chapter 7

Quick recap. So I discovered that Erica Earhart is another smart kid just like me. I thought she would be the quiet type, but it turns out she's a total creep. Seriously, this girl is super creepy. She even jacked my phone number while I wasn't looking during Science class. Anyways right now we're in the hallway making it to our next class together. Math. Yes, the class everyone seems to struggle with or fear. Honestly, it's just numbers mixed with letters and symbols. Think of it as a puzzle, but with many variables with several solutions. If you know what all the symbols mean...wait I'm getting off-topic. Can you believe I have to do this all day with her?

"H-how could you say something like that to a guy you hardly know? Don't you have any decency?"

"Oh, come on it's totally all over your face. Plus you have this virgin walk vibe that you give off. I think."

"Virgin, virgin walk!!! And you think? You're crazier than I thought."

"Te-he. I like it when you're clumsy. And I'm just joking about the virgin thing."

"Well, you sounded serious to me."

"I mean it's ok if you are. It's not a bad thing. Most people try to lose their virginity and I feel like it's a waste. I think it's more exciting to fall in love with someone deeply and lose it that way. Call me old fashion, but... well never mind. I don't know why we end up talking about this. Forget what I said, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Not at all. It's just nice to walk and talk with someone to class."

This girl. I think that's the most "normal" thing she said so far. And for some reason, those words cut deep to me. It's true I'm not experienced with girls or dating at all, but I just never cared for that. I've just always focused on school and sports. No use in thinking about it now. But you know it's weird I feel like I've met her before. As we walked down the hallway together, I could feel something from her. I know it sounds completely crazy because I just met her, but I can't help it. For a moment I felt weakness in her voice. It's almost as if she has a dark past or a big secret, she's been holding in all her life. I wonder Erica, can you feel me thinking about all this? Is that why you're quiet right now? 

When we arrived at math class our teacher Mr. Desantis greeted both of us. He had asked us why we were late, but Erica quickly said she was the new student and that I was looking after her. Mr. Desantis looked at me as if saying "You got lucky this time." As you can see, I have a bad habit of showing up to class late. I tend to get distracted in my thoughts easily. Both Erica and I make our way to the back. Ah, yes, this time I have my window seat. Mr. Desantis ended up having one of my other classmates switch seats to put Erica right next to me. Damn, I get the feeling this will be with every class. 

Twenty minutes into class she kept staring at me. I'm starting to get super creeped out now. We went from having somewhat of real talk and back to her being a total creep. At this moment there is no end to this. 

EE_... What are you doing?

[~~~]

Oh, not again. 

AW_... What do you mean? What am I doing?

EE_... What are you thinking about? You look constipated again. 

This girl really has some nerve, doesn't she?

AW_... Nothing really. Trying to pay attention to class.

EE_... It doesn't seem like it. When's lunch?

[ ]

I decided to leave her on read. I didn't have time for this. February is almost over, and I need to focus in class. I can't have anyone distracting me, especially someone like her. I must remember who she is. For the rest of the class, she didn't text me Kelly and. Almost as if she read my vibe and backed off. After the class was done a chess member of mine came up to me. Valerie Dillinger. This girl is mean to everyone. Except me. If you're not smart or somewhat popular this girl doesn't want to talk to you. That's the one thing you must understand about this school, people seem to care about stats.

"Hey, Aaron, I was wondering if you'll be at the chess club today? Last Thursday you didn't show up."

"Yeah, I'll be there. I'm sorry, but my little sister had a doctor's appointment and I was the only one available to take her. My parents are still out of town with work-related stuff."

"Oh, why didn't you just text us in the group chat?"

"My apologies I keep forgetting we made one of those."

People with clubs and after school activities tend to make group chats to keep in contact with all the members. It was a lie saying I didn't remember the group chat. In fact, I have blocked all the notifications on there. I've only used it once when we had a tournament with another school last fall. We have one left this year.

"Well, I'll see you after school then. Oh, were in room four ten this time."

"Thanks for letting me know Valerie."

"Hey, I told you that you can call me Val. It's weird when you call me by my first name."

"Oh, alright. Val it is."

"He-he OK don't forget it. See you at lunch."

"That girl has a crush on you man. You need to hurry and go for it, my man."

Dave Singer. He's probably the laziest person I've met in this school. Let's not forget his breath smells like cigarettes all the time. Everyone knows what he does in the bathroom stall during his study hall period. Which reminds me I need to leave for my fourth-period class. So glad his study hall is this period and not mine. And what the hell does he mean "my man?"

"Aaron we're going to be late again, so we should hurry up."

"Erica, yes, I'm coming."

"Later Dave.

"OK." (So that's the new girl, I'll have to let Marcus know.)

"Saw you were in a little trouble."

"Yeah, thanks for the save back there. Dave can be annoying."

"Is that so? Where are we off to?"

"Well, the classroom isn't far, it's just around the corner. And as for the class, it's history with Mrs. Graham. She's a very nice lady."

Something was off about Dave back there. I'm not sure what it was though. Nah, shouldn't worry about some delinquent. I've never worried about something like that so I shouldn't start. 

"Did you hear what I said Aaron?"

"Oh, I'm sorry I was thinking about something else. What did you say?"

"Well, I texted your last class, but you never responded. I figured you were trying to focus. I'm sorry about that."

"The lunch thing? That's after this period. And it's alright, I'm just not used to getting distracted in class that's all. Anyways, the classroom is up ahead."

"Alright."

Upon entering Mrs. Graham's class she immediately had Erica sit close to me. I totally blame Mr. Van Kirk, he probably notified all my teachers. I bet a hundred bucks. It's not that I dislike Erica, but she gives off a suspicious vibe. Let's not forget how weird she is and I might get distracted by her pretty face at times. Although, I still can't shake this feeling like I've met her before. Still, it doesn't mean I should treat someone less than, she's done no harm towards me. The class is about to begin. 

The entire class period Erica didn't text me, which was good. But today something was bothering me the more and more I thought about it. This feeling that was eating me up. I'm not sure what it was. Is it related to Erica? I began thinking to myself if I had done something wrong or rather rude. I've always been an upfront person when it calls for it. Erica, is there more to you that I don't know about, or am I just imagining things? For a while, I looked in her direction. Look at her, she's so focused on what she's doing. As I continued to analyze her, I began to ask myself questions. Why would you transfer schools so late in the year? Why this school specifically? What's your goal? There are only a few months of school left and we're only in the middle of February. Ah, did she just sneak a glance at me? Dang, I was caught. I didn't realize I was staring at her for so long. I quickly turned my head in embarrassment. 

"Aaron, I have a question for you."

"Yes, Mrs. Graham?"

"Will you be at the chess club today? I know you couldn't make it last week due to family-related things."

"Yes, I'll be there after school."

"Sounds good. Erica, I know you're new to this school and it's your first day. But you're welcome to join us if you'd like. I run the club. Aaron here is the president of the club."

"I don't have anything after school, so I don't mind. Thank you for inviting me."

"That's great. I'm more than welcome to have another model student join us. Aaron since you'll be showing her around. Are you able to show her the classroom? We'll be in the room for four ten. Our normal room will be used for another activity."

"Yes, I can do that Mrs. Graham."

"Thank you. Alright class we have about five minutes till the bell rings. You may have some free time now. Make sure you turn in the assignment by next Thursday, please."

You have questions, don't you? I'm president of a chess club "yay!" But before we address that. DID SHE JUST INVITE HER TO THE CLUB?! Internally screaming right now. I'm done now. I'll tell you this right now we usually just have fun in the club. I mainly play with Valerie Singer as she's the most experienced. Some days we have little tournaments against one another as a practice. Those I tell you to get quite interesting. Let's not forget the dangerous bets people make. 

Anyways, the bell is about to ring. I should pack up. The assignment that's due next Thursday is the only one I've received so far today. Since I'm a work addict, I'll probably do it all tonight when I get home. Unless my little sister has homework. 

"Are you ready to go, Erica?"

"Yeah, give me a moment. I'm trying to get this book in my bag. Ugh... it won't fit."

"Here I'll carry it for you. If you don't mind, I need to stop at my locker and grab my lunch."

"Of course, you need to eat right?"

"Ha-ha, that's true."

"Besides, I packed my lunch too. So I'll need to go to my locker as well."

"Which floor? I'm on the third floor."

"OK let's go. Wait, how many floors are there?"

"Only five. We're on the fourth floor now."

"Then I'm on the third as well. So it should be easier for both of us."

That's just great. Well on the bright side at least I don't have to run around the floor after floor. Let's just hope fate is good to me and not put her near my locker. Man just got a chill up my spine.

"Works for me."

We were the last ones out of the classroom. In the end, instead of carrying her book, I decided to just carry her bag. No big deal. She seemed quite cheerful after that, which made me suspicious. Is she plotting something?

End of Episode 3