Stuck Between Two Walls

The ticking of the clock echoed throughout the classroom as Mr. Varner stared at us. He was smiling expectedly, eyebrows raising as he nodded his head.

“Oh, boy.” Ethan muttered, burying his face in his hands.

“Okay, class. Pop quiz.”

The whole class groaned, myself included even though I am quite ready. Hey, being ready doesn’t mean you actually wanted it. Sure, you’re prepared but your heart is still not in it. Know what I’m saying?

He proceeded to give us the sheet of paper of mental torture and then sat down on his chair.

When the paper landed on my desk, relief flowed through me. I know this stuff. Studying last night was worth it.

“Shit.” The guy beside me spat out, scratching his head in annoyance.

I suppressed a giggle, shaking my head at him.

“Ms. Diaz, mind your own paper.” Mr. Varner told me in a surprisingly calm voice, pointing his hand at my answer sheet.

“Yes, sir.” I muttered, bringing my head down and all.

My mind worked as it tried to remember all the formulas last night. My hand flew effortlessly, confidence filling me.

“What the actual hell do this letters stands for?” I heard him mutter.

Another giggle forced to come out.

“Ms. Diaz.” Mr. Varner warned, his eyes becoming cold.

“I’m sorry, sir.” I said, my cheeks becoming warm. I hated being the center of attention and my classmates were giving me amused glances then.

I focused my attention on my paper but I failed when Ethan suddenly groaned loudly.

“Do we have to cancel these two or should we just leave them alone? Okay, leave them alone.” He started to talk to himself, nodding his head.

I tried my best to ignore him and managed to do so in, like, five minutes. But then...

“Wait. Why is my answer not in the choices?” I heard another mutter.

I couldn’t stop it. I bit my lip, trying to stop the laugh that might come out.

“Ms. Diaz.” Mr. Varner’s voice echoed again, this time accompanied by the odd rhythm of his shoes.

A shadow occupied my desk and I glanced up to see Mr. Varner’s hand extended. “Can I please have your paper?”

“Sir?” I asked with my most innocent voice since I know that I’m already in trouble.

“Give me your paper.”

I hesitantly handed him the paper.

He scanned my work, eyebrows raising within every stop. He placed it in front of me again, the coldness quite gone. “Well, it looked like you did understand the lesson but could you kindly tell me why your attention was somewhere else just a few moments ago?”

I did my best puppy-dog look. The look that made Puss in Boots eyes to shame. “Sir?”

Unfortunately, it didn’t affect him. “What was so funny?”

Oh, sweet Lord, please just let me crawl in a hole and die.

“Nothing, sir.”

“Nothing. It is a word that describes-”

“It was my fault, sir.” Ethan interrupted, pulling himself out of his chair.

“Your fault, Mr. Harrison? How is it your fault?” the teacher asked, clearly not pleased with the interruption.

All the eyes were on us then. The attention on us. The second time I felt so exposed. This is not fun feeling.

“It just is, sir. I’m responsible.”

“You two, out of this classroom now.”

“But-” I tried to protest but Ethan grabbed my hand.

“Glad to.” He told the teacher, giving him his most confident smile.

~*~

“For the fifth time, why?”

“I feel awesome.” He announced, closing his eyes.

“Why, Ethan, why?”

His blue eyes appeared in the darkness, a luminous glow filling those irises. “Huh?” he asked, a little out of himself.

“Why, Ethan?”

“I hate teachers.” He told me, rubbing his hand together, scowling at the sky. His voice held something more than hatred. It sounded different. Too bitter even for him.

“That doesn’t mean you have to do that!”

“I can’t bring that moment back. I just have to suffer the consequences.” He said, flicking his hand as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“Your grades! What would happen to your grades! That’s Trig and Varner! It could ruin you!”

“Trig has already ruined me. My brain, to be specific but still me.”

“What were you thinking?!”

“Did you not hear what I just said? Trig has already ruined my brain.”

“Ethan...” I finally said, letting go of all the darkness of my voice.

“Are you mad at me?” he asked, his eyes meeting mine. They were soft and mild.

The slight annoyance appeared again. “Of course I’m mad at you! How could you be so careless?”

“Sorry.” He said, looking down.

“For God’s sake, what are you apologizing for?!” I yelled, slapping my hand in my face in frustration. That actually hurt, to be honest.

“I got you into this stupid mess.”

“Apologize to yourself, not me.” I told him, glaring.

“Self-forgiveness is a difficult task. And I am also responsible for the quiz you just failed.”

“I’m not failing Trig! You, on the other hand...”

“Proud of it.” He said, giving me a confident grin.

“Ethan...”

“You’re one of the most complicated persons I’ve met, you know that?” he told me in whisper, his eyes melting into mine.

“I think I do.”

“You’re also one of the selfless.” He muttered, shaking his head in disapproval.

I didn’t reply.

Silence surrounded us.

Just then, I felt his head rested on my shoulder. His cheek softly pressed against my shoulder. His cheek. My shoulder. They’re in contact. Contact. Force. Electricity. Electricity erupted.

I glanced at him, the sparks numbing that certain part where he’s using me as a pillow. His eyes are already closed.

I have to admit, he’s not that bad. I mean, the outline of his jaw. Those long and thick eyelashes girls would die for. That perfect angle of the nose. Those lips-

“Leslie?”

Caught red-handed. “Yes?”

“I’m flattered that you’re checking me out and all but I would advise you do it without being caught.” He said, smiling widely.

My face boiled. “What are you talking about?”

He didn’t reply but he is still smiling. This continued for a good three minutes. The peaceful atmosphere blending in with my stressed system. The contrast made a different flavor.

“Leslie?” he asked, his voice quite a melody when he said my name.

“What?” I asked, annoyance dripping from my voice to hide the embarrassment.

“Please stay. Don’t leave.” He said in deep sincerity.