Avoiding

The girls cheered excitedly as the announcement ended. Mr. Williams nodded, then pointed to the empty seat in front of me.   “Go sit beside Mr. Smith over there. You’re a bit late for the class, so you need to catch up on the lessons.”   “Yes, sir!” he said with a joking salute before walking to his seat.   “Hey, Nathan! Glad you’re in our class! Listen, can I be on your team?” my classmate Chris begged, eyes sparkling with excitement.   Nathan winked and gave him a thumbs-up. “I got you, man! Let me tell my coach.”   Chris nearly cried when Nathan agreed. I heard him whisper something like, you’re my hero, before he fainted dramatically. I shook my head and lowered my gaze to the floor. He looked normal to me, but something about him nagged at my mind. Maybe my brain was just playing tricks on me, trying to convince me that Nathan was somehow connected to the man from my dreams who looked exactly like him. But maybe I was just overthinking, so I shook off the thought.   I could still hear him chatting with my classmates—and even asking Natalie out on a date. That was quick, I murmured to myself.   I yelped in surprise when the chair in front of me suddenly yanked toward my face. Laughter and snickers filled the room. Slowly, I looked up and saw Nathan raising an eyebrow at me. My throat went dry as his storm-gray eyes locked on mine, sending a strange chill down my spine.   “Take it easy there, darling,” he said with a smug smirk before sitting down. The guys started cheering him on as if terrifying me was an achievement.   My heart pounded wildly. I looked at Nathan again. He was grinning, joking around, and talking to others like nothing happened. He probably heard what I said earlier, which was why he scared me like that. I sighed. I should’ve kept quiet. Now he probably thought I hated him. Well, maybe I did.   “Class dismissed.”   The moment Mr. Williams said those words, I bolted out of the room like lightning. I had no intention of getting involved with a guy like Nathan. He was dangerous.   Rumor had it they were planning a party later. I clicked my tongue. People these days—always chasing alcohol and chaos as if that’s the only purpose in life.   The next class went smoothly since Nathan wasn’t around anymore. He was only with me in my first subject, Ethics. But when the bell rang for lunch, I knew I was in danger again.   See, the school cafeteria isn’t my kind of place. Why? Because everyone gathers there—the varsity players, geeks, fake angels, party freaks, club nerds, and worst of all… cheerleaders. I’m not being dramatic or spreading rumors. I’ve met them, and they are every bit as awful as the movies make them out to be.   I’d seen them humiliate and mock other students—and I’d been one of their victims. I shuddered at the memory of them pouring juice over my head. Since then, I’d made it a rule to stay far, far away from them. I didn’t need that kind of drama in my life.   “Hey! Watch where you’re going!”   Lost in thought, I hadn’t noticed bumping into another student. Oh, right—I was supposed to be heading to the top floor, where I always ate my lunch. I preferred quiet places over the chaos of the cafeteria.   Students brushed past me, heading downstairs. Good. That meant the rooftop would be empty. The building had eleven floors—yeah, I know, self-destructive much—but it was worth it for a peaceful break. After what felt like forever, I reached the top and almost cried with relief. I dropped to the floor and stayed there for five minutes, catching my breath. If it weren’t so gross, I might’ve kissed the ground.   Finally, I stood up and walked to the railing. The wind brushed against my skin, cool and calming. I breathed in deeply. This was the life I wanted—quiet, distant from everyone else. I set down my bag and opened my lunchbox. Salmon, fried rice, and egg. Perfect.   Just as I took my first bite, I heard something.   “What the—?” I froze. I thought I was alone up here. Maybe it was just the wind?   I shrugged it off and took another bite.   “Ohhh!”   I almost choked. My hand flew to my chest as my heart began to pound. That sound… it was definitely not the wind.   “Faster! Ohhh… ahhh! God, yes, honey! Please, more!”   I froze. I knew those voices. My brain screamed at me to leave, but my feet moved toward the sound instead.   “Ahh! Natalie!”   My jaw dropped. Nathan’s bare back and—God help me—he was pounding in and out of my classmate Natalie, who was moaning shamelessly. Their bodies were tangled together like animals.   I dropped my spoon and ran, tears stinging my eyes.   I went straight home that day, locked myself in my room, and cried. I couldn’t unsee it. I barely slept and woke up with massive dark circles under my eyes.   I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. The apartment was silent, as always. My parents were gone, and I’d been living alone since. It wasn’t a miserable life, but it wasn’t easy either.   I still dreamed about them sometimes. In my dreams, they told me to never give my virginity to a man who didn’t love me. It sounded silly, but I held on to that. Sometimes, I even saw them in brief visions around the apartment—or maybe I was just scaring myself.   I sighed and decided to take a shower. Tuition was expensive; skipping class wasn’t an option.   I stripped and turned on the shower. The hot water ran down my skin, relaxing me—until Nathan’s image flashed in my head. His ass. Moving. I screamed and slapped my face. “Oh God! Forget about it!”   Who was to blame here? Him—for using my quiet spot? Or me—for staying and watching even after I knew what was happening?   After a while, I got out, dried myself, and put on jeans and a shirt. Simple, but comfortable. I wasn’t old-fashioned; I just didn’t get the hype of dressing like you’re on a runway at school. Maybe I just lacked the confidence.   “Damn, I’m late.”   I looked at the clock, groaned, and rushed to pack my things. I bolted out the door, slamming it behind me. Someone yelled from the hallway—probably complaining about the noise—but I just yelled a quick apology while running down the stairs. On the last step, I slipped and landed on my butt.   “Aren’t you the luckiest person this morning?”   I looked up to see my landlady, Mrs. Johnson, sitting on her chair and writing notes.   “Good morning, Mrs. Johnson,” I said, standing up and rubbing my sore backside.   “Be careful, honey. You might get yourself killed out there. Maybe a killer will chase you—or a truck will run over you,” she said flatly, not even looking at me.   “Yes, Mrs. Johnson. Got it.” I rolled my eyes and hurried outside.   When I reached school, I sprinted like my life depended on it. The hallways were empty—everyone was already in class. I glanced at my phone. Great. Eleven a.m. Almost lunch. Perfect.   By the time I reached my classroom, the bell rang. Students poured out like a wave, and I cursed under my breath. Missed my first subject.   “Yeah! Catch up later, bro!”   That voice. I froze.   Nathan.   He walked past me with his friends, girls giggling behind him. I ducked my head quickly, praying he wouldn’t notice me.   “Oh yeah, totally, dude! Let’s hit Tyler’s house this time!”   I waited until they were gone before looking up again. Seeing his back walking away, I sighed in relief. Thank God he didn’t see me. I didn’t even know how I’d react if he did. The thought alone made me nauseous.   I straightened my bag and walked quietly to my next class, pretending nothing had ever happened.