•Isabelle's POV•
For my first class of the day, which was also my favorite, we chose Pride & Prejudice to analyze passages from. We'd also be reading it this month for the objective. We were focusing on the 1800's and the flow of Jane Austen's words.
I've read the book before so I know what's going to happen & I watched the movie, but let me just say this: ITS TOTALLY OVERHYPED. It's not overrated, but it's overhyped. Do you understand the difference? If not, I don't have the time to explain it. I'm not saying that it isn't a great book— because, trust me it is,— but I didn't get why everyone was especially fascinated with it. See? I can't explain it.
I tried so hard to focus today, but my mind kept wandering to daydream instead.
"Ms. Smith? Miss Smith! Misses Smith!"
I snapped back to reality, "Yes? I'm sorry, Mrs. Billingsley."
She spat, "Please refrain from daydreaming during my lesson. Now could you answer my question or do I need to repeat it?"
"Please repeat it, ma'am."
Today started off on the wrong foot. Not only was Mrs. Billingsley a substitute since Miss Willow was sick, but she she was also rude as heck. Miss Willow, if you can hear me, PLEASE BE OKAY! I'm sick of your replacement already and I've only been here for half an hour.
She said, "Never mind it. I'm going to pass out passages from the book in a few seconds. I require you to analyze it and answer questions about the first chapter; the first chapter is only two pages so it shouldn't be too much work. After that, I will pass another sheet out of the passages from chapter two. You will repeat the same thing I've asked you to do for chapter one. Do you all understand?"
We all nodded and she continue, "Now, does anyone want to read the profound opening of Austen's novel? How about you, Ms. Smith?"
I didn't argue and began to read the opening sentence of the novel, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife."
"That's great," she gave a slight clap for my performance, making me feel a bit embarrassed so I slouched into my chair which earned me a few sympathetic smiles from my classmates.
She asked, "Do you all understand what Austen meant by this?"
Jason raised his hand and spoke, not waiting for her to permit him to speak, "It's exactly what she said. She meant that if a single man was wealthy and doing good in life, then he must want a wife to share his good fortune & life with."
"That's right, Jason. Do you like English literature?"
He replied, "Nope, but I like the style of Austen's novel and how it centered around the life she grew up in."
I always admired Jason. He had the bad boy aesthetic, but he was into books— and I must say, it was extremely sexy. He rode a motorcycle to school, but he also had a black Chevrolet truck. He had a husky voice which made my heart race whenever he spoke. He had long lashes and a beautifully nurtured smile to pair with hazel- blue eyes; the center of his eye, his pupil, had blue in it while the iris had the hazel color.
His eyes were so unique and I couldn't help but to stare at him in his eyes right now. I realized what I was doing before it was too late; he soon turned his head to me, but my head was down looking at the sheet of paper on the table. That was too close! I mentally wiped a glit of sweat from my forehead.
We repeated this multiple times, and everyone had a chance to express their opinions about the novel and read a passage from the book. Before I knew it, my favorite class was over. The bell rang and I quickly packed my bag, stuffing all my belongings in there except for the work I had to turn in.
Someone tapped me on my shoulder and I turned to look up at Jason. Oh God! Did he catch me staring? Please don't do embarrass me like that, God. I'm begging you.
"So, I heard you told the new guy off. That's cool," he licked his bottom lip.
Ahh, so refreshing and sexy and what the hell is going on? I don't talk to boys and they don't talk to me. Why is he talking to me?
I said, "Oh, thanks. He was being an ass."
That earned me a smile from him and I couldn't help but to smile back at him; his smile was contagious.
He suggested, "Well, we should hang out sometimes. Maybe we could form a secret book club just between us?"
"Sure! That sounds great. Let me know, okay?"
"Alright," he said, "I'll turn your work in with mine. Wanna walk together?"
Oh, God. Thank you! I can't thank you enough for this. I wonder if he was my secret admirer. Nah, it couldn't be. He probably never knew I existed until now.
"Yeah," I answered. I finished zipping my backpack and walked with him to the turn-in basket, which was on the library table beside the librarian's desk.
I was standing beside him and had to calm myself down before I got too excited. He scared me when he touched my shoulder.
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. May I?" He pointed towards my backpack and I nodded. I was afraid if I talked, croaks & cricket chirps or any other weird noise would come out.
He took my backpack and asked me what class I had next so I told him. While walking, many girls mean mugged me, but it didn't bother me. We walked to his locker & I never noticed it was so close to mine. Maybe he is my secret admirer.. No! I'm letting my conscious get the best of me. He couldn't be. I told him I was going to my locker while he got his books, so he returned my backpack.
I took it and walked to my locker— I felt his eyes on me as I walked away. I turned the locker combination in & retrieved my books for my next class and my new library book. I packed them into my bag and turned around to go to Jason, but he was already walking to me and saved me the few spare steps.
Just then, Jennifer came up and greeted us, "Well, Bunny, you're on a roll. Lucian then Jason. I must say I'm a very proud mama."
Jason laughed but I was embarrassed. Why did she use my nickname in front of him? I glared at her with my death stare and she stopped smiling; I guess she realized what she had just done. She mouthed the words "I'm sorry" and slowly backed away and eventually ran away.
Jason spoke, "Bunny? How does a badass have such a soft name?"
Oh, well. I figured he wouldn't want to hang out any more now. "This was fun while it lasted. I guess I'll catch you in class, huh?" I slammed my locker and stepped away from him, leaving him rooted to that spot.
He soon caught up to me and spun me around to face him, "Did you just ditch me? Wow, Bunny."
"Don't call me that. It's already embarrassing that she let it slip in front of you." I was getting angry. Damn you, Jen! You're such a hypocrite.
He apologized, "I'm sorry, Isabelle."
As my name rolled off his tongue, I shivered.
"Are you cold?" He started to give me his black leather jacket, but I refused.
"Okay, but just because she used your nickname doesn't mean we're not friends anymore. I mean c'mon. We just formed this friendship, I'm not gonna let your other friend ruin it. Plus, I've never been excited to be around a female, so do me the honor of not ditching me and let me be your gentleman," he said then bowed to me in a playful manner.
I smiled, "Okay, gentleman. Here," I gave him my backpack and he lifted his head and showed me a beaming smile of perfect teeth. I saw people walking past us looking at me in disgust and in awe. I guess girls wished for this, but we were only friends, nothing more & nothing less.
I laughed at them all, including him, then we walked to my next class together, which was English. We made small talk on the way to my class and learned a bit about each other while we had time. We finally arrived at my class and we departed after he returned my backpack.
I walked in and all eyes were on me. I didn't know making friends with the popular boys came with so many stares. Geez. I looked at Jennifer and she was smiling like a lunatic, signaling me to come sit down. I was sure she'd bug me about Jason the whole class period. I walked up to desk and sat down. All eyes were still on me which irritated me.
"What? Got something you all wanna say?"
They hurriedly turned their necks away from me & I turned my head to look at Jen holding her hands against her mouth to keep her laughter in. She quickly got herself together when she saw Lucian.
He sat down next to me and didn't even give me & Jen a glance or greeting. Whatever. I turned my head away from him and started to talk to Jen when Lucian tapped my arm.
I asked, "Yes? May I help you?"
He said, "Was that your mate?"
I asked, "What?"
He answered, "Are you slow? I'm asking if he's your boyfriend?"
I responded, "You're so rude, but want to know about my business. Get a life, loser."
Jen couldn't help but to laugh but quickly gave me a stern look. The rest of the girls were either baffled at my actions, shocked, in awe or were disgusted. It didn't bother me one bit, but dammit.
He sneered, "I'm far from being a loser, Bunny. I'm just wondering why you lied."
"What is with you people today? Look, whoever I talk to is none of your business. Are you angry that people actually want to talk to me or are you upset because I won't go out with you? Either way, you're still a loser to me."
The mood in the air suddenly became electric, causing the lights to jump on & off. The one in the back of the left corner burst and half the class screamed. I looked at Lucian who had his eyes closed and fists balled up. There was no way he caused this.. right? When he opened his eyes, the room became normal again and Lucian got up to leave. The teacher didn't even question him and rang the office for clean up.
What a day! And it hasn't even started yet.