(THURSDAY)copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXKGJVrxcS
"DID YOU KNOW, my mum wanted to call me penguin when I was born?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33L3Q0pFfS
"Seriously?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mBWkPKq1b
"As serious as your hatred is for Hugo. Apparently I reminded her of one.” Lucien shrugs, twirling his pencil around in boredom. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2udvWHMAEG
"Well, you are short.”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWNGeuHvxs
“Hey, I’m not short!”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡibRzyGv1g6
"You kinda are." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOdlgt4fYI
"I'm average," Lucien states defensively.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡljCBeexEq8
“Whatever helps you sleep at ni—”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlfg7J7xaY
"Children. Quit talking nonsense. I'm trying to teach."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJDb3VNXOg
The loud voice startles us, and I immediately sink lower in my seat, sudddenly aware of the class's attention on us. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlqGK37aaB
Mr Coachalla isn't someone you really want to mess with when it comes to his teaching. Not only is he a sadistic freak who enjoys humiliating his students, but he's a judgy, harsh marker.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiOT79jVtx
"Would any of you generous two like to answer the question?" he asks, tapping the white board with his marker. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5mySCruwf
"What's the question?" Lucien whispers, to which I shrugs. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI2KW6TkOW
"The question, Lucien, is written on the board," the teacher states, placing one hand on his hips. "You have eyes, read it."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡKST4PHcBFp
I cover my mouth discretely to hide my smirk. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz89qhRcLk
"Come on, Lucien.” Mr Coachalla taps the board. "Read the question out loud." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO2jm4bgve
A bright blush colours Lucien’s cheeks and he audibly gulps. I feel you brother, I really do. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrZcUjBIXm
"How does anxiety intertwine with phobia?" he eventually says.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡZie9HNgHQr
"Good boy.”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6kEOwmfAT
"What the fuck," Lucien mutters.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwWpq2rzxF
"Now tell me the answer."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNsjMgCBm0
Lucien looks at me, then back at Mr Coachalla. "I don't know." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu4Ogv2tcM
The boys at the back of the class begin ‘oohing’ before they are silenced by the devil's glare. Mr Coachalla turns his attention back Lucien, who, much to his unfortunate luck, is caught frantically searching through his textbook. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡueyqO3EQqw
The teacher sighs, gripping the edge of his whiteboard tightly. "You can ask your classmates if you're that stuck.”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQxqqjK210
Lucien looks up at him with hopeful eyes. Whimp.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j0JLhI9Nn
"Go on."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡq47v704qKY
Lucien jumps to the advantage and pleadingly looks at me. Wait, what?copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡVojNw3lL6e
"Help?" he mouths pathetically.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6jI3xHRtH
Consciously aware of the class's heated gaze, I tug at the hem of my shirt, glancing from Lucien, to the whiteboard, to the smirking teacher. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBJZFE0OAX
"So Vellary, tell me the answer." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZfENpIkyL
Oh damn dittie damn, I don't know.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wc2syS1Vk
He raises an eyebrow when I don't reply. "Well?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q8DZ82gtN
I read over the question again and grimace. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4tukW6wa1
"Oh no," he says. “I don't like the look of that face. You don't know the answer, do you?" He's most likely enjoying the humiliation it's causing me. The others too, are probably happy for some entertainment. I would be.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH7Dv1IXq9
"No, sir." And with a shake of my head, the devil unleashes his wrath. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTYXGA4RC2
"FAR OUT THAT class drains my life," Lucien claims, taking his bought lunch from the smiling lunch lady. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTOeWG3a1x
"What life?" I snarky reply back. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDJpu2bzrA
After the embarrassing moment in class, neither Lucien nor I talked, deciding that it was better to hold off our petty arguments for lunch.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsqJE30Hs6
"You know, with the way you're acting, you're going to grow old and wrinkly—”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0SC3gqevB
“I don’t care.”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWr8wyZE9E
"All alone in your house with sixty nine cats taking care of you." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlFGQdeago
I give him a stink eye but other than that, ignore the ugly boy, and take a seat at one of the cafeteria tables. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡevviARBR9e
"Where do you Lily think is?" he asks. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5diCV8jXE0
"Where else, stupid?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnBmFByqez
He rolls his eyes and take a bite of his chocolate muffin. When he catches me staring, he silently offers me a piece, a peace treaty of some sort, and I gladly accept it. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmgItxhTxT
"This is disgusting," I say, struggling to swallow it.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡWujLZVDbaF
"No one forced you to eat it," he replies back. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnyaPGeryf
I ignore him and place my bag on the table in front of me, using it as my personal pillow. Sitting in the cafeteria is so boring. No one engages in fights, dares, pranks, even simple PDA. Not that I want to see that. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r8EqKws4a
"Lucien, I'm bored." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZPfTx81md
And I feel a little weird without Lily.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKSZ6SN1qX
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"Hi bored, I'm-ow!"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5tUoW5TDm
I scowl and sit up, deciding to open my bag. Oh my god. "Hey, look what I found." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDVB87Hy1Z
I take out the plastic bag containing a plastic container with hopefully no plastic food inside.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSmSkCzfOe
"Open it." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡf86ZZd3tkS
I remove the container from out of the bag and open it. Immediately, the warmth from the hot food engulfs me, and I smile gratefully. I hope my sweet grandma lives for another fifty years. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w3yrx97EK
"What is it?" Lucien asks.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxtdCZ1UIS
I show him the container of brownies, and he smiles knowingly. "Your grandma's amazing."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM3mlbU6R2
"I know right," I reply, taking one and shoving it in my mouth. "Want one?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDBvWkNYGz
"Thank you, baby girl." He takes a small piece, and too, shoves it in his mouth. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEXdshvCb5
I laugh at his awestruck reaction. "They're good, aren't they?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAcawqktJy
"Definitely better than pot brownies." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEZ3oQPKvD
We continue scabbing food off each other, buying more from the canteen and tasting the good and bad. Eventually, the food and money are gone, but both our bloated stomachs are satisfied.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1YyQp3sJt
"Oh my god, I'm so full," Lucien complains, shoving the last nacho chip in his mouth. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmXAL6SFib
I smile, my eyes scanning the cafeteria. They land on Lily, who's clapping at something Ginger's said. They sit on their own, away from the friends, looking completely and utterly in love. I sigh. I don’t want to think about her right now but, I still can't believe she chose him over us. If not me, then she should think about Lucien more. They've known each other a lot longer. The fact that he's eating so much too--he always eats when he's sad or stressed. I shake my head. Don't think about her. Don't think about her. Think about something else.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO6h5KjDYn
My eyes move away from them and accidentally onto Zion's table. Purse my lips in thought, I nudge Lucien’s shoulder. "Aye, do you think I should sit next to him?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡducQbfUlTb
He gazes to where I’m looking and shrugs. "I don't know. I mean he's with his frien—”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0YWvpRZEK
"In history class, I mean.” copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjhwBheATk
"Oh. I don't know. I think you should. There's no harm in doing so."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ431dJQ1iG
"But what if he doesn't like me?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo2zy1YJ92
"Can you read minds?" He asks. What does that have to do with this?copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fd0SQFXxm
I frown at him, confused. "No?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbTyI6LQ6G
"Then stop deciding on his behalf."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtWT0ppWiz
Oh.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu10dsyFLG
"Do what you want to do," he continues, grabbing the plastic bag and placing the rubbish in it.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJB55sSBzg
I pass the chocolate wrappers to him, and he takes it. "But I don't know what I want."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d55iGzSVv
Lucian sighs, and for a moment, he reminds me of my grandmother. "Start easy. Do you want to sit next to him?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Hba1chidK
I shrug. "Not really." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MxVosii2f
He pauses, staring at me. "Why not?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PyYFH8zOS
Again, I shrug, aware of his full attention on me. "I don't know." Yes, you do.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6QqB6ZtLD
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He nods, and doesn't pressure me further. "That's okay. Have you talked to your history teacher about it?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp3fpNRC65
"No." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS8PTCB8sL
"Stupid bitch." He stands up, grabbing his bag. "Go talk to him about it. We've got mentor anyway."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKbJDthhpX
THERE'S THIS BEAUTIFUL feeling that every student gets when they realise that it's Thursday. The feeling of excitement, the rush, the fresh taste of freedom at the thought of the coming weekend. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc6nkWTlp7
I should be feeling that, but I'm not. Instead, I'm left with this horrible, terrifying anxiety, feeding me horrible, terrifying thoughts. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qKeRKu9l1
Just knock for gods sake. What's the worst that can happen? A lot of things. A lot of things.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEFj1ob9Hs
I brace myself and knock on the door. Deep breath Vallyhills, deep brea—wait, Valleyhills?copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWvzE71ihL
"Come in."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwRN8VYXWL
I enter the classroom along with my jumbled thoughts, quickly taking notice of the empty seats.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbodgCJe4K
"Vellary, what a pleasant coincidence. Just the person I need." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcDijtHfzR
"Hey, Mr Piachali."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡpallJTIPvr
He removes his glasses, beckoning me over. "Come, take a seat."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoddtY9zHn
I nervously make my way to the desk, all the while making sure there's no banana for me to slip on. Of course, there's no banana, but the point is made.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYArQn7tDs
"I was just trying to change your class's seating plan," he begins as I sit down. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZtTqz21EN
"Who am I seated next to?" I ask.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eym65ZfHX
He raises an eyebrow, tapping the pen against his chin as he studies the seating plan. "I think you already know the answer to that."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfJ9koqbrA
I look down at my hands, my twirling thumbs suddenly becoming very interesting. "Do I have to?" I finally let out. copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQFRztXFew
He nods slowly, although still focused on his task. "Should've come and talked to me yesterday, Vellary." He looks up, expression of a parent scolding their child. "Maybe I would've considered it." copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeJZYcv1HI
"Would you have really?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQPgXDtyMv
He sighs, leaning forward. “Vellary, Zion needs to pass this class. He’s not doing enough work, not taking things seriously, and the only time he has was when he was working with you.”copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡVehxLj62J4
"Miranda was there too," I try to reason, to which he only returns with a deadpanned look.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFCkiYSKe0
"Look, just try it out for two weeks. If it works, it works, if it doesn't, I'll move him. Deal?"copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡluFi03Zf8m
I bite my lip, looking down at the scribbled paper. It's just a seating plan, Vel. Nothing wrong will happen. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7dJa0zbqN
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No, something bad will happen. It's just the matter of time and how I take it.copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI8fqMGScG
Finally, I take a deep breath and exhale, nodding. "Okay," I say, looking at Mr Piachali. "Okay."copyright protection389ＰＥＮＡＮＡmREBGv9quD
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