In Lilac Bloom

Repeat Offenders.

I walked back into the class feeling a mix of anger and excitement.

Mr. Olowolaju had already left and, in doing so, left the entire board filled with notes for me to copy—considering I missed half the class because of Daniel’s stupid antics.

I sighed, settled into my seat, brought out my notebook, and began to write.

“That was fun, shey?”

The annoying voice I never wanted to hear again spoke.

I ignored him and focused on the board.

“Success, answer nau,” he whined, poking me with his pen.

I let out a frustrated sigh and rolled my eyes.

“What do you want now? It’s bad enough you got me kicked out of class on my first day of school, leaving me with a heap of notes to write. Now you’re disturbing me again. Just be sensible and write your notes, please.”

I was so sure that would make him finally see reason and face his front.

Boy, was I wrong.

The poking came again—more intense this time.

I shook my head and muttered, “God help me.”

I turned to face him fully.

“What is it?”

“You have to admit, that was really fun… exhilarating too, eh?” he said.

“Yes, it was,” I replied. “But couldn’t you wait until I finished writing my notes before engaging me in this pointless conversation?”

“No, I couldn’t,” he said with a grin. “But you can go back to your notes now. I just wanted to know if you had as much fun as I did.”

He brought out his notebook and started writing.

Eh?

EHHHH??

So he just—

Ugh, never mind.

I turned back to the board and continued writing.

I was just a page away from finishing when the teacher for the next period walked in.

Ugh, is this the time you're supposed to be coming? Too early, don't you think? I thought sarcastically.

“Shit.”

My eyes widened.

“s**t, s**t, s**t, shit.”

Apparently… those were not thoughts.

“Young lady, what was that?”

A very gruff voice cut through the class.

My head snapped up at lightning speed.

Standing in front of me was a large, big-boned, light-skinned woman with her arms crossed, glaring down at me.

She looked like she could turn me into a completely flattened Krabby Patty in seconds.

(Get it? SpongeBob reference?)

Anyway… back to my problem.

I gulped.

“I didn’t say anything, ma’am.”

“Yes ma, she was talking to me,” Daniel quickly added, trying to save the situation.

“Oh? So you’re the one she asked if this was the time I’m supposed to come to class?” she snapped. “Do you think I’m stupid?”

Her voice rose several octaves.

A drop of saliva landed on my cheek.

I scrunched my nose in disgust.

Seriously, what is it with teachers here and drenching students in buckets of spit?

Thank God that one stayed in my head.

Daniel shot me a look—chai, you’re finished.

I sighed for what felt like the hundredth time today, already accepting my fate.

“You two—out of my class now!” she barked.

Great.

It’s becoming a record.