh my god, Iris! How are you...are you feeling better?" 

" Yeah girl, how are you dealing with everything. You must really miss her"

" You guys, let her speak. the poor girl is probably so broken that it's hard for her to form sentences"

I looked at them as if they were 3 clowns. Kiarra, Maddie, and Brook were all standing in front of me waiting for me to answer. I really didn't understand why they were acting all buddy-buddy with me. These girls hated Avery and I. I remember when Avery's parents split they decided it was news to tell everybody. They'd go up to Avery and say such cruel things to her.

" Wow, no wonder she's like this! A broken girl coming from a broken family...who want to date her"

" Yeah, any guy who would date her would just be picking up the pieces"

" She probably doesn't even put out"

They treated her like shit and now when she's gone their all of a sudden her best friends. By this time I was looking at them with disgust. I closed my locker hard and walked away rolling my eyes. By this time everyone was staring.

******

The month was October and I had missed 1 month of my sophomore year, but I did that month online though. I couldn't keep missing out on the high school experience, I know Avery would've still wanted me to live my best life.

I walked into class and saw heads turn from every corner. The teacher stopped talking when she saw me walk in late. 

" I...Uh-...He...I-Iris...Welcome back"

Mr. Gordan looked at me with sadness and a tint of awkwardness. I didn't blame him though. He had the girl whose best friend committed suicide as a student.

I took a seat and went back to his teaching. 

" Ok as I was saying, What is the theme of Hemmingway's 'Old Man and the Sea?"

The class was silent, nobody had an answer. I laid my head on my desk and closed my eyes softly. A few moments later Mr. Gordan was interrupted by a deep voice.

 "It's about an old man's courage in catching a fish"

I opened my eyes and saw a tall figure. He was leaning against the door with his hands in his pockets. I looked him up and down admiring his looks. He had brown hair that was laid to the side and deep brown eyes you could get lost in. He was wearing denim jeans and a white t-shirt with a black leather jacket. Looked like someone out of a teen beach movie, or maybe even grease.

He was really attractive with a side profile that could make you want to just fall in love on the spot. I kept on starring just like everyone else until Mr. Gordan interrupted my thoughts.

"What?"

The guy walked into the classroom and sat in the last seat on my row.

" You asked What was the theme of Hemmingway's 'Old Man and the Sea. Though your class doesn't seem much interested in what you have to say. It's about an old man's courage in catching a fish. It's a story that celebrates strength, wisdom, and--above all--friendship. See we learn about the hardships Santiago faces as an aging fisherman who struggles through repeated streaks of bad luck. On his journey we see him stay out to sea after going 84 days without catching any fish"

The whole class looked at him as if he was actually a nerd dressed up as someone who could pass for a bad kid.

" Well..um..that's right Mr...?"

"Brayden Williams"

" Welcome, Mr. Williams. I can see you have done quite the research on this book"

" No research, you just have to read the book. Easy as that"

Mr. Gordan seemed shocked just like the rest of the class. He was a reader? 

He readjusted himself and stared back at Mr. Gordan.

" Dude are you going to keep teaching or what. You're a teacher and I'm the student. I'd be fine with going up there to take your place, plus I'm pretty sure these students would much rather have me as a teacher. 

He smirked then ran hid hand through his hair. 

" Ok Mr. Williams, No need to act rude. Anyways everyone, open up your books and let's start in chapter 12"

Everyone turned back around but kept on moving around just so they could keep an eye Brayden.

I was about to go back to laying my head on the desk until I could feel 1 pair of eyes on me. I looked across the room and noticed it was Brayden who was starring at me. His arms were folded an his body was facing towards me. I looked back giving him a look that said what the fuck are you looking at. He smirked at me then blew a kiss childishly. 

I already knew that things were going to be interesting if I was going to be having a class with him...