02-The quiet before the Storm

"Addison Grange, I think you'll find this is the fourteenth time you have forgotten to hand in your homework and told me it was because your Grandmother died."
Mr Perns was old, balding and tired of Adie's charades. He was a Teacher who grew up knowing he was going to be a teacher, couldn't handle the internet and insisted on calling people by their full name. He scratched the red spot on the right side of his head, the way he always did when he was exhausted. Muffled laughter filtered through the classroom.
"I have a big family, sir." Adie said with a straight face, trying her best to look innocent.
-Liar.-
I watched her as she sat up straight a few seats away from me, pressing my lips together to keep from laughing myself. No wonder she had so many friends when she was such a great source of entertainment. Adie was one of those people, that everyone felt like they could talk to. She smiled at the right times, was rather dramatic and often caused a scene. Despite this, you would only get good words about her from the teachers.
He sighed. "I don't suppose I could give you another detention..."
"I'm so very sorry sir. How can I make it up to you?"
More snickering.
"I don't think that will be necessary Addison. As for the rest of the Pupils here, I will be reading over your assignments this weekend. You will get your results on Monday and I'm expecting high scores."
The bell buzzed like a bad headache just as I looked to my watch.
"Class dismissed!" Perns strained to speak over the rustle of bags and papers.
Adie stood tall, above most other girls, waiting for me with her bag slung lazily over one shoulder.
"You're a legend Adie." Came the compliments as she slapped high-fives with the boys. "Bloody genius."
I smiled gently, watching as she punched one of them in the arm, then ducked his returning swipe, both grinning. I regularly wondered why someone who could have any friend in the world chose me. It seemed absurd, but every time I broached the subject, she always subtly changed the topic and I didn't realise until an hour later. I gave her a silly smile, then navigated the desks towards her. Perns got to me first.
"Isabel. I saw the first part of your piece. It's an interesting choice, but I'm sure it will be none the less captivating." He looked expectantly at me, only a bit taller than my five foot seven.
"Yes sir." I sad, ducking my head to hide a nervous smile.
"I, myself, have complete confidence in your Writing ability. Are you sure you don't want to join my Literature Society? We meet ever Tuesday..."
"Thanks, but I'm busy on Tuesdays..." I said, tactically sidestepping a sure fire way to make me weirder than I already was. I hurried towards Adie.
"We're always open if you change your mind...!" He called after me.
We retreated out the doorway and into the bustling hall.
"So what was that about?" Inquired Adie, dodging a fast senior student.
"Perns trying to poach me for his geek group again."
She snorted, not caring how bad it sounded. "Well I think it's sweet. Old pervs got something to aspire to."
I gave her a sidelong look.
"What?" She asked. "It's what we call him."
"And 'we' would be you and the associate morons...?"
She shook her head, narrowing her eyes a bit. "You love to use big words don't you."
I sighed. "I just don't think you should insult the teachers."
"You're just standing up for him because he likes your work."
"You do too."
"I know, that's 'cause it's brilliant. But he doesn't have to have the same opinion as me. Is there no originality in the world?"
"Adie, you make no sense."
"Whatever."
We quickly descended the metal stairs with the rest of the crowd, heading around the corner out onto front field.
"About your story then. Where did you get this one? Usually I can see where your inspiration is from, depending on what mood you're in, but this ones stumped me."
I had to think of a sane answer for a second. I still didn't quite believe what had happened last night, but none the less, it had sparked a great tale.
"Well, I don't exactly know. It just kind of-"I stopped.
By looking up right at that second, I had caught the eye of a boy across the grass. He leaned against the stone entrance to the school car park, watching me. He had ice blonde hair, long enough to fall into the way of his eyes. Wearing a pale shirt, rolled up at the sleeves and khaki pants, he stood out stark against the gray rock. He nodded at me, smiling, then raised his hand and held up three fingers.
"Kind of what?" Adie asked, alerting me once again to her presence.
I turned to look her in the eyes, feeling weird. "Kind of...kind of- Never mind. Over there. Do you see that guy, by the gate?" I pointed in his direction.
Adie smirked at me, with an undertone of mischief. "You mean the one staring at you? ...Yeah, I see him. He's cute. What about him?"
"Well, um. Don't worry."
She laughed heartily, attracting the attention of a few people around us. "Isa my girl, don't even think I'm letting you get a boyfriend before me."
My shoulder drooped slightly as I looked at her in disbelief. "You're unreal Adie."
She dragged me back into the crush of people. "Come on. We have to get to the Canteen before the lines get to long."
I let her take me, looking back to where he had been standing, but had now disappeared.
-He is exactly what I imagined my character to look like.-