You Are the Only Exception

Chapter 2-In N Out Awkward Encounters

The bell releases everybody to attend lunch, and what better way to spend it then going off campus and catching some In N Out with your friends. Who's with me? I sit patiently in my seat, digging for my car keys which I can't seem to find, before walking out of my English class. Laughter, faces, and snarky comments leave the room and then I realize that I'm not alone. Erik sits a couple desks diagonal from me and I can't help but think that maybe it's okay if I look for my car keys a little bit longer.

Eventually I do find my keys, twirl them with my fingers, and begin to walk away. That is until my teacher, Ms. Bottoms decides to stop me.

"Ahh, Katelyn. Can you stay for a minute?" Ms. Bottoms sputters as she waits patiently for me to come up with an answer. I swear her spit almost hits my face.

To be honest, I really don't want to stay, but I have to somehow respect my elders. I nod my head and quietly sit down near her, her face inches from mine. I never realized how old Ms. Bottoms is and how she always wears mascara which always ends up on her eyelid. Her face is usually as red as a cherry, but she seems even more red than usual.

Ms. Bottoms begins to speak, very aware that Erik is still in the classroom. "Ah-hem...well I'd just like you to know that I want you to show Erik, our new student, around school." My eyes widen and Ms. Bottoms continues on, "You see, he doesn't really have any friends and I'd like for you to warm him up to his surroundings since you know how this school runs."

I swear that my eyes were bulging out because no offense, I rather hang out with my friends than show him around school. This isn't middle school anymore. Ms. Bottoms stares me down, expecting me to say yes but frankly I shake my head.

"I'm sorry Ms. Bottoms but do I have to? I already made plans with my friends for lunch and I can't just ditch them." I comment quietly hoping that Erik doesn't hear how rude I'm being. I'm positive Ms. Bottoms would understand if she had any friends, but I doubt that.

Ms. Bottoms is clearly disappointed with my response. She clears her throat and begins to talk, "Katelyn, I didn't expect that response out of you since you are one of my most favorite students. I also never asked if you could do this, I told you to, and since I'm your teacher, you must do this."

I was going to be honest with her and tell her that me being her favorite student was complete B.S but I didn't really want to get a referral for talking back. I cross my arms across my chest, clearly frustrated how I can't change her mind in the slightest way. Defeated, I sigh and grab my bag looking over at Erik. Erik's arms are also crossed and he stands up, with a small smirk appearing on his lips.

His aura makes me feel intimidated but why? Why should I feel scared of him? Maybe it's because I've never talked to him or maybe it's because he carries himself in a very confident, cocky way. He makes his way next to me and I motion him to follow me which he abides very easily. I make my way to the door, turn around, and look at Ms. Bottoms face which seems slightly pleased with this whole scene.

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We make our way to my car, of course I'm not going to show him around school, at least not right away. My stomach was gurgling and I really wanted that cheeseburger and fries with a shake, who can blame me? I make my way to my car, realizing that Erik was still behind me, following me.

I turn around, my pale blue eyes meeting his alluring emerald eyes, and say, "Uhm well can I show you around school later? I really need to meet up with my friends right now..." I bit my lip, hoping that I didn't come across as rude.

He crosses his arms, flexing his muscles naturally, and smirks, revealing a small dimple, "Don't worry, I wouldn't want to be caught dead with you either, no offense."