Chapter 5

Ginny’s words echoed in my head for the rest of the day. He likes me? IMPOSSIBLE! We don’t even know each other… I tried to clear my mind as I took my notes out of my bag and began to review. He’s so mean and rude too… even if he’ll like me later on, I’ll NEVER like him!

A few days later, I was running to my Chem lab again and managed to get to my station one minute before the clock struck 8:00AM. Catching my breath, I got my supplies ready and waited for further instructions. From the corner of my eye, a familiar cap showed up beside me and I rolled my eyes. Typical… I thought. My teaching assistant gave us the rundown of the day, giving us a quick demo of the experiment we had to do. My head grew dizzy at the instructions. There were so many! After the demo, I stared at my tray of chemicals, not remembering what to do first. I peeked beside me. The guy was mixing his chemicals together, humming as he went. Feeling desperate, I tried copying what he was doing, but he was going to fast. Sighing in defeat, I walked up to him and asked, “Um, do you mind showing me what to do? I’m kinda lost…” “What? Too fast for you? I saw you looking at me. I know I’m good looking”, he smirked. Gritting my teeth, I tried asking him again, “I was just trying to see what you were doing. Can you please be nice for once and help me?” “Whoa, calm down, I was kidding. Just follow what I’m doing”, he said in a more serious tone. At the end of the lab, I managed to finish my report sheet without leaving a blank, thanks to the guy. “I never thought I’d say this, but thanks a lot for helping me”, I said gratefully. “You’re welcome, but you know, you’re going to have to owe me something”, he said mischievously. “And you’ve never introduced yourself, stranger. Who are you?” “Oh, I’m Lina, and sorry I don’t remember your name”, I said, taking his outstretched hand. “I’m Johnny, better not forget it!” he said, shaking my hand. We walked out of the lab and towards the bus stop. “So where are you from?” I asked. “I’m from here actually, I just live 40 minutes-ish from school. And you?” he asked. “I live thirty minutes from here. You taking the 120 bus as well?” I replied. “Haha, yeah, are you like, a stalker?” he smiled. “Yes, I am”, I rolled my eyes. We got on the bus and chatted until I had to get off at my stop. “See you in class, I guess. But then again, you’ll be late as usual”, I said, stepping off the bus. “Who’s the stalker now? Haha, see ya”, he waved as the doors closed. Ok, so there was some flirting going on, but that’s how you meet people of the opposite gender right? Right?! It’s not like I’m going to like him anyways, I’ll just use him as my Chem lab “buddy”!

“Oh my gosh, where is the classroom!” I exclaimed, frantically looking at my map. “It should be around here, man this place is like a dungeon!” Ginny said, looking around. It really did look like a dungeon, with grey cement walls and dim lights. “What was your room again?” Ginny asked. “6190”, I answered, looking at my class schedule. Chem tutorials started this week and I was desperately searching for my classroom. I had 5 minutes left ‘til it started! “6189, 6191…where is 6190!?” Ginny frowed at the classrooms. “I don’t know! Argh I hate this school!” I groaned. “Maybe it’s down that freaky looking hallway?” Ginny said, pointing to an extremely narrow hallway, almost hidden. “Let’s see”, I said, walking down the hallway. “Oh, it’s here! Man, they should put like, signs or something!” “I know right? Anyways, go in before you’re late! I’ll wait for you at the cafeteria!” Ginny said, giving me a hug. “Alright, thanks for coming with me Ginz!” I waved and walked in. There were already around ten people in the room. Tutorials were small classes taught by a teaching assistant, to go over material covered in lecture. I took a seat near the back of the room. There were two empty seats beside me. More people started entering the room a few minutes later, I guess they got lost too! A guy came and took a seat beside me. “Hi there, are you a first year too?” the guy asked, flashing a bright smile. “Hi! Yeah, I’m a first year. I’m Lina, what’s your name?” I asked, smiling back. “Scott”, he said, holding out his hand. I shook it, remembering how Johnny’s hand felt that day in the lab. His hand was warm and soft; Scott’s was rough, but still nice, I guess. I studied his features. His hair was styled nicely, and was dyed a light brown colour. He wore contacts, and his smile was huge and bright. Not my type of guy, but still fine. “Lucky for me I’m chose a spot beside a pretty girl”, he said, smiling again. I realized he was still shaking my hand and I quickly let go. Ok…kinda freaky, maybe he’s just being nice. “Haha, I don’t think so, but thanks”, I smiled. “I think so”, he said, still smiling at me. I was saved from answering because at that moment, a familiar figure with a cap walked into the room.