Love & Loss

two

Avery

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I began drawing at the back of my notebook, something that I often did when I was nervous or anxious. Desmond, freaking Desmond was sitting beside me.

"Hey sunflower, I'm talking to you," he said.

I continued to ignore him, there was no way that the popular guy in school was sparking up a conversation with me... A nobody.

I was oblivious to the fact that he was talking to me because no one did, unless I had to do their assignments I was basically invisible to them.

He tapped my shoulder repeatedly as everyone's attention was now focused on us instead of the lesson, I snapped out of my thoughts realizing that he was, indeed, talking to me without any sassy or rude comments.

"No, I'm not new here," I said in a monotone voice.

"That's weird because I haven't seen you with any friends and as far as I see everyone in this class has someone to talk to," he said matter-of-fact.

"Well that's because there are people like you who can't mind their business why I have no friends," I snapped.

"Enough students, get back to work and Desmond stop disturbing your classmate who's tryna learn," Math teacher spoke.

"—We have an assignment to do, due in a month, you will be able to pick your partner, and please hand me the list at the end of the class," the teacher continued.

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The bell buzzed signaling it was the end of Math class. Desmond hasn't said another word to me but occasionally I could feel his intense gaze on me burning holes in my skull.

"Um let's do the assignment together," he spoke suddenly.

Packing up my stuff I pushed pass him as if he was non-existent. "Hey I'm talking to you sunflower."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance, "First of all, my name's Avery not sunflower and second of all go find someone else."

"But everyone already has their partners, and Ms. Gordon said in pairs the assignment should be done," he stated.

"Fine I'll do the assignment and add your name but you gotta pay me for it though, no free work," as soon as I said those words Desmond burst out in laughter.

"What's so funny, you know what nevermind I don't have time," I said.

"No, wait it's just that you're pretty funny sunflower, who said anything about you doing all the work?" He questioned.

My face heat up as I just embarrassed myself because of stupidity. "Urm- give me your number I'll send the tasks you should do," I conclude.

He stretched his hand towards mine and I placed my hand in his. "No sunflower not your hand, your phone for my number," he chuckled.

"Hmm, right, um," I shuffle through my sweater looking for my phone before handing it to him.

"Here you go, just text me when you're home," he said before leaving me in awe of what just happened.

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Chemistry class was over in no time as it was a half an hour session, the teacher just gave us a quick test to bring up our report card scores. I was successful so far in staying in my little world when all that shattered as soon as I entered the cafeteria.

Eyes diverted in my direction alongside whispers. News sure do travel fast, as a girl talked about me throwing myself onto Desmond... whoever carried that news needed their eyes to be checked out.

I mentally blocked out everyone and went to get my lunch when my dear sister shouted, "An apple a day, will make that weight go away." Laughter echoed throughout the cafeteria as my eyes scanned the room everyone was laughing and pointing and I noticed that Desmond was unfazed by what's going on... Not that it's his concern to care about me but deep down I wish he did.

I found an empty seat to eat my lunch as I ignore the shitty remarks they made about me. My eyes found Desmond once more as he got up from his friends table and out of the cafeteria. My feet decided to betray me as I found myself going after him for some reason, he was outside with Aaron and another guy smoking. Aaron eyes caught mine as he called me out.

"Hey fatty come here!" He shouted.

"Um, no thanks I'm busy right now!" I said in a high pitch tone. Aaron yanked my sweater causing me to fall on my bum, Desmond's eyes were searing through mine with an annoyed look on his face.

"Man let her go," he said while never breaking eye contact.

"Hey man, I don't want any trouble but you have to admit that fat b***h is hideous," Aaron said.

Something clicked in Desmond as he yanked the collar of Aaron, "I don't like talking twice."

"But it's true-"

Desmond lost his temper and punched Aaron right in the face. I gasped at the sight before me processing what the hell just happened. Aaron's face was now bloody, it was almost as if Desmond was an entirely different person, all I could do was to watch the fight unfold in front of me with no words to say or the courage to move.

Crowd began to grow larger and students cheering the fight on, Summer was screaming for her boyfriend Aaron as Desmond kept throwing punch after punch.

The crowd scattered as soon as the principal came, "Avery, Aaron, Desmond make your way into my office right now, and you three have detention."