Chapter Four

Emi

“This is a cute place, Emi.”

“Thanks. Dad kept telling me it was too small.”

“Nope, it's just right for you.” Alyssa has always understood me; she never tries to talk me out of something, which could either be good or bad. I bought many things that I didn’t need because she encouraged me. 

“So, you and Jake?”

“Yup, it just started, so don't ask me what's going on because I don't know.”

It didn't surprise me when I found out Alyssa and Jake were dating, they always got along, and we're always flirting. They both thought I would have an issue with it because of the history that Jake and I have, but I really couldn’t care less. If they’re happy, I’m good. 

“Knock, knock; we have food and beer.”

“It's about time I'm starving, and it's Chinese! You're the best, Tyson.”

Alyssa didn't wait for anyone before she started digging in; I always loved how comfortable she was with herself and didn't care about gaining or losing weight.

“How does it feel to be back?” Tyson asked.

“Like nothing has changed, I still feel out of place, and some people are still rude.”

Emi always felt like she was the awkward third wheel when she wasn’t with Tyson or Alyssa.

“Would that person be my brother?”

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

It's the truth. I would rather not talk about Jack or that my heart is still stuck on him.

“Oh, I know; we can create a dating profile for you. Tyson, you'll help, won't you?”

“I'm not doing that to Emi, Alyssa. She’ll date when she wants to.”

“Tell us, Emi, how many boyfriends have you had?”

I tried giving Alyssa a look that said knock it off.

“Can we change the subject? Let's watch a movie.”

Alyssa knows that I had a crush on Jack. She doesn’t know that my crush on him hasn’t gone away, but Tyson knows everything.

“Can I at least try and set you up on a date?”

“If I say yes, will you leave me alone?”

She shook her head and crossed her heart.

“Fine, one date, but that’s it.”

“Great! Jake has a friend that is perfect for you.”

“I’m already regretting this,” I mumbled.

“I promise you won’t.” 

 

***

I always got nervous on the first day of school, and it hasn’t changed. Even though I’m the teacher this time around, it still makes me nervous.

The layout of the school hasn’t changed, some things have been remodeled, but it’s basically like I never left.

I stood outside my classroom door, monitoring the hall like we were required to between classes. I could help but glance occasionally at Jack standing outside of his. I noticed he had athletes stop and give him a fist bump or talk to him. It would surprise me if he were coaching the soccer team; he loved that sport growing up.

The first warning bell went off, and I watched the students start to hurry into their classrooms. It brought back memories; I was always afraid of being late.

Another five minutes passed, and the tardy bell rang, and it signaled the start of my first class of the year.

“Hello everyone, I'm Ms. Bay, and we are going to be concentrating on American history up to the Revolutionary war. Since I'm new here, let's start with introductions. Give me your name and favorite subject.”

After my third class of the day, giving introductions, I was tired and ready to eat lunch. I was happy that I had the lunch period and fourth block off. This means I could take my time eating and getting ready for my fifth and six-period classes.

I mentally sighed as I sat down at a table in the teacher's lounge to eat my salad.

“How’s your first day going?”

I didn't have to look behind me to know the voice belonged to Jack. I was in the middle of chewing, so I held my hand over my mouth before talking.

“It's going alright; I'm already worn out, but it's been fun.”

“I don't realize you had taken a bite of food. You could have finished that bite.”

“I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you.”

Jack didn't say anything as he sat down across from me. I’m afraid that one of us is going to end up saying something mean and the small amount of civility we have left is going to disappear. 

“Is that salad the only thing you're eating?”

“Yeah, we all can't eat carbs every day,” I said, referring to his bowl of pasta.

“Sorry about not stopping by the other day for your get-together.”

I had no idea I had planned to come over, and I guess my face said it all.

“Tyson invited me, but I guess he didn't tell you.”

“He didn’t, but you didn't miss anything. It's mostly them hounding me about not dating.”

“So, you're not seeing anyone?”

“Nope, I haven't in a while. It's hard to find someone decent that you are attracted to, but I guess you wouldn't know the struggle since you have Lauren.”

“I guess you're right,” he snapped at me.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“Just forget it.”

“I’m getting sick of your hot and cold attitude. If I said something that pissed you off, tell me.”

“It's nothing; just leave it.”

“Fine.”

I wasn’t going to let him do this to me. I got up, threw away my lunch, and left. If he thinks he can keep being a dick to me, he better think again. This is exactly what I was talking about. He gets angry when I mention something that he doesn’t like and I’m over it.   

 

***

Sixth period was approaching, and I was still pissed at Jack. I was annoyed that I had to see him while we monitored the hall.

“Fight! Fight!” I heard the chanting in the hallway, looked to my right, and saw two boys throwing punches.

“Hey! Knock it off,” I yelled. It's not the first time I had to break up a fight, but this one seemed bad.

“Remi, don't.”

I ignored Jack and pushed through, and as I tried to separate the boys, one of them threw a punch and hit me square in the face causing me to fall back onto my butt.

A few seconds went by before the other teachers were able to break up the fight.

“Are you ok?” I looked up and saw Micha looking down at me.

“I got her.” Jack started, “Can you make sure mine and Ms. Bay’s classes use this period as a study block? I think she's going to need some ice.”

“Sure, if you need anything else, let me know.”

Jack nodded as he helped me up.

“I told you not to get in between them.”

“I thought I had it. It's not the first fight I broke up.”

“What am I going to do with you, Remi?”

What does he mean? He doesn't have to do anything. He doesn't have to be nice; he can ignore me; it would be better for us if he did.