Mackenzie

Chapter 3

My eyes opened and it took a very long time for me to register that I was on a bed... In school.

"You're up!" Bambi squealed as she ran to me, "What caused it?"

"Don't you have a class?" I asked.

"I don't, and you didn't answer my question," She frowned

"His cologne," I said, getting up from the bed and straightening my top.

"Kenzi, there were 4 guys on the table, it'd help if you were more specific."

"Tanner's," I answered.

"Oh", her eyes widened, "He wasn't the only one—"

"Yes, Bambi, I know... But I know what he's smells like, I sat with him for my first three classes."

"Oh... I see," She said, realization hitting her.

"It's just too strong for me," I said quietly.

"Then tell him," she said," Tell him you can't keep up with it."

"Oh yeah? And get some stupid rude reply? No, thanks. I'm way past done with dealing with that guy's ass. There's no way I'm having anything to do with him again... In fact, I'm gonna change my seat."

"You sure? Everyone has permanent seats now, so I don't see any change happening," Bambi said.

"There are now permanent seats too?" I asked in surprise,"What else has changed in this school, Bambi. You should tell me so I know what to do."

"Not much, Kenzi."

"Where did everyone else go?" I asked.

"They all have classes. They had to leave."

I sighed,"There's no way I'm going back to class again today.

*****

"Mom!" I called as I closed the door silently and walked into the house.

"Mom!" I shouted as I ran to her. She was on the couch and she looked like she had... Passed out. "Mom." I called, shaking her.

Her eyes slowly fluttered open,"Oh MZ, you're back from school." She said as she struggled to get up from her lying position.

"Mom.... Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah.. yeah, I am. I just had to rest, I was so tired."

What made her so tired? She usually did some little work from home. If I ignored this before, I'm not ignoring it again. I had the strong feeling something was wrong with her... And the thought alone scared me.

"You were tired?" I asked her.

"Yeah, honey.. I did a lot of work today," She said, smiling.

"Mom—"

"It's okay, MZ.. I'm fine, really. I was just so tired. Believe me," she looked at me.

"Alright, alright," I said.

"So, how was your first day in two years?" She asked me.

I sighed as I rolled my eyes,"Crazy."

"Tell me about it."

I loved the fact that mom was so interested in my life... Although, it could be really annoying sometimes, she would always have some words of wisdom that would help me later. I went ahead to tell her about Proud Jerk Tanner and every other thing that happened with him. Of course, I didn't tell her about the attack, cos I didn't want her worrying too much.

"Hm. He sounds like a guy from a movie." Mom said.

"Yes, he does..." I rolled my eyes.

"Just be nice to him."

"That's crazy! No, I'm not doing that. He doesn't deserve it." I said as I remembered what I was saying to him before I passed out.. but, those eyes though.. full of fear and worry.

"I'm serious. If you're nice to him, he'd feel terrible."

"No, that was in the 80s when there were nothing like comebacks."

Mom chuckled. "Go change into something more comfortable and let's work on dinner," she said.

"Okay," I said and walked to my room.

As soon as I got into my room, the first thing I did was search for my inhaler. I found it in my second drawer. I put it in my bag immediately. I was definitely going to need it tomorrow, cos of course, Proud Jerk Tanner would wear that killing cologne of his.

I got into shorts and a tank top, then I left my room to the kitchen to help mom with dinner.

*****

I sat down later after dinner to study. Yeah, I know it was just my first day today. I've got a load of text books to read. To be honest, I had my eyes on three universities for a scholarship. There were partial scholarships and full scholarships. All you had to do was passed their scholarship exams in flying colors. The universities were

Harvard. Columbia. Emory.

I'm not being selfish or proud, I'm just that smart. If I got a scholarship, then, mom didn't really have to pay much.. of course dad had the money, but I honestly also wanted to be proud of myself.

Dad missed mom. I knew it. He never said it, but he always showed it. He probably still took me for a 3-year old child. I caught on everything he said. I knew he still loved her. He wasn't seeing any woman, just like mom wasn't seeing any man, he just sat at home, barking orders to his employees... If only he'd just stop being proud, maybe... Just maybe, he and mom would come back together and things wouldn't be so hard for us..

Letting out a breath, I picked up my Biology textbook and started to read.

*****

I

heard a car horn.

"s**t!" I flew out of my bed, throwing my textbook off me just as my eyes caught a glimpse of my alarm clock. I ran into the bathroom as I brushed my teeth and hurried in having my bath. I got dressed as I flew outside and saw Bambi's tired face. I got in the car.

"What the hell, Kenzi.. I'd been horning for the past—"

"I'm so damn sorry... I just woke up. You should have come in," I said.

"The door was locked, no need waking your mom up when I thought you'd be awake," she said as she drove.

"I'm so sorry."

"What were you doing up all night, anyway? You have anybody to bang?"

"Ew... no." I chuckled,"I was studying."

"Oh yeah, I forgot.. the scholarship."

"Exactly." I ran a hand through my hair and looked at Bambi,"Don't lie to me. Do I look like s**t?"

"I wouldn't say shit... I'd just say crap.. and it's becauses of your hair. You really should brush it."

I sighed,"Where's your hairbrush?"

"Back seat."

I reached over to the back seat as I got the brush and brushed my hair. When I was done, Bambi sighed,"How are you?"

"Fine." I replied.

She nodded as she pulled up to the parking lot. At that time, another car pulled up to the parking lot. My mouth hung up.

"That is a G- Wagon." I said as I looked at it.

"I know," Bambi smiled as she used the time to touch up her make up and put her books in her bag.

I used the time to take a look at the driver of the car. It had to be a teacher. There was no way a student would have such a car. It was probably Mr. Dave's. Just then, the door opened and the first thing I noticed were the shoes.. if I didn't like shoes from Fendi, I was falling in love right now, then, I saw the tall figure, but not the face yet, because he backed us.. he ran a hand through his hair.. wait. That Taylor Lautner hair... And then I saw the face.

"Proud Jerk Tanner drives a G-wagon?" I looked sharply at Bambi.

"Yeah. And could you drop the Proud Jerk? Tanner's shorter. Please."

My eyes widened as I looked at the machine.

"That's exactly what I meant when I told you his dollar sign came to life."

Bambi said. "He's got a few other cars too."

I turned back to look at him as he walked into the school.

"Damn," I muttered to myself.

"C'mon, let's go inside."

I took a look at the car one more time and came out of Bambi's car.

We walked in the hallway as we made a way to our lockers," Do I have any class with you today?" I asked Bambi.

"Yeah. Just fifth period."

"Why the hell did you change classes anyway?" I asked her.

"All those calculations? I couldn't do it," she laughed and I joined her.

"Alright, I'd see you later," she told me, "Stay outta trouble too.. I hope you brought your inhaler today?"

"Yes. I did. It's in my bag."

"Okay. I'd see you later. Have fun"

Of course I will. My seat mate is fun. Yaay!

The bell rang and I walked to Trig class. Yeah. I was having Trig first period everyday.

When I got to class, Mrs Martinez wasn't in. A quick glance at my seat and Tanner was already seated on his. I inwardly rolled my eyes and walked to my seat, sitting without making eye contact with him. Just then, Ryan came to me.

"Hey Kenzi," he smiled at me, pulling my cheek and I shot him the death glare. He ignored the look as he asked,"How do you feel? I hope you brought your inhaler today."

"Yes, I did," I nodded.

"Where is it?"

"It's in my bag." I rolled my eyes, opening my bag and showing it to him.

"Let's get seated, everyone!" Mrs Martinez entered the class, clapping her hands and smiling.

*****

The whole class listened in rapt attention as Mrs Martinez taught, well except for Ryan who was asleep at the back. I chuckled lightly, shaking my head.

"McCann!" Mrs Martinez called, and there he was again, tapping his pencil against the desk and disturbing my peace. Mrs Martinez didn't complain about not getting a response from him, so I guessed she was already used to his attitude.

"Can you prove that the equation on the board is a correct one?"

"How long are you gonna be on my case?"

"For as long as... You know what?" She looked at me, "Mackenzie, could you please answer the question?"

I didn't like stuff like this. By this time, all eyes were on me as I swallowed and stood up slowly, looking at the board. "Uh.. all you have to do is, uh, use the identity in the left hand side of the given identity.. so at the end, the sine is equal to the right hand side of the identity."

"Awesome! That's correct, thank you, Mackenzie," Mrs Martinez smiled in content as I sat down, nodding.

"Of course she got it right." I heard Tanner mutter to himself and I chose to ignore his comment.

*****

The bell rang and some people excitedly packed their bags ready to leave the classroom eagerly. I was one of those very excited students.

"McCann! Starr! Don't go yet... I want to see you two."

I looked at her in confusion.

"Did anything happen between you two while I was asleep?" Ryan asked as if it was in the school rules that it was right to sleep in class.

"No... Uh, not really. Look, I'd tell you about it later." I told him and then walked to Mrs Martinez.

"Yes ma'am." I stood in front of her just as Tanner fell in step beside me.

She nodded at me then looked at Tanner,"McCann, I've told you if you're not gonna be serious in my class—"

"I am serious. I attend your classes."

"Well I need you to be more serious, if not, I've told you countless times that you could drop the subject."

"And those countless times, Mrs Martinez, I've told you I can not drop the subject."

I cleared my throat, "I'm sorry ma'am, but how do I come into all of these?"

"Good question, Mackenzie", she looked at me, "I need you to tutor Tanner."

"What?" I asked at the same time Tanner said, "All because of one damn question?"

"No, it's not because of a question, Tanner. Mackenzie is good... Really good."

"I don't give a s**t if she's good or not. She's useless and I don't want someone—"

I didn't want to hear his words which I was sure would leave me angry so I interrupted, "Yes, someone who is as rude and crude as he is. Honestly Mrs Martinez, I wish to put him on mute."

"Guys! Guys!" She sighed, "All you have to do is work together. Tanner needs to graduate—"

"Yeah, I can do that without her, I'm sure."

"Of course. It's obvious you're the brightest kid in the class. I hope you graduate, Einstein " I spat, and I saw his face light up in surprise. What did he think? That I was one of those girls who stood by their lockers, admiring his super hot body?

You did that yesterday, didn't you?

'Oh, shut up! I stopped when I realised how much of a jerk he was', I shouted back to my subconscious.

"Mackenzie!" Mrs Martinez called and I rolled my eyes. "All you guys have to do is get to know when you'd be free, think about how to—"

"Get her sense? Sure." He glared and walked past me, leaving Mrs Martinez and I standing in surprise.

But I noticed something. His cologne was just right today.