2. Green Eyes

English class was boring. At least that's what I felt, and that's why I didn't bother to come early for it. I knew Chad would be in class already, with his girlfriend.

I walked into the class, barely looking at Mr. Kennedy who was focused on the board. Some of my classmates- whom I barely recognize sometimes- were paying attention to my movements. I didn't understand why until I saw that my usual spot was taken over by someone else and the only other spot empty was at the back. Where the 'popular' kids sat.

I never paid attention to them because we weren't in the same clique and I was focused on myself and Chad usually. I didn't know whether I would need to greet them or something if I sat near them. But I couldn't just stand though.

Chad's eyes met with mine and he seemed to understand what I was planning on doing. His eyes widened in alarm and I just shrugged. Our school didn't condone bullying, so I knew I would be fine. I've never seen anyone bullied, ever.

"Is this seat taken?"

It wasn't, I knew, but I was trying to be polite.

The girl sitting by the window stares at me. Her eyes were shockingly green, and I was taken aback for a moment.

"You can sit," she said with a soft voice.

"Thanks," I said, sitting down and taking my time to remove my book.

The others behind, probably her friends, were quiet, and I could feel their eyes on me. Not just theirs, but the rest of the class.

People should learn to mind their business. I didn't see anything crazy about me sitting close to my fellow human beings.

"I'm Maria," the girl beside me said.

Everyone gasped.

I wanted to roll my eyes. She was just talking, what was so amazing about that? Even Chad looked surprised. Was there something I should've noticed throughout my time in this school?

I turn to her, meeting her green eyes. "Nice to meet you. I'm Val- "

"Valentine. I know."

I frowned. "How?"

Because I certainly didn't know her.

She shrugged. "You're the popular art student and we share all our classes together."

My eyes widened. We share the same classes?! Then how did I not know her? Also-

"I'm not popular though."

She chuckled, showcasing dimples on her rosy cheeks. "Trust me, you're very popular."

I decided not to argue. "Whatever you say, Maria."

"You can call me Marie."

I thought about it for a short moment before meeting her eyes again. "I think Maria sounds cooler."

She laughed at that, surprising me and everyone else in the class. Even Mr. Kennedy turned towards our direction for a bit before returning to what he was doing. I'll have to collect notes from Chad later- more his girlfriend than him, really.

Maria and I didn't talk much, just exchanged a few words and that was it. She was nice. I like that. Which was a bit weird of me.

It was time for the next class soon and I decided to leave the class. We were having art, my favorite, and I wanted to be early. I didn't wait for Chad because I knew he'd probably want to talk to his girlfriend seeing as her class was different from ours. She was strictly a science student.

"Thanks for saving a spot for me," he breathed heavily as he ran into the class.

I nodded. "You didn't have to run though."

"Oh, I had to. I came to hear some gossip."

My brows furrowed. "Gossip from who?"

"From you!" He shouted, looking at me like I'd lost my marbles. "About Maria Castillo," he whispered, looking around.

The class was still half-empty and no one was paying attention to us. Not like they ever did. Well... They would, now that Chad was dating who he was dating. Winter Robert was popular. Even her name was popular because it was unique. Though sometimes I forget. Most times I forget.

"I didn't know her last name was Castillo," I said to my eager friend. "She was nice."

"She doesn't talk to anyone but her friends, and her fellow popular people. That's why everyone in class was staring."

"Oh."

"Also, she's really pretty."

"Don't you have a girlfriend now?" I questioned.

Chad playfully shoved me. "That doesn't mean I can't state the obvious. But I'd never do that in front of her."

I laughed a bit. "That's smart."

"So... Maria."

I leaned back. "What about her?"

"Maybe she likes you?"

I snorted. "Maybe she was just in a really good mood. I doubt we'll ever speak again, honestly."

Just then, the door bursts open to Maria herself walking in with her friends behind her. She was on her phone when she suddenly met my eyes. I thought she'd ignore me, and I was about to do the same when she gave me a smile.

Chad and I exchanged glances.

"What the fuck?" He whispered.

I really didn't know what to say.

"She smiled at you."

"I'm aware." I look at my drawing board. "She wasn't lying when she said we were in the same classes."

"She said that?!"

"Cool down, man."

"Maria Castillo likes you, Val."

I rolled my eyes, thankful for our teacher walking in. "Please, we have a class to focus on."

He wanted to protest, but from my glare he just shut up.

"Today, we're going to draw something pretty. Anyway that comes to mind. I'm giving you freedom," Miss Tate said, smiling.

I liked art class because we didn't need to talk all the time. We talked with our pencils and brushes. I liked that.

I didn't need to think much about what I wanted to draw because I'd seen something pretty this morning in my first class.

Maria Castillo's green eyes.