I blushed at the sound of the other students laughing and quickly moved toward his desk. “I'm Starlette McKinley, sir. I'm a new student.”
“I can see that. I may be old, but I'm not blind. I've known all of the students since they were little, so I think I'd know a new one when I see one.” He reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a well-used text book. “Here's your book. You must return it at the end of the year. Now, turn around and introduce yourself and where you're from to everyone, so we can get started with our day.”
I felt heat creep all the way up from my neck to my roots. After taking a look at the class I quickly dropped my gaze and did as I was told. I felt put in the spotlight and was not in the least comfortable with it.
“Hey, I'm Star. I'm from L.A.”
“Louisiana?” Someone called out from the back. I didn't look to see who the speaker was.
“No, Los Angeles. As in California.”
“Good, now that we've gotten that out of the way you can take a seat, Ms. McKinley.”
“Yes, sir.” I looked to find the closest seat and bit back a groan as I saw the only one open was right beside Gabe, who was sitting behind Jenni. I quickly moved to it and sat down, placing my book and supplies on the table. I stared at the wood grain in the desk and hoped that people would forget that I was there.
“Now, as many of you know, I'm Mr. Ridgewood. This is World History, and as you can tell by the name, we'll be learning just that.”
I still felt like everyone was staring at me. “There are many rules that will be followed,” he continued. “Passing notes is strictly forbidden, as is any food or beverage in class. I know this is an ungodly hour for you, but you can survive without having coffee in my classroom. All assignments will be turned in on time. If they're not, ten percent of your score will be removed. There is no talking in this class unless it is in direct answer to one of my questions, you are placed in a group, or are participating in an in class activity. Cell phones must be turned off. If you are caught with them, you will be automatically sent to the principal's office and spend one day in detention. Do you understand?”
I felt like my eyes would pop out as I nodded my agreement along with other nods and murmurs from the class. I had never heard so many rules before and knew without a doubt that Mr. Ridgewood would follow through on the punishments.
I looked around at the other students and saw that they were used to these types of rules. I hoped that every class wasn't like that.
I could feel Jenni's fiery glare on me like a direct force while Mr. Ridgewood droned on and on. I kept my head down the entire class and dutifully took notes while trying to ignore everyone around me. The bell finally rang to my utter relief so I quickly gathered my things and sped out the door.
“Star!” Gabe called out behind me, hurrying to catch up.
I didn't acknowledge him as I walked on, expertly weaving through the cluster of students as they made their way to their next classes. Finding my way to my next class, I breathed a sigh of relief as I made it into the safety of the classroom.
“Looks like you're making an impression.”
I jumped and spun around, dropping my notebooks in the process. My hand clutched over my chest as I tried to slow my erratic heart rate. “Jesus H, Brandon! You scared the crap out of me.”
He grinned as he bent down to help me pick up my things.
“Sorry about that.”
I grabbed the items he was holding out. “It wasn't your fault.”
“Yeah, I noticed you were pretty focused. Kind of reminded me of a person escaping prison.” He reached down and grabbed me by the elbow, helping me get to my feet while my arms were full. It was nice to see that chivalry wasn't dead.
I grimaced. “More like escaping unneeded attention.”
“Oooh, this is getting juicy. Just who were you escaping from exactly? No, don't tell me, let me guess.” I didn't bother to hide my smile as I watched him think dramatically by tapping his chin extravagantly with his forefinger. “Hmm. I'd have to say Mr. McHotstuff and the evil Barbie.”
I almost dropped my things again as I burst out laughing. The students that were filing into the room looked up quickly at my outburst. Curiosity and interest was written all over the boys faces and instant dislike on the majority of the girls.
“I assume you're meaning Gabe and Jenni? Yeah, you're right. That’s exactly who I was running from, but more Gabe than Jenni.”
“Why would you— damn, here comes Coach. Make sure you become my lab partner.” He sent a panicked glance over my shoulder then dashed to his seat.
“Starlette.” Came a stern voice behind me. I bit back a groan and turned toward the teacher. Here we go again.
“Yes?” I asked sweetly, forcing a smile to my stiff lips. It faltered when I took in the behemoth before me. I had to crane my head back to look at him. He was easily 6'7” and built like a linebacker. A permanent frown marred his rather attractive face, giving him the look of a predator. I took an automatic step back.
“Sit.” He barked. When I scrambled out of the way, he moved with military precision to his desk facing the lab tables. I casted a 'wtf' look at Brandon as I dropped quickly into the seat beside him.
He looked quickly to the front then leaned toward me. “That's Mr. Robbins, aka Coach. He's our chemistry teacher but also the football coach. Total hard ass and ex-marine. You don't want to get on his bad side, but as long as you do your work and don't do anything to disrupt him, he's easy to deal with.” He sat back with a shrug and turned his attention to where Coach was busily writing in precise lettering on the blackboard.
I sat rigidly in my seat, afraid to relax. My mother would be proud of how proper my posture currently was because I was holding myself so rigid. Despite his size, Coach was rather graceful as he turned back to the desk, sending a glare out across the classroom. No one spoke.
“Mr. Brundage,” he snapped out, looking directly at Brandon.
“Yes Coach!” he replied without breaking eye contact.
“To the front. Grab the stack of papers off the desk and hand them out to your fellow classmates.”
He jumped out of his seat and did as he was told with Coach staring at him the entire time. When finished, he returned back to the desk and sat easily in his seat.
“Now, in front of you is the rules and syllabus for AP chem. We will follow it strictly with no deviation. You will either man up or fall out. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” Came the resounding answer. I looked around with wide eyes. Did I miss something and end up in boot camp?
“Good. On the board are the day’s notes that you will copy. There will be silence until everyone is finished. Afterward, if there is still time left in the period, you may socialize. Quietly.” He took a moment to stare at each student. When he saw that everyone was paying attention and would follow his rules, he sat down and pulled out a sports magazine. “You may begin.”
The sound of pen and pencil hitting paper resounded throughout the room.
I opened my notebook and caught Brandon’s gaze. 'Are you kidding me?' I mouthed to him with wide eyes.
He grinned and looked up to see Coach already immersed in his magazine. 'Just do it' he mouthed back to me. Sighing, I went to work.
Despite the amount of notes needing to be copied, there was a surprising amount of time left in class. Coach seemed to know exactly how much time would be left. As the last student put his pen down, his eyes snapped up and looked around. He nodded then went back to reading. I took that as permission to socialize. Quietly.
I placed my arms against the table and leaned closer to Brandon while keeping a wary eye on Coach. “So, what were you saying before?” I whispered.
He looked over at me and mimicked my stance. “Oh, I was just asking why you would run away from Gabe. He's a really nice guy, plus he's hot. I don't see why you wouldn't want attention from him.”
I fidgeted with my hair and looked down at the table. “It's not that I have anything against him. It's just that I have enough going on in my life right now without having to worry about some guy. Especially when the said guy
