Her first crush

10

Marie arrived at John Wesley High School and she spotted a lot of students. She didn't know why she had forced her parents to transfer her from her previous high school. She guessed it was to help her see Leona again.
"Hi, I'm Matilda and you must be new! I love your look", she brought our her cellphone. "Can I take a photo of you next to that tiger statue? Its for the yearbook".
"I.......... Uh....... I guess so! "She replied.
Marie stood near the statue and Matilda took a shot of her.
"Hey......... you okay? You look like a deer in the headlights ".
Marie turned to find a girl with French braids on. She had blue eyes and her hair was golden. She had big eyeballs and she was smiling.
"Oh, hey there. I'm actually working through some first day nerves".
"I definitely know what that is like, I'm Bennie", the girl extended a hand and Marie took it.
Matilda turned to Bennie, "oh, you talk too much".
Marie guessed that Bennies was embarrassed but she didn't show it. Matilda noticed the look of irritation that flashed Marie's face and she smiled.
"And what's your name"she asked.
"Marie Silverbird"
"I'm Matilda Finberry"
"I'm Bennie Woods"
"Can we be a trio? "Matilda asked, "I mean you, Bennie and I".
Marie shook her head, "I'm sorry, my best friend is here"
Leona saw Marie and she ran to hug her. She was really happy to see her best friend. They held each other for a very long time. Bennie turned to Matilda, "can we also hug like them? "
Matilda was angry that they lost Marie to Leona and she shot Bennie a disgusting look. "Let's get outta here ".
When Marie and Leona stopped hugging, Matilda and Bennie were gone.

* * *

Pascal and Jeffrey made their way through the bustling school hallways towards the classroom in which they were to have a general class.
"Today's class is gonna be fun", he said.
"Fun? "Pascal asked.
"Yeah, I mean full of girls", Jeffrey laughed.
Pascal sighed, "now I see why you don't have anything higher than a C in mathematics ".
"I'm trying my best, Pasc. But you know all work and no play makes Jeff a dull guy".
"Really? "Pascal said in disgust.
"Yeah! "Jeffrey replied. "You know, Pasc, there's a new girl among us".
"Whatever ".
"She's cool, Pasc and we're having a general class today".
Pascal sighed and turned to him. "Jeff"
"My bad".
They walked quietly until they got to the class.

"Here it is ", Leona said to Marie as they entered the general class. Most of the seats were occupied. Leona sighed.
"There are two seats there ", Marie pointed and Leona followed her hand with her eyes.
"Not that! "
"Why? "
"How are we supposed to see the teacher from there? "
"C'mon", Marie grabbed her hand and pulled her along.
They sat down and waited for the teacher to come in. Marie suddenly gasped.
"Oh my God! He's so cute".
Leona followed her gaze. Jeffrey and Pascal came into the class and girls started taking pictures.
"This is crazy! "Leona said and took her gaze away from them. "Marie, stop staring". But Marie wasn't listening.
They passed by Marie and Leona and took seats at their backs. Leona was uncomfortable but Marie was blushing.
Matilda and Bennie walked in with pride and Leona didn't notice until they came to them.
"Hey! "Matilda banged their table hard and everyone in the class turned to look at them.
Pascal was the only one who wasn't interested.
"Get up! "She commanded Leona and Marie.
Leona was embarrassed because all eyes were on them.
"You need a whistle? I said get up".
Leona carefully stood up and packed her books but Marie turned to Matilda. "And why should we leave? "
Bennie faces Marie squarely and whispered, "because those are our favorite seats".
Marie stood up and packed her books too. She found two empty seats and beckoned on Leona. They both sat down, embarrassed.

Mr Escobar walked in and wrote MATHEMATICS on the board. Matilda turned to Pascal.
"You weren't in class the other day, do you mind if I copy your notes for you? "
"Never mind, I don't take notes".
"Ok"
She turned away and listened to the teacher. After a while, she turned to Pascal. "This topic is difficult, can you explain it to me later after class? "
He looked at her for a while, then responded. "I'll be busy"
"Please? "
"You can meet Jeff".
She glanced angrily at Jeffrey and he got her message. "I don't understand it too, Pasc", he said quickly.
"Alright", Pascal replied. "I'll tutor you for an hour".
"Thanks, Pascal". Matilda said, flashing him her best smile. Pascal didn't find it funny.
"Would you please mind your business now, Miss Finberry? "