His Monumental Ego

MAD ENCOUNTER

LACEY" S POV

I was sitting at my desk in the room, waiting for Shai to arrive. The other students were busy with their early daily routine. I wondered what it took Shai to arrive late this morning. She usually goes into the room earlier than me.

"A memo arrived this morning saying that Miss Vera would be unable to attend our drafting subject after lunch because she appeared to be taking care of many things, so she advised us to go to her engineering students' class at three in the afternoon," Shai reported to me one morning.

"Does that mean she will take us to that class?" I asked.

"Yes, girl, and that's not all; she said engineering students could help us right there in Kurt's class," Shai remarked.

"Is that even possible?"

"What do you mean? You don't seem excited, girl?" she said mockingly.

What she said made me giggle. Of course, who isn't ecstatic about that? Is this it? The possibility for Kurt and I to be close is favorable; will I deny it?

It's almost three o'clock in the afternoon. I wish to stretch the time. I realize I'm not the only one delighted with the news.

"Don't be too proud, girl! Pray that Miss Vera will not change her mind, and your life plans will change," she commented when she noticed I was doing nothing but staring at the clock.

I'm not sure why, but I felt like I was floating in the air on our way to Kurt's room.

The room is spacious since it is one of the engineering building's drafting rooms. My classmates were hunting for a seat one by one when we eventually arrived. I also noticed Sheena walking over to where Kurt and his pals sat.

Shai and I were unable to locate a seat. The entire class is staring at us.

"Girls, here," Miss Vera said, pointing to the seat directly behind Kurt and his colleague. "And you, move to the back side next to my architectural students," she said, referring to the previously seated students behind Kurt.

They stood up and proceeded to the seat pointed by Miss Vera. I asked myself, "Is this a coincidence or a blessing?"

We are so close to each other... I felt like I wanted to hug Miss Vera.

Miss Vera began to speak in front of everyone. Because my gaze was mainly on Kurt's back, I didn't understand much of what she said... Even the breadth of his shoulders bothers me. I like the thickness of his hair. He is so damn attractive.

I saw Miss Vera had already left.

"Where is Miss going?" I asked Shai, who sat next to me.

"You're not listening?" came the hushed response.

"I'm listening, but not too much," I replied calmly, knowing she was thinking otherwise.

"She said, let's do this one." She showed me a page from our book. "And look for an engineering student who can help us."

"Ah, OK," I said, looking immediately at Kurt. Shai shook her head and rolled her eyes. She knew exactly what I was about to do.

"Hmmm, Excuse me," I said as I touched Kurt's back. He shortly flipped position.

"What?" His typical response.

"Could you please help me?" I asked, pointing to the book while staring at him.

He averts his attention." Find someone who can assist you. Please help ahmm...L-lacey," he said to Omar.

"No, I'd prefer you," I said flatly. People that surrounded us exchanged glances. Shai did nothing but watch.

"But I don't want you," he asserted clearly.

"What's your problem with me?" I know others are attentive to our conversation, particularly his peers.

"Ask yourself," he murmured, turning away from me.

"Why don't you look at me?" I asked in return.

"And why should I?" He turned back, and our gazes locked. I want to melt when I see how he looks at me, even though it is tinged with wrath and annoyance. Simply communicating with him makes me feel as if I had all the joy in the world.

We looked at each other for several minutes. His buddies were agitated. It seemed that a world war was on the brink.

"OK, thank you; I won't force anyone who is unwilling to help, even if he can," I stated emphatically. Kurt chuckled, a bit irritable.

"Didn't I tell you I didn't want to help?" He asked as he turned to face me.

"Why? Are you afraid you might fall in love with me?" I asked flatly. I could hear other people in the room panting. I said those words merely out loud.

He burst out laughing. It was so loud that it shook the entire room. It sounded like an insulting laugh.

"I've fallen for you...." Jex's voice filled the room, promptly followed by another friend telling everyone around us was laughing.

"Look at yourself. Do you think you are the type of girl I want?" Kurt exclaimed angrily.

I heard someone utter "whew" from one of his friends and was dealt with a dirty look from Shai.

"Tell the Marines, you're lying," I replied bravely.

"Not a chance in hell, you understand?"

I shuddered. "We'll see," I said with a smile, analyzing the night I contacted him on his phone; he had no idea how I got his number.

"Yes, we'll see," Shai responded, staring at his friend who had just earlier commented, "Whew."

We were all silent. I'm relieved that Kurt and I are finally talking again, even this way. Omar assisted me. To be fair, the guy is kind and pleasant. It was unusual for me, so I tried to be extra polite so he wouldn't accuse me of being artsy and finicky. But I couldn't help but stare back at Kurt. Even after Omar had explained, my gaze remained fixed on his. It is beneficial to Sheena. I can feel the progress of time. This is our most recent encounter. I'll ensure that there are more to come.