Lone [MATURE HS]

Chapter 8.

"An ancient greek philosopher once said, It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and honorably and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and honorably and justly without living pleasantly," Professor Howard quotes with conviction, low footsteps echoing among the silenced class. He holds a tight fist up as he speaks. "Epicurus, a philosopher who seemingly focused his ideology among the true existence of man kind. I want you all to think for a minute...relate this quote to society now. See what we come up with."

It doesn't take me long to come up with many ideas, but like many in this class, it's a full house of brains equivalent to a high voltage battery.

A hand raises towards the back of the class, and as no one speaks, the nameless student prepares herself. "He's saying, a good life consists of honor, justice, and wisdom. And it makes sense. Lacking one or the other sets you up for failure, if you relate it to karmic subjects."

"You believe in karma?" A kid scoffs.

"I think everyone gets what they deserve. And if you live justly, honorably, and wisely, a pleasant life will present itself one day. Because that's what karmic rules state," she explains, "The idea varies."

The class time is up, and I'm relieved to be leaving. I had a few classes today, and I'm more than ready to head home. I tighten my hold against the strap of my bag, sighing heavily to myself. I haven't seen Harry all day, and the idea of seeing him after that Saturday night really makes me ungodly fidgety. It's all I've given thought to every time I get slightly distracted. I was eating dinner with my mother and she caught me smiling down at my rice, insisting I need to stop playing with my food.

And I don't know why I'm acting like a prepubescent girl who's never touched another boy's hand. I know why -- soft little feelings of infatuation and admiration clearly have formed; but still I don't know why it's actually so painfully obvious. Charlie pesters me, my mother questions me...so far the list is short.

The corridors fill with talk and pointless banter, rushing teachers with their laptop bags bumping into frustrated students, the light at the end of the hallway flickering because still they haven't replaced it since last week. I noticed for some reason. In some time though, the corridors clear up for the day.

"I knew you'd be here."

I'm not shocked when I hear him behind me, where I stand at our usual meeting place. It only varies to two; the library and of course the infamous vending machine. My smile curves into my lips slowly, refusing to turn around and make it obvious that I've been thinking about seeing him a tad bit too much.

My lips are parted and I pause, murmuring, "I wonder who's behind me?.."

I go to press the button for the Chips A'hoy, but he makes me grin wider than before when he reaches from behind me and presses b5 for me.

Harry hums huskily in his throat, mumbling, "Turn around and you'll find out."

I don't say anything, playfully scoffing loud enough for him to hear, bending to grab my cookies, but embarrassingly enough my body brushes against his. Regrettably -- my backside to whatever denim he's got covering his lower body. I didn't know he'd be so close. He spoke so lowly it was hard to tell. My cheeks heat up from the realization, and not only is my shock prominent, but it's even more obvious as I gasp when his hands grip my hips, effortlessly turning me around to face him. My back presses gently into the vending machine as a result of him backing me up into it. I push at him, hand resting on his chest and he grins faintly. I boldly fist the fabric of his tee, pulling him back in my indecisive gestures.