Forgotten Secrets | (Part 1)✔️

Chapter 10

The next day, when Sterling and I entered the school together, laughing and chatting, it was clear we were the centre of attention. Our classmates stared at us, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity. They seemed to struggle to comprehend what they were seeing, their conversations faltering as we walked by.

"You... Him... How... When...?" one student finally managed to stammer, looking completely bewildered.

Sterling and I exchanged amused glances before breaking into laughter. The unexpected reactions were too funny to ignore. As we continued down the hallway, I noticed Zander leaning against a locker, observing us with a smirk.

"Well, this is new," he commented, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Yeah, we're full of surprises," I replied, grinning back at him.

Sterling and I headed to our next class together, the initial shock of our classmates slowly giving way to the usual hustle and bustle of the school day. As we walked, I couldn't help but think about how Sterling had recently enrolled in all advanced classes. He really was quite the academic, and I found myself respecting his dedication.

When we entered the classroom, there was a brief pause in conversation as our classmates noticed us. But soon, the room filled with the usual chatter and the hum of preparation for the day's lessons. Sterling and I took our seats, ready to focus on our studies.

As the class began, I felt a sense of ease and contentment. Despite the initial surprise of our classmates, the new dynamic between Sterling and me felt natural and right. I looked forward to seeing how this unexpected friendship would grow and develop over time.

I totally forgot about Justin; his face showed a bit of disappointment before it was quickly replaced with a wide smile. He sat next to me, and now I found myself sandwiched between Sterling and Justin. The classroom was abuzz with chatter, but it quickly fell silent as soon as our grumpy teacher entered the room. Not wanting to get into trouble, I quietly started solving the questions on my worksheet. Justin, seated on my other side, did the same, his pencil scratching methodically against the paper.

However, Sterling had different ideas. He seemed determined to get my attention, repeatedly poking me with his pencil. I tried my best to ignore it, focusing on the equations in front of me.

Poke.

I shifted slightly, hoping he'd get the hint and stop.

Poke.

My grip on the pencil tightened, and I took a deep breath, still trying to maintain my composure.

Poke.

The irritation was building, but I kept my eyes on my work, refusing to give in.

Poke—

Finally, having reached my limit, I turned to him and whisper-yelled, "What?"

Sterling looked at me with wide, innocent eyes. "Do you pour milk in your cereal or cereal in your milk?" he asked, completely serious.

I gave him a hard glare, incredulous that he had disturbed me for such a trivial question. "Seriously?" I mouthed, flipping him off before turning back to my work.

Justin stifled a laugh beside me, clearly amused by the exchange. I focused on my worksheet again, determined to ignore Sterling's antics and get through the class without further disruptions.

The teacher noticed Sterling laughing so he deviously smiled "So, Mr. Johnson since you are having so much fun in my class and I'm the one tolerating your tantrums, can you please do us a pleasure and answer the question that is now written on the board?"

Sterling didn't even look at the question before answering wearily as he twirled the pencil between his fingers "the answer is 2556.723, Sir and I already know what you're teaching. Also, it's us who are tolerating you." he winked. The class busted out laughing, even I couldn't hold myself. "Ms. Woods, I would like to see you laughing when I grade that presentation of yours, when are you submitting it again?" he asks me as he sees me laughing. I quickly sober up before answering "uh... how about never?" the class again laughs at this. We watch as the face of the teacher changes color from pale to red to blue to purple before he yells out "DETENTION After school!!! Ms. Woods and Mr. Johnson." We ignore him as Sterling and I high-five each other.

"I pour cereal in my milk though" answering his previous question as I put my books back into my locker before shutting it and facing Sterling.

He gasps as he places a hand over his heart "I feel like I don't even know you, you're supposed to pour milk in your cereal not the other way round" he dramatically wipes his tear. We bicker back and forth as we walk to the cafeteria. I finally huff "I'm done talking to you" he looks over to me with a glare "Fine. Cause I'm through listening."

Fine" we together huff out as we sit with our friends now facing our backs to each other. Everyone looked confused "Weren't you just laughing with him in the morning?" Olivia asked, confused.

"He pours milk into his cereal, besides it's a complicated relationship."

She pours cereal into her milk, besides it's a complicated relationship." We say together before turning and glaring at each other but busting out laughing.

Our friends look at us weirdly, before shaking their heads at us and turning back to their lunch.

We shrug at them before continuing eating.

"Hey! are you free after school? We could go to the café together after school if you are?" Katelyn asks me, gathering all our friends' attention.

"I can't. Have my first detention after school, ditched last time can't do it again." I say.

The rest of the day goes by quickly, so here I am sitting in detention with Sterling. He casually plays with my hair as the teacher lectures us. After a few minutes, he finally locks us in the class from outside. We sit five minutes before Sterling says "You wanna ditch and go for ice cream?" My ears perk up at the word ice cream "extra topping?"

He nods. I squeal, laughing at my eagerness we jump out of the back window without grabbing anyone's attention. And that my friend is how I skipped my second detention too. Well technically first because I didn't even come here in the first one.