Eric's Mess 7

I kept my head down as I walked back to the table. “Excuse me.” I mumbled as I bumped into someone. Could that be? I swung around to stand face to face with the stranger from earlier.

“Don't worry about it.” He said as he walked slowly backwards giving me an expressionless look over.

Eric was suddenly by my side with his tray in hand. “Are you okay?” He had a hard glare targeted in the direction that the stranger had disappeared in.

“Yeah, I'm fine.” My voice was flat as I tried to decipher Eric's hostility. He caught my inquisitive look and headed over to the trash bin. It looked like he hadn't eaten much either.

I had made my way back to the table just in time for the bell to send us to forth block. Eric and I walked silently. I already had my notebook and such so I left Eric to find my seat when we reached his locker.

Who was that guy? I had never seen him before today. Could he be... new? Could he be-

Eric walked in and avoided my eye contact the whole way to his seat. “He's your brother.” There was a hint of question in my voice, but the effect seemed just the same to me.

Eric whipped his head towards me and opened his mouth to produce what I assumed would be a rant of some sort with the tension that was held tight by his whole body. Only his words fell short. He closed his mouth and relaxed for a moment. “We'll talk after school.” It would seem that I was getting a ride home today too.

With that Drake walked in the room and got comfortable at his desk on the other side of me. I put my head down and sighed. All the testosterone must be getting to me. “Just send me home.” I mumbled into the flesh of my arm.

The block was boring as usual and I avoided all of my fellow students during this class. Not even Leslee could get her say in today.

“Delanie.” A whisper came from behind me... again.

I turned my head to the side. “Not now Leslee!” I whispered back.

It was quiet for a moment and then I heard some violent scribbling followed by paper creases. A poke to the back and then after a moment of patience, a square of paper was thrown over my shoulder.

My eyes diverted to Mr. O'Shan to make sure that he was occupied by the board while I contemplated whether I actually wanted to read the note. It was probably trivial, but maybe that was what I needed; a lesser worry or welcome distraction.

Upon opening the tight folds I found myself unsurprised by what the neat script inside would be in reference to.

Delanie,

What is up with you? I've been trying to get your attention all class! What could possible be on your mind girl! Eric has been staring at you and Drake is acting like he's in some sort of trance. I think you need to fill me in on what I missed during 1st block.

Leslee Anne Former

I made the most discreet glance from Eric to Drake to find that Leslee hadn't even exaggerated. Eric had a very hard gaze set my way and didn't even flintch when I met his eyes. As for Drake, I had to stare at him for a good long moment to make sure that he was breathing.

Knowing Leslee, she wouldn't let the questioning subside until she was as knowledgable as I was on the day's events. I figured why put up with all the fuss if I could simmer it down now.

Leslee,

You got to cool it. Nothing amazing happened while you were gone or I would have filled you in by now. I promise. I just keep sleeping bad so I'm kind of out of it okay? As for Eric, I dont know what is up with him. Like I said not too perseptive today. He's probably just thinking about a talk we said that we were going to have later. Its probably about you or something so don't worry about it. Drake- he said something this morning about not really liking Eric, I told him to give it a try, so he's just moping.

Now let me try and pay attention for once-

Delanie Jae Somnus

That note would hold her better than anything, I knew. Truth with some lie mixed in. I threw the note back over my shoulder carelessly, the same way I would do salt after spilling it.

She scoffed at the first few sentences and then giggled at that the ones to follow. Finally, she blew a knowing sigh which tickled the back of my neck. The tiny blonde hairs that shone on my skin stood tall as Leslee settled back in her seat letting everything drop. Another giggle sounded out. She was rereading her favorite section.

Mr. O'Shan watched Leslee for a brief moment to make sure that all the noise she was making wasn't being shared by those around her. He almost looked amused as he realized the drama rising from our little corner. We must be quite a sight to see. Two unblinking boys, a lovestruck girl, and one other- irate and unstable.

The bell rang in due time and I was out of my seat almost faster than Eric; almost. I didn't grant him any eye contact as we parted ways to our lockers. He was just acting too weird about his brother. Why didn't he just tell me?

Eric showed up at my locker as I was finishing up and we walked to his car in silence.