Walking into Mr. Dalagon's class was terrifying. I wasn't sure what would happen or if anything would be different. Did he even know that I saw or that I saw? Did he know that I know something is going on?
To be safe I duck my head down as I entered, hoping he would not notice me and forget that I'm even in the class. Brianna walked beside me, clearly confused why I was so nervous.
"Ms. Blair," I let out a breath I was holding when I heard a woman's voice.
I turned to look at Mrs. Kane, her eyes large and doe like. Their natural state. Her blonde hair curled and pulled away from her face. Her outfit as crisp and clean as always. I walk towards the desk after saying goodbye to Brianna, "Hello Mrs. Kane. Where's Mr. Dalagon?"
She smiled, showing her slightly crooked and bleached white teeth, "He had a doctor's appointment today. Even us teachers need to look after our health sometimes."
I force a chuckle, feigning amusement, "So you're our sub for the day?"
Mrs. Kane shook her head, "Oh no, you guys have a student teacher, so I'm just going to be watching over how he does. Try to be easy on him, please?"
My lips curved up, "Of course, Mrs. Kane. What's his name if I may ask?"
"It's Mr. Berkley," Her attention turned to the door behind me, "There he is."
I whip around to see the substitute. He was a tall, lanky man, probably just turned twenty. His suit was messed up and he pulled at his tie, straightening it. His whole composure was one of someone who was late and had to get ready in five minutes. The blonde hair on top of his head was a mess of long string. I watched as he brushed it back and patted it onto his head. He took a deep breath and walked to the front of class.
"Hello class, I'm your sub, Mr. Berkley. Please take your seats," His voice was higher than I thought it would be.
I kept my eyes on him as I walked to my seat at the back. He caught my gaze and gulped, like I was the teacher and he was a student caught cheating during a test. He turned away and I sat in my seat, sulking down hoping he wouldn't look at me again.
"So today we will be continuing your discussion on Romeo and Juliet. Please flip to page fifteen of your booklet and fill out the questions-" His instructions were cut off when the door opened and a tall teen walked in. His hood up and his hair a mess as usual. Mr. Berkley put on a brave face, "Excuse me sir, but would you care to explain why you are disturbing my class?"
He looked up and the teacher paled, "Well, I'm sorry, sir, but I was late, truck ran out of gas. Also, I'm pretty sure this isn't your class, it's Mr. Dalagon's. So with that, why are you here?"
Mrs. Kane had a apologetic look on her face. Most likely it was directed at the substitute.
The lanky man's body shook, "Mr. Dalagon is gone. I'm the substitute, now please sit down and do your work."
Ace studied him, his eyes held the look that he knew the man, but didn't at the same time. His face changed to a smirk, "Nah, I think I'm good with standing," He looked around the room and laughed at the expressions on classmates faces. He stopped at me. His eyes glazed over but he quickly turned back to the blood-boiling teacher. Mr. Berkley's look followed his, but he didn't turn away from me and we were back to be before. Ace clapped his hands, gaining the teacher's attention back, "Stop staring at your students like that. People may get the wrong idea. Wouldn't want that on your final report now would we?"
He turned to face Ace, fear no longer evident on his face, "You must be Ace Blanwell."
Ace was unfazed while the rest of the class grew squirmish, not expecting the teacher to know his name.
"I've been told a lot about you."
The whole class was silent, clearly confused and waiting for him to continue. Mrs. Kane, who was in shock thanks to the situation, stood and smacked her hands together. Everyone flinched and turned to face her except for the two boys, who continued to stare at each other. Her back straightened, making her authority known, "Alright, how about we all just get to work now," No one moved a muscle, "Now!" Her voice sprang us all into action.
I grabbed my book and flipped to the page and scrambled down answers. I froze when I felt a cold tap on the shoulder. Mr. Berkley stood behind me, "Miss, what is your name?"
"Auden," I stuttered, my eyes flickering around the room, landing on some of the preying eyes.
He placed a hand on my shoulder, "May I speak with you outside, Auden?"
I nodded, too scared to refuse. Something about him gave me a bad vibe and the caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand. Maybe it was the way his eyes shown a deep, dark purple; a rare and pretty colour.
I rose and he walked behind me and lead me to the door. My heart was beating faster than normal and I began to think. Why was I being pulled out? Was I in trouble? Did Mr. Dalagon tell him I'm failing and that he should scare me? No matter what answers I tried to come up with for my questions, they still didn't feel right. The right answers and even the right questions to be asked in this moment. I tripped over me feet slightly but a thin hand caught me. I straightened and didn't bother to turn and thank the strange man behind me.
I caught a glimpse of Brianna's confused and slightly scared face and I shared the expression as I shrugged, wanting to ease her worrying. We grew closer to the door when a hand flung out grabbing my wrist.
"Where are you going Aud?" Ace's voice was concerned but protective, like he didn't want me to leave the class with this man. I didn't want to leave the class with this man.
Mr. Berkley answered for me, a personal pet-peeve of mine, "We are going to chat outside."
The dark-haired boy stood, his head lined up with Mr. Berkley's. They were similar heights but Ace had more muscle, making him appear larger and superior. His grip on my wrist tightened, "You're not taking her outside."
The blonde's eyes squinted, "You can not talk to me like that! I am your teacher-"
"Sure, like you are really a teacher. Is Berkley even your last name?"
Ace looked at him, a look of knowing that he won plastered on his face.
Once again, Mrs. Kane saved the day, "Mr. Berkley you won't be taking anyone outside except me. Please step out I wish to talk to you without Auden," They stared at each other but then he sighed and went outside, defeated. She then turned back to me, "Mr. Dalagon told me you two are planning the dance! How delightful. How about you guys leave class early to get ahead start. I have a feeling no one is going to be doing any work anyways."
I smile and mumble a thanks and walk outside only to catch a glimpse of Mr. Berkley. His neck twitching and he looked irritated. His forehead scrunched in concentration as he mumbled words profusely and twiddled his thumbs. I turned away and speed walked down the hall, turning left and following the path to the football field so I could work outside. Then I remembered I'm supposed to work with Ace. I whipped my head around and saw him walking a safe distance behind. I looked down and thought a silent thanks that he was walking far behind, most likely because he knew how mad I was at him for yesterday.
I don't want to ignore him, but I also don't want to not ignore him. He scared me, but made me feel safe. It was all so confusing.
The warm air hit my skin as I sighed. After walking to a table, I sat down and took out my laptop to write down more notes and information about the dance.
I kept my gaze down when I felt a figure sit next to me.
"Auden."
I typed.
"Auden, please talk to me."
I typed some more.
Ace slammed his hand down, "Damn it Auden, talk to me!"
I slowly look up at him and put on a fake smile, "Hello Ace, please shut up now. Thanks."
He grabbed my hand before I could type some more, "I'm serious."
I shrugged, "I'm serious too. Please, shut up."
Ace slammed his head on the table. "Please," His voice cracked.
"What do you expect me to say? Don't worry Ace, I can just forget that you strangled Mr. Dalagon with no hands. Really? Is that what you want? Because I cannot say that, because I can not forget."
"You can always forget."
I huffed, "Always is a strong word."
"Isn't it hate is a strong word?"
"I think it's always. Saying you'll always be there or always love someone is a strong thing to say."
He looked at me, "How are you so smart?" He moved closer and studied my face and my eyes widened, scared. I backed away and Ace's face turned pained, "Auden, look. I can't explain what happened, but I can tell you that I'm not the bad guy."
"So Mr. Dalagon is?"
Ace shook his head vigorously, "No, of course not. Neither of us are. So please Auden, just trust me."
I turned to look at the field, "I'll trust you if you can carry me across the field."
His eyes widened, "What?"
"If you don't drop me, I'll trust you. You drop me, we don't talk unless it's about the dance, cause frankly, I still need to pass whether I trust you or not."
Ace's eyes sparked, alit with hope, "Okay. Let's do this."