Still, he faced a series of penalties that would be noted on his record, which would defiantly carry out to his college years.
As winter crept slowly, Leo found himself spending most of his days with Malina. Whether it being in the greenhouse, near the theater, snipping samples of flowers; or sulking on Rafe’s apartment floor. He was discovering more about this human than anyone he’d ever met. His understanding was becoming immense. Like why she only drank from mugs, because of her intolerance of being able to see through the glass. And her unique taste in music had strangely grown on him by now.
Frequently speaking to her, made him look forward to waking up, pulling his shirt over his head, and hurrying to his next class, just to admire her gapped smile. To hear her cheeky laugh whenever he told her a silly joke, was without a doubt, the highlight of being at Pine Hill Institute.
Sometimes he wondered if she to sensed that something was brewing between the two of them. Something that screamed attraction. And to his surprise, that day did come.
It was Malina’s turn to read in AP Literature. Everyone else had theirs, including Leo, who was shamefully nodding off.
Who could you blame? Finals was just around the bend. By now everyone was flat out exhausted from all the late-night studying.
But something rattled his attention, as soon as her smooth voice filled the open air it seemed almost as if she’d awaken everyone, just so they could listen to her read the small expert. What truly alarmed him, to consider she was going through the same thoughts as himself, began with the words, merely written on a page.
“I love you,” his fingers cuffed the arm of his seat. In the silence of the room, his sudden movement raised volumes. Her eyes shot straight in his direction, to then glance back down at the crippled paper.
“Do you love me?” she finished, setting another glance at him.
“Thank you, Miss Greene,” The teacher cleared her throat, and turned to the board. “Next week we have a quiz, then the week after that is finals.” She quibbled. “Arm yourselves my students. Get ready for war. And have a nice day,”
Hiding the fact that his cheeks were completely on fire, Leo bent further down, underneath his desk, to stuff whatever needed in his backpack. His mind was a complete stadium of murmuring crowds, who were confused at what just happened in front of the entire class. She was just reading, right? And staring at him because he was clearly asleep. That’s the story Leo wanted to go with, until he had more time to think to himself.
“Leo,” quickly backing out of the tight spot, the top of the desk decided to slap him on his way up.
“Yes,” he murmured, trying his best to ignore his clumsiness.
“Are you going back home after finals?” Malina pushed some of her dark hair behind her ear.
Come to think of it, Leo never had enough time to acknowledge the break, in which he would go home for. Yes, it was only for three week,s but he’d still miss the life he’d gotten so used to. A life that didn’t include his parents or his old friends.
“ I guess so,” Malina nodded more to herself.
“Well, I’m going to miss you. I wish I could come with you,”
“Me too,” he replied honestly.
“Call me?” Leo pulled his strap over his shoulder.
"I will," he confirmed.