Behind The Mask

Ch. 12

Blake's P.O.V

I walk into the house, my clothes drenched in rain water. I just can't help but smile like a fool even though it's been a long day and I'm about to slip on the stairs. But let's start from the beginning. . .

Walking into school on a Monday morning, how else can I put it? I just want the day to be over. I'm looking forward to hanging out with Olivia after school, though. All seniors have a major math test today and I'm one of the "fortunate" ones that get to take it first thing in the morning. Go me. I could have taken the test after school, but Josh is taking it after school and someone needs to watch the kids later. You can never be so sure with Frank watching them.

Once, Frank let George and some of the other boys light fireworks in the front yard. The only problem was that he wasn't watching them and one of their rockets hit the shed. Unfortunately, we don't have a shed anymore. Hey, at least no one got hurt!

I make my way to the library which is where I was told we were taking our test. I sign in quickly and find a seat and the back corner. What can I say? Old habits die hard. Next thing I know, a huge packet is placed in front of me. I look at it in disgust and know this is going to be one painful test.

"Oh, you looked thrilled." I look up and see a smiling Olivia. She puts her backpack on the ground and takes a seat next to me. "Are you going to say something or am I just going to be talking to myself?" I blink back into reality and clear my throat.

"Hey Olivia." That's it? That's all I managed to say?!? Speak dummy! "Are you here to take the math test?" I ask her. I give myself a mental slap in the face. "Stupid question." I mumble. She gives me a weak smile and chuckles a bit.

"Yes, I'm here to take the test. Thanks for asking." Someone places a packet in front of her. She calmly says thank you and reaches for her backpack to grab a pencil. "Are we still going to work on our project after school?"

"Yeah. And I think we have the entire class-" I'm just starting the conversation when I'm interrupted by a teacher.

"Good morning everyone! In front of you are the test packets. We will now be handing out calculators. Please, follow the following rules: turn off your cell phones, use a number two pencil, no-" By then I had completely zoned out. I just wanted this to be over as quickly as possible. Isn't my last year of high school suppose to be easy? I guess not. At least at the end of the year, after all the test and drama at home, I could finally leave. There's nothing for me back here.

"Hey," Olivia says to me over her shoulder, "good luck!"

I turn toward her and respond, "You too." I also wink at her for effect, but her expression made me lose my breath. She started blushing! She smiled quickly and turned away before I could be 100% sure, but I definitely saw some color in her cheeks. I would have expected her to laugh a little at the gesture, but instead she blushed.

Two hours, one bathroom break, and four pencils later, the evil stack of paper mistaken for a test was finished. I actually think I did okay. I know for sure that I didn't pass with flying colors, but I also know that I didn't fail and that's all I could ask for. I wanted to ask Olivia how she felt about the test, but she still wasn't done, so I quietly stood up and gave her a thumbs up as I left. She just shook her head and went back to work. As I exit, I see Jo and a bunch of other students sitting in the hall; waiting to go in. She looks up and sees me, waving me over.

"Hey! Is the test hard?" She asks me in a whisper voice, even though no is paying attention to us.

"I don't know. I can't evaluate something like that that easily." I tell her just to mess with her. She rolls her eyes in response.