I remembered running with all my might through those hallways. Oh, yeah, I'm currently telling a story about a fight I was involved in once. That's my quick recap. It was back when I was a sophomore and involved the current hallway monitor Jasmine Moore. She's currently in the hospital after getting jumped in the girl's locker room. I had just found out who it was after overhearing a few boys. Right now, I'm going to the ringleader. 

The moment I reached Marcus's classroom, I stood there and waited. I stared down at every guy that walked out of the room. Surprisingly, I wasn't craving air. Besides, running through the hallways is just a walk in the park. Good thing I've been running most of your life. I became focused on one task only. Then I saw the familiar dark black hair with a pretty face. I walked towards him and lightly brushed past people. I threw my bag against a locker, which caused a loud bang making everyone step out of my way. Marcus looked in my direction and smiled. What a bastard! That smile was all I needed to see. You're guilty, and it's written all over your face. Especially that smile. I came face to face with him. He was about an inch taller than me at the time.

"What the hell do you want from me, you little nerd? I hope you didn't come here to cause trouble. Especially a modeled student like yourself."

"You know one thing that pisses me off. People like you dare to smile after doing what you did yesterday. But what I dislike the most is people calling me a modeled student, and I'm just a normal kid like you who works a little harder than most."

"And what's your point? If you have something to say to me, just come out and say it."

Damn he got me good. I got mixed up in my emotions. Oh, well, I was going to wait, but what the hell. So, I quickly grabbed Marcus by the collar. He tried to stop me, but I tripped him by kicking his foot. He fell.

"You little…"

I picked him back up and threw him against the locker. He sent a right hook, and I dodged, of course. It's fundamental physics here. I managed to get on his right side and give him a rib shot. He fell to his knees. That was when I clenched my fist so hard read to break his nose. Suddenly I stopped. 

"That's better. You look much better on the floor. Just like trash, you belong there. And that pretty face of yours, I finally got to see the fear in it. If you ever mess with anyone I know, consider your pretty face gone. Oh, yeah, one more thing, you better apologize to Jasmine."

The students that had been around watching what was taking place were shocked, of course. I walked over, and everyone's head followed as if I was going to do something interesting next. I picked up my bag and walked away. Luckily, I left before the teachers arrived that day, and that was the topic at school for the rest of the month. 

Present → 

Since then, no one has approached me. I mean, I wasn't trying to scare everyone. All I know is I'll teach you words, or we can settle on something else. I don't like bullies.

I finished getting dressed in the locker room just when I was about to head out. Marcus spoke.

"You and her. You two seem to have known each other for a long time." 

"She's nothing more than an annoying leech you can't shake off. What the hell are you thinking? I just met her today, you useless trash."

"Still, calling me that? We're not in a sophomore year anymore, Aaron. You humiliated me that day and…."

"Are you done? Or do you want to continue where we left off from that day? If not, you better sit-down trash. Know your place."

Marcus looked as if he wanted to come at me. Something was keeping him from deciding. I don't have time for him. He's been quiet and has avoided me since that day. What's got into him now? I decided to leave the situation alone finally. I can't miss one of my favorite classes. 

"Huh, same old Aaron. He is always playing like he's weak and clueless. But behind those eyes, I saw that day. He's something more. You'll get yours before school ends, and that I promise."

"Alright, everyone, line up so I can take attendance. Now when I call your names, please say here."

Man, good old gym class. It feels good to get out and stretch your muscles after sitting hours in a classroom. I'm going to.

"Oof."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Aaron. I didn't mean to bump into you."

It's Erica. 

"That's ok."

"Hey, is it me, or are many people just staring at me?"

"Hm."

Now that I think about it. There have been a lot of eyes staring at her. The boys looked as if they wanted to pounce on her. As for the girls, they seemed irritated for some reason. Strange.

"They're probably just curious about a new transfer student. It would be a great time to make some friends."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." 

"Well, I'll be heading off with the group we're all assigned to.'

"Alright."

As I watched her go off to her assigned group, some worry overcame me, but then I remembered what type of person she was. Yeah, I'm not worried. A young lady like herself can handle her life. I'm not going to get involved. I am starting to wonder if feeling attracted to her was a fluke. Still, this whole day I keep getting a feeling. Whatever, I don't feel like pursuing the past. It's best to remain as I am. It would only cause trouble. I'm scared to open the door.  

Volleyball. That's what the activity is today. Everyone will be assigned teams, but before that, it's time to vote for team captains. As you would guess, they picked me as a captain. Not only that, but it seems they also managed to pick Marcus. Great, this is going to be.

"I pick you, Erica."

Huh. What the hell just happened? Did he pick her out of the blue? 

"Mr. Wheeler. Aaron. Hello."

"Oh, um, Mr. Fisher. Well, I pick Ron. Sorry, I got a little bit lost in thought."

"Try to stay focused, please, Mr. Wheeler."

"Yes, sir."

"Steve."

"Kelly."

And so, we went on to pick our teams. I had completely lost interest in the game with the first pick being Erica. Was I mad she wasn't on my team? No, just annoyed. The moment the whistle blew, the ball flew, smacking me right on the side of my head. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the nurse's room.

Just great of all things, I got lost in thought and wasn't paying attention. Quite embarrassing for me. Well, at least I missed the computer class with Mr. Adams, and I'm not a fan of that man.

"Oh, my, looks like you're awake. How is your head feeling, Aaron?"

"I feel just a bit light-headed, that's all. Thank you for looking after me, Mrs. Dunsmore. Is the eighth period almost over? My eyes are a bit blurry."

"There are about ten minutes left in the class." 

"Oh, I see. It looks like I still have some time left."

"Oh, a girl came by before class started to check on you. She said she'd meet you by your locker. As expected of some like yourself, you have such a pretty girlfriend."

I'm pretty sure I'd look like a ripped tomato if I were white. 

"Oh, no, we're not like that; she's just someone I'm looking after. That's all."

"You kids today can't seem to be honest with yourselves. You should be alright. Luckily, you don't have a concussion. Take it easy today, and I'll write you a slip for class just in case you decide to return."

"Um, yes, thank you."

That was Erica that came here. Ah, oh my God, this whole day still hasn't ended. Why does it seem to be going so slow?  

I picked up the slip at the front desk of the nurse's office and left. There isn't a point in attending class. It's the only study hall or what I like to call free time—hardly anyone studies. I've said that before, right? Well, I tend to say it a lot. It's on the third floor, making things more manageable since I must wait for Erica at my locker. 

When I got to my locker, I emptied all my books. Then I saw a familiar folder. Ah, look at the computer assessment I let DJ borrow during lunch. It's here for once—that guy. I shut my locker door and just leaned against it. For some reason, today just seemed so slow. I began to think about why and the one conclusion I came up with was Erica. It's hard to explain, but something about her is familiar now. I keep having mixed emotions. Do I resent her, or do I like her? God, it's on the tip of my tongue. Just who are you, Erica Earhart?

"Do you have to go to the chess club today?"

Well, there's a familiar voice. 

"What are you doing over here? Shouldn't you be in class? I hope you're not skipping."

"Well…"

"Oh, I see now. Do you have a lot of homework today?"

"Yeah, teachers loaded us with them today. Are you doing alright? I heard from a friend of mine you went to the nurse."

"Don't worry, I'm fine, thanks for asking. And I'll have to talk to my teacher about skipping the chess club. You're doing me a big favor, there is this new transfer student, and she's insane. So, thank you."

"You're weird; you know that. You're popular but can't even get a girlfriend. That's rather sad. Wait, a second, you like her, don't you? When you call a girl insane or try to get away from them, it means you like them. And I've only remembered you liking one person."

"What are you talking about? And where the hell did you get that idea? And besides, something about that girl isn't right. I feel like she knows something about our family."

I completely forgot to tell you. This little thing I'm talking about is my little sister Andrea.

"I see. Well, I'm just joking with you. Anyways, I need help with my homework at home. Can you walk with me today? "

"Like I just got done telling you, I'll have to let my teacher know. The bell is about to ring in two minutes, and let's head to her class together."

"Alright. Were you waiting for someone here by any chance?"

"No, I wasn't waiting for anyone. You know me, and I only look out for you and myself at this school. Lost in thought."

"Well, if you say so. Can we have cheeseburgers for dinner tonight?"

"Anything for you."

During that time, I didn't notice Erica was listening to our conversation from a distance behind a corner.