Remain Silent

“No one really.” Ms. Cook said as she looked around. “Mister Lovecraft.”

“Yes.” I said looking up.

“Would you care to give it a try?” The teacher held out the dry erase marker at me.

“I guess.” I shrugged though I really didn’t want to. I went up to the board and quickly solved the problem. The only thing worst then being called up to the front of the class was looking like a dumb ass.

“Language Mister Lovecraft.” Ms. Pierce said.

“Sorry.” John said.

“Very good.” The teacher smiled and handed me a sucker. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” I smiled and shrugged though I felt a little weird being given candy like a fifth grader.

“Looks like we have a guy in the class who is not a total dumbass.” The redhead in the back said with a smile as she looked over at the guy she been arguing with. He just flipped her off as a reply. “Is that your IQ.” She teased.

“All right you two one more outburst and I will send you both to the principal’s office.” Ms. Cook said. I went back to my desk as Chris gave me a look, it was more than clear we wouldn’t be friends. I sat down back next to Beth.

“Guess you weren’t lying.” Beth grinned as she said it under her breath.

“Want this.” I smiled offering her the candy. She known the answer and I didn’t want it even though my stomach was empty.

“Sure, thanks.” Beth smiled as she took it. The rest of the class went by pretty fast which I was thankful for. Beth was too busy taking notes to really talk, that girl is really dedicated to her work. Then the bell rung and I made a bee line for the cafeteria. I had luckily found it by accident that morning not to mention food was one of the things I never had any trouble finding. I got in line which seemed a little long but it gave me time to admire the girls.

When I got up front I saw why the line was so long. It was pizza day. I was a little sad I couldn’t buy two slices, unless I stood back in line after I ate but apparently every student in school showed up on pizza day. I got up to the cash stand behind a girl who looked like she didn’t really fit in. A delinquent or as close as one could be delinquent in a private school. She was a little short.

“Here.” I said handing the cashier money for hers and mine.

“You don’t have to do that.” The girl shook her head at me.

“No but I am really hungry and your holding up the line.” I teased popping one of the French fries in my mouth.

“Suit yourself.” She smiled. I didn’t know it yet but me and Donna would become friends. I found a seat at an empty table since I didn’t really know anyone yet. I sat down and opened up my milk and then Chris showed back up.

“Hey buddy.” Chris said as he put his arm around me.

“Hello.” I smiled trying to be polite.

“I didn’t get a chance to say hello earlier. I am Chris.” He extend his other hand.

“John.” I said shaking it.

“Just wanted to introduce myself, not to many of us guys here. Which isn’t a bad thing if you know what I mean.” He looked up at the line with all the girls in their skirts.

“Yeah I do.” I nodded and grinned. Little did I know he was distracting me at the time.

“Where trying to get a guy’s basketball team together, if we can get enough guys, if you’re interested, you play.” He smiled.

“I did at my old school.” I shrugged.

“Signup sheet are over on the wall.” He pointed you get the idea. He was just trying to butter me up. Of course the boys’ basketball team never came into being because not enough guys signed up. The few like me how could play didn’t really stand a chance against the inner city school teams who had their choice of students. He said his goodbyes and off he went. I started to eat and drink my milk not knowing it was spiked.

“Can we join you?” I heard and looked up to see Beth and a friend coming over.

“Sure.” I said, not like I had any friends and Beth seemed like a nice enough girl.

“You’re right he is cute.” The girl said as she sat down next to him and Beth sat on his other side.

“Bree” Beth said blushing lightly.

“Hi I am John.” I introduced myself.

“Bridgette. But people call me Bree for short.” She smiled. She was a cute blonde. A little short and came off a little geeky I thought but it could have been the uniform.

“You’re in the marching band?” I asked which was redundant.

“Yep I play the flute.” Bree smiled.

“I tried it once but I should have picked a better instrument then the piano.” I joked making the girls laugh, it was a really bad joke but it worked.

“Is there a school event today?” I asked since all the girls where in their school uniforms.

“Track and field.” Beth said as she began to eat though stopping to wave her mouth after taking a bite of the pizza.

“Y’all go all out for track and field.” I said.

“We took state last year.” Bree smiled. I could tell she was one of those really into school spirit kind of girls.

“We have some of the best girl teams in the state. It helps pay for most of the schools funding so the school goes all out on sports events, the girls anyways.” Beth said with a shrug as she drunk her milk.

“What is there for us guys?” I said wondering what my options where.

“You can try the cheerleading team. They want more guys so they can compete with the bigger schools, you know do lifts and stuff.” Bree teased as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. She was geeky but not exactly shy about it.

“Pass.” I shook my head though a part of me was thinking about it. I mean what guy didn’t want to get his hands on a bunch of cheerleaders.

"You should come to the meet." Bree smiled. "I got to play in the band but you can sit and watch with Beth."