Mrs. Reese’s voice broke me from my thoughts as she points at a locker door. “Locker 427, this will be yours for the year. So that’s it. It’s nice meeting you as well, Angelo. See you in homeroom.”
I opened the locker with the combination written on my admission slip. Studying it, I started putting in my things in the lockers that I won’t need until after lunch break. I was so into organizing that I didn’t notice someone walk up beside me until I heard a locker rattling then opening. Startled, I almost panicked when I saw a tall built jock putting his things in the locker then close it. He barely noticed me until I dropped my books into a mess on the floor. Smooth moves, Angelo, so smooth. Quietly cursing myself in my mind.
The guy just stared at me and then smiled. Then starts picking up my books. He looks like he wants to ask me if I was alright, but he doesn’t seem to know how. So as I collected my books from him, I relaxed a bit then gave a slight smile.
“T-Thank you.” Now this isn’t really the time to stutter, man. Don’t show weakness and provoke such a huge guy.
His smile got bigger then he reaches inside his locker and took out a notepad then scribbles on it. I was slightly confused what that is about until he shows me the paper.
[Are you new here? I’m Chris. Sorry I can’t talk. Are you alright?]
Oh. Uh. How do I respond to this… It took me a while until my mind processed it then I smiled at him again.
“I’m Angelo. I’m new here. I just transferred. I’m alright. You?”
He returns to writing then holds the paper up so I could read it.
[I’m alright too. I assume you’re senior as well since your locker’s here. Whose class are you in?]
“Oh… Well, Mrs. Reese’s said that I’m in her class.”
He nods then writes something down.
[Same class. Nice meeting you. Do you need a tour around? Class doesn’t start for 10 more minutes.]
“It’s alright. Thanks. Mrs. Reese’s brought me around already so there’s no need.”
Chris seems to think for a bit while staring at me, then he suddenly grinned. Oh no. I didn’t notice this before but this guy’s so gorgeous.
[How about the garden? There’s a rose garden behind the greenhouse. I can show you a trick on how to get in.]
Dumbly, I couldn’t think of words at that moment so I just nodded and put the rest of my things inside my bag as I shut my locker. I wasn’t scared as I would have expected when I meet some kind of jock. He makes me nervous, but not in a bad way. Even with how big the guy is, he seems really friendly, and that smile, it just tickles me in the inside.
He gestured for me to follow as he walks towards the garden, walking through the grass beside the greenhouse until we’re right outside a metal padlocked gate.
“Is it alright for us to be here? Doesn’t it mean that it’s off limits if it’s locked?”
He seemed to snicker for a bit then shows me his note.
[It’s alright. No one’s around at this time. Everyone arrives a minute before class starts. Besides, you’ll know that it’s worth the trouble when you see it.]
Unsure if I should trust him. I just sighed and said, “OK. But if we do get in trouble, I’m blaming you.” grinning at him as if teasing him.
He winked then grinned at me. Oh my god. What is wrong with my chest!? My heart feels like it’s going to leap out of it. And I couldn’t believe that I’m talking to someone I just met so normally! I’m even joking with him! I don’t even know if I should feel happy or scared!
While I was occupied with talking silently in my mind, I saw him getting on a small chair, reaching high up with his long biceps then slide his hand in and took something from the inside by the small window. He then jumped down and puts the chair back from where he got it then shows me a key then grinned mischievously. I rolled my eyes and anticipated what I’m going to see behind the gate. What I saw when we got in was more than I was expecting. There are hedges lined up that seem to be a maze, with roses wet with morning dew from the sky roof, the scent of roses gives off a calming effect, and I could hear a faint sound of birds chirping around.
“Wow.” I stand there open-mouthed, taking in the beautiful view in front of me. I didn’t notice Chris moving until he’s right in front of me. I wasn’t sure then but it felt romantic that I thought he was going to lean in and kiss me. Instead, he smiled then pats my head softly then hesitantly takes his hand away when I jumped as I hear the school bell ring.
“Uh… Thanks for bringing me here. It’s amazing. But I think we should go to class now, wouldn’t want to be late for my first day.” My heart was pounding so loudly that I think it could be heard all over the school. I couldn’t stop my face from burning into a blush and I couldn’t look at Chris’ face. Then suddenly, while I’m looking down my shoes, he takes my hand then pulls me out the rose garden, then as he was locking the gate again and putting back the key, I noticed that there’s a note slipped in my palms.
[You’re welcome and I hope we get to know each other more this year. Let’s get to class.]
Awwwhhhh- That smiley is so adorable. Wait what. Oh. Wait. Class!
I looked up and see him in front of me, smiling as he walks towards the school entrance. I followed while sliding my hands inside the pockets of my jacket, forgetting that I slipped the note with it.