Un•A•Were

3| Weird Day

Amanda's POV:

If the first day of school was any indication of how this year would go, then it was going to be a long year. Over the course of the next few months, I continue to try and fly below the radar. I just wanted to finish this year and go to college. No distractions, no drama, no more being ignored.

Although I've crossed paths with Bryan on many occasions, he has yet to say anything to me. Don't get me wrong, he's really cute with his dark brown hair, muscular physique, gorgeous smile, and 6'4" frame. But, the feature I'm drawn to the most is his eyes. Steel grey. I've never seen eyes that color. They are almost mesmerizing even though I don't dare lock eyes with him! There's something swirling around in those grey pools, but I can't put my finger on it. It's like he's seeing me for the first time, but refuses to act on anything. There's mystery there. More to the story, but who knows? It doesn't matter because in less than six months, I will be outta here!

Homecoming is next weekend, which means two things: big parties and swim season is right around the corner. I'm mainly focused on the latter, especially since I'm up for a swim scholarship. I've worked really hard to improve in my individual heats. I just need to keep working in order to impress the coaches and scouts that come to our meets.

"Earth to Amanda! Come in Amanda!" Samantha shouts while waving her hand in front of my face.

"Sorry." I laugh "I was just thinking about swim season."

"You are the only person that skips the major events of a school year," Luke chimes in.

"What can I say? Homecoming, football, and parties just aren't my thing." I shrugged as I pull my books out of my locker.

"Well, it's our Senior year and you MUST attend this year!" demands Sam.

"Really? Do we have to?" I say, annoyed by the whole thing.

"Yes! No exceptions or excuses! Ppppplllllleeeeaaaasssseeee!!" Sam practically begs.

"Okay okay!" raising my hands in surrender. I knew I wouldn't get out of this.

"Yay! Did you hear that Lukey?! She's coming to the homecoming festivities instead of being totally lame this year!" Sam jumps up and down in excitement.

"Hey! I heard that!" I scoffed.

"Yes dear, I heard. Not that you swindled her or anything." Luke adds, rolling his eyes.

I shake my head as we begin walking down the hallway to our first period. I walk in and stop in my tracks as I see Bryan sitting in the back row talking to a few classmates. What's he doing in here? I give a side glance to Sam and Luke, but they seem unfazed by his presence. And just as luck would have it, my desk is right in front of him. With a sigh, I walk to my desk and sit down. I immediately feel eyes boring into the back of my head. Before I'm tempted to turn around, Mrs. Beecher walks in with a stern look on her face.

"Attention class! Due to some schedule changes, there have been additions added to our roster. Please help out where you can so no one feels behind on what we've been studying. In an effort to help everyone catch up, I've paired you with a partner." My eyes go wide and I start to feel clammy. Mrs. Beecher begins calling out the pairs. Of course, Luke gets to partner with Sam. Lucky. She gets toward the end of the roster with only two names remaining: "Tiller and Young, you two will work together from here on out." No, no, no! What the hell! Not that Bryan has ever done anything to me. He's a little scary with his large biceps and intense stare. I slowly turn to look back at him. He looks deep into my eyes. I see a flash of emotions, but can't make out what they are as I dare not linger in his stare. I swallow hard and try to calm my nerves. I look back around at Sam and Luke smirking at me. Ugh! I hate them so much! Not really, but damn! This class just got extremely interesting.

After instructions, Mrs. Beecher has us move our desks in order to work with our partners. My heart is about to beat out of my chest. Scared? Not really. Nervous? Hell yes! Bryan scoots his chair toward mine.

"Hi. I'm Bryan."

I stare at him before answering. Is he for real? "Hey Bryan. I know who you are. I'm Amanda." his eyes flash like what I said was painful. What's that about? "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," I whisper.

"None taken. I didn't realize you knew anything about me."

"Well, other than your name. I don't." I admit. He seems to relax at that. Weird.

"So, what have y'all been working on?" he asks. I slide my book to the middle of our desks to show him the chapter on the World Wars. He looks at the book and then at me. He's staring at me so intensely that I almost forget we have an assignment. However, my brain finally kicks in. Geez, Mandy, get it together.

I clear my throat, which has now become extremely parched. "We- we have to create a timeline on the key events leading up to WWI to the end of WWII. It's a lot of details so we need to decide which ones are most important." I feel him move closer and inhale deeply. I bite my bottom lip, his close proximity making me feel awkward and anxious. I slide my loose hair behind my ear.

Without warning, Bryan stands up and walks out of the classroom without explanation. I look at Sam and Luke with confusion on my face. Luke runs after him which I've never seen before. What the hell is going on?

Luckily, the bell rings and Sam and I walk out to find Luke. Since they have their next class together, I leave Sam to find her boyfriend and I head to my next period alone. Again, I'm able to navigate through the halls unnoticed until I reach my next class. I soon realize that a familiar face has now joined my second period as well. A look of confusion crosses my face, but I take my seat at the front of the room because math is one of those classes I really have to pay attention to in order to pass. As hard as I try, I can feel him staring. It's really starting to annoy me. What has gotten into him? Am I on his hit list or something? Did I inadvertently do something to him? Not that I can remember. Ugh! Luckily, he doesn't try to interact with me during this class.

As the bell rings, I quickly gather my belongings and rush out of the room. I'm practically speed walking to my next class for fear of being attacked or followed. My efforts, however, were for not because who should enter my 3rd period, but Bryan. You have got to be joking?! Is this some sort of prank?!

He takes the seat next me and glances over at me with a slight smirk. Smirk? What's he smirking at? I look at him blankly and slightly vexed. He then takes out a piece of paper and begins feverishly writing. I guess when the spark of creativity hits you. I begin today's lesson which is outlined on the board. I welcome the distraction.

Since English is my favorite subject, it's easy to get lost in the assignment. I became so immersed in the story I didn't notice Bryan had passed a note to me. When I hear him clear his throat, I'm thrust back into reality and, blinking, stare at the piece of paper on my desk. I look up at his steel grey eyes with confusion, but his eyes are silently begging me to open the note.

I'm sorry for rushing out of first period on you. Something urgent came up and I had to leave class. I hope I didn't scare you. Also, you will be seeing a lot more of me since my schedule was changed and I believe we have more classes together. I'd really like to get to know you and work with you on these projects if possible. Again, sorry if I scared you.

Bryan

PS: Are you going to the homecoming game?

As if this day could get any weirder. I take a moment to process his note. Why is he apologizing to me? I'm a nobody. And how does he know my schedule? And is he threatening me with his presence? And why does it matter if I'm going to the homecoming game? Isn't he a football player? He wouldn't know if I were there or not? So many questions racing through my mind.

Instead of looking at him or verbally answering, I decided to respond on his original note.

You didn't scare me. It was a little weird, but your business is your business. Yes, I will be attending the game this year as it is my senior year and I want to enjoy all of the major high school events.

Amanda

I quickly pass the note back before anyone notices. He reads the note and smiles. Smiles? He's happy I'm going to the game. What is up with him lately?

The bell rings and I realize it's futile to rush out since he's already admitted to having the same schedule as me. I let him walk out first so I can get my nerves in check. As I walk out of the room, he's leaning against the wall like he's waiting for someone. That someone was me.

"Mind if I walk with you?" he asks politely.

"Sure." I say hesitantly.

"Having a good day so far?" he asks, making small talk.

"It's been kinda weird, but not bad." I reply with honesty.

"Weird? How so?" he inquires.

I suddenly stop walking and, with a sudden burst of bravery, I turn to look at him. The halls have dissipated so it's just the two of us.

"You don't think it's a little strange that after going to school together for years, you choose our senior year to start talking to me? I've been in your class since basically 3rd grade! Everyone here, including you, ignored my existence except for Samantha and Luke. So, excuse me, for thinking I'm about to be on an episode of Punk'd." I blurt out. I start to walk away suddenly feeling a little emotional and angry.

"I'm sorry we've treated you like that," he whispers, sorrow and regret obvious in his voice.

Without looking back, I make my way to the girl's bathroom. What is going on?! I scream inside my head. I'm so frustrated, a little annoyed, and frankly, confused as hell. I call my mom from the bathroom and tell her I'm not really feeling well. She says I can sign myself out and come home if I wish. Once I know the coast is clear, I high tail it to my car. I text Sam and Luke to let them know I'm actually fine and just need some alone time to process what's been happening lately. They both understood.

I make my way home, run upstairs, and crawl into my bed. I scream into my pillow, not wanting to feel so out of control. I like stability, routine, and predictability. I'm not a control freak, but my emotions can erupt into a hurricane when I'm off balance. It's chaos and I don't like it. After some breathing exercises, I feel drained of energy. It doesn't take long for me to fall asleep.