HENRY

The school bell rang, signaling the end of yet another boring math class.

"We'll continue in our next class, and please, make sure to complete your assignments," Mr. Trevor, our math teacher, announced.

No one seemed to pay attention. Just like me, everyone was fed up with his dull lectures. They packed their books into their bags and hurriedly left the classroom, eager to experience the pinnacle of boredom: Chemistry class.

I stowed my book in my backpack and slung it over my right shoulder. My progress towards the doorway was interrupted when Mr. Trevor remarked, "Emily, it appears you scored another A. You must be quite proud of yourself."

I rolled my eyes.

"You dislike Math, yet you keep getting As. Care to share your secret?"

I glanced at his black jacket covering his white long-sleeve shirt and replied, "What do kids do in school? Study." I walked out without waiting for more.

My Math teacher, Mr. Trevor, who stood at five feet eight inches, was what most students would call "a pain in the ass." He always poked his head into my business, emphasizing the importance of studying and how the future belonged to those who took academics seriously. His endless assignments and frequent tests were proof of his desire for us to excel in his subject. The only person who seemed to find his teaching entertaining was a peculiar girl with glasses who sat at the front. The rest of us just prayed for his class to end as soon as he walked in.

I made my way to my locker to retrieve my Chemistry textbook. The hallway appeared empty, with teachers and students in their respective classes, attempting to understand one another. Along with my textbook, I grabbed a gum dispenser, hoping it would help me stay awake through the boring lesson.

As I turned down the hallway, I spotted a young man, roughly my age. Like me, he wore a blue long-sleeve shirt with white stripes and black trousers. His red backpack hung from his left shoulder, and his head was partially covered by a cap with the brim turned backward, giving him a "bad boy wannabe" look. He sported what looked like a bracelet on his wrist and his blue boots resembled those of a military member. His dark hair, as black as tar, was neatly trimmed as if he were going on a date. His enigmatic brown eyes seemed to hold secrets that I had no interest in. His lips were the color of strawberry ice cream, and his slender frame made him look like a retired FBI agent.

The unfamiliar figure appeared lost.

"Um, hi. Do you know where the chemistry class is? I'm in eleventh grade."

"Follow me," I instructed, nonchalantly.

"Oh, okay. Are you also in eleventh grade?"

I turned to him and asked, "Do you want to get to class or not?"

He raised an eyebrow and replied, "Class sounds great."

I shook my head and continued walking to class, with him trailing behind.

When we reached the Chemistry class, I took my usual seat in the corner of the middle row. "Mr. Confused Figure" chose a seat at the back. I popped a piece of bubble gum into my mouth, chewing it to stay awake as the Chemistry teacher embarked on another qualitative analysis demonstration, for what felt like the millionth time. I took notes, knowing my father valued a good education.

While I listened attentively, I felt someone watching me. In an attempt to identify the source, I discreetly glanced around the room. It was indeed the new guy. He quickly averted his gaze to the board, seemingly realizing he'd been caught staring. At this point, I wondered if he was here to learn or simply to remain clueless.

"Mrs. Noah, can you tell me the meaning of qualitative analysis?" my Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Dean, asked.

I stood up and answered, "It's the process of determining the presence or absence of specific substances in a given sample. This type of analysis relies on various chemical techniques like color changes, observations, and chemical tests. It's essential to note that this process doesn't involve quantifying the amount of substances present."

"That's actually correct. You've been paying attention," Mrs. Dean said. "Please dispose of your gum and take your seat."

I removed the gum from my mouth and shot an irritated look at the stranger.

The bell rang again, and I gathered my belongings, eager to go home. I rushed to my locker to retrieve my Physics textbook for some studying.

As I packed my books and locked my locker, I was interrupted by the voice of the stranger once more. I turned around and saw that it was the guy I had encountered earlier.

"Hi, I didn't know you were so smart," he began.

"Not everyone walks around with an empty head like you," I retorted, starting my walk down the hallway.

"My name is Henry, by the way," he said, following me.

"Well, buzz off, Henry."

"Is this how you welcome new students?"

"Only the foolish ones."

"Why are you so hostile and mean?"

I stopped and gave him a stern look. "Stop following me, douchebag."

"Not until you tell me your name."

"Are you serious? You're following a total stranger just to find out her name?" I paused.

"It's not like you're a vampire or an assassin," Henry shrugged casually.

My sister, Emma, was waiting for me in her BMW Two Series in the parking lot. She yelled, "Emily, you're taking forever."

I surveyed Henry from head to toe and shook my head in disbelief. Turning my back to him, I hurried to catch up with my sister. I could feel his gaze on me under the scorching sun, and it was irritating.

My sister was dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, looking neat. I could tell she had taken a shower before coming to pick me up; she didn't like the sun, after all. She had already started the engine even before I got to her.

"Good afternoon," I greeted, taking the passenger seat.

"I won't bother asking how school was since it seemed thrilling," she said, pulling onto the road.

"Every class I had today was boring. Why do you say that?"

"Hmm, but you had a handsome guy to keep you company."

"That guy is so dumb," I said, and my sister burst into laughter.

"We're heading to town. I need to restock the groceries."

"In this fancy car?"

"Shut up," my sister retorted, bringing a smile to my face.