Empty

 I don't know why I left the meeting. I don't know why I'm on my way to check on Cargo-Pants, who I think is named Ada. I don't know what I'm trying to do nor why I'm on my way to see my classroom neighbor, but I am too far down the hallway to be able to stop myself.

She left so abruptly during the meeting and I can't help but wonder why. The principal welcomed someone named Ada back celebrating no injuries or deaths, but why would she announce that? This didn't sit right with me. People are allowed to have personal issues, so why would this woman be so demeaning towards Ada? Also, why did Cargo-Pants leave after this happened? Is she Ada?

I had too many questions about her and I couldn't sit through another two painful hours of this rude woman talking about stuff that does not pertain to me. Specials teachers never have anything to do with any of the data, we're on our own island at schools.

I finally stop walking once I reach her room. I look through the little window in the classroom door. I see her at the teacher desk with her head down. Don't do it, Chris, don't- I knock. Shit. Instant regret comes over me and I begin panicking.

She immediately jumps and lifts her head to check the door. She's crying. She motions for me to come in as she turns around to probably wipe away tears. I slowly open her door and step in.

"Hey!" She somehow makes her voice sound so happy during a clearly miserable time.

"Hi..." I'm silently regretting my decision to come in. She needs alone time, "you okay?" I ask. I look at her face which is trying so hard to hide the sadness. The more I look at her, the more I notice her beauty. Her deep hazel eyes look gray right now and her sleek hair is pulled back which reveals her face. Her lips are small, yet plump. Her chin has a small scar and her cheeks look incredibly smooth and I'm suddenly fighting the desire to touch them. She's wearing minimal makeup, which her tears have removed from her eyes. She's not breathtaking like Laila is- she's heart-stopping.

"Yep, just issues with my contacts. No worries." She's lying. "Um, what's up?" I hear the confusion in her voice. I didn't think this situation through well enough to figure out a cover for why I strangely followed her to her classroom.

"Uh," I begin. "I was hoping you can point me to the faculty bathroom?" She smiles. She smiled.

"It's literally across the hall from your office," she says, letting out a little laugh. Chris, you are an idiot.

"Got it- thank you so much. I don't know how I didn't notice it." I'm lying, I did notice it. I'm just being a stalker and finding excuses to talk to her. Of course, though, she knows I'm lying. She knows. I start laughing awkwardly and walking backwards.

"Watch out-" she says, but it's too late. I'm already bumping into one of the tables. She covers her mouth hiding her laughter. She's laughing. "Are you..." she begins, but lets out a chuckle "are you okay?" I quickly realigned the table I just moved with my clumsiness.

"Yeah, I'm so sorry." I turn around and start walking towards the door. I stop in my tracks and turn around again. "I'm Chris Dalton, by the way."

"I know," she smiles again, "Ada Zabala," She says putting her hand on her small chest.

I turn back around and reach my hand out to open the door when I hear a subtle, "thank you" come out of Ada's mouth. I smile and leave the classroom.

Even though I just made a complete fool of myself, I can't help but feel so satisfied that I followed Cargo-Pants, I mean, Ada, to her room. I just met her, but I already know that she has a story. Perhaps, stories. I don't know what they are and I don't care how intense they are, I need to learn about her stories. I need to know who she is underneath her petite cargo-pant-wearing figure.

Too bad she's not my type, otherwise I'd like to learn more about what's underneath her cargo-pants.