The Dating Game

Chapter Sixteen

Juliet

The intercom to the school was sounding.

The headmaster had never used it before – it was installed in the summer – but now he is. There was a drumming sound at the beginning, banging its way into everyone's heads before the headmaster finally spoke out.

"We realise school does not end for another few hours. However, the rain has progressed and will not cease any time soon. Many places are beginning to get flood warnings so the school is closing. We want everyone to get in contact with their parents or guardians to pick them up immediately if possible. For those who walk home, you are free to go. Anyone else, if you are unable to get home just yet, please congregate inside the lunch hall. Thank you for your time, and we hope you do all your work at home in the time being."

In Maths class, Miss Nellie was adamantly refusing to believe anything. "How could they? So thoughtless. I told them to close it before everyone came in, but no. Did they listen to my suggestion?"

Students were now rowdy. Most were shouting on their phone and asking the person on the other line to speak up. Needless to say the audibility had enhanced since the silence has currently lapsed. Miss Nellie surrendered and began packing up all of her assets into her bag, muttering a line of vulgar profanities. It seems Justin and I were the only sane ones left in Math class. Even the timid girl at the front by the door was profusely tapping away on her iPhone.

Justin was sat on the opposite side of the class, reclining back in his chair and throwing his head back. His attire would not be appropriate for walking home – his hoodie and jeans, devoid of his leather jacket that was being stowed away in my locker. He looked just as jaded and glum as I presumably did. Or maybe my presumption would be deemed wrong this time.

Slowly I got out my phone out of my coat pocket, nearly almost retrieving the café coupon in the protocol, and began texting my dad. He always kept his phone with him so hopefully he would reply fairly rapidly.

Juliet: School is closing early. Should I walk home? The rain isn't stopping or slowing.

And moments later:

Dad: No, stay right where you are. Is there a place where you can stay in the mean time?

Juliet: The lunch hall.

Dad: Stay there until I can come and get you. I've nearly finished all my work so I'm going to get off work early. Many are doing it due to the rain and they're having to pick up their children. I'll be with you as quick as I can, I promise.

Juliet: Thank you, Dad.

Then Beth and Michelle were texting me telling me the same thing: both were going home immediately and they'd see me next time in school. I replied to notify them I was staying in and they offered a lift. I declined knowing Dad would be here soon to collect me. After that, there were no more replies.

In a matter of the next few hectic minutes, students were bustling out of the class, still stuffing their possessions into their under-sized bags – in the case of the girls, I perceived – without an explanation to Miss Nellie. Although, she wasn't far behind most of them as she scurried out of the class. The corridors were just as chaotic as I would have predicted so I stayed put for the time being to let everything calm down. Most seniors would drive their car home. But not myself considering I can't drive as I have never learned.

"Hey," a male breathed, their hand on the back of my chair and their fingers grazing the lining of my coat.

Turning around, Justin was standing there. "Oh," I said, shunting my seat closer to the table so he could fit past and sit next to me. "Are you not going home?"