CLASSROOM B
FREE PERIOD
Elise POV
It's been one week.
A week since Sarah's anger brought a thunderstorm
Seven days since my outburst at Trent
No one has said a word about the issue ever since the three got back from their summon to the Dome.
Trent hasn't spoken to me outside of, "My part" after which he hands me his part of the research. If it doesn't concern the project, he avoids me like a plague.
Due to the silent agreement between us both, I was tasked with putting together the research into a presentable format for submission. The deadline for the said mid-term assignment is today, unfortunately. Since the end of the lesson, I've done nothing but type. I sat here chained to my desk editing and composing the report.
At this rate, I might need Max's ophthalmologist's contact.
"Elise, are you busy?"
Massaging the back of my neck, I raised my head to see a nervous Tome standing in front of me. His fingernails chipped at each other, further proving his nervousness.
"Not really. It can wait. Sit. Sit"
He took a seat right opposite me, keeping his hands on his lap, away from the table. I closed my laptop, removing the barrier between us which gave me a clear vision of him. Looking at Tome with concern, I stared. The weight of my gaze caused him to waver in talking. I wasn't expecting him, based on all that has happened. There must be an important reason why he is here. Throughout the temporary speechlessness, he kept his eyes glued on his hands.
"Tome, you look like you have something to say to me, right?"
He nods, still evading my eyes.
"I'm listening then. Talk to me"
Resting my chin on my interlaced fingers together, I planted my elbows on the table. He sucked a deep breath in,
"It's about me and Sanya. I'm a bit worried", he whispered.
"Worried about what? Are you concerned about whether your friends will be accepted? Or about Sarah? You have to be specific"
"Those are a few of my worries. But my main concern is if Sanya truly likes me. Our relationship started as a mistake. I don't even know if he is attracted to guys. I'm just so confused. It's all my fault"
He ruffles his hair in frustration. His words are heavy with crisis and sadness.
"Concerning Sarah, I really can't say much but I don't think she can do anything to you. Although, I think she is just heartbroken, hence why she responded that way. But to be safe, avoid her for the time being."
I release his hands from his hair, taking them into mine. Lightly patting his hands, I look him in the eyes.
"Listen to me, Tome, no one hates you or blames you for loving someone different. Your sexuality doesn't define your personality. Your attraction to guys is no different from my attraction to guys. Don't hate yourself because of this. If anyone says anything nasty to you, I will turn them into a popsicle."
His little giggle put a small smile on my face. My next words erased the humour off his face.
"Have you told him how you feel?"
"How do I feel?.. I... don't feel anything"
He removed his hands slowly from my grasp. He couldn't even lie to himself properly.
"You seriously need to talk to him. You can't keep lying to yourself. I can see that you have some sort of feelings for him. You both need to talk about what you mean to each other."
I sternly said, crossing my hands across my chest and sinking against my chair. He thought about it for a while.
"I will try. Thank you, Elise. I'm glad I came to talk to you. I should leave you to your typing."
"Oh, it's fine. I'm glad I could be of help. Everything will be fine, eventually."
I gave his hand a tight squeeze before he stood to his feet and walked out of the classroom.
I hope things go well. Tome seems like a sweetheart. He deserves happiness.
After getting rid of the cracks in my neck, I got back to work on the project. After an hour, I was finally done. Thank Goodness! Taking my laptop in hand, I made my way to the IT room to get my work printed out. This class required our assignments sent via email and also submitted a hard copy.
*********************
TEACHER'S LOUNGE
"Thank you, sir. I'll be on my way now"
I bowed and made my way out of the teacher's room.
I stretched my arms out and took in a deep breath of relief. Waves of tiredness hit me slowly.
Finally, this project is over! All my sleepless nights shall be made up for.
While I was daydreaming about longing for my bed, Trent walks up to me. My eyes swept down his body. Despite my exhaustion, I could feel his strong presence, his woody scent reaching my nostrils.
"I just submitted it. God, I deserve a nap"
I voiced out loud, making my way around him.
"Where are you going?"
He inquired, grabbing my arm.
"Trent, I don't have the energy to fight with you. I'm going to sleep."
I scratched my head with my empty hand, letting out a yawn.
"Come with me."
Too tired to resist, I allowed him to drag me along. At least, I didn't feel anger coming from him. The entire walk was a blur to me.
"Sit."
He ordered. I suddenly became aware of where we were. The sight of the blue still waters greeted my consciousness. I sat down without questioning why he brought me here.
Taking a seat beside me, he relaxed into the scenery before us. The gentle movement of the water made me drowsy until I felt myself dozing off. My head drooped to his side and fell into his shoulder. I felt him stiffen for a moment before relaxing.
Just like that, I drifted into a dreamless sleep.
***********************
SWIMMING POOL AREA
Slowly coming back to consciousness, I found myself lying stretched out on the bench. I crane my neck to the side, groaning as they stretch out. Cushioning my head was a folded school-crested sweater that didn't belong to me.
"Finally, You're awake"
The voice startled me. I gradually recalled how I got here in the first place. Trent brought me here. A flush made its way to my face as I remembered that I fell asleep on his shoulder.
I thought you were avoiding me, Mr Trent I'm too cool because I have pretty hair and nice spider veins arms
"Must've been a nice dream if it's making you blush"
My eyes expand in shock. He thought I had a racy dream. His footsteps echo in the room as he makes his way over to me.
"Are you crazy? I didn't have any dreams. I'm... it's hot in here"
It is quite warm here, now that I think about it. I was getting used to the constant cold
I shot out of the seat, staring at him with open eyes. Adrenaline pumps through my veins as he draws closer. The beating of my heart was so loud against my ribcage. Sweat forms across my forehead as I reach to wipe them away.
"I'll take a walk around the pool. To cool down and stuff"
With shaky legs, I walked past him to the sidelines of the pool. Trent strode behind me until he was standing by my side. He glanced over at me but returned to look at the water.
"Much better now?"
The soft husk in his tone almost made my knees buckle. Pushing my hair over my ear, I nod without taking my eyes off the water. I'm glad his ability has nothing to do with heightened hearing. I feel the intense need to clear my throat, anything to feel the tension.
Running my hands up my arm, I took short steps around the sidelines, a line of curbs between us and the pool edge.
"I'm sorry for what I said to you last time."
I explain, letting my gaze fall to the ground I was walking on.
"..."
At least, that's better than nothing. Even a grunt of acknowledgement would do. His steps mirror mine as he maintains a distance behind me.
A childish thought came to my head. I stepped up to the curb and tried balancing on it. It was wide enough for one foot to occupy.
In two strides, Trent was beside me.
"Not to be a pessimist or anything but this is stupid."
"It's not stupid. See, I'm being careful."
Taking wobbly steps, I tried to carefully walk on thAt For that moment, I felt like a carefree child.
Laughter flowed from me, my hands put to my sides, steading me. Trent's lips twitched upwards as he watched me.
Out of nowhere, I missed a step and stumbled into Trent. His arms reflexively caught me around my waist. The force of the fall pushed our lips to meet. Our eyes both widened in shock.
His lips are on mine. We kissed.
Like and Comment or Elise will get pushed into the pool in the next chapter.
**************************
Hello Chingus,
How is our week going?
Is this a ship I smell?
I have watched too much Kdrama to not insert a typical stumble kiss.
I finished Gap the series today. It was so emotional and cute. (ChamCham's MonMon *screams in Martha/Jim*)
Saint is doing so well. I am proud of his GL.
Well, Spring is coming for Elise and Trent. Ship names?
Anyhoo, Take care, lovely.
Drink water and stay healthy.
Don't forget to like and leave a comment!
"You've got my back (My school president ost.)"