***
Homeroom and first period flew by quickly today. Both teachers were out today, which was rare. Second period dragged ass and I zoned out until I heard the bell for lunch.
During lunch, it seemed like something was—off. When I entered the cafeteria, no one so much as even looked twice at me.
I grabbed my lunch and sat down at the table with my buddies. They were quiet, too.
“Okay, what’s going on?”
“People are talking, Zach. They think you’re gonna let the team down now that you have a new side piece,” said Craig.
“Seriously? I miss one fucking practice and now I’m the enemy? Screw this!” I said flipping over my lunch tray.
I’ll show them—assholes.
***
Zeke
I decided to skip lunch today and go for a walk on the outdoor track. Today was my Creative Writing class and I hoped Max would show up. I really wanted to see her, especially after our interesting email conversation last night.
As I made my second round, a familiar voice called out to me. “Zeke, why aren’t you at lunch?”
“Max? I mean Ms. Shep, what are you doing out here?”
“You first,” she said.
“I just have a lot of things on my mind. Feelings I need to suppress.”
“I see. Well I hope you get it all sorted out,” she said.
“I will.”
“Good, I’ll see you in class later.”
“I thought today was Language Arts?”
“It’ll be tomorrow instead.” I watched as she walked away. Part of me wanted to run after her and pull her into my arms and kiss her, but I couldn’t. It was—forbidden.
***
As soon as the ball rang for the end of my history class, I remained in my seat until everyone left. I knew I’d be face to face with Max again and I wanted to mentally prepare myself for it. I didn’t want to look like a love struck puppy.
“Mr. Cunningham, is everything okay?” asked Ms. Russell.
“Uh-yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, I’ll go now.”
I gathered my things, walked out the door, and finally headed to my Creative Writing class.
Max wasn’t in there yet, as usual. I sat down and pulled my notebook out and discovered the real note I wrote when Max gave us the assignment about forbidden love.
Dear Ms. Sheppard,
You have no idea who I am, but I know you. You are the most beautiful creature I have even seen in my life. I know that I could never actually be with you, because you’re my teacher. But I wanted you to know that I think I’m falling in love with you.
-ZC
I signed it as ZC because Zach and a few others had the same initials. So in the event I accidently turned this in, or if she ever saw it, I could cover my ass and pretend it wasn’t mine.
It did bring a smile to my face re-reading it, because I still felt the same. If anything, my feelings for her were stronger.
Max finally rushed into the class and looked—normal. No makeup, her hair was a bit wild and she wore a blouse with slacks on and no heels.
“Sorry I’m late; I had an emergency staff meeting. Anyway, today’s assignment will be fairly easy. Your assignment is about love and what it means to you. This will be due by the end of class.”
I looked over at my brother and for once, he actually looked interested in the assignment. Maybe this new girl would change him from an ass to someone less ass-like.
Love
By Zeke Cunningham
Love: To me it means a sacred, unspoken bond between your heart and another’s.
Sometimes the feeling is mutual, sometimes it’s forbidden.
Love is not something to give sparingly because it often leaves you feeling broken and alone.
Shattered. Betrayal. Lust. Three feelings that can also stem from love, three things I’d never make another feel.
***
Zach
Love is not my area of expertise, but to me, love is opening yourself up to something or someone new. Love is letting your guard down for a chance at happiness.
-Zach C.
***
Zeke
After our assignments were turned in, I stayed behind to talk to Max. I wanted to confess my true feelings to her, but my heart didn’t think it was the right time.
Before I could approach her, she told me to have a seat. “Zeke, I’m sorry for the emails I sent to you last night. I was highly intoxicated and vulnerable. I shouldn’t have let you see that side of me.”
“Max, stop. We all need someone; a friend, an ear. Yes, I’m your student and I get that, I really do. But that doesn’t stop the feelings I have for you and I know you have them, too.”
She looked at me but didn’t respond. So I politely excused myself and ran to the bathroom. The sudden urge to puke suddenly aroused.
Chapter 16
Day 10
Zeke
I never went back to see Max after I’d embarrassed myself in front of her yesterday. By her reaction, it confirmed that I was stepping way out of bounds. Thankfully, it was Friday and the party was tonight. I only had one goal—to get drunk.