A Challenge for A Mate

Lust At First Sight

    We had just approached the office and Mrs. Mathis ushered us in taking us right to the open door of Principal Greer’s offices. I had never been in any kind of trouble at school, but I did know Principal Greer and only spoke with her about my academic achievements. I was pretty sure the same could be said about Ariel; so we both are in foreign territory being sent to the office for something so negative.

    “Principal Greer are you available?” Mrs. Mathis asked while leaning into to the office. I took that moment to steal a glance at Ariel to see if I could read her face, but she still held the same blank expression.

    “Yes Mrs. Mathis. How can I help you? I know your class started less than ten minutes ago so it must be important.”

    “I let some of the students know I was going to be a little late so I could walk these two to your office. They were fighting in the hall.” She said getting straight to the point.

    “Who? Already it’s the first day of school.” Principal Greer said standing up in from her seat. I walked in first then Ariel and Principal Greer’s jaw dropped. Only taking a short second to compose herself her mouth form a hard line.

    “Yeah I know shocked me too. I’m going back to class and leave them to you.” With that she left quietly closing the door behind her.

     Principal Greer was extremely overweight and extremely tall for a woman. She had a kind voice, but she didn’t take any bullshit especially off of trouble making students who would disrupt the learning environment as she liked to say.

    “I’m very disappointed to say the least. So what is this about? I hope it’s not over a boy.” Principal Greer sighed in annoyance. Ariel, finally breaking her stoic exterior started crying real juicy boohoo tears.

    “It was Keisha! She pushed me in hall and tried to tackle me. I had no choice, but to defend myself. I’m not a violent person! I’m a good student who understands the importance of a having an outstanding academic career. Keisha’s always had a problem with me since last year. I have no idea why!” She sobbed each word with such conviction that I almost believed her. I know Principal Greer took her words seriously seeing how my disposition is less than sunny compared with Ariel’s fake niceness. This b***h is beyond fake and it is really pissing me off. I wish I could step on her face. I wear my emotions on my face so I know they both can tell what I’m thinking

    “Stop crying those fake tears and telling lies! You know you started it. You pushed me and I’m not going to allow you to bully me like you do the rest of the girls at school!” I shouted with as much venom as I could aim at her. I know acting like this was not the best way to handle this situation, but I’m too angry to care. I want her to know just how much I stand by my actions regardless of who is in the room. Next time she’ll know I’m not the one to f**k with. “Principal Greer I know I haven’t gone to this school as long as Ariel, but I take my academic career seriously too. I didn’t want to fight her, but she put her hands on me—.” I was cut off abruptly by Ariel who moved towards and I moved closer to her ready for whatever she wanted to do.

    “Kisha! I’m so sorry!” She sobbed pulling me into a tight hug. I almost fell over in shock and my skin crawled repulsed by her touch. “You must have misunderstood me for so long. I would never bully anyone. I know you’re still kind of new so you don’t know me that well, but I would never intentionally hurt anyone. Today in the hall I accidentally bump you because there are so many students by the lockers on the first day. You must have just taken it the wrong way. In your position I might have responded the same way.” She said this with some relief in her voice. Damn she’s good. This sounded so reasonable I was in shock and all I did was open and close mouth trying to think of a response.

    “Ughh get off of me.” I shrugged her off and rolled my eyes in disbelief. She is going to get away with this even though she was caught red handed. Principal Greer watched this entire conversation transpire and she had look of relief on her face.

    “Okay. Since you both are excellent students and this seems to be a misunderstanding I’ll let you off with a warning. You are not suspended, but you will stay after school everyday this week to help pick up trash on school grounds. You will report to Mr. Huge the Head of Maintenance directly after school. He’ll will be expecting you. Thank you, ladies please report to your prospective classes.” She went right back to work dismissing us and leaving no room for argument.

    “Thank you! Principal Greer, have a good day!” Ariel said cheerfully as she exited the room. I followed her out of the Principal’s office trying not to stay to close to her still feeling like I could smack her, but I have to admit she saved both our asses. I honestly don’t know how my mom would have responded to me getting in trouble. I have always been sort of a hot head, and she knows that. So me getting in a fight wouldn’t shock her, but she would be disappointed. Needless to say I’m glad I won’t have to find out.

    My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden feeling like someone was watching me. I look around and my eyes met his. I’m not the type to stare, but the man in front of me was fine ass hell. He had a beautiful caramel skin tone and his body was thick with muscle. Not outrageous muscle, but enough that he looked powerful and protective. I bit lower lip wondering what it would feel like if his arms were wrapped around me. Or what he would feel like between my thighs. With that last thought I felt myself get wet between my legs and I instinctively rubbed them together. What the hell is wrong with me I don’t even know this man. Even still I couldn’t bring myself to look away from his gaze and his eyes changed from deep brown to piercing blue. It happened so fast I might have been mistaken if I wasn’t so captivated. His eyes were full of lust almost as if he could tell what I was thinking. Like he knew how my body was responding to his intense gaze.

    I decided to give myself five more seconds to be a creep and take as much of him in as I could before making myself come back to reality. I took this time to notice the curly man bun at the top of his head. It’s a popular hairstyle for men right now, but he was wearing it best of course. He had a full beard that was cut low enough to show off how chiseled his jawline was. His lips looked so juicy I could only imagine how soft they were. Okay that’s enough I finally force myself to look away and disappointment courses through my body. This guy is obviously not in school so he would probably think of me as a child anyway even if I did turn 18 over the summer. It was just my imagination running wild hoping he was looking at me like that.

     I wasn’t the only one who noticed him because all of the women in the front office seemed to be beside themselves. The only one who didn’t seem flustered was Ariel she walked right up to him swaying her hips so he would notice how thick she was. Normally I would think that was pathetic, but today I felt jealous. Wishing I would have put a little more effort into getting dressed.

    “Excuse me. Do you need help getting somewhere? I was just leaving out and I wouldn’t mind showing you around.” She said it so sweet it’s almost sickly. It was the voice she used on all guys at school to get what she wanted and so far I had never seen it fail. She even had the nerve to touch his arm as she said it. Anger built up in me quickly all I could see was red and I could feel my feet moving. She better take her hands off of him or I’m going to put her so far through the wall she’ll get a short cut to class.

    “No thanks. I’m waiting for someone.” His voice seemed to calm to me. It was so deep and sexy I almost melted into a puddle on the floor. He even moved his arm away from her and only then did I notice I was standing right behind Ariel. What the hell is going on with me? Why am I angry over a man I don’t even know? I need to get out of here so I can breathe this is to much for me to experience all at once.

    “Are you sure?” Ariel persisted.

    “Yes. Very Sure” He stated barely looking at her. His eyes were on me. Well I think he’s looking at me. Unless I’m delusional and I can’t dismiss that idea at this point. Ariel turns around and glares at me. So he is looking at me? She walks out of the office clearly upset which puts a huge smile on my face. I now realize that nothing separates me from them man of my dreams except five feet. I want to close that space between us, but a nervousness I’ve never known fills my body. The air seems electric and I look up at him and he stares at me intently and he gives me a smile that causes my breath to catch. The room is empty and it’s just me and him. The moment seems to last forever, but forever isn’t long enough. “What’s your name?” I open my mouth to answer him, but Rashad comes into the office.

    “Hey Devon! I knew it was you when they called me up here. What’s going on?” Rashad says in his usual friendly demeanor. Okay so they know each other and he man of dreams has a name, it’s Devon. I liked his name it fits him. I never known an ugly Devon in my life. Devon reluctantly tore his gaze from me with a little annoyance in his eyes.

    “Yeah I only came up here because I’m wanted help with the gym classes and watch a few of you guys workout later today. I thought you showing me around would keep your teammates from feeling nervous around me.” As Devon was talking, I made my way to the door because I had wasted enough time and they were having a private conversation. My first class was AP History and didn’t need to miss anymore than I already had.

    I walked down the hall to my class, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Devon. I wonder how Rashad knows him. Probably something to do with basketball since he talked about watching them workout. I made it to class and Mr. Folgers had already started the lesson. I wouldn’t expected anything less from an AP course. He gave me a look and I rushed to the first open seat I saw towards the back. I got my paper and pens out and began taking notes. Class kept me distracted and I knew I would really have to stay focused to pass. The bell rang and Mr. Folgers handed me papers that I needed to have signed and brought back tomorrow.

    “Miss. Clarke, I expect you to be on time tomorrow.” He said looking over his glasses which seemed to small for round face.        

    “Yes Sir. It won’t happen again.” I said rushing out the door to my next class. I really wanted to tell Shavon everything that happened this morning, but Art wasn’t until third period and we probably wouldn’t be able to talk much then. We had lunch after Art, but I wanted to see if I could catch her before second period. I knew where her locker was and it was close to my Calculus class so I wouldn’t be late.

    “Hey Shavon.” I said as we both approached her locker at the same time.

    “What happened? I thought you were going to get suspended!” She looked at me with curious eyes, but I had other things I wanted to talk about and we had only five minutes.

     “Girl f**k that. I’ll tell you about that at lunch. I have something else to tell you that’s more important. I met the sexiest man that walked the earth this morning when I was leaving the office.” I saw her eyes widen in excitement because she knew I didn’t really like any of the guys at school.

    “Damn is he a new student or something? I haven’t heard anyone talking about him.” She said looking down the hall as if she was trying to find him.

    “No. He doesn’t go here. I saw him in the office waiting for Rashad and I don’t know how they know each other.” I said anticipating her next question. “He was talking about watching the guys workout so it’s probably basketball related. He’s not high school age probably just a few years older than us, but I swear he’s feeling me. We could barely stop looking at each other. Did I tell you how fine he is?! Girl I can’t wait for you to see him.” I said all of that rushed trying to be mindful of the time. “Crazy thing is I didn’t even get a chance to talk to him.” I groaned with disappointment.  

    “What? Then how do you know he’s into you? Just because he looked at you? I don’t know sus you might be jumping to conclusions. Besides it sounds like he’s to old for you anyway.” Everything she said brought me back down to earth and my excitement started to dwindle. She might be right, but I just felt such a strong connection. He is older and as fine as he is I bet he has a girl anyway. I saw reasoning in what she said, but I wasn’t going to let her know that.

    “I’m not too young. I turned 18 over the summer so it’s legal.” I felt like a child just saying that and by the look on Shavon’s face so did she. “Okay maybe am a lil thirsty over his ass, but damn b***h why you got to bring me down like that.” I sigh extra loud, so she knows how frustrated I am.

    “Would I be a friend if I didn’t keep it real with you?” She said with a smile. “Besides, I’m not saying don’t go for it. I’m just saying be careful. These guys play way too many games.”

    “Yeah your right I should just forget about it, but class is about to start I’ll catch up with you later.” I say walking away headed to my next class. I was excited for calculus because math is my favorite subject. I find it challenging and I never get bored with, but that happiness is short lived when I see Ariel sitting in the front row. I was expecting this so I’m not shocked just annoyed. She smirks at me and whispers something to one of those crones she calls a friend. Out of all the classes why did it have to be this one. Thankfully, class flew by and it was very uneventful. Now I could head to art I would have my best friend for some much-needed support.

    I take a seat in the back of class and Rashad walks in. I can tell he’s pissed off about something and I’m surprised. I’ve never seen him mad before because he’s usually so friendly and happy despite the fact that he’s a jock. Normally I wouldn’t even care but seeing him act this way concerns me. Since class hasn’t officially started yet I approach him to see if he’s okay.

    “Hey, Rashad what’s going on? You don’t seem like yourself.” I say in a soft voice trying to make him feel comfortable opening up to me. If looks could kill I would have died, because Rashad’s brown eyes were now a fierce yellow and I subconsciously take a step back. The look in his face is less than human and I’m not afraid just shocked at what I’m seeing.

    “Nothing’s wrong!” He snaps at me. “I’m just I’m not 18 yet.” This time he sounds a little more disappointed. I mean sure turning 18 is cool because you’re considered an adult, but it’s hardly anything to feel this upset about.

    “That’s what your mad about?” I say in an amused tone. “That’s nothing to be upset about it’s not that big of a deal. You turn 18 later this year, right?”

    “Yeah, but by then it’ll be too late.” He sounds so defeated it breaks my heart a little. The anger he felt earlier now dissipated he hung his head low. What’s going on with him?

    “Umm 18 will always be there. I don’t understand what’s going on.” I say this with confusion in my voice. He looks up at me with solemn eyes and grabs my hand. The way he’s touching me feels so intimate. He’s never touched me like this before, so gentle.

    “I know you don’t understand.” He says dropping my hand turning away from me. I stand there looking at the back of his head wondering what the hell happened.

    “Keish!” I jerked my head to see Shavon just enter class. Walking towards me she looks back and forth between me and Rashad probably wondering why I’m standing so close to him.

    “Oh did you ask him who the guy was in the office this morning that got you all excited?” She asked coming to her own conclusion about why I would be standing next to Rashad. I noticed Rashad’s back stiffen at her question, but he doesn’t turn around.

    “No! Shut up!” I said embarrassed. Grabbing her by the arm I dragged her to the back of the class to sit next to me. “Why would you say that?”

    “Well you were all cozied up to him which was weird, so that was the only logical explanation.” She said this but looked at me expectantly. I knew what her eyes were asking, but I wasn’t going to say simply because I didn’t know the answer myself. “Well why were all in his space then? You don’t even give him the time of day because of the Evil Queen B.” She says referring to Ariel. I have a brief hesitation before I answer.

     “Well he was upset when he came to class, so I was just checking on him.” I gave that as a simple explanation even though I know there was more to our conversation. I just didn’t know what to say because it didn’t make sense. I was glad the bell rang signaling the start of class to avoid Shavon’s scrutiny over my answer.