The World We Knew

Chapter VII

     As promised Nathaniel wakes me up before classes. I feel much better and rested now. 

    “Thank you. I needed this.”  I say as he packs his stuff, while I adjust my clothes and hair.

     “No problem, you only snored a little so I could still concentrate on my work.” The way he casually said that makes me panic. Oh of all the days, I had to snore today. On the outside though I had to appear cool.

    I know I don’t snore.” I look him dead in the eyes while saying it. It’s a lie, if I am exhausted, I sometimes do. Everybody does.

    “Oh sure you don’t. Just like you don’t have dried up drool on your face.” My hands immediately go to my face, to try to get that away. I can’t believe how easily I humiliated myself. I am never again sleeping next to some guy. When married the poor soul will have to sleep on the couch or in the spare bedroom. I am not risking our marriage falling apart because of my inability to look good in the morning.

    I relax once I hear Nathaniel chuckling. This kid! He is making fun of me. The audacity of his. Once he sees I don’t find this situation funny, he raises his hands in surrender.

    “I am sorry, I just had to. It was too good of an opportunity to miss it.” He defends himself, while barely containing himself to start laughing.

    “Whatever.” Glaring at him for a second, I storm out of the library to find Isa. I want to chat with her for a bit and invite her over to my house later tonight, after a presentation for the History project. It’s about time I tell her at least a bit about Nathaniel, because if she will accidentally find out, she will flip. And I don’t wanna die young. I have never even left this country or saw the beauty of this world.

    I hear Nathaniel calling my name, but I ignore him. I honestly don’t know why I am even making a big deal out of it. It’s not like he humiliated me in front of people, he was just joking around. Near my locker I spot Isa. She abruptly stops eating her croissant, once she sees me. “Oh oh I know that look. Are you on your period?” 

    Wow what is it today? Did people decide to forget what kindness is? Or you could just truly be on your period. Shhh, not now. I don’t need your opinion. You do know you are shushing yourself, right?

    “That’s not the point.” I tell her. That’s also meant for you subconscious. “The point is, I am inviting you over at my house at around 5pm. That works for you?” As I look her in the eyes I see her focus somewhere else. Or should I say it’s on someone else? Waving my hand in front of her face, I get her attention back.

    “My house. 5 o’clock. No excuses.” She nods her head and scurries away. To Matt or to class I don’t know. This girl.

     Classes drag by excruciatingly slow. I couldn’t even enjoy my art class and we were doing pottery. In Biology we had to dissect a frog and I think this was the first time I truly appreciated all the boys in class. I skipped PE because it turned up I did get my period and the cramps were just killing me. Sociology was cool, we watched a movie. Last period I had English and we were writing an essay. All I could focus on though, was presentation, so thankfully this essay was just for practice. 

    Currently Nathaniel and I are pacing in front of History class. Well I am pacing, Nathaniel is just sitting calmly on the floor, either playing a game on his phone or typing something. I need his nerves, I mean how can he be so calm and collected? 

    He said it himself - it's not guaranteed that this project will be approved. The reason I want it so badly? It would look great on my college application form, which means great options to get out of here. I suppose Nathaniel’s reason is just because he can and thinks it’s fun. 

    Door suddenly opens and out walks Mr. Smith. “Alexis, Nathaniel we are ready for you.” We both grab our backpacks and go in. Seated in students seats there are the mayor, principal, English teacher and well one spot is unoccupied at the moment. On the professor's desk there is a laptop already open and set up, as well as the projector. 

    I politely greet everyone while Nathaniel puts a USB flash drive in the computer - setting up our presentation. “Mr. Hayes, Mr. Perry, Mr. Longdale and Mr. Smith, before we start we want to thank you, for taking some time out of your busy schedule to listen to our preposition.” I say as I look each man in the eye as I address them. 

    Why are only men on this board? Not the time Alexis. Right. I offer them a polite smile as Nathaniel starts with our presentation. Next 10 minutes we spent explaining every little detail of our plan. Of course our presentation could be longer, but we decided not to overflow them with information. Besides these men are busy, so they wouldn’t appreciate it if we took too much of their time.

    Once finished, it’s time for any concerns or questions, which Nathaniel and I answer perfectly. When there is nothing left to say I finally start to breathe again. This went well.

    “I have a meeting to go to. I think the idea is solid, but you would have to check everything with Mr. Smith and Mr. Longdale. As for the funds, you have them, as long as there won’t be any incidents.” Nathaniel’s dad speaks up. And just as quickly as he made his decision, he was out the door. Three men left, immediately start to discuss something in a hushed voices. 

    I move closer to Nathaniel and let out a small breath. He smiles, dimples forming on his cheeks. That’s something new. Also why do all the cute guys have dimples? Like they are handsome enough, no need to add another asset. Suddenly Nathaniel takes my hand in his and gives it a light squeeze. Okay, this combined with dimples it’s too much for me. As he is still holding my hand he moves closer and whispers: ”You did great Alexis.”

    We then step apart and let our hands go, before somebody notices. Thankfully we don’t have to wait long for the principal and two professors to finish their discussion. English teacher - Mr. Perry leaves, while Mr. Smith and principal step closer to us. They give us the good news that they really liked our idea and presentation, as well that they are happy to help with everything. 

    Mr. Longdale - our principal, later excused himself for urgent phone call as the three of us - Mr. Smith, Nathaniel and I, arranged further meetings to put this plan in motion. In about a month everything and everyone should be ready to start this week-long experiment. A month full of hard work and spending a lot of time with Nathaniel. And Mr. Smith. Whatever. I kinda feel sorry for the man, we will take a lot of his time, but I am sure he isn’t getting any extra pay for that. 

    Altogether it took us another ten minutes to finish everything up. Once out of the classroom Nathaniel also lets out a breath. I guess he was nervous too. “You also did great.” I encourage him back.

    “Do you know what this calls for?” He mischievously asks me.

    “Sleep?” I ask, tiredness overcoming my body as I can finally relax.

    “Nope. Celebratory ice cream.” I don’t even argue with him at this point. We all know he is perfectly capable of kidnaping me, for purposes of being his company while getting food. We come to his car, get in, buckle up and Nathaniel drives off to Ben & Jerry’s. Connecting my phone to radio I focus on putting on chill music. We once again decide for a drive-in, because why would you sit in a restaurant or bar or wherever if you can enjoy the sun and nature. 

    I order Chocolate therapy as Nathaniel orders Berry Sweet Mascarpone. This time I managed to pay. I am sure when Nathaniel saw the determination on my face, he wasn’t about to start the next Civil War. He took us to the same spot as on Saturday, to eat our ice creams, even though we both ate more than half of it already.

    We spend the next few minutes chatting about everything but school. But soon I usher him to drive me back home. I have homework to finish before Isa arrives. Twenty minutes later and we are in front of my house.

    Nathaniel turns off his car, just as I get a text. Taking my phone out I see it’s from Isa.

    'Hey I am so sorry, got caught up with Matt, mind if we reschedule? Love you!'

    'Sure! Have fun :)'  I reply to her. I admit I am torn, one part of me wants her to have fun and be happy with Matt, but the other part also wants to hang out with my best friend. Seems like she has her focus on other things now. 

    Nathaniel being the observant person he is, notices my change of mood instantly. “You okay?”

    “Yeah I am cool. Wanna come in for a movie? We can order pizza later.” I suggest, hoping he doesn’t have any plans. Might as well spent some fun time together, not just planning for school work. What about homework? Stop talking.

    “Movie, pizza and cute girl? How can I say no?” He winks at me and properly parks his car. I wait for him at the door. When we go in, I search for pizza delivery fliers to order some, while he takes a seat on the couch - picking a movie. Soon after I join him with two blankets.