Tick. Tick.
The clock hanging above the classroom door ticks away, drowning out the monotony of casual movement within the classroom.
Tick. Tick.
A rustle of a backpack—the screech of the old classroom chairs as they scrape against the cold linoleum tile.
"Del-, Delp-, Delphine!"
My eyes shoot up, flicking over my teacher's scrutinizing gaze–her stern blue eyes grip my attention only breaking eye contact to look at the tip of her ruler pressed against the hard wood of my desk.
I let out a smooth sigh before meeting her eyes again, bowing my head slightly.
"I'm sorry. I'll make sure to pay attention"
faint snides and giggles from the back of the class break the tension between me and my teacher Mrs. Murdell.
"I'll take your word for it Ms. Listeria."
Mrs. Murdell's tone was about as piercing and cold as her lifeless, detached blue eyes.
I almost think the years of teaching have eaten away at her soul like maggots on stale food.
Mrs. Murdell's lifeless voice billows through the classroom once again lecturing us on the importance of college applications and resumes.
I clutch the sleeve of my black cardigan before my gaze drifts back up to the clock.
Brnggg.
The dismissal bell rings through the classroom as the muggy atmosphere comes to life, students jumping up from their seats howling and laughing.
Today is the last day of our senior year. My eyes dance around the classroom at all the familiar faces before I clutch my bag, throwing it lazily around my shoulder—trudging towards the door. Opening the classroom door the hallways cloud with vibrancy and banter.
Students trample through the hall—excitement of summer break lingers in the air. A shove from behind leaves me stumbling a few feet forward and breaks me from my daze
"Well if it isn't charming, one of the kind Delphi!"
it takes me only a moment to register his voice before I glance over my shoulder
"Haha, very funny Calvin."
Mustering as much sarcasm as possible into my voice—my annoyance apparent.
"As sweet as always I see." He snickers snidely in my direction.
Calvin—my childhood best friend. Even as we teeter on adulthood, I doubt his boyish charm will ever leave him.
I stare at him for a moment watching his messy brown hair sweep over his face, parting just enough to see his fox-like hazel eyes. His full lips parted, threatening to make another snide remark or crude joke. His tanned hand grips my shoulder to grab my attention—facing me toward him, standing in his shadow as his tall figure looms over me.
My eyebrows tent slightly
"when did you get so tall?"
His emotion plays across his face—complex, as he tries to decide whether to laugh or gripe
"I guess while you were day-dreaming."
he snides, opting to give me a deadpan stare instead. Rather than humoring him any further I turn my back to him walking hastily towards the doors.
"Wait-"
he calls out from behind me as I grip the cold metal door handle in my hand—sun shines through the glass door reflecting off the silver rings on my fingers.
His heavy footsteps pad towards me with loud thuds as he brushes past our peers
"your as aloof as always."
he jeers with mild annoyance. His gaze hardened—as I felt the weight of it pressed against my back.
"I guess so"
my reply was cool and unwavering.
***
Swinging open the heavy door with practiced ease I took in the hot, humid temperature of the early summer breeze.
With a quick motion I grab car keys out of my pocket—jingling as they glint in the sunlight. I toss a glance back in Calvin's direction already aware of what he's going to ask.
His smooth playful voice breaking the silence
"My dearest Delphi, would you please give your best and only friend in the whole wide world a ride home."
His eyes soften and his full lips curl into a playful pout.
A long sigh drifted past my parted lips as I shifted my bag more comfortably on my back. A few long strands of red hair fall into my face.
"I don't have all day."
I retorted very matter-of-factly, walking at a leisure pace to my run down car.
His voice perked up behind me
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
I rub my temples as his presence brings on a headache.
