Every Time I Turn Around Part VII

'Sandi? Sandi are you listening to me?'1

Tara snaps her fingers in front of my face. I still haven't told her about what happened in study hall yet. It would creep her out. But even now, I'm trying to choke down my lunchroom pizza and my throat's like sandpaper. I guess I still haven't recovered. And on top of all that, I have to think of something to do when 2:40 comes and I'm alone with him walking. But I can't think at all; I can't focus. Not on school work, not on escaping Michael, not on anything.2

'Sandi, the least you could do is to look at me and PRETEND to pay attention when I talk to you!' Oops, I forgot to answer Tara.3

'Sorry, I guess my train of thought got carried away.'4

'Apology accepted. So as I was saying, when I went to the mall I got like five new pairs of...'5

Tara's voice fades out again and while my eyes stay focused on her face and my head nods, my thoughts drift back to my problem. If he tries to make any moves on me...well, hopefully he won't. I don't live THAT far away, it's not like he has that much time. 6

'Come on Sandi, lunch is over, time to get back to class.'7

'Ok, I'm right behind you.'8

Well, my body is, at least, but my thoughts are still drifting. I've never had a stalker before, heck, I've never even had a really serious boyfriend before, I can't handle all of this! No one has ever like me enough to watch my every move...which (now that it's happening) I have decided that the fact that no one has ever done this before is a good thing. 9

I drop my styrofoam tray into the trash can and walk absentmindedly behind Tara. Stumbling down the hallway, I find my way through the buzz of the crowd, following Tara like a helpless puppy. I desperately try to get my brain to focus on school again. Focus, FOCUS!10

Next class? American Government...with a substitute. Yes! I'll have more time to think this over. Subs always just show us a video. Usually one we've already seen. 11

But wait, is that a new kid in the corner? He's reading a book and his head's down. He looks almost familiar, but I can't see his face. He looks up. Oh gosh. It's Michael.12