Heartstrings and HighJinks

10

Leah's POV 😎

"You saved me from getting punched, and now I'd rather be punched a million times if it meant I didn't get to meet you."

Wow, that's quite a strong reaction from Parker. I'm utterly speechless. Did all of that just come out of him? I don't even know how to react. What did I do wrong? He wasn't supposed to get this angry, just annoyed. I wonder what my facial expression looks like right now. Mostly shocked, but there's a layer of hurt too, because most of what he said is true.

I wince as Parker slams his locker shut and storms off. I glance at Kyle, and he silently mouths, "Sorry," before hurrying after Parker to catch up. I'm left standing there, bewildered by the storm I've apparently caused.

Kristy's voice brings me back to reality, "What did you do that was so bad?"

I shake my head in confusion, "I don't know."

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't even hear the bell when it rings.

"Leah," Kristy calls my name, snapping me out of my daze, "You have English now."

🖤🖤🖤

Ugh, why do we still have to learn English? We already know how to speak, right?

The teacher asks, "Ryan, would you like to add to this?"

This is the moment I'll know if Parker is truly mad. He usually can't say no to contributing in class.

Parker looks up from his book and flatly states, "No."

The entire class and I gasp simultaneously.

Ms. Hathaway asks in disbelief, "Are you sure?"

Parker's response is sharp, "Why do I have to say something? Aren't you the teacher? Aren't you supposed to be more qualified than me? Or at least try to be?"

Well, that was...unexpected. I feel so bad for being the cause of this. Why do I always have to mess things up?

Ms. Hathaway clears her throat, deciding to move on, "Alright, let's move forward. Well, class will be over soon."

I look around and notice everyone's glaring at me. I shrink back, embarrassed by the attention.

About five minutes later, the bell finally rings, and we're dismissed.

🖤🖤🖤

Math is incredibly boring. What if I just don't care about what x is?

"Ryan, would you like to solve this problem?"

"What is wrong with the teachers in this school? You teach, and I listen! Can you please just do your job?"

I genuinely feel bad. Oh no, Mrs. Diaz is Latina. Latina women can be fierce.

As predicted, she switches to angry Spanish, "Este chico tiene las agallas para insultarme. La cantidad de tiempo que pasará en detención, tendrá el cabello gris para cuando salga."

("This kid has the nerve to insult me. The amount of time he will spend in detention, he will have gray hair by the time he gets out.")

Well, teacher, slow your roll.

My eyes widen as I hear Parker's response, also in Spanish, "Estamos hablando de respeto, pero tú eres la que se acuesta con el profesor de arte en el armario del conserje debido a tu incapacidad para mantener a un marido."

("We're talking about respect, but you're the one sleeping with the art teacher in the janitor's closet because of your inability to keep a husband.")

Well, that was a bombshell. I had no idea about that.