Later that night, Mom, Felix and I had dinner together. I was silent the whole time they talked about some things related to government and technical things. Though at the middle of the conversation, Mom found a way to ask me about school. It felt odd that she was the one asking me that now. I told her some things, but not all the details including the weird treatment of the students.
But I think it's possible that she has something to do with it. I remembered Clarkson calling her some ill names like he holds a grudge against her, against me — which is probably because I am her daughter. That reason seems more logical. But what did Mom actually has done? Have she done something unlawful in the eyes of her people?
That night, I slept late thinking about the possible reasons. I didn't find a convincing reason, though.
The following Monday, I was five minutes late on my first class with Carter as the teacher. He gave us a quiz and my dumb mind forgot half of everything he discussed. That's why I was one of the students who got the lowest scores. I could not look at him after I got my score. It's not that I want to impress him or anyone. I'm ashamed myself. I was too distracted that I could not even do a simple quiz right. I feel so bad for myself for being so fucked up.
"Dismissed. Miss Delluci, remain."
My pen fell on the floor when I heard what Carter said. The pounding of my heart became faster than ever. I was very embarrassed earlier. And I don't know how would I answer him if he would ask why my score was that low. But I wasn't only the one who got the lowest. Why am I the only one he asked to be left behind?
Savanna, Dave Clarkson's girlfriend, smirked at me. It was like she is very positive that I will receive a scolding from Carter. That idea made me more nervous. My classmates immediately left the room. Jason gave me an apologetic look like he couldn't give any help. I didn't smile. I was too nervous to even do that.
I dug my nails onto my palm as I clenched my hand into a fist. Even how I compose myself, I can't find the exact words I need to explain why I had such a low score. Should I say that I was too preoccupied by some things that I forgot about what he discussed? Or should I say that I am born as an airheaded person?
My hands were slightly trembling as I saw the last student left the classroom. I draw a deep breath and calmed myself. The cold breeze from the window made me feel colder. I almost quivered when I met Carter's gaze. He was leaning on the center table, holding a bunch of papers. I swallowed hard and tried to spread a little positivity in my mind so that I would gain some grit.
"You're scared..." he stated dryly.
My lips parted a bit, but I remained silent while walking towards him.
"I do not intend to scold you or whatever you are thinking, if that's what you're worried about."
I stopped half a meter away from him, forehead was creased. I was relieved of what he said, but why am I here then? Isn't this supposed to be a session of teacher-student chastising?
"I-I'm sorry. I thought I'll receive harsh remarks from you... because I didn't do good in your quiz and..." I stopped midway, feeling more embarrassed.
Putting the papers down on the table, he chuckled softly. I pursed my lips tightly as I felt my cheeks burning. I'm sure I'm as red as tomato now. Shit.
"So you're scared I might scold you." He chuckled again. His sea-green eyes were glittering.
I closed my eyes and sighed. "If that's all you wanted to say, I'll take my exit now."
I was to turn my back on him to leave when he spoke. This time, he was suppressing a smile.
"Everleigh, stay for a while. Please."
Because of irritation, I managed to gain a little confidence to look toughly at his gentle eyes.
"What do you need? Look, I know I didn't do well in your quiz and I'm sorry for that. As you see, I'm not the kind of student aiming to be in the honor roll. I am not like that. I am only average and when I have many things in my mind, I lose concentration just like earlier and..." My breathing hitched so I had to stop.
Then I continued, "And if that made you feel less as my teacher—"
"Eve..." he cut me off. "It's nothing. It's only a score."
I averted my gaze. I don't know why I got irritated. I don't have an image to maintain so why am I even bothered with this? I even got lower scores in other classes but those were never a big deal to me. I was even scolded once for not being able to answer a question but it was all nothing. So why should I feel bad about this.
"Yeah. It's only a score. I will just do better next time."
He nodded. "You can seek help from me if you need some."
"Thanks, but I'm fine." If only nothing happened, I could have accepted his offer. But after putting myself on shame, my overflowing pride is telling me to decline. I can't just say yes on his offer.
He shifted a bit, as if tensed or feeling something denser than that. For the past week, his actions were always precise. No hesitations. But looking at him now, it looks like he's thinking twice about a certain thing. But what could confuse a man with such caliber?
"Do you mind if I join you for lunch later?" he asked carefully.
I blinked once. Twice. Thrice.
Unintentionally, I left my lips apart, stunned of the unexpected invitation. I'm not sure if I heard it right. Did he really invited me for a lunch? I can't believe it! This is the first time that someone asked me that after moving here in Lynnwood that's why I am overwhelmed. Did he really mean that? I mean, it's quiet overwhelming to think of it as real.
"A-are you sure?" I mumbled, not even sure if I said it right. But when the side of his lips rose for a smirk, I knew he heard it clear enough.
"Of course, I am."
I gulped.
"Alright... see you later, then."
I suppressed a smile as I turned around and walked away with a cheerful song played on my head as if I just got included in the honor roll for the first time. Even on my following classes, I was in a good mood. I even found myself smiling at Savanna in spite her annoyed glance at me. Am I that eager to have at least one friend? Maybe I am. Because if not, I won't be this happy. Finally, there's someone willing to stand on my side in spite the prejudices.
One hour before lunch, I felt like I was floating in the air. I never remember being this excited over a lunch with someone I barely know. I was never been tensed over a simple invitation. It was very much unlikely of me, as if it's been too long since the last time I was invited by someone over a simple lunch.
After the last class in the morning, I hurriedly prepared my things so I could go out already. But just when I was about to go through the door, Savanna blocked my way. She was standing in their center with her blonde hair in a high ponytail and lips painted with the darkest shade of violet.
Well, she just asked me how Carter scolded me. She was even laughing, very certain that I got scolded. I didn't say anything, giving her the benefit of the doubt. I don't care whatever she think of me or how anybody else does. I came to realize that I can't change what they believed, nor I can change their way of seeing things. Maybe in time, I can prove their prejudices of me wrong.
When I reached the end of the hallway of the building, I saw Carter leaning just beside the emergency exit. Even with just black long sleeved shirt rolled down to his elbows and black slacks, he seriously looked like a male model for a magazine's cover with a medieval theme. In spite the casual clothes, the way he stood there confidently with just right position of his body, told me that if he was born on medieval period, he could pass as a royalty. Like a prince or even a king.
"Hey..." I greeted, staring at him in awe. I still can't believe I was given a chance to know one of God's masterpiece.
"Did your classes go well?" he asked while we're walking out of the building.
"Not bad." I crooked a smile.
"Don't you mind it?" I asked, glancing at the students watching us like it was so damn impossible that Carter is with me. The past week, I noticed he's quiet famous in the campus. He have a lot of fans, girls mostly. During lunch in the cafeteria, I often hear about him being the center of the topic of some girl groups. Not that it's my business to eavesdrop. I just noticed that he gained a high level of popularity.
"I don't care what they think, if that's what you mean."
"Even if they find it ridiculous that you're seen going around with me?" I chuckled. I just want to know what he thinks about it.
"Why would I care?" He looked at me, as if all he was seeing is a brilliant, shining star — the only thing he cares for.
"Because you are the mighty Carter Rellis in everyone's eyes. While on the other hand, I'm the town's little freak."
"Freak? Who told you that?" he asked in a low but lethal voice.
I shrugged. "No one. I just felt like everyone except you is mad at me for some reason I don't know yet. That's why I felt like I am a freak. An outcast, if you want a simpler word."
"You're not a freak, Eve," he said seriously. "You will never be."