Today is a brand new day and I am not going to dwell on the events of yesterday. If Finn doesn't like me, that's his own choice. I am who I am and I do not intend on changing who I am in order to make other people like me. That's the way I was brought up and I intend to stick to my morals.
My dad had yet another meeting early this morning with the head of the Local Authority, so I had no choice but to walk to school. I entered the school grounds and in front of me, I could see Josh and Lauren walking together, making conversation but I was surprised to see that Finn wasn't there with them too. I stood for a second, wondering whether I should approach them, but I decided against it because I had a feeling they would be meeting Finn somewhere and the last thing I need is him telling me to back off.
I entered the building via one of the side doors which connected onto the Science block. I strutted down the corridor and over to my locker, which happened to be in the same row as Lauren's, Josh's and Finn's. I knew I needed to be quick at dropping things off in order to avoid his wrath.
I deposited the items I didn't need desperately before I headed upstairs and waited outside Mr. Clarkson's classroom ready for registration. Soon enough, the warning bell rang and Mr. Clarkson granted us permission into his classroom. I took a seat at the desk where I sat yesterday because I had a feeling desks and seats were sort of assigned in a place like this.
I glanced over at the door where I saw Lauren, Josh and Finn entering, Finn giving me daggers, causing me to break eye-contact with him. Lauren sat down next to me and placed her jacket on the back of her chair and her bag down on the floor.
"Hey, where were you this morning? Thought you were walking in." She questioned.
"Yeah I did but didn't think I would have been the best company this morning if you get what I mean." I truthfully replied, hoping she understood what I was referencing towards.
"Look, you mustn't make yourself a stranger to us just because Finn isn't your biggest fan. Leave me to deal with him. You're more than welcome to walk to school with me in the mornings if Mr. Byrne can't give you a lift." Lauren told me and I thanked her for her kindness.
With that, Mr. Clarkson started to take the register and discussed with us about certain events that were happening over the next few weeks. After that, it was time for the first lesson of the day which was English with Mr. Budgen. Thankfully, I also had Lauren in class with me but surprise, surprise...so was Finn. I can't seem to get away from him! I've heard loads of stories about Mr. Budgen and about how grumpy he was and didn't really take interest in us learning anything. He couldn't even be bothered to greet us into his class, he just motioned with his hand for us to enter.
Me and Lauren took a seat next to each other, with Josh and Finn sitting behind us. However, Finn took it upon himself to sit directly behind me. I placed all my essentials on top of the desk before putting my bag down on the floor. With that, Mr. Budgen stood up from behind his desk and walked to the front of the class, clutching a book in his right hand.
"Romeo and Juliet...a classic! Can anyone tell me anything about it?" Mr Budgen asked, rather confidently.
With that, the whole class remained silent and not a single hand went up. You must be joking right? Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic with such a well-known plot. Surely someone must know something about it?! I thought that now is kind of my moment to show off what knowledge I had. I raised my hand in the air, waiting for Mr. Budgen to show recognition.
"Ah Byrne! What can you tell me?" He asked as silence remained and the presence of beady eyes was once again on me, making me feel overwhelmed.
"Well, it is a true story based on the hatred between the Montagues and the Capulets. However, Romeo and Juliet embark on a romance like no other, proving they are faithful whilst their families are at war. The romance is like no other ever documented before. However, the end proved too much with both Romeo and Juliet declaring their undying love by dying next to each other." I answered, stating the main facts of the play.
Mr. Budgen sort of looked at me in disbelief that I knew so much about the play which shocked me because I thought it would have been obvious. He cleared his throat before resuming his teaching.
"Ye...yes thank you Lindsay. Very clear recount of the main factors of the play. Now, your task for today is to write a 500 word essay discussing all the main factors that lead up to both Romeo and Juliet dying. Off you go." He informed us before going to sit back behind his desk.
The classroom fell into faint talking but not complete silence. I looked over at Mr. Budgen who was wearing earphones which were plugged into a radio. Why is he wearing those when he's supposed to be teaching a class? It's unbelievable! I nudged Lauren and whispered:
"Why is Budgen wearing earphones?"
"Probably listening to the horse racing. Massive gambler is Budgen." Lauren replied back, her voice still a whisper also.
I just nodded my head and continued with my work. Although, I'm struggling to concentrate because I was faced with the distraction of a certain Finn Sharkey kicking the back of my chair. I chose to ignore it for a while but now he was getting too persistent to the point where I couldn't focus.
"What?!" I yelled but still trying to keep my tone to a minimum level.
"What have you written?" He asked.
Best friends all of a sudden now are we? I don't think so Mr. Sharkey!
"Why would I tell you?" I replied as I rolled my eyes and turned back round in my seat.
I picked up my pen and continued writing to which I heard Finn shout behind me:
"Fine! Be a little Miss Goody Two Shoes!" as he slammed his pen down on the table.
I just sat there and began smirking. Have I gotten to Mr. Sharkey? Maybe I do know the way to get him to like me. Is it a case of playing him at his own game?
****
I wandered down the corridor, heading to my locker. I grabbed what I needed out of there and closed the door when I came face to face with a boy who I had never seen before. He was rather skinny with black hair and a face that made him look younger than he probably was.
"You're rather pretty aren't you?" He asked as he smirked at me.
"Who are you?" I questioned, hoping I could convince him to leave me alone.
"Nosy aren't you?" He retorted, still smirking which was making me feel rather uncomfortable.
"Leave me alone!" I cried as I tried to walk past him but he grabbed me.
He wrapped his arms around my waist and backed me into a corner, making me feel a lot more uncomfortable than I was previously and slightly threatened. I could feel tears brimming in my eyes and my hands got clammy.
"Let's not be too hasty. How about we get to know each other a bit better?" The guy quizzed, still not even telling me his name.
"Please leave me alone." I timidly spoke, a stray tear escaping my eye.
The tears kept escaping the more I was stood face to face with him. I was showing him I was weak and that was the worst possible thing I could do. I tried to wriggle out of his grasp but his force on me was too strong so my body sort of gave up. He continued to lean in closer and he almost kissed me until I heard someone shout:
"Oi Kyle!"
I turned my head to see Finn flying down the stairs in a fit of rage. He pulled Kyle off me and slammed him up against a locker whilst I just stood there upset and also slightly confused.
"You leave her alone. You get that?!" Finn screamed as he pointed to me, a shaky mess in the corner.
Why is he defending me? He hates me! Kyle shrugged and pushed Finn away from him before giving me one last look and walking away. Once he was satisfied Kyle was out of sight, Finn soon turned his attention to me.
"You alright?" He asked nonchalantly.
"Yeah I think so. Good job you were there really. God knows what he would have done otherwise!" I cried, wiping away the remaining tears running down my face.
"Don't think that because I saved you, it automatically means I like you. Me and Kyle Stack have unfinished business and I don't want to see any girl get hurt. I would have done that for any girl so don't go thinking you are special!" Finn exclaimed and with that, he walked away.
No, he still hates me! Now I am even more confused. Why would you defend someone you hate? It doesn't make any sense! As much as I know Finn doesn't like me, I can't help but be thankful to him for saving me from Kyle. I'm hoping one day I can convince him that I am a likeable person because he's intriguing to say the least.
****
Finn's P.O.V
It's almost time for football practice and I am already late because I was saving Lindsay from the cretin that goes by the name of Kyle Stack. Me and Kyle have had unfinished business for ages and I just hate him prying over women who he knows are way out of his league. He is just a complete and utter creep! But I don't want Lindsay thinking the wrong idea either. I haven't got time to worry about this now. Come on Finn...focus man!
Lindsay's P.O.V
It is currently lunchtime and after the events of this morning, I headed outside to clear my head and get some fresh air. I wandered amongst the groups of girls and boys congregating in the school grounds, all conversing. I walked onto the grass and sat under a tree in order to get some shade because it was a rather warm day today, considering it was Autumn.
I delved my hand into my bag and pulled out my book. What many people don't know about me is that I am quite the bookworm and any opportunity I get to read, I will. I made myself comfy before removing the bookmark and resumed reading my book. In the distance, I could hear the blows of a whistle and the amalgamation of shouting from several male voices.
I looked up from my book and saw that Mr Clarkson was stood on the field with the male football team. I also recognised Finn as one of the boys playing. I repositioned the bookmark on the page before closing the book and placing it back in my bag and returned my attention back to the football practice. I tried focusing on everyone but I couldn't detract my gaze away from Finn. His focus on the game was rather enthralling and somewhat attractive. Looks wise, Finn is very much my type. Deep down, I have always been attracted to the stereotypical 'Bad Boy' and have always dated those kinds of boys, much to my dad's disappointment and upset at the hands of me getting my heart broken. However, it isn't just looks with Finn that's making him attractive to me. It's obvious he also has drive and passion for the things he enjoys and that is one of the most striking personality qualities a guy could have.
The more I watched, the more my attraction grew for him but I knew in my head, I was setting myself up for a fall because I knew Finn wasn't interested in the slightest. All of a sudden, I heard a familiar voice say:
"Hey Lindsay!"
I turned my head up to meet the voice and saw that it was Lauren. I smiled at her and she took a seat next to me and we both continued to watch the football practice session. All I could think about was telling Lauren about the situation that happened between me, Kyle and Finn earlier. Lauren is sort of the only friend I have and I feel I can trust her. I turned to face her and spoke:
"Can I tell you something?"
Lauren simply nodded and I began telling her exactly what happened.
"Finn sorta came to my rescue earlier." I admitted, causing Lauren's jaw to drop.
"What?!" She yelled as a few people turned round and looked at us but soon returned their attention back to what they were doing before.
"I was having an issue with Kyle Stack. He wouldn't leave me alone and he was trying to get me to kiss him. Finn witnessed this and removed Kyle off me. He told me he would do that for any girl and that I shouldn't think I was special." I continued but Lauren started to look confused.
"That doesn't sound like Finn. He hates Kyle but he would only ever think about intervening if it was someone he cared about." Lauren confessed, causing me to also become majorly confused.
Now I am even more interested than I was before. Does Finn actually like me and is playing hard to get? Or was this just a fluke with him and he wanted any chance to get his hands on Kyle? I guess only time will tell. I think my strategy now is just to continue breaking Finn's walls one by one because eventually, I do think I will be able to change his opinion of me.