"What is love?" I let out a loud groan and pulled at my long hair, a habit that I've picked up.
I had been sitting on my bed for hours, trying to get the slightest idea for my essay. In the past, I would depend on spurts of inspiration when writing essays. However, now that I was in a higher level English class, I couldn't depend on my last minute ideas to help me pass.
Exhausted, I picked up my phone and played my favorite playlist on Spotify. As I laid on my bed, I closed my eyes and listened to the lyrics.
'Cause there'll be no sunlight, if I lose you, baby
I mouthed along with the words, as if they were coming out of my own mouth. A love for Bruno Mars, something that Tesha and I had in common. A wave passed over me as my eyes widened.
"Oh shit!" I sat up and woke my chromebook. I had found my definition of love.
***
"Hello, students," Mr. Phillips said in his usual monotone voice. "Have you all completed your essays?" His eyes rested on two girls in the corner of the classroom. I rolled my eyes as they giggled and shook their heads. I had no idea how they could never do their home and yet still be allowed to attend a college level English class.
"Well that's unfortunate, girls, because it's due today," Mr. Phillips commented with a disappointed look. "As usual, you will all give a brief explanation on your essays at the front of the classroom. I suggest that you volunteer on your own, for I will grade you slightly less... critically." He glanced around the classroom but no one moved. "Don't all come up at once, people."
I took a deep breath before I stood up. "I'll go."
"Sure," he stood and headed to an empty seat at the back of the room. I grabbed my paper and approached the lectern podium at the front of the classroom.
"Um," I started nervously. I glanced at Tesha for reassurance but her eyes were concentrated on her phone. I took another deep breath then began my presentation.
"The song I chose to analyze was 'It'll Rain' by Bruno Mars. The song is about a man explaining to his lover that his life would be pointless and agonizing if she left him. He also includes that he may not seem like the perfect person and he has many flaws, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy. I can relate to this song because I've always wanted to be loved like this man loves his girlfriend. To me, loving someone is making them your number one in your life, the most important person."
I paused for a second to look at my classmates but, like always, no one paid attention... except Mr. Phillips. He nodded and I continued on.
"I always thought that romance and love was the ultimate goal in life but I also noticed now that these ideas are not always unrealistic and are definitely not for everyone. However, there are many forms of love. There is love between parents and children, siblings, and even friends. So, I guess I don't need a boyfriend to make me his number one." I smiled and returned to my seat.
"Thank you, Miss Kana. Who's next?"
I frowned at Tesha who seemed to be completely checked out of reality, a slight smile at the corner of her lips.
"How was it," I whispered to her. Her attention snapped back and she glanced up, her smile disappearing.
"It was good."
I frowned at her deeper. "You weren't even listening-" I stopped mid-sentence to focus on the next presenter. Tesha looked at me with concerned eyes before directing her attention to the speaker.
I should have taken that as a sign already...