Quick recap. So, I discovered that Erica Earhart is another intelligent kid like me. I thought she would be the quiet type, but she's a total creep. Seriously, this girl is super creepy. She even jacked my phone number while I wasn't looking during Science class. Right now, we're in the hallway making it to our next class together; math. Yes, it's the class everyone seems to struggle with or fear. Honestly, it's just numbers mixed with letters and symbols. Think of it as a puzzle, but with many variables with several solutions. If you know what the characters mean, I'm getting off-topic. Can you believe I have to do this all day with her?

"H-how could you say something like that to a guy you hardly know? Don't you have any decency?"

"Oh, come on, it's all over your face. Plus, you have this virgin walk vibe that you give off. I think."

"Virgin, virgin walk!!! And you think? You're crazier than I thought."

"Te-he. I like it when you're clumsy. And I'm just joking about the virgin thing."

"Well, you sounded serious to me."

"I mean, it's OK if you are. It's not a bad thing. Most people try to lose their virginity, and I feel it's a waste. I think it's more exciting to fall in love with someone deeply and lose it that way. Call me old fashion, but well never mind. I don't know why we end up talking about this. Forget what I said; I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Not at all. It's just nice to walk and talk with someone to class."

This girl. I think that's the most "normal" thing she has said. And for some reason, those words cut deep to me. Indeed, I'm not experienced with girls or dating at all, but I never cared for that. I've always focused on school and sports—no use in thinking about it now. But you know, weirdly, I feel like I've met her before. Walking down the hallway together, I felt something from her. I know it sounds crazy because I just met her, but I can't help it. For a moment, I felt weakness in her voice. It's almost as if she has a dark past. Maybe even a big secret she's been holding all her life. I wonder, Erica, can you feel me thinking about all this? Is that why you're quiet right now? 

When we arrived at math class, our teacher, Mr. Desantis, greeted us. He had asked us why we were late, but Erica quickly said she was the new student and I was looking after her. Mr. Desantis looked at me as if saying, "You got lucky this time." As you can see, I have a terrible habit of showing up to class late and tend to get distracted by my thoughts quickly. Both Erica and I make our way to the back. Ah, yes, this time I have my window seat. Mr. Desantis had one of my other classmates switch seats to put Erica next to me. Damn, I get the feeling this will be with every class. 

Twenty minutes into class, she kept staring at me. I'm starting to get super creeped out now. We went from having somewhat of a real talk and back to her being a total creep. At this moment, there is no end to this. 

EE_... What are you doing?

[~~~]

Oh, not again. 

AW_... What do you mean? What am I doing?

EE_... What are you thinking? You look constipated again. 

This girl has some nerve, doesn't she?

AW_... Nothing. I am trying to pay attention to class.

EE_... It doesn't seem like it. When's lunch?

[ ]

I decided to leave her on "read." I didn't have time for this. February is almost over, and I need to focus in class. I can't have anyone distracting me, especially someone like her. I must remember who she is. For the rest of the course, she didn't text me. Almost as if she read my vibe and backed off. After class finished, a chess member of mine came up to me. Valerie Dillinger. This girl is mean to everyone except me. This girl doesn't want to talk to you if you're not innovative or somewhat popular. That's the one thing you must understand about this school; people seem to care about stats.

"Hey, Aaron, I was wondering if you'll be at the chess club today? Last Thursday, you didn't show up."

"Yeah, I'll be there. I'm sorry, but my little sister had a doctor's appointment, and I was the only one available to take her. My parents are still out of town with work-related stuff."

"Oh, why didn't you just text us in the group chat?"

"My apologies; I keep forgetting we made one of those."

People with clubs and after-school activities tend to make group chats to keep in contact with all the members. It was a lie saying I didn't remember the group chat, and I have blocked all the notifications there. I've only used it once when we had a tournament with another school last fall, and we have one left this year.

"Well, I'll see you after school then. Oh, we're in room four ten this time."

"Thanks for letting me know, Valerie."

"Hey, I told you that you can call me Val. It's weird when you call me by my first name."

"Oh, alright. Val it is."

"He-he OK, don't forget it. See you at lunch."

"That girl has a crush on you, man. You need to hurry and go for it, my man."

Dave Singer. He's probably the laziest person I've met in this school. Let's not forget his breath smells like cigarettes all the time. Everyone knows what he does in the bathroom stall during his study hall, and it reminds me I need to leave for my fourth-period class. So glad his study hall is this period and not mine. And what the hell does he mean "my man?"

"Aaron, we're going to be late again, so we should hurry up."

"Erica, yes, I'm coming."

"Later, Dave.

"OK." (So that's the new girl, I'll have to let Marcus know.)

"Saw you were in a little trouble."

"Yeah, thanks for the save back there. Dave can be annoying."

"Is that so? Where are we off to?"

"Well, the classroom isn't fair, and it's just around the corner. And as for the class, it's history with Mrs. Graham, and she's a very nice lady."

Something was off about Dave back there. I'm not sure what it was, though. Nah, it would be best if you didn't worry about some delinquent. I've never worried about something like that, so I shouldn't start. 

"Did you hear what I said, Aaron?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was thinking about something else. What did you say?"

"Well, I texted your last class, but you never responded. I figured you were trying to focus. I'm sorry about that."

"The lunch thing? That's after this period. And it's alright, and I'm just not used to getting distracted in class. Anyways, the classroom is up ahead."

"Alright."

Upon entering Mrs. Graham's class, she immediately had Erica sit close to me. I blame Mr. Van Kirk; he probably notified all my teachers. I bet a hundred bucks. It's not that I dislike Erica, but she gives off a suspicious vibe. Let's not forget how weird she is, and I might get distracted by her pretty face at times. Although, I still can't shake this feeling like I've met her before. Still, it doesn't mean I should treat someone less than others. She's not harming me. The class is about to begin. 

The entire class period Erica didn't text me, which was good. But today, something was bothering me the more and more I thought about it. This feeling was eating me up. I'm not sure what it was. Is it related to Erica? I began wondering if I had done something wrong or rather rude. I've always been an upfront person when it calls for it. Erica, is there more to you that I don't know about, or am I just imagining things? For a while, I looked in her direction. Look at her, and she's so focused on what she's doing. As I continued to analyze her, I began to ask myself questions. Why would you transfer schools so late in the year? It makes me wonder for sure. Why this school specifically? What's your goal? There are only a few months left, and we're only in the middle of February. Ah, did she sneak a glance at me? Dang, caught red-handed. I didn't realize I was staring at her for so long. I quickly turned my head in embarrassment. 

"Aaron, I have a question for you."

"Yes, Mrs. Graham?"

"Will you be at the chess club today? I know you couldn't make it last week due to family-related things."

"Yes, I'll be there after school."

"Sounds good. Erica, I know you're new to this school, and it's your first day. But you're welcome to join us if you'd like. I run the club, and Aaron here is the club's president."

"I don't have anything after school, so I don't mind. Thank you for inviting me."

"That's great. I'm more than welcome to have another model student join us. Aaron, since you'll be showing her around. Are you able to show her the classroom? We'll be in the room for 410; another class will be occupying that room."

"Yes, I can do that, Mrs. Graham."

"Thank you. Alright, class, we have about five minutes till the bell rings, and you may have some free time now. Make sure you turn in the assignment by next Thursday, please."

You have questions, don't you? I'm president of a chess club "yay!" But before we address that. DID SHE INVITE HER TO THE CLUB?! Internally screaming right now. OK, no more freaking out. I'll tell you this: we usually have fun in the club. I mainly play with Valerie Singer as she's the most experienced. Some days we have little tournaments against one another as a practice. Those I tell you to get quite interesting. Let's not forget the dangerous bets people make. 

Anyways, the bell is about to ring. I should pack up. The assignment due next Thursday is the only one I've received so far today. Since I'm a work addict, I'll probably do it all tonight when I get home unless my little sister has homework. 

"Are you ready to go, Erica?"

"Yeah, give me a moment. I'm trying to get this book in my bag. Ugh, it won't fit."

"Here, I'll carry it for you. If you don't mind, I need to stop at my locker and grab my lunch."

"Of course, you need to eat, right?"

"Ha-ha, that's true."

"Besides, I packed my lunch too. So, I'll need to go to my locker as well."

"Which floor? I'm on the third floor."

"OK, let's go. Wait, how many floors are there?"

"Only five. We're on the fourth floor now."

"Then I'm on the third as well. So, it should be easier for both of us."

That's just great. Well, on the bright side, I don't have to run around the floor after floor. Let's hope fate is good to me and not put her near my locker. Man, I just got a chill up my spine.

"Works for me."

We were the last ones out of the classroom. In the end, instead of carrying the book, I decided to hold Erica's bag. It isn't a big deal. She seemed pretty cheerful after that, which made me suspicious. Is she plotting something?