First lesson.
It all started when I saw him walk through the door in English class. He had a look to him, it was so unique, and different. Mrs. Adams has just turned on the projector. Apparently we're gonna read a short story called "The sheer rose was only compared to a heart" all about the boring cycle of a rose's life, and as its petals fall, it grants that rose another chance at life. I never cared to understand it, but Mrs. Adams seems to be enthusiastic about it.
I sat towards that back of the dimly lit classroom, where the only broken light in the classroom sat. I liked it here because it makes me feel a little less seen. The only empty seat was one across the classroom, towards the front. I'd have to peer through a few students to see him. I look down at the dark drown desk I sit at and try to focus on the assignment.
I look over at the new kid, I've never seen him before, he seems to be a transfer, but from where? I wanted to know everything about him. I watch him as he shuffles through his bag to find his glasses, then putting them on. The glasses perfectly pushes away his long brown hair, giving the world a perfect view of his face. He seems to be a fan of music, as he has a NOFX shirt on with ripped matching pants, complete with spiky accessories.
"Okay class, what we're going to do today is a group activity," Mrs. Adams says tiredly, and i don't blame her for being tired, it's the first period of the day, and i know she works late nights.
"Today we'll be reading The Sheer Rose, and discussing your own interpretation of its meaning with your peers," She says, pulling out copies of the short story.
I look at my fingers. How am I supposed to do this? I mean, i have friends, but they're not in this period, meaning i just raw dog this period completely alone. I look around hoping for a student to choose me, but no one does, and eventually, the class is in groups, leaving me, and the new kid. So eventually, I look over at him nervously.
"Partners?" I say, holding my hand up.
He nods and slowly walks to my desk, he has this slow but persistent walk, like one of someone who knows how to carry themselves, yet he's being so quiet. He sits by me at my desk and I get a whiff of his cologne, and it smells rather masculine.
"Have you ever read this story?" I ask nervously, looking at the mysterious kid.
He shakes his head,
"No." he says quickly
He's nervous, I get that, but I really do have to get him to open up.
"Well I'll give you a brief summary, but first… what's your name?" I say in a welcoming tone.
The kid looks down for a second, then answers,
"The name is Dave" he says quietly
"Say Dave, are you nervous today?" i ask
He nods
"Well not to worry, with me here, you'll have someone to talk to, okay?" i say.
He nods, looking over to his book. Now that he's right next to me, I can really see how Dave looks. His piercing on the right side of his bottom lip, and the septum, as well as the tattoos he has on his arms. He's on the bigger side, he has a bit of a belly, and as he sits next to me, I can see the clear size difference. If I could guess, he'd probably be at 6 foot 2. Is he really a high school student? Tons of questions flow through my head, but I must focus as I talk Dave through this book.