Broken Strings

Chapter 6

The next day I waltz into my class 15 minutes early and I'm the only one there. It's surprising but nice. I grab a seat in the back corner of the room and sprawl out. Students slowly dwindle in and then I see him. Michael walks in with all of his friends and he catches my eye and winks. I blush and smirk in response. He smiles and quickly gives his attention back to his chattering posse. I notice his roommate standing next to him and punch him in the arm when he sees me in the room. Michael blushes cutely. I try and act as though I'm not watching where they're going to sit. Michael's friends sit 2 rows in front of me and Skunk sits behind the majority of them leaving him directly in front of me. He turns around and gives me a cute smile, "Hello, Florence."

"Hello," I respond naturally. I glance at his group of friends; they're trying to pretend like they aren't listening but I know they are. I lean into Michael and whisper, "Do they know about..."

Michael quickly shakes his head and whispers in reply, "Only Luke, he promised not to tell. I'm going to pretend like it didn't happen so they don't pick on you. Is that okay with you?" I nod and smile. I return to my original posture and take my binder out of my purse.

Class starts and ends in no time. I look down at the paper I was supposed to be taking notes on and realize that it was blank. I was so entranced with what Skunk's buddies were thinking that I forgot to pay any attention at all. Everyone exits the classroom and I follow. Last one out, like always. I want to give Michael my number and I quickly think of a reason to talk to him. "Hey, Skunk!" Michael turns around and raises an eyebrow, "Yeah, you. Come here I have a question." He awkwardly walks over as his friends watch intently.

"Skunk?" he chuckles very lowly and I try to hide my smile.

"Just tell them I'm asking if you took notes. Anyway, here's my number." I slip him a very small slip of paper with my number on it and wink inconspicuously.

He smiles and says a little louder so his friends can here, "Sorry, I didn't take any notes..."

I respond in the same tone, "It's okay, thanks anyway." I walk away and right past his friends. I can hear Michael getting pats on the back as they follow behind me.

-

I remember that Michael has the same next class as I do but I can't remember what friends he has it with. I walk in and sit in my normal spot. He comes in soon after with just his roommate; I think his roommate's name is Luke. I smile as they walk in and try to subtly motion Michael and Luke to sit with me. Luke sees my motion and comments to Michael. Mike smiles and leads the way for Luke. He sits to my left and Luke sits beside him. I lean over Michael and extend my hand to Luke, "I don't think we were officially introduced, I'm Florence."

He shakes my hand weakly and responds quietly, "I know... I mean... I... I'm Luke." I smile and chuckle under my breath.

I retreat back to my seat and Michael gives me a sweet kiss on my cheek. I instinctively lay my hand on his that lies on his desk. As class starts, I tap a simple rhythm on his hand with my left hand. Eventually I pull it away in order to take notes. He didn't give a hint that he noticed.