*Old Version* Running From Them, Running To You

Chapter 5-Running From Them, Running To You

Sorry, I had to delete and then reupload it.

By the time the last bell rang, I was convinced Will was ignoring me. Ignoring and avoiding. I couldn't understand what I had done; I had only met him today! After art, I continued to French, which I shared with Honor. The teacher, Mr. Forbes, allowed us sit wherever, so I was able to talk to her all class. But before the second sentence was uttered from Mr. Forbes mouth, I knew I wouldn't like this class.

"Bonjour, Je m'appelle Monsieur Forbes. Comment vous appellez-vous?"

I looked up blankly. He had come to stand beside my desk. "What?" I asked.

He repeated it again slower, "Bonjour, Je m'appelle Monsieur Forbes. Comment vous appellez-vous?" This time his voice had a slight edge.

"Uh . . ." I started with what I knew, "Bonjour." What I knew had now run out. I searched through my brain in hopes of catching onto a thread of ancient knowledge, still remaining from six months ago. Two phrases particularly stood out. I debated which to use, then took a chance with the one that sounded more familiar, hoping that I remembered it because it was something typically said, a greeting perhaps.

"J'ai une gueule de bois," I said hesitantly and instantly regretted it as I heard Honor draw a quick breath beside me. A couple people in the class chuckled. Uh oh.

Mr. Forbes face hardened. I had a sudden insight that he seemed like the person who could make the rest of my school year miserable. I quickly chose the second phrase,

"Je suis bon. Comment êtes-vous?" I bit my lip, hoping the reaction would be different than the previous phrase.

Confusion. That was what I gathered it created. Well I'll take that response over anger any day.

"Bien," he responded slowly, his brow still furrowed. "Nous parlerons après la classe," he finished, and walked back to the front of the room.

Quickly I turned to Honor. "What did I say?" I asked distressed.

"Well," she started.

"Just tell me."

"Um . . . well first he said hello and asked your name." Well damn, I know I didn't tell him that.

I waited and then asked "What else?" once I realized Honor wasn't planning on continuing.

She sighed. "You kind of told him that you were hungover." I slapped my hand to my face. "And then you said 'I'm good. How are you?' Which was better I guess," she reasoned. I'm such an idiot. How did I even know how to say that? A vague memory began to appear; Chris Bentley coming to school most Monday's, telling us he had a hangover. My French teacher had overheard him saying it one day and made him translate it into French. After that, she would ask him how he felt everyday and hungover would always be his answer. Why couldn't I have remembered that before I went and said it? I demanded of myself.

Honor cut into my thoughts, "He also wants to see you after class." Great. Just great.

I thought about asking her about Will's odd behavior, but I had thrown that idea out. It usually doesn't end well to show to much interest in another girl's boyfriend. While I wasn't able to address the topic pressing most on my mind, we had no problem discussing all other subjects.

During class I tried to listen, I really did, but I didn't understand one word. I just didn't get French and that was that. I dreaded meeting with Mr. Forbes after class, but the clock hand spun fast and soon, everybody was getting up to leave. Honor was the last one out, shooting me a sympathetic glance, and then I was alone.