18

Mr. Sturges was the perfect cure for the insomniacs with no fees.

The way he delivered his lectures with such a flat intonation had people wrestled themselves not to drift off into sleep, although some gave up. A few were brave enough to sneak their phones underneath the table, but judging from all the stories I have heard of those who got caught red-handed... yeah, I didn't think it was worth the risk.

Besides, I kind of have my own little entertainment right beside me.

My attention had been constantly switching between the teacher and Edward. I could not help it; this guy had been spinning his stationary wedged between his fingers. He didn't seem to put any ounce of effort on doing it, while here I was, struggling to rotate my pencil for a single round.

As remarkable as his skill was, needless to say, Mr. Sturges was far from impressed.

"Stop spinning your pen, Mr. Carvellia, please? Thank you," chided the eternally irritated teacher, casting Edward a sidelong glance before reverting back to his slides. He rolled his eye, but he slammed his pen on the table and stopped. Welp, there goes my only distraction for this time...

Now that there were no sources of amusement, the class dragged through, as if it had been hours since it commenced. All I could catch was endless strings of chemical equations, images of compounds, and blocks of sophisticated paragraphs I rather chose not to comprehend. He somehow makes this topic look like only the experts can understand...

As the infectious drowsiness from the other students tried getting the best of me, I decided to draw some calligraphy—or what seemed to be calligraphy—on my notebook. Perhaps it did not kill as much time as I hoped, but it surely lifted my spirits.

"Okay, I got a worksheet based on what we learned today. Work on them individually," he said. "Once you're done, grab your homeworks for the weekends."

Much to everyone's comfort, Mr. Sturges had finally concluded his speech. Even though with the assignment galore, no one groaned or showed visible discontent, unlike what they typically did with the other teachers. I mean, I would be much more fine working rather than listening to him talking for the entire hour, let alone day.

I was about to loosen myself when there were only 2 questions. However, that relief came tumbling down when each of them had their parts and had huge spaces. While the others clicked on their pens and started writing, I followed suit and frantically scrambled over my books. I think he said something about redox... wait what? I don't remember him explaining this!

Glancing towards Edward, he had already begun writing his answers. Moreover, my classmates were practically dead silent as they worked on their assignments as if it was some sort of an exam. I gulped, trying to swallow the rising panic inside of me, but it was all futile. Please don't tell me I'm the only one clueless here...

Physics already made me feel like a loser, and I did not want to feel much dumber. Rarely in my life does cheating appear so appealing but... let's do this.

I leaned towards Edward, observing his responses. He might have not noticed, as he carried on with his answers... or perhaps he did know, since when his head slightly jerked towards me, he shifted his paper towards me as if he was blatantly displaying his work.

Thanks Edward, you saved my–

"Ms. Wilton, work on this by yourself!"

When Mr. Sturges yelled out my name from behind, a shriek nearly flew out of my lips. All parts of my spine crawled at his shrilling voice while I instinctively hurled back to my seat. Gifted with a handful of gazes skewering through my body, I shrank back with a boiling hot cheeks and chest. Well, who thinks this is a good idea again?

I slumped to the back of my chair, flushed with defeat, but mopping over this would not help finish my worksheets. Well, my sloppily written notes were my only guidance in approaching the worksheet, so at least there was something to refer to. I doubt my answers are correct, but at least I did them.

I managed to finish all assignments right before the bell, saving everyone from this hellhole. Edward and I shot up at the same time as we quickly submitted the papers. Samantha was done as well, we promptly left without looking back at that grumpy teacher.

One more class to go and we're finally getting over this day. I peered up at Edward, who was even struggling to maintain his deadpan expression. I feel you there.

"So Rena, what the heck were you trying to do?" Samantha suddenly asked as she butted in between the both of us.

"Oh, I-I'm looking at Edward's paper..." I murmured. "I g-guess... I'm trying to cheat?"

Why does that come out like a question? You're very much cheating, Rena.

"Jesus, you got some massive balls!" She exclaimed. "You know how he goes ballistic with literally everything and gives detention for the most stupid stuff, right? He makes Mr. Thomas look like a saint!" She chewed out. "You better thank him for not slapping you with detention immediately!"

"Y-Yeah, I was really lucky," I said between my sheepish laughs. That was obviously not out of bravery, rather because of my own stupidity saved by some sheer luck. "Don't worry, I won't be doing that again."

"You better not! God, you scared me!"

Although Edward never joined in the convo, I could feel his attention transfixed on me, as if he was wordlessly judging the hell out of me. It's okay, I'm also questioning myself too.

"Ah, hey girls," said Adelynn as she emerged from behind the crowd gushing out of the physics class. While we exchanged her greetings with smiles and nods, she directly headed towards Edward. "I heard from Seb. Fighting with the team again?"

He looked away.

"God, this is getting absurd..." She huffed, smacking her hand on her face as she shook her head. "Ever since you did that, they've always been making a big deal out of it even when we've settled it down," she grumbled, scratching her head. "Ugh, what a bunch of drama dudes creating problems out of nothing... and Alfred started all of it anyway."

Did that? What? Alfred? I blinked, stealing glances between her and Edward, whose entire body tensed at that particular name, hiding his burning eye beneath his tufts of hair. With a creased brow, he kissed his teeth, but has yet to mutter a single comment. For him to react that badly... seems like there's more to it than just the accident this morning.

"I know you're pissed, but let's not get into another mess... It's not gonna leave a good impression for the freshmen," she reminded him, patting his shoulder as she sauntered past him, then waving her hand. "Show those seniors who's the real boss, alright?"

Edward stood perfectly still while Adelynn sprinted towards her friends, who had been calling out for her in the distance. Once she was out of our view, his chest heaved up and down as he strolled towards our next class. I pursued after him after splitting up with Samantha, who didn't hesitate to give me a not-so secret wink and thumbs-up.

As much as curiosity begged for details, it probably would have agitated him more. Hopefully if he's much more comfortable with me... he can share.

***

Unlike the last class, this one went at an unbelievably rapid pace.

Ms. Hayden—Mr. Sturges' supposedly romantic interest—had been the complete, polar opposite of that guy.

All concerns and difficult topics brought up by her students, she addressed them with delight and blessed us with her welcoming vibes. She even gave us short breaks as she would always conclude her lectures early. If someone ever asked who my favorite teacher was, she took the cake. Makes sense she's also our guidance counselor.

During free time, some of my classmates, including myself, typically gathered around Ms. Hayden as she started dissecting all the concepts using examples that my brain could briskly process at once. I wish all the teachers were like her...

When I returned back to my seat, Edward had grabbed this opportunity to take a nap, cushioning his head against his extended arm. As I taciturnly plopped down, I watched how undisturbed his countenance was; no signs of strains on his muscles, no death stares, and most certainly, no frowning.

Must be from all the stuff today. Totally understandable.

And without giving much thought, I sprawled on the table and faced him. Registering all of how soft his features were, tons of butterflies danced against my gut walls. This was the first time in years, I witnessed Edward sleeping from within arm's reach. When was the last time he was ever this peaceful again? Now that I see him up close, he's getting cuter and cuter by each day...

And then, I was met with a single audience: my cru—childhood friend himself.

I sucked in a loud breath, picking up my erratic heartbeats. Half of my soul scampered in circles, screaming at me to abort mission. However, neither he nor I bothered to cut off contact, even though numerous times, people made their way between us. In fact, I felt like I was drifting through the cerulean sky confined in his one, mesmerizing eye. Heck, I could somewhat trace the reflection of my own blue eyes looking back at me. His hair perfectly complemented with such a scenery, acting as like the sun illuminating through—

RING!!!

And that was when all of my creative descriptions vaporized in a snap of a finger while the looming reality bashed me.

I impulsively stood on both of my feet, clearing my throat and tossing all of my notebooks and pencils into my bag. Now my body felt as though I had thrown myself straight into the spurting magma of a volcano. Yeah, I really wished I could do that right now. Just why, what the hell was I doing?! Why was I waxing lyrical about him as though he was some ancient painting?

I fumbled through my bag and chewed the insides of my cheeks. I could have rushed out of here and lamented my stupid actions, but Edward... didn't looked like he was irked in the slightest as he caught up with me.

"Was there... something on my face?" he questioned, making me freeze on my tracks. I knew he's gonna ask about it!

"N-No, no, there's nothing!" I was stammering so heavily and shaking my hands in front of him. "I-I was just wondering whether you were asleep or not... and I wanted to do the same too!"

That was one believable excuse.

"Oh. Yeah, I was," Edward murmured, brushing his tousled bangs. "I'm beat."

"M-Me too! I would have slept through all the classes if I could," I responded, hugging my books close to my chest. "It's good Ms. Hayden gives us a time to chill, a-and not much work to do."

"She always does," he said. That's close, I'm glad he didn't bring it up again.

Edward and I went separately to our lockers to grab stuff we needed, before we ended up together once more. I mean, I could have gone home at this second and tasted freedom, but I matched his pace as we both headed for the detention. Besides, Aly would be there too; might as well spend some time with her before I left.

"F-Finally it's the weekend..." I initiated, stretching both of my arms. "What are you planning to do?"

"Nothing much. Don't have plans or shifts either. Team said they're gonna have practice this Sunday... bullshit. They're probably fooling around like a bunch of smartasses," he bluntly growled. "Like hell I would join."

Yikes, I'm setting foot into the no-go zone right there. I wouldn't want to provoke his bitter mood with his so-called allies further. Can't bring up their disputes for now.

"I see... I-I would usually hang out with Aly and the others at the mall or somewhere," I diverted, "But on the other days, she would host s-some small parties, where we ate, played games and just had fun."

"Alyssa's parties, huh..." He stared down at his shoes. "It's been a while."

Right, now that he spoke about it...

"...it surely is!" I didn't know why I smiled. It might be due to the distant shouts and guffaws of the energetic Edward and the group echoing in my mind. "Oh, do you still remember those barbecue parties? Aly's mom would cook lots of food, and then we would have m-marshmallows in the end."

"I do. Seb always scorched his, and Alyssa would continually shit on him until she also fucked them up," he murmured.

"Ah yeah, t-they actually burned the entire set! Her mom had to buy another bag," I finished between my laughs. "A-And in the end they weren't allowed near them again!"

"Well, Rena, I'm sorry I burned all of those marshmallows."

When a different voice chimed into our conversation, I flinched at the sudden appearance of my best friend from behind us. With arms folded, she pulled in her brows as her glowering eyes squinted at me. Edward, on the other hand, whirled on his heels, as if he was expecting her presence.

"That was because that stupid ass buffoon kept on distracting me!" Aly protested as she flounced straight towards me. "Had he not been there, I would have roasted them to perfection, seriously!"

"Y-Yes, of course, of course!" I blurted out while forcing myself to grin. Not sure if you're on the right either because you and Seb took turns ruffling each other's feathers so much, you hardly touched the food...

She groaned loudly and stepped back. Although she did not say anything towards Edward, she beckoned her head to the detention room we had not even realized we had reached. Wow, we must have been talking for a while then... that's awesome.

"Man, I wanna go home so bad. I hate this... why detentions on Fridays..." Aly complained as she trudged towards the door with somewhat heavy steps. Turning over the doorknob, she let out a shallow exhale. "Let's get over this quickly. Bye, Rena..."

"Bye!" I exclaimed as she flung the door open and ducked in. Edward was about to tag along, but before that, he nodded at me and waved his hand.

"See you Monday, Serena," he muttered as the corner of his lips... subtly upturned.

However, before I could reply, he had disappeared into the room. I simply watched as the door gradually closed in, shutting with a click.

I never knew Mondays were something I could finally look forward to.