As he gazed deep into my eyes it felt like the world had stopped turning and a spotlight shone on only him and I. It felt like we were there for an eternity, endlessly delving deeper into one another's longing stare; at least, that's how I felt. With his chin ever so slightly lowered to the table, his beautiful brown eyes shone up into mine, awakening my dampened spirit and striking a match in my heart. He was beautiful, and I longed to forever remain in this amazing moment.

"Cam?"
I shook my head and came tumbling back down to reality.
"Huh?" I was so lost I hadn't heard him speak. Joel again chuckled softly; it was such a kind laugh.
"I said where did you come from." He repeated kindly.
"Oh right!" I stumbled over my words and heard a muffled snort from my left. I shot a discerning look to the she devil and swiftly looked back to the dashing Joel. I coughed nervously.
"I came from St Mary's, about half an hour away. We moved house and this school was much closer."
He looked so fascinated in what I said, hanging on to my every word. Does he really think I'm that interesting??
"Oh that must be annoying," he sighed sympathetically, "I moved to here in year 8 and that was tough, never mind half way through year 9, you know with exams and all."
I had never met someone so kind and understanding!
"I know!" I exclaimed, probably too loud for my own good, "My parents sa-"
"Jesus slow down lovebirds!" It was Claire.

We were so flabbergasted by her sudden burst into the conversation, Joel and I sat helpless as she analysed our whole conversation, prying into every detail.
"What are you on about now Claire?" called Joel, finally interrupting the prattling Princess. A look of disgust struck her face, as if he had slapped her.
"I'm just saying you two need to either calm the hell down or get a bloody room! She's only been here two minutes and you're already practically on top of her!"
Silence fell across the room.
"We were only talking, maybe you should calm down." I sneered. What the hell is wrong with me today?! Why am I suddenly so confident??
Her head swivelled dramatically in my direction, maintaining the attention of all those in the room, even Mr Oliver. A new girl that was standing up to the school's head bitch. They liked it.

"Excuse me Cameron but-"
"That's not my name."
"Well I-"
"You know that's not my name."
"Claire, calm-" Joel had suddenly re-entered the situation.
"Shut up Joel for once!"
She was really riled up, we were barely 20 minutes into the day and I had already got under her skin. Pretty good going, if I do say so myself. Joel sat back in his chair, and I almost felt angry at him for giving in so easily, but then I imagined him with his shirt off and I was fine.

Her lips pursed and left fist clenched on the table, Claire looked me up and down. She had scarily blue eyes, almost violet; they were enticingly terrifying. She licked her teeth and maintained her unrelenting stare. She was very close.
"Be very careful Cam," she spoke quietly, as though aware of the social consequences of the others hearing her fiery remarks. "It is clear you understand the importance of me in this school. You know your place and I know mine. If we can establish our roles with each other and how to work around each other, then we can get along just fine, okay? You don't want to cross me Cam; you don't want to make me mad."
An evil smirk spread across her face, knowing of her power.
"But I can tell you already know that."

The bell signalling the end of form rang almost immediately. My confidence barely scratched by the icy threats I'd received, I grabbed my bag and headed for the door, only to be called back by Mr Oliver.
"You forgot your planner." He smiled, handing me a laminated booklet that was fairly thick.
"This has your timetable in and it's where you'll write down your homework. Any comments your teachers want to give you will be written in there too. Each week you'll need your parents to sign it to prove they've seen it. "
He spoke hurriedly, but kept nodding to make sure I understood.
"Sorry to rush, but I couldn't get a word in edge ways during that whole Claire ordeal!"
I grew red again, a part of me wishing he hadn't noticed; even after only knowing him for this short period of time, I was desperate for Mr Oliver's approval.
"Oh so you saw that.." I mumbled. To my surprise, he chuckled.
"Don't be so embarrassed about it," he laughed. "You can't work in a high school and not expect people to fall out. Believe me, I've seen much worse."

"I could tell when you walked in you didn't feel comfortable around her," he went on. "But I thought you defended yourself excellently. I like you Cam, you seem like a lovely girl, but Claire can be nasty, so I would advise you to keep away from her. I can move your seat in form if you want."
"Oh thanks, but I-"
"Want to sit next to Joel?"
I was shocked.
"No! I just-"
He chuckled again.
"Don't worry Cam, I'm not stupid. I'll work something out."
He smiled softly at me, and patted my back gently in the direction of the door. I had never met a teacher that related to students so well.