Chapter Four

"Five missed calls, what the hell are you doing?"

Anne was annoyed I didn't pick up the phone earlier. I was still at Ms. Miller's house then, I didn't want to answer her there.

"I was at the neighbor's, I promise!"

"Okay, and what were you doing there?"

I knew situations like this were coming even before we move farther. She's the jealous type. If she could keep me monitored for 24 hours she would, that's just how she is. And I'm happy she felt that way, goes to show how much I am to her.

"We gave them gifts and talked for a while, that's all."

"And who's this neighbor, what are they like?"

"They're nice."

"Just nice? I bet she's hot since you couldn't even answer your girlfriend right away."

I could feel Anne roll her eyes over the phone. Then she hung up on me while I was still trying to explain.

I just dropped myself on my bed exhausted. We were arguing for half an hour and I was pacing back and fort at my room trying to defend myself. What could I do to make it up to her?

-

After lunch, I'm off to another class. I couldn't put my phone away for a minute, the thought that Anne might message me would lift up my face right away. But as of now... She's leaving me on read, not replying at all. That got me worried because I hadn't asked why she called last night. Anne doesn't normally call me that late, she would just text me.

I sat on my usual desk. Mr. Robinson kept stealing glances on my phone while he was discussing. Ok? I know I have an android, but why is he kinda mad?

I sneak-texted Anne saying I miss her so much and all, but she's only seeing my messages.

My little heart jumped when I saw three dots wiggle below my text. It means she's typing. But a message didn't pop up. I waited and waited, because the three dots were appearing and disappearing again and again.

"Holmes, give me your phone," I looked up and saw Mr. Robinson looking down at my turned on phone.

Fuck fuck fuck... Is he gonna take it away?

"Well? I'm waiting," He reached out an open hand.

Everybody's eyes were on me. I feel their glare getting heavier the longer I wait to give up my phone. I don't want to make a bigger scene. Screw this old man, I just wanna text my girlfriend! Who knows if she sent a message right now?

Then I surrendered it.

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"

No, it was hard. My phone knows me better than I know myself. It carries my secrets, journals, passwords, 7 years of memories. It wasn't just hard, it's like giving my soul to the devil.

He yanked it out of my hand as soon as I held it up. "If you want to get this back, you have to wait at the detention office."

God help me. I don't even know where the heck the detention office is.

I heard whispers on my back and they we're all looking at me and back at whoever they're talking to. I even heard Ms. Miller's name being mentioned, I don't know how she got dragged into this. This school's cray cray.

My last class would be at room 205. I hurriedly stood up after the bell rang never minding everyone at the background looking at me. I know what they're thinking, what a phoneless girl...

This day is really stressful. First of all I hadn't talk to Anne since that night, second, my phone, and third detention. I wish the teacher assigned would be on a good mood.

-

Ms. Miller is taking her sweet ass time reading through her presentation and I tap my pen on my desk impatiently. It's a bummer to think that I still won't be going home after this. She even call students to read for her, and everytime she did it's always those guys who read slower than an elementary student. I wonder how teachers have the patience to do this, they don't get paid enough for this I am sure.

I know we're like neighbors, I said it a lot of times and we started on a good note but I fucking hate this uncomfortable feeling when I'm waiting. All I could do is imagine, and hope. I wonder how prisoners feel, probably indifferent...?

Then the bell rang louder than usual and I jumped from my seat. I don't need to fix my bag because it's been sitting on my lap and I've been hugging it the whole time. I shouldered my bag and shove my pen inside my pocket getting ready to leave her class.

"You're not thinking of skipping detention, are you?" I felt a hand touch my shoulder keeping me from reaching the door.

"No," I said defensively as I turned to face Ms. Miller and her already crossed arms. "What makes you think that?"

How did she even know I was sent to it? And accusing me just like that too...

Her eyes travelled to the door and it stayed a while until I followed her gaze. On the front of her door, below the number 205 it said detention room.

"Oh dear... "

She nodded. "Take a seat,"

I sighed and sat close to her desk. I couldn't believe my neighbor's witnessing this right now. How embarrassing... After I get my phone back and and after I get home I'll order two Domino's pizza for self care.

Instead of sitting down, Ms. Miller just leaned on her desk looking down at me. Beside her was my phone and it was sitting there waiting for me.

"Is not having your phone bother you so much?" She asked.

"Yeah, I really miss my phone, umm, a lot..."

"Miss it a lot? It's only been three hours," She squinted her eyes at me. Why is she not satisfied with my answer?

I heard my phone beeped, and that made me want to grab it. I mean it's mine right? Why would I even need consent to do it?

"Teenagers these days are getting too attached with their phones..." She sighed as she sat down on her desk. Now we're at eye level and I can see her face directly, like she sees mine from her point of view. She's definitely not seeing a pleasant face from her point of view.

"Why don't you take a break from it for a while? We have so much time left," She comforted me in the most annoying way. I know she means well, but I don't think she gets me. I have to know about Anne.

"Talk to me, like you would to a friend."

"I backstabbed my friend once in junior high," O_o I said.

She looks amused. "Maybe as a neighbor is enough,"

Is she talking about last night? Sure we were pretty chill talking that night but today is completely different. I'm losing my patience.

"I like your plants." I brought up a forced smile.

She rolled her eyes, while a tiny smile escaped from her pink lips. Ms. Miller did not talked back but she pulled open a drawer built in her desk. Her hand grabbed a pack of Maltesers. And as soon as I knew it she was eating it, in front of me. Okay?

"Uh, so Ma'am, when will I be getting my phone again?" I asked. The crunch in her mouth was so annoying. I cringe everytime she eats one of those sphere shaped chocolate.

"Later," She said as she stuffed her mouth full with chocolates. It's like I disturbed a ritual or something when I interrupted her.

I watched intently as she finished eating the last bit of it.

"Can I have my phone now?" I raised a brow.

"No, not yet." She shook her head as she folds the choco wrapper and gently placed it on her desk. "Can you read a clock? Has it been an hour yet?"

She's getting in my nerves now. She's so random and confusing. A minute ago she asked me to talk to her like a friend now she's being sort of a... A bitch.

"Someone could be texting me. It could be an emergency for all we know," I said convincingly.

"Oh no its far from that," she stared at my phone and took it to her palms. "Anne heart eyes emoji said, I'm so sorry my love, I couldn't resist you any longer. Ignoring you would be like a puppy without a bone-"

I snatched the phone from her quickly I almost dropped it.

"I guess you can call it a puppy love, am I right?" She said and I felt my face get hot. She smirked devilishly as she leaned her upper body on her desk.

"None of your business, you shouldn't have read it!" I blurted out.

"And you shouldn't have played with it in class,"

I shook my head. "That still doesn't give you the right to be nosy, Ms. Miller."

I took a deep breath and sighed. Picked up my backpack and all I could think about was leaving this room.