Dae walked into the classroom marked 203, and she could feel all the eyes turn towards her. She knew it was still two minutes for the bell, but most of the seats in the classroom had already filled up. She turned towards the teacher’s desk, where a kind-looking woman (presumably her teacher) was seated. The teacher, who told Dae that her name was Mrs. Kinley, directed her to a seat. As she walked down the aisle, she could hear the snickers regarding her outfit. She sighed, knowing that in a preppy school like this her more alternative style would make her stand out, just like her last school. At 5’3, she was tiny, and had dark brown, almost black hair, with a light purple streak running through it. She had icy blue eyes and wore dark black jeans, a red shirt over a black long-sleeved one, and Sugi skate shoes. Her clothes didn’t really do her body justice, but she had a fairly nice looking one, not too flabby and not too skinny, with a 36B chest. She sat down at the seat Mrs. Kinley had assigned her too, and took out her headphones. She pressed play and began listening to Disturbed’s track ‘Liberate’.
She was still listening to the track when the bell rang, signaling for class to begin. Her teacher raised her hand and then said, “Quiet down class. Let us listen to your morning announcements.” At that moment, a boy, whom Dae couldn’t help notice was quite attractive, skidded in. She silently laughed as she took in his outfit. He, too, was wearing red and black. He wore black baggy jeans, a red long-sleeved tee-shirt and overtop of it was a black tee-shirt. He had brown eyes, black hair, and the part she loved most; a Mohawk with red tips. He also had some piercings; one in his eyebrow, and three in each ear. She was happy to see none were in his nose, because in her opinion, that wasn’t attractive in anyone. As he began to explain his excuse to Mrs. Kinley for his being late, she saw a flash of metal in his mouth, realizing he also had a tongue ring. Mrs. Kinley just sighed and shook her head, and pointed him towards his seat. As he walked down the aisle, Dae realized the only available desk was the one beside hers. She quickly slid her headphones to her neck and looked his way.
He sat down beside her, casually glancing in her direction. She pretended to look bored, that is until Mrs. Kinley asked her to stand for the class and introduce herself. She stood up and said:
“Hi, my name is Dae Reynolds. I moved here from Michigan and I live with my parents and my younger brother, Levin. Thanks.”
“Well, Dae can you tell us something about your name? And maybe your brother’s name also? They are such unique ones; I think the whole class would find them interesting.”
“My parents are archaeologists. Which ever country we were born in, we were named a name from that country’s culture. My name is Korean, meaning “Destined for greatness” and Levin’s is from Russia, meaning “Lion hearted”.
‘Why, that’s so interesting! Isn’t that interesting class?” Mrs. Kinley said enthusiastically.
Dae shrugged and sat down. Beside her, the boy was chuckling quietly. Quickly Dae scribbled out a note, “What’s so funny?”
He wrote back; “Nothing. I just find it funny how she made you explain your name. You get that often? Oh, by the way, my name’s John.”
“Yeah, I do get that a lot,” she wrote back, “but you get used to it.”
He read her note and replied, “Your name’s cool, I like it. I also like your shirt.”
She looked down at her Linkin Park tee-shirt. She mouthed, Thanks, and he flashed the thumbs-up.
“Ms. Reynolds, Mr. Barwick, would you mind having your conversation after class?’
Dae smiled at John and then looked towards the board.
After class, Dae packed up her bag. She noticed John was still standing there so she looked up and smiled.
“So, you like Linkin Park?” she asked, but was interrupted by Mrs. Kinley.
“Will you two be working on the project together then?”
“What project?” They asked together, unanimously.
“You know, the project I was explaining while you two were having a note-fest? I let it slide this time, Dae, because you are new and should be making new friends, but if I catch you two at it again, it’s detention time! John, I’m sure you can show Dae here where that is, since you frequent it so much.”
John blushed and Dae laughed. Dae asked, “So what’s this project about then?”
“Here’s a pamphlet for each of you. Look through it and discuss. It’s due in a week’s time.”
As she walked away, Dae turned towards John and said, “Partners? Or do I have to be with one of those prepsters in our class?”
John laughed. “Actually, one of those prepsters is my girlfriend. Do you know her? Her name’s Michelle.”
Dae’s heart sunk. Michelle sat at the front and had long gorgeous blond curls, big brown eyes, red pouty lips, a figure to die for… well, you get the picture.
“How long have you two been going out?”
