Boy

Boy: Chapter 1

Jayden's POV:

The first time it happened, I shrugged it off.

It was a Tuesday.

I remember sitting at my desk, towards the middle of the classroom, filling out a scantron for my Math Exam. 

It was fifth period and I was hungry, so I was rushing to get my work done so I wouldn't have to stay after class to finish.

"Ten minutes, guys! Let's wrap it up!"

My thumb began to cramp, but I kept going, the emptiness in my stomach overpowering all else.

A few more minutes had passed and some of my classmates were starting to pack up, standing, slinging their backpacks over their shoulders and sitting back down in their seats.

Mrs. Clima refused to dismiss us unless we were all sitting in our assigned seats.

The bell doesn't dismiss you! I do!

Then... What the hell are the bells for?

"Okay, guys. One minute until the bell! If you need to stay in for lunch to finish, then do so and if not then go ahead and turn in your test. It's your grade not mine."

I still had 20 more questions to bubble in.

"So is everyone done?"

I raised my hand.

"M'not done yet."

"That's okay, Jayden.Take your time. I'm eating lunch in the classroom today anyways." She gave me small smile and I returned the favor. She was my teacher after all, and it wasn't uncommon to see students smile at their teachers every once in a while.

The bell rang and a wave of chatter erupted into the room as people began to grab the remaining of their things and leave.

By the time the tardy bell rang for lunch, it was just me and Mrs. Clima, and I had perceived the minute she had quite talking.

I look up to where she was, a small flower-covered lunch box set on top of some books on her desk.

She glanced at me and I put my head back down, only 20 more questions away from being able to run away from the awkward atmosphere of being alone in a room with a teacher.

And I wasn't uncomfortable because it was Mrs. Clima who was accompanying me, but because she was a authority in general.

Or.... At least, that's what I told myself to keep me sane for the time being.

When I had finally finished my test, I stood up slowly, internally cringing at the high pitched squeak that my seat had made when my weight was shifted from it.

"Are you done now, Jayden?"

"Yes, ma'am."

She gave me another smile as I began to walk towards her desk to turn in my paper.

My eyes were on hers the entire time and my stomach began to twist the moment I realized hers were not.

I felt the inside of my palms grow hot and my neck begin to close ever so slightly.