3
830 Words
I had my head resting down on my desk, my whole body sore.
"Someone looks tired today. You okay?"
I lifted my head to see stop in front of my desk, Luke close behind her as they both walked into class.
I leaned my head on the palm of my hand, "Yeah. Just..." I noticed Luke getting closer to us. "Family. Appointments." I kept my voice quiet.
Monty broke his arm playing football so he needed to go to the hospital, Macy spent hours crying after getting her needles, and I was starting to fall behind in school so I really needed to work on my time management.
Remy gave me a sheepish smile, "I'm sorry," she kept her voice in a whisper as Luke took his seat beside mine. "Let me know if you need help with anything."
I gave her a grateful smile as she went to her seat, behind mine.
"Morning, love," Luke beamed a gleeful smile. "Someone looks like they're going to pass out."
"Thanks," I grumbled sarcastically, pulling my notebooks out of my bag. I was too tired and stressed out to put up with Luke today.
"That's it? No taunt back?" He leaned closer to me, his eyes filled with intrigue.
"Not today, pretty boy." My tone was dull, not looking at him as I spoke glumly.
Luke's lips twitched upwards in a grin. "So you think I'm pretty?"
"I think you're annoying," I responded, shooting him a fake smile.
He shrugged casually, "But pretty too. I'll take it."
I rolled my eyes, ignoring his comment as I focused on what was written on the blackboard. The rest of class, I did my best to zone Luke out.
Third period, I was sitting at the back of the classroom with my head stuffed in a book because I was very far behind in a noel report that was due very soon.
"There you are, love. I missed you."
I narrowed my eyes, looking at Luke who cheerfully took the seat beside mine, like usual. "You saw me first period."
He shrugged, "Can't I still miss you?"
Ignoring him, I went back to reading my book.
"Marie,"
"Buzz off, Luke."
"Love,"
I ignored him. So, he started poking me.
"Come on," he whined. "I know you like having me around."
I put my book down and turned to look at him, quirking an eyebrow. "I really could do without you. Sorry to burst the bubble."
Luke pouted out his bottom lip, "That one hurt, love."
I rolled my eyes, picking my book back up.
"Come on," Luke continued to bother me and be annoying like usual. "Why are you in a bad mood today?"
"Luke," I spoke calmly, not taking my eyes off the book. "If you cannot tell already, I really need to finish reading this so kindly shut up."
Luke let out a small laugh, not bothered by my rather rude manner. "1984," he took note of the book I was reading. "You need to pick an essay topic, right? Compare the book to a real communist party like the one in China. You'll need to do some research on it but it'll be a good book-to-world connection essay. Or write about the psychologic manipulation, how the party has so much control of their citizens."
I blinked, almost thinking I was dreaming. I turned to look at Luke, confused. "Why are you helping me?"
Luke shrugged, "You have two days to finish and hand in your essay and you're not done reading the book. I've read it so I'm just saving you the time by giving an idea."
I blinked.
After the way I had been treating him over the last few days he had been here, I really was no expecting him to help me out.
I opened my mouth to speak but the teacher beat me to it.
"Class, today we're going to be watching a short video before we get into a discussion so please focus your attention to the front of the room."
I didn't get a chance to talk to Luke again in class and surprisingly he didn't bother me either.
"Hey, Luke," I caught up to him in the hallway.
He stopped walking, surprised to see me. He raised his eyebrows, "Hi, love."
I inhaled deeply. "I uh... thank you. For helping me out with the essay."
He shrugged, "It was nothing."
I scoffed softly, "It was something. I don't think I would have finished it in time but now at least I know what to pay attention to while reading it so it does make it easier."
Luke offered me a small smile, "Don't worry about it, I'm glad to help. I'll see you later."
My eyebrows pulled together, confused as to where he was going because it was lunch now and he had been joining us the past few days. "Wha-"
I didn't have a chance to say anything because he had already left.
- Writer
