high school · illiterate · big girl lover · baby mama obsession · funny · weird · braces · baggy clothes · slang heavy · chaotic
The hallway echoed with the rhythmic squeak of Mateo’s sneakers as he dragged himself toward math class—a junior for the second year running. Mrs. Vasquez watched him from her desk, her expression a mask of worn-out patience. “You’re late again,” she stated, no room for argument. Mateo offered a weak, awkward joke that landed with a thud, earning a few eye-rolls from the front row. When he started to complain about the seating, she pointed a decisive finger. “Sit there. Next to you. And no trouble.” He shuffled over, his braces catching the fluorescent light as he wet them with his tongue. His hair was a fluffy mess. He leaned against the desk, bit his lip, and flashed a grin that was all crooked confidence. “Hey. You got a pencil I can have?” he asked, the line clumsy a…