HE GOT ZERO (short story)

“Just shut up okay?” I said and continued cleaning up. I have to do something with my temper or else I would be losing it.

She didn’t answer but she just stood there idly. Everyone that is near us heard how I got pissed but stayed silent. Good thing the teacher is busy with the other students at the front.

“I-I throw it out myself.” She offered when I finished.

I looked at her but she didn’t even look at me. Her gaze was on the floor and she let her hands open so that I can give the dustpan and broom to her. I didn’t argue and just gave it to her.

“Okay class, get back to your seats.” Mrs. Henson said clapping her hands twice. Everyone got back at their own chair. “Since you did well on your first project I have decided that your partner will be your partner until the end of the school year.” She said.

I heard some yells of agreement and I bet that’s for the guys that love their partner and some growls from those who don’t like theirs. My shoulder just went weak and it fell. Really? I’m gonna be stuck with her? I looked at my left slowly and found her playing with her hands. She’s not even giving some reactions of what the teacher just said. Or maybe she’s just too happy that the school’s most popular guys will be her partner. This girl is totally weird…totally.

The bell rang and that signals the end of the period.

When I got to the hallway, someone pulled my t-shirt. “What the…” I stopped when I saw Lisa. Again, she’s not looking at me, instead her gaze is at the floor. “What?” I demanded.

“I-if…y-you like, I can talk to Mrs. Henson to change partners.” She said.

“What?” I said as I raised my brow. I stand corrected, she was listening after all.

“I know that..y-you don’t like me as your partner Mr… s-so I can talk to Mrs. Henson. I just thought that I would let you know before I talk to her.” she said.

“What did you just call me?” I said. Maybe I just heard it wrong that she called me Mr.

“W-well…I really didn’t get your name…we didn’t actually introduced ourselves.” She said still not looking at me.

“You don’t know me?” I hissed. She didn’t answer. How could someone in this school not know me? How? Someone please explain before I could lose my sanity. I composed myself. “No wonder you don’t know me…you don’t even look at people.” She didn’t answer me again. ARGH!! She’s really getting into my nerves!! “Hey…look at me.” I demanded.

“I’m so-sorry.”

“Stop saying bull….look at me” This time my voice got louder and there are fewer students since the second bell rang for the next period. She didn’t look up so I lift her chin up and I saw her eyes again. She looked really scared. I saw her gulped and her hands are shaking. What is wrong with her?

“Please don’t be mad Mr.” she said, sounded more like pleading for her life. Do I look like bad person to her?

Her pleading eyes took me aback. What was that? I had never felt nor seen someone so scared of someone before. I brushed my hair with my hands again. “Look, I’m Dylan Ford…doesn’t that ring a bell for you?” she shook her head as I am still holding her. “Geez…what were you doing when you’re at school?”

“Study.” She said.

With that I let go of her. “This is useless.” I muttered. “You know what…I don’t really care who my partner is.” I said and left her.

Shoot! I’m late! I thought when I didn’t find a single soul in the hallways.

“Detention Mr. Ford.” Mr. White told me handing me a yellow paper with a smirk on her face. I got this feeling from the first day I met him that he doesn’t really like me that much.

I let out a sigh and took the paper. “Yes Mr. White.” I said and drop myself at my seat. This is all her fault.

“Why are you late?” Beth whispered at my back. She’s one of the sexy Latinas.

“Long story.” I lied as I was tired of thinking about Lisa again. That made me think, it’s no unfair that I know her name before she knew mine. I mean… I have a reputation for crying out loud!

The day went by rather smoothly. I enjoyed lunch ad girl threw themselves at me. The bell rang for my last period, I was about to jump when I remembered my detention.

I gotta admit that it wasn’t my first time in detention, I have some to kick some ass every once in a while. It is a good stress reliever. And girls love some bad ass more than some goody guys.