Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“I’ll change your mind by the time this date is over,” he says confidently. I roll my eyes, trying desperately not to meet Hannah’s.
Finally, the theater lets out, and I lean my head against the wall as a rush of people file into the lobby. Nick and Hannah start talking about some skateboarding thing, which is funny because she knows nothing about the subject, and I’m back to fantasizing about my ideal world with my chemistry teacher.
That’s when I suddenly see him.
I recognize his peacoat, slung over his right arm. He’s in faded jeans and sneakers, with a blue and white baseball T-shirt that hugs his chest in a mouthwatering way. Next to him, a lady with long strawberry blond hair is talking. She’s pretty enough, and I hate her already. My heart breaks, as he’s clearly on a date.
I wish I could pretend I don’t see him, but he’s too captivating and I can’t look away. I think maybe he won’t see me, but he does. I then think he won’t say hello, but the smirk that crosses his face as soon as our eyes meet tells me otherwise.
“Hi, Luci,” he’s surprised to see me. We’ve never seen each other outside of school before, and I think back to my daydream, where I ditch my friends and we run off together. Only now, he’s ditching his lady friend too, and him and I are headed into a dark movie theater... oh god.
“Hi,” I croak, looking between him and the girl. They aren’t holding hands, which makes me happy. I watch as he recognizes Nick, and something briefly flashes in his eyes. Anger? Annoyance? Curiosity?
“Well,” he breathes. “See you Monday.”
I nod. It can’t come soon enough.
IN TOO FAR
After seeing him at the movies with another girl I’m back to feeling pathetic. Of course he probably has a girlfriend. He’s wonderful like that. And even if he doesn’t, it’s not like we can ever go out to the movies like they did.
Delusional.
I don’t arrive early Monday morning, but still take the long way after first period, passing his classroom just to make sure he’s here. For all I know, after his little date weekend, maybe he took today off, because it was just that good.
I groan out loud in disgust - at both the scenario I made up and at myself.
Of course he’s here, standing outside his door, listening to my fellow forlorn non-friend chat his ear off.
My relaxed expression doesn’t last long, for the minute I turn the corner, I stand utterly amazed, as he excuses himself and lightly jogs through the throngs of people towards me.
“I didn’t see you this morning,” the twinkle in his eyes make it difficult to focus.
“I was running late,” he picks up his pace as he walks back towards his classroom in line with me.
“I’ll see you at lunch?” he confirms.
I was determined not to meet him for lunch today. Not after seeing him on a date. What good could come from it? But, my heart flutters, betraying me.
Of course I want to eat lunch with him.
“Yeah,” I sigh, feeding my addiction.
I slam my locker with such force, annoyed at myself. My body stiffening as I feel him approach, both hating and adoring what his proximity does to me.
“So I get to meet the parents tonight.” I close my eyes, embracing the sound of his velvety voice, preparing to look his way. “I’ll be good, I promise,” he jests.
“I’m not worried,” I snap back to reality as we make our way to his classroom.
“Because you’re clearly so amazing,” he jokes, bumping my shoulder.
“Clearly,” I confirm.
“I’m not going to tell them how terrible you are… always late to class, never paying attention,” he counts on his finger, “starting fights, taking up all my time …”
“Shut up,” I laugh. “I’m your favorite.”
“Okay, sure,” he rolls his eyes, something he no doubt picked up from hanging around me.
I abruptly stop just outside his door, half faking insult. “Am I really not?” I place my hands on my hips angrily.
He eyes me up and down with a look that can’t be mistaken for anything but hunger. At that moment, I was positive that he’d eat me for lunch today.
He sighs before looking away, and the next time his eyes meet mine his expression is nothing but friendly. “Obviously you are,” he lightly shoves me inside.
I move a chair for him, and go to grab my lunch; only it’s not there.
“Crap, you distracted me,” I curse under my breath. “I forgot to take my lunch from my locker. Be right back,” I practically run out the door.
He waits for me to return before he starts to eat, and I’m out of breath from running, almost panting as I sit back down.
“You know, I don’t think I ever told you,” he’s staring into the abyss. “What you wrote down on your index card the first day of school… it was the best answer I’ve ever read.”