Xavier
"Open your textbooks to page 153."
The teacher's voice echoes through the class, forcing me to, reluctantly, drop the pencil I'm currently using to sketch.
Just as I'm about to place the book into my bag –
"Xavier, do you have a pencil I could borrow?" –
I'm interrupted by an irritating voice
It's Tuesday, third period; English, which could only mean – I turn my head around and am faced with the owner of that forcefully sweet voice. Can't I get away from her?
Sandra stretches her arm out expectantly.
"I don't have one –,"
"But you're using one to draw right now."
"– to borrow you," I finish off despite her interruption. Every time I have an interaction with her, I'm left wondering 'How are they related?' If they weren't identical twins, and I mean identical to the point that their only differentiation is their hair, Sandra has curly hair, and Sofia has straight and longer hair. Aside from that, every other thing is the same, if not for that one reason – them being identical that is – I would never believe they were siblings. How can twins be so different?
The sound of the bell is heard, marking the end of this period
Marking the end of any more time spent in the presence of Sandra, thank God.
Instantly, I pack up my books and head straight for the door.
The hallways are bustling with people, everyone free from the chambers of the classroom.
"Hey!" Sandra's insufferable voice calls out to me.
Not again. I thought I lost her.
I pick up my pace, silently praying she doesn't catch up. When a hand wraps around my arm, I know my prayers weren't answered. Closing my eyes and letting out a silent breath, I turn to face her.
"What do you want?" I ask every bit impatiently.
"I was wondering if you could partner up with me. You know, for the English project?"
My eyes snap open at the sound of her question. Staring at big blue eyes, equally as pretty as she is, a laugh escapes my mouth. I laugh so hard that tears well in my eyes.
"What makes you think I'd want to partner up with you?" I ask, wiping away the tears that sting my eyes. She lowers her head and bites the bottom of her lip, trying really hard to look innocent.
Fucking annoying.
Letting out a sigh, I lift her chin and stare into her wide eyes. With her curly hair styled into two buns and milky skin peeking out from her sleeveless dress, which hugs her every curve, Sandra looks breathtaking.
Grinning, I lean closer to her flushed face – a hair's breadth away from her ear.
"I'd rather partner up with a rat, go burden someone else." My dismissive tone startles her, making her flinch under my gaze.
I smile widely at her response and stride away, without sparing her another glance.
Maybe now she'll leave me the fuck alone.
********************************************
I'm on the way to my locker when my eyes catch a particular girl leaning casually against her locker door.
Oh! Yeah, right, I almost keep forgetting our lockers are right next to each other.
She's dressed in black denim shorts that top mid-thigh and a white tank top, mostly hidden beneath the oversized black hoodie she's sporting. Her hair is kept in its usual bun, and black rimmed glasses tie her look altogether. ,
Sofia looks like every man's dream.
How can someone look this beautiful?
I don't even realize I'm already at the lockers until she snaps her fingers.
"Hello? Earth to Justice," she waves her hand in front of me
Justice
"Are you listening to me?" she throws her arms out.
"Sorry, I got a bit distracted," I nervously scratch the back of my head.
"With what?" she mumbles quietly before adding, "Anyway, I got you something." She then opens her locker door and pulls out a neatly wrapped gift box.
"You got me something?" She nods her head vigorously while handing me the box.
"Why?" I ask as my arms curl around the box, taking it from her.
"Just open it first, ask questions after."
I free the box from the confinement of the wrapping paper and open it up. What I see next renders me speechless, but not enough to keep me quiet, "How did you know?" I ask her, shock written all over my face; she simply shrugs
"How wouldn't I know? The posters in your rooms give it away, plus the fact that tryouts were held last Friday". I shake my head in disbelief at her words.
I pull the training shoes out of their box and examine them properly.
'Justice', the words are written on the side of the shoes, proving how much thought she put into it.
"You got me customized training shoes as a reward for making the football team?" I ask her again, still filled with disbelief. She gives a confident nod as an answer to the question. Still holding the shoes in one hand, I pull her in for a hug. She seems hesitant at first, unsure of where to keep her hands before ultimately deciding to wrap them around my waist. "I love them, thank you," I whisper above her head before, reluctantly, pulling away.
The sound of the bell indicates it's time to say our goodbyes.