More than Friends - Monica Murphy by Monica Murphy Read Free Book Online Page B

with all the what ifs spiraling through my head.

I walk into English like I’m about to face a firing squad. Slow and reluctant and ready to duck and run at the first opportunity. The relief that hits me when I realize Tuttle isn’t in the classroom almost makes me sag to the floor, I’m so grateful. I fall into my chair, drop my backpack at my feet and smile at Mrs. Meyer when she makes her appearance at the front of the class.
    The next fifty minutes should pass fairly easy without Tuttle around to distract me. When the bell rings, Mrs. Meyer immediately starts talking about our group projects.
    “Okay, guys, this is going to be so much fun! Here’s what we’re going to do. I want each of you to create diary entries in the voice of famous literature characters,” she explains. “These characters need to have an established relationship. Whether it’s mother and son, close friends, bitter enemies, or even lovers. ”
    And with that last word, all the boys go, “Ooooh.”
    They’re so mature.
    “I want you to really get into the feelings these characters are experiencing. Their deepest, darkest thoughts and secrets, I want to see it all on the page. I don’t want to influence your choices, but I’d love to see a variety of relationships portrayed.” Mrs. Meyer starts passing out a sheet of paper to each of us. “This is a list of famous literary characters for inspiration. You can choose someone from the list, or you can come up with your own. I just need to approve each couple first before you can proceed with the project.”
    Great. My partner isn’t even here. How are we going to choose our characters? Maybe I could do it on my own and not even give Tuttle the choice. He’d deserve it for not showing up today.
    I glance over the list, smiling when I see Moby Dick and Captain Ahab.
    “Do you seriously want us to write diary entries in the point of view of a whale?” someone asks incredulously.
    Mrs. Meyer laughs. “I thought it might be interesting.”
    My gaze snags on one particular couple and I bite my lower lip, contemplating the idea.
    Romeo and Juliet.
    Star-crossed lovers at their finest. A tale of passion and sadness and lust and loyalty and, overall, young, tragic love. That could be...exciting. But would it be smart to work on a romantic project with Tuttle? Or would that only end up driving me crazy?
    The classroom door suddenly opens, and I know it’s him. I can literally feel his eyes on me, seeking me out.
    “Ah, Mr. Tuttle. So glad you decided to join us today,” Mrs. Meyer says, not a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “Please sit down.”
    I want to look back at him. I want to ask him where he’s been. But I can’t. I don’t have the right. Plus, I don’t want to give him the satisfaction. Instead I stare straight ahead, trying my best to calm my nerves because I know what’s coming next.
    “All right everyone, get together with your partner and discuss who you want as your couple. You’ll need to run your choice by me before you can start, so make sure you let me know who you’re going to use. No one can have the same couple, so the results will be varied.” She rubs her hands together, looking pleased. “This is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait!”
    Within minutes everyone’s rearranged themselves and we’re all sitting with our group partners, including Tuttle and me. He settles into the empty desk next to mine, his gaze sweeping over me, taking in every detail, and I practically squirm in my seat, the longer he studies me.
    “Cute outfit,” he finally drawls, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.
    “Are you just saying that?” I don’t look cute. I look sloppy and comfortable. The longer the day goes, the more comfortable I look too. I’m kind of a wreck, but I don’t care. “I know I look like I just rolled out of bed.”
    “Well, you just kicked my imagination into overdrive.”
    “Stop.” I shove at his rock hard shoulder, but it’s like trying to