Her Stares

Stacy POV

Now, the time is at 10.15AM. The deep voice of the history teacher, Mr. Loubuskin, conquers most of the students’ attention, including mine. In the middle of the explanation, I write down some important points based on the presentation slides given. The way how this teacher views the slides is at warp speed, but fortunately, my eyes are sharp enough to notice the points highlighted in different color fonts. Once, the explanation is done, he announces, “All right. Since this chapter reaches its end, we are going to have test next Thursday. Don’t forget to mark your calendar!”

The reminder gets various complaints. Even some of the students attempt to negotiate the test schedule, but Mr. Loubuskin refuses to agree. In fact, as the students, normally, having tests is like lists of mountain to climb. I also think like that since it really forces me to review and study the materials although I hate the subject. However, the thought of having June sitting and helping me to understand the history materials makes me excited. Again, it is because of my private teacher who will be my future sister-in-law.

“Why are you smiling, Stacy? We’ll have a burden this weekend because of history test!” One of my friends, Clara, queries as she reminds me.

“Well, that’s fine, I guess. It’s just a test. Nothing is wrong,” I respond casually while closing the textbook.

Then, my seatmate, Skyla comments in disbelief, “Wait, what have you just said? Just a test?? It’s a history f*cking test with three chapters to learn, dear Stacy‼”

I stare at her confidently while smiling. I realize that I should have pouted and sworn due to the material of the test, but since June gets my back, my insecurities are blown away. Therefore, I say, “Ms, Bentley lends her helping hands. With her by my side, I can review the materials easily.”

Clara’s shocked reaction changes into calm and mysterious smile. Actually, I once told her about my feelings to June because she herself has a crush on Sally, the captain of basketball team, Aurora Ambers. From there on, she understands it. Sometimes, she gives me a few tips to show indirect interest to June, such as teasing her playfully during the private lesson.

Subsequently, she elbows me and whispers, “What a nice learning time with your crush. I would also like to have a beautiful tutor by my side to help for the study.”

Then, I round my eyes and protests, “No way. She is mine!”

Skyla understanding that I’m into girls glances and asks, “Who is she? Your girlfriend?”

“Nope.” I shake my head gently.

Clara then grins and whispers with a tease, “But, she will be yours, right?”

Staring and smiling at her tease, I can only respond as I think about June might be with me. The main reason is because I’m not really sure if June will be mine one day. Moreover, she doesn’t acknowledge my passionate feelings. She may think that my action to her is merely an admiration between a student and a tutor; there is nothing more than that. Another prediction I always consider to have the worst output is she maintains a gap from me, especially after I confess my feelings to her.

-**-

Around 01.00PM, the bell rings, signaling that the school has ended. Once, I have tidied my stuffs and books, I escape the class earlier than usual. It is because I plan to reach home, so that I can have some rests after eating a few snacks. As I stroll around the school yard, Skyla, from a far, offers to get home together. “Well, I’m not in the mood for it. Sorry, buddy. Maybe, next time,” I gently turn down the offer.

“All right. Be careful on the street, Stacy.” Skyla responds as she waves at me and passes by her bike smoothly.

Subsequently, I continue walking, leaving the school area and planning to take a bus at the nearest bus station. However, as I walk on the pavement, a careless motorist hit me by the side. Immediately, I lose my balance and falls on my left elbow. As I hiss and check on my bleeding elbow, I slowly try to get up. At the same moment, I hear a familiar voice I’m always eager to hear, especially when it is around private lesson time.

“Hold on there, Stacy. Let me help!” June stops her motorcycle as she approaches me. She also brings a pack of tissue and begins to wipe the blood on my elbow carefully.

“Sssh!” I attempt to endure the pain as my eyes lock on June focusing on covering my bleeding elbow with her handkerchief slowly.

In a few seconds, her stares meet mine. It is really obvious that she is so worried about the current condition I face. “Follow me. We’ll get to my apartment soon,” She immediately holds my hand, inviting me to get on to her motorcycle.

“But, I’m…” I really want to refuse her offer, but she interrupts, “No refusing action for now, kiddo. Just follow me.”

Without any other comments, I obey her order. After I get on the motorcycle, she sets my arm around her belly, signaling that I must hold on to her indirectly. At that point, she starts the engine, and we hit the road right away. It is not my first time to go by a motorcycle because Dad used to pick me with it when I was in kindergarten and elementary school.

Nonetheless, this time, I’m on edge. All I’m able to do now is just holding on June’s body. I don’t even talk to her. At the moment, when she presses the brake at the traffic light, I accidentally hug her tightly. Furthermore, I can hear my hear my heart thumping so fast, as if I had just seen a giant monster appearing at the center of the city buildings.

“Oh, hell. I hope that she is not noticing my heartbeat. It’ll be ashamed for me to explain its reason to her,” I tell in my mind as I stare at her athletic back.

TO BE CONTINUED..