No Strings Attached | Moody Spurgeon

3

———

After the algebra lesson, the class did the Ancestry project Miss Stacy assigned. Diana was going on and on about her family line since it dated back to 1303.  I looked over to Moody and saw his face, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well done, Diana" Gilbert said with a look of pleasure after hearing that. I will admit, I was bored. 

Diana went to sit back down and Anne kept blabbering about imagination and how her lineage sounded like a fairytale. Then Miss Stacy went up to them and told Anne how much she loved her article about the Indians.

Miss Stacy waved the paper around and decided to give it to Josie, she groaned "But Anne so wordy" Miss Stacy responded complimenting her "It's the price you pay for your beautiful penmanship."

Miss Stacy told us the news about the printing press which made everyone excited. Finally a printing press for Avonlea students, I just wanted to study. 

"Let's see who's next on the Getting to Know You beat" Miss Stacy then continued after, reaching the paper behind her "Ansley Longsdale." Everyone turned their heads to the my face which is burred in a book.

I closed my book and carried a piece of paper with me to the front. I took in a deep breath in and exhaled "I know not much of my lineage since I can't ask my parents, they haven't arrived yet. I've been staying with my Aunt and she told me rather not much about my father's side" I paused trying to read and think on what to say next, "All I know is my father has one sister, my aunt and my grandparents died, unknown disease. That's all I know" I then smiled and walked back to my seat, burring my head in the same book to continue my studies.

"Thank you" Miss Stacy said and called on Anne, Anne explained she didn't know much since she is an orphan then called on Charlie. She pulled Anne away but told us to continue. So Charlie told us about his lineage. Then Moody, Josie, and Ruby.

Once everyone finishes Miss Stacy tells the Queens study group to stay and the rest to leave. That leaves Anne, Tillie, Josie, Ruby, Jane, Gilbert, Charlie, Moody, and me. 

Everyone isn't studying but is writing notes for the 'take notice' board. Anne, Gilbert, and I are the only ones actually studying.

Some notes on the board said 'Paul L. took notice of Tillie's luscious curls in class today' 'Charlie is the nicest boy in school' 'Josie Pye has the most angelic face of any girl in Avonlea' 'Susan has her sights on Moody Spurgeon' when I saw the last note, a hint of jealously got to me. 

"My, my Tillie has been noticed twice" Josie mockingly says, but other than the tone Tillie's face lights up with excitement. "Who are you going to walk home with first" Ruby added. 

They girls all chuckled while Moody is trying to look more at the board. Then joins in on the laughter. "Oh look this one is about Ansley 'Moody stayed and watched Ansley skate after the hockey game" Josie then said while looking.

My face lit with embarrassment, I thought only Moody and me were the only two left. Apparently someone saw us. I wasn't embarrassed at the fact that I was with Moody and seen, I was embarrassed that what if someone saw me fell twice. Like how Moody did.

I just laughed it away then the rest laughed. Moody looked a little embarrassed too. After the laughing everyone said bye and departed ways until Moody grabbed my bicep. 

"Hmm?" I questioned, turning towards Moody. 

"Would you wanna walk home today?" Moody looked at me. 

"Moody Spurgeon, are you blushing?" I joked resulting in Moody blushing more, "You want to be on the notice board again?" I continued. 

Moody just smiles and take my hand. He didn't care if they were on the notice board again. We started walking and gradually let go of each others hands. It was a comfortable silence, hearing the wind hit the trees, snow crunching under their feet, owl's making 'who' noises, and our breathing patterns matching up once in a while.

They arrive at my house we again, awkwardly stand there not knowing what do to so we shook hands again. It's becoming almost our thing. Walking together then awkwardly shaking hands. I tip my cap at him this time and bow, receiving a chuckle from Moody. As I go inside I turn around and wave at Moody, he looks back and does the same. 

Once Moody is gone from my vision I close the door, my aunt coming downstairs. "I knew I heard you, how was school?" my aunt questioned. 

"It was fine, thank you for cleaning my dish and sorry for not waking up sooner, earlier." I apologize while taking my coat, scarf, and hat off. "Call me when supper is done, I'm going to study" I  said after putting my coat on the rack. 

Making my way to my room I close my door and let out a loud sigh. I walked to my desk and took out my study books and such. But I could not study, my mind was on the notice board. So I got up and made my way to the front door.

"I'm going out for a bit, I'll be back before supper I promise" I shouted at my aunt in which I received a reply from. I makes my way to the school and go up to the 'take notice' board. I put up a notice and make my way back home.

"Just in time for supper" my aunt says with a smile while putting the food down on the dinning room table. I just smile back and put my coat up. 

"So where was your short adventure?" my aunt questioned. 

"The 'take notice' board is back, it's a board in which you take notice in someone." I replied, in return my aunt gave me an understood look.

"So Ansley dear, was your trip to take notice on someone?" I just nodded with a smile while eating. 

"Thank you for supper" I thanked, while washing my dishes, "I'm going to bed now, goodnight." I make way to my room and get changed and go to sleep for the next day.