V.

Keyshia

I hate history class. Everything about the class stinks. I mean the classroom literally smells bad and it's small with a leaky ceiling. I always sit in the back by the window, mainly so I can watch people outside walking in and out of the building. I made up little stories and imagined where they were going. Most of the time I just wished I was them … outside. Even when it was as dreary a day as it was today, I'd rather be out in the drizzle. I sighed as I took a minute to hone in to Mr. Geo's lesson. He was talking about he was discussing Henry VIII and his six wives. I'd heard the story a few times and our teachers lacked any imagination in making the story new or engaging. He never asked any questions, he never really looked up from his laptop for that matter, he just let his powerpoint do all the talking. Boring.

I turned my attention back to my window raindrops now stuck to it as the rain had begun to fall a little harder. Nobody was outside, the court was empty, the sight made me sad, it made me focus on the loneliness I'd begun to feel inside. My stomach carried a very low dull ache, my chest was heavy, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing something. I wanted to feel complete again. I allowed myself another deep breath, I meant to be soothing, but the action failed to deliver the desired results. I rested my elbows on my desk and held my head. This feeling was icky. I wrinkled my nose at my thought icky was such a weird word. I wondered who made it up. Movement outside drew my attention to the window yet again. It was him, the idiot who made what to kill him this morning.

The first thing I witness coming in today was Brendan with his arms draped around his, his … whatever this morning. I'd never felt such rage. I could hear the loud pounding sound in my ears and my whole face went hot. Why? I don't know? I don't know how this complete stranger could now be affecting when we have barely associated with each other. Maybe it was because he'd kissed me. Until him I'd only kissed one other guy and that was when I was nine so it really didn't count. I really couldn't remember lips on mine. It was most definitely a different sensation and something I wished I'd had more control over. I didn't like being caught off guard or embarrassed in front of a whole audience full of people. I could even feel my face getting flushed again reliving it. I shook off my feelings and watched Brendan.

He was pacing back and forth in the rain. He was wearing black polo and a stonewash denim jean, I personally preferred him in baby blue, not that my opinion matter. It was time to make up a story for Mr. Mitchell. Why Mr. Mitchell pacing around in the rain? I took in his face. He didn't look happy. Maybe he'd just failed a test or something? Maybe gotten into some form of an argument or maybe he'd broken up with his girlfriend? I smirked and then frowned at my thoughts. His heartbreak shouldn't make me happy. Just as I was about to turn back to our lecture the person in front of me was handing back a paper. It was information on our next report. Henry the VIII wasn't such a bad person to have to write a report on, it would be fun writing about the bones buried in his closet. I quickly scanned over my work and glance back toward the window. Brendan had sat down and now looked as if he was staring at me. My face started to flush I was embarrassed. I wondered if he knew I was watching him? I had the immediate urge to defend myself. I decided this was the perfect time to ask Mr. Geo to use the bathroom.

Brendan

I was supposed to be in study hall, but I couldn't concentrate. My mind was on Stacey, I kept circling the history of our relationship trying to figure us out. I felt bad being with her knowing that I didn't feel the same way about her, but then why should I break up with her when I wasn't going to be able to have what I really wanted. Then too, I wasn't really sure I wanted what I thought I wanted. I was confused. One kiss had caused this chaos in my brain. The rain was cool and being outside helped to relief some of the anxiety I was feeling. Then I realized I could see her through the window and looked as her big brown eyes had connected with mine. As fast as they connected with mine she hastily directed her line of vision to the front of her classroom, within seconds her hand was raised and she'd left her classroom. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Did this little fresh meat freshman think I was that desperate to get her attention? I mean yeah, I was sitting outside her classroom, but how on earth was I supposed to know that she's was in Mr. Geo's class. I'd had him before by the way, he's so boring, I'm surprised she was even awake.

I looked up at the sky as rain continued to fall, it always amazing me to see million little drops attacking the earth. It was truly one of the most amazing acts of God and I was humbled by it. I needed this, moment to myself. I was glad that Ms. Stone had let me out of study hall without grilling me too harshly. I think it's because part of her has a little crush on me, which is weird, but I'm pretty sure I'm right.

"Should I break up with her?' I whispered to myself as I reminded myself of the dilemma I was in. I wasn't the type of guy to lead a girl on, but Stacey and I had been together so long. It was our senior year. I didn't want to ruin it for her or either of us for that matter. Staying together would be the safe choice … the smart choice. I nodded, stood up from the bench I was resting on, and stretched. I went to open the double door and reenter the school when two dark eyes studied me with a shocked confused look. All of a sudden I was feeling pretty foolish.

"Hey," she greeted me cautiously as she stepped outside under the awning she leaned against the building with her hands behind her back. Her eyes trailed from my chest to my face. I took the time to take in her appearance too. Her outfit although shiny and tight didn't really suit her look.

"Hey," I echoed. I ignored my initial desire to stand beside her and decided to stand across from her leaning on the opposing side of the building. "What are you doing out here?"

"I … I uh, was going to ask you the same thing." She was uncomfortable she was rocking back and forth and was having a really hard time keeping eye contact with me. This was a different Keyshia than I'd seen in the past.

"I was just thinking about stuff," I shrugged off her question not wanting to tell the truth. I mean, it was bad enough that this girl was turning my life upside down, there was no way I was going to admit that to her.

"Stuff? You looked mad?" She inquired as she found the courage to study my face. "Are you upset?" She asked her movement had stopped and she'd stepped closer to me.

"You really came out here to check on me?" I said in disbelief.

"I'm actually a pretty nice person when people aren't trying to force themselves on me." She smirked at me.

"I told you I was sorry," I murmured it was my turn to study my shoes. My left shoe was untied I bent over and fixed it.

"I forgave you … it, uh, it wasn't that bad anyway." I now see her feet now inches away from mine as she looked down at me. I stood up and she was literally a breath away from me.

"I can't stop thinking about you," I confessed the words slipped from my mouth without my permission. However, looking in her scared yet eager eye made me realize that that was the only thing I could give this girl. She smiled a little and looked down.

"I'd be lying if I said hadn't thought about you once or twice," she murmured to her feet. I stepped closer and she put her hand up. "Brendan, this is weird and I don't know how to … do this." She looked up and me pleadingly. I think she was hoping for answers but I could offer her none.

"Me either … but I want to give you this." I reached for her hand, took the pen out of my back pocket, and wrote my number on the inside of her palm. "Don't let the rain wash it away." I hadn't realized until now that I was whispering or that I was no longer talking to her, but more her lips.

"Okay," she whispered back as she hesitantly replaced her hands on my forearms. This time she was going to willing let me kiss her. It was going to be great, and then the door open.

"Miss Keyshia will you be joining us back in class!" Mr. Geo gave us the appropriate infuriated look.

"Uh yeah," she said as she rushed past him and down the hall. Mr. Geo offered me one more look of disgust and then closed the doors on me. I was still in shock. Keyshia would've let me kiss her what does that mean.