"Right!" I cried, my mind racing with possibilities. Today we were given a project. We would have to pair up with another student and visit service centres. After spending at least three hours with them and help them out, we would have to write a detailed essay on what we did there. I sat in my usual seat and we were selecting the places. "We could help with the adoption fairs and maybe even host a fundraiser. I've discovered some really great ideas on the internet for bake sales and fundraising efforts."
Maya grinned, delighted at my enthusiasm. "And we can photograph the animals and post them on social media. Just imagine how many pets we could re-home! those squishy little babies", she squealed. "Aria, can I partner up with you?"
Me? As I was about to say yes, Jade, my girlfriend (No one knows we are dating. Its a secret.) and best friend, got up. "I will go with Aria!" she said. My heart went into overdrive. Having this project with her was like... a blessing? a dream come true? cloud nine? Aghhhhhh!!! I cannot explain this.
Yet again my answer was interrupted. "No way! Aria is coming with me!" Jake, a tall boy with a sly grin, stood up. He was constantly attempting to flirt with me, yet something in his tone excited and scared me.
"Aww, Jake, come on! You know Aria'll be bucking up with me!" Jade spoke curtly, her arm over my shoulders as she drew me closer to her. I was thrilled and self-conscious, my cheeks flushing due to the knowledge that two people were vying for me. But isn't that obvious that I will be choosing Jade.
"Guys, it's alright!" I said, trying to diffuse the situation.
As soon as the bell rang signaling that class had come to a close, I picked up my bag and was about to leave. But when I peeked out the window, my heart sank. Standing directly in front of the school was a figure, a tall, dressed in all in black. His exquisitely handsome face was carved with a smug smirk; his black and piercing gaze and long ponytail moving aggressively in the wind warned me that he was bad news. His stubborn eyes were fixed upon mine, and my spine got the shudders with goose bumps.
I turned away from him, trying to shake it off. "Did you guys see that?" I asked my voice trembling ever so slightly.
"See what?" Maya looked at me curiously. "A creep?", I said. "No there is no one who looks like a creep." Jade reassured.
As I followed Jade down the hallway, I could have sworn I had someone behind me. The man lingered in my mind like a ghost. i tried building my own fanfic about having a stalker. I mustered the courage to look back out the window, but he was nowhere to be found. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the thumping of my heart.
As soon as we stepped outside, the chilly autumn air welcomed me, cold but disquieting. I gazed about, half-expecting to see the figure, but nothing. Only the usual noises of students and rustling leaves.