Shameless Chapter Nine

I look up at the clock on the faded blue wall. My tired eyes follow the hands as they slowly circle the clock. I know I should be concentrating on my school work, but my mind continues to wander to my mother. Why did she even come back? Why does she think I’ll forgive her? Suddenly there is a loud crack in the classroom.

“Clara! I suggest you pay attention. We both know how much you can’t afford to get another low grade this year," Mr. Rodgers barks. My cheeks burn red.  I know I can’t afford a low grade. But I also know I can’t pay attention. Not in this life. I’m just about to start working when the hairs on my neck rise. I turn my head to see Jonah Richards staring straight at me. I turn away quickly. Start on my work.

But as the day goes on, I can still feel his giant emerald eyes staring straight at me.

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I stare at my sneakers, one dirty shoelace untying, and a sole slowly beginning to pry off. I'm the only one outside the school. I'm not ready to go to the Switched House. Not yet. What are you talking about, Clara? You'll never be ready. It's your mother, for crying out loud. For once, the Voice is right. I won't ever be ready to look at the woman I once called mother.

"What are you doing?" A voice calls. Soft. Somewhat shy. I turn my head and see Jonah heading towards me, his backpack slung over one shoulder, his brownish-black hair disheveled. My cheeks burn. I probably look like a moron, just sitting here alone, staring evil daggers at my shoes.

"Just um...enjoying the scenery, I guess." Jonah sits down beside me, I don't know whether to be stunned or happy. "Shouldn't you be home, or something?" Jonah's flaring blue eyes stare intently at me.

I look down at my sneakers again. "I'm not quite sure where home is, actually," I mumble, barely audible. "What?" Jonah asks. I smile a little, looking down, "Nothing."

Jonah stretches his arms, and stands up. "Need a ride?" No. "Yes." Wait...what? Jonah waves his hand, and smiles, "Follow me, then." I stand up and walk behind him. The parking lot is empty, except for a few lingering cars from the teachers, working late, hunching over stacks of papers.

Jonah stops at a beaten up truck, and opens the door. I climb in the other side and sit down. "Thanks," I say, "I probably would have sat there all night, if you hadn't shown up." Jonah looks at me, "Why didn't you have your parents pick you up?"

I look away, and stare out the window. "I'm....I'm in the Switched program," I whisper. I hear Jonah stiffen, "Oh."

Jonah scratches his head awkwardly, and then gives me a shy smile, "I don't really know what to do with you then, Clare."

An idea forms in my brain, and I can't help but brighten a bit.

I look over at him, and he must notice my excitement because his eyebrows raise.

"Do you know where Kerewood Road is?"

Reviews

[Horizon K.]

Sensing a budding romance? I also had the confusion about the eye color. The Junction between the previous chapter and this one seems a bit incomplete since she headed home to take care of business, but then the next chapter she is at school.

[Belinda]

Ok, I guess my only question is, what color is jonahs eyes? blue or green. cause you use :
"But as the day goes on, I can still feel his giant emerald eyes staring straight at me." Which makes me think they are green. but then you say:
"Jonah's flaring blue eyes stare intently at me." So.. which is it? Cause, I must know. the story DEPENDS on it. HAHAHA!

[Emma Marie Taylor]

lol i noticed that after I posted it, but didn't get around to fixing it. His eyes are more like an icey blue with green flecks in them, but I haven't gotten quite a close up detail of him in a chapter yet, but the next one most likely will. Let's just say...it will be....interesting:) MAHAHAHAHA

[The Fallen]

Another amaizng chapter :)

[Emma Marie Taylor]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!