Chapter 8: ♛𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐱♛

The next day I sat at lunch with Savannah. I had just grabbed my food and she waved me over.

I glanced around the canteen and noticed the four boys at their usual table. I also noticed Savannah side glance me, raising her eyebrows as she followed my gaze.

"So..." She took a slip of her coffee. "Rumour has it that you spent some quality time with the golden boys after school yesterday,' she waggled her eyebrows, taking more sips of her coffee. I froze with my sandwich in my hand, mouth gaping. I think my eyes nearly fell out of their sockets.

How does she know that? How does anyone know that? Perks of being the new girl.

"Ah, so that's why I've been given more glares than usual today." I squinted, awkwardly tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Savannah squealed excitedly. This girl-

"So it's true! Tell me EVERYTHING!" She practically bounced in her seat, practically downing her coffee. I reached out and took it from her hands.

"Easy on the coffee. And don't shout!! I really don't want the whole squad of fan girls planning ways to kill me," I ushered. But seriously, literally every girl was giving me the evils. "But, it's really no big deal. We ended up having detention together for a couple of hours and that was it." I also went to McDonalds with them after, but I decided to leave that out so Savannah wouldn't faint on the spot. Speaking of, we all actually got on really well. Well, Xavier the twins and I. Jameson spoke to me a few times but not that much. Savannah's eyes grew to the size of saucers.

"What are they like? Are they all super hot? Ooo did you talk to them?!" She focused all of her attention on me. I couldn't help laughing a little.

"Yes, I spoke to them." I rolled my eyes. "I already knew Xavier and the twins from class, but Jameson..." I thought back to our awkward encounter. He wasn't a bad guy, that I know of, but he also was very closed off. He made that clear to me. We respected each-other, but we're far from friends.

"YOU SIT WITH THEM IN CLASS!!" Savannah screamed, fanning her face. I slapped a hand over her mouth so she couldn't embarrass me in-front of the whole school. A couple of girls turned around to look at us, sending Savannah a smile and then glaring at me. I rolled my eyes. Jeesh.

"Sorry!" She half whisper shouted. "But they don't let ANYONE sit with them." She squealed.

"Huh," I thought back to my lessons with them. "I'm sure that's not true-" I protested, but deep down I was vaguely aware that they ignored most people.

I mean, Jameson is literally a freaking Prince.

Savannah signed, almost in a daydream. I almost jumped when she suddenly straightened her poster, eyes wide and alert, as she suddenly became very interested in her food. I furrowed my brows in confusion and was just about to ask if she was okay when...

"Excuse me, it's Clara right?" A high pitched squeal sounded in-front of me, and I looked up to see a girl with bleached blonde hair who wore way to much makeup for her face. Two minions, one with blonde hair and the other a light brown, shadowed her movements. Ah, the mean girls. Well, that's the vibe I have gathered so far. But why were they here, talking to me? I plastered on a small polite smile.

"It is." I replied politely. I took a sip of my Fanta. She gave me a fake smile which immediately dropped as she suddenly placed her hands of her hips and squinted at me.

"Well," She smugly flipped her hair behind her shoulder. "I'll just let you in on a little secret. Those boys-" She very over dramatically waved to them. I followed her gaze to see Xavier looking our way, well he was looking between me, and whoever this girl is, with a frown. He lent over to Thomas, who sat beside him and whispered something to him. Thomas looked our way and rolled his eyes when he noticed the bleached blonde girl. I chocked on my Fanta when they ignored her and smiled at me instead. Uh oh.

She huffed and turned back to face me. "Listen here, Clara. I run this school, and those boys are mine so back off." She scrunched her nose at me. I simple ate some chocolate from my lunch tray, feeling uncomfortable. She turned to her minions. "Girls, let's go. Our work is done here." And with that, they all creepily turned at the same time and marched back to their big table surrounded with people, swaying their hips over dramatically as they went. Do they need a red carpet and some music?

"Well that was weird. Who was that?" I turned to Savannah, who now seemed perfectly fine.

"Ohh, that's Ruby. She's the most popular girl in school." She stated quietly. I could tell that Ruby intimidated her. I frowned.

"What's her problem?" I rolled my eyes.

"It's easy. Your the new girl, already a potential threat to her precious 'status', the golden boys have spoken to you. Your a threat to her popularity." She rushed out. Wow. I guess that makes sense. But I didn't even do anything. And I'm defiantly not putting up with her 'little miss queen attitude.' No way. I simply nodded in response.

The end of lunch bell was never more welcome at that moment in time. I said goodbye to Savannah, and tried to find my way to my next lesson...

Calculus. Yay. Note the sarcasm. I suck at math.

I tried following the signs, but ended getting lost twice before I finally found the right classroom.

I heard the teacher lecturing at the front. Great. I'm late. It's totally fine. Just quietly walk in unnoticed and it will be fine. Right?

Oh was I wrong. I rolled my eyes as I noticed Ruby sitting at the front, with a smug look plastered on her face as everyone very noticeably watched me stumble into the classroom late.

I scanned the class for an empty seat, and boy was karma not on my side today. The only seat left was next to the one and only Jameson, who sat with a bored expression at the back of the class. I huffed in annoyance, but the reaction that Ruby had when realisation clicked where I was going cheered me up.

Haha.

I quickly made my way to the seat to the left of Jameson and quietly got my things out, very aware that Jameson was watching my every move. Ruby turned around from the front to look me dead in the eye.

Seriously? The teacher noticed.

"Ruby, is there something Miss Rose can help you with?" He asked with a sigh. Shocked, she quickly turned back to the front and put on her sweetest voice. How fake.

"No of course not. I was just disrupted from my learning by her late appearance. I mean, all she needs to do is turn up on time." She pouted innocently, batting her huge eyelashes that I'm surprised haven't stretched her eyelids from the heaviness. The teacher nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes. Miss Rose, I will let it slide today as your new here. But next time make sure you arrive on time please." He warned me. Fantastic.

"Will do." I frowned, leaning back in my seat. So much for a quiet unnoticed entrance.

I had only sat here for a minute and the lesson already felt like hours long. The teacher immediately handed out work sheets that had to be completed during class and finished after school. So off to work we went.

I stared at the equations. They literally are so difficult for no reason. I mean seriously, why so many letters and numbers? Ugh, my brain.

Subtly, I sneaked a glance to my right to find Jameson lazily leaning on the desk with his arms folded, looking out of the window. And I've got to say, his jawline-

Stop it Clara.

I mentally shook myself. But despite myself, I found my gaze looking at him again. His hair was in its usual wavy mess, his dazzling eyes bright and his lips rosy. I wondered why he decided to stay at school when he was the Prince. Surely he would rather be doing something more exciting. I continued to stare at him, furrowing my brows as I tried to figure him out. Why was he so cold to everyone? Why-

"Do you need a photograph? It will last longer." He sarcastically stated, making me jump out of my gaze. I felt my cheeks instantly warm slightly.

"Nope." I replied lamely. Way to go. I quickly collected myself. "I was just zoned out. Happens a lot. Especially in math." I shrugged. It wasn't a complete lie, but I wasn't going to tell him that I was admiring his features. And to be fair, I do have a habit of zoning out a lot. Mainly due to the amount of times I had to zone out when my father got angry. When he shouted. Over time, you learn to tune it all out, but I seem to have a habit of doing it quite a lot now. But that's a story for another time.

Jameson let out a small laugh. "If you say so princess." He spun the sleek black ring on his thumb in an almost subconscious manner.

I folded my arms stubbornly. "Don't call me princess."

"Why not?" Piercing green eyes clashed to mine, so magnetic that I struggled to breathe.

"Because I said so."

"And if I don't?" He leant back in his chair, crossing his muscular arms as a lazy smile played on his lips. I tried not to stare at his biceps.

I raised my brows at his challenging expression.

"Then...then-" I sat there, trying to come up with a good comeback. Nothing. Of course. And just to add the cherry on top, I bet later the perfect response will pop into my head. Happens every time. Jameson rolled his eyes, a small smirk on his face.

"Princess it is, then."  I almost didn't hear his deep mutter as he turned back to the front, his smug smile still dancing on his lips, his thumb still spinning his ring. His face immediately dropped as he returned back to his usual self as he caught someone looking over here. I followed his gaze to see Ruby being nosey. Of course she decides to when the teacher left the room to print more sheets.

Of course. Let's make this lesson a little more interesting shall we?

"Hey Ruby, admiring the view?" I called, with a smirk on my face. She looked ready to kill. The pure hatred on her face as she glared from me to Jameson almost made me back down, but then I remembered that someone needs to put her in her place. And I sure as hell was going to be that someone. Jameson leaned closer to me so only I could hear what he was saying.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." He kept his gaze cold on Ruby, daring her to speak again. I ignored him.

Ruby fake smiled, again.

"Oh your funny aren't you? Ladies and gentlemen we have a school clown. Funny, name even suits the appearance." She looked me up and down in disgust, her lips curling into a sneer as the class let out a little laugh at her pathetic comment. My hands curled into fists. Who does she think she is? I refused to let my cheeks heat from anger, but I feel like they already have.

"Need any help yet?" Jameson murmured, his gaze flickering to me.

"Nope, I can deal with this." I turned down his offer. Letting out a heavy sign, I decided to rest my head in my hands as my elbows leant against the desk. What? I was tried.

"Real mature Ruby. Real mature." I sighed. My mind raced back to all of the dark memories when I was struggling with my body confidence. Part of me wanted to believe what she said. Part of me did believe it.

What am I doing? Snap out of it Clara. You are not falling back into that dark hole in your life. Not again.

I looked around to find many people giving me a pity look as if I was crazy for backchatting too Ruby. Others looked amused. Ruby's face turned into a sneer. Oh no.

"You clearly just don't get it do you?" She snarled. Faster than I could even think, she flipped her yellow hair behind her smugly and confidently strode over to me.

"Yes Ruby?" I asked, tired. I didn't notice the Starbucks frappe in her hands.

"Oh nothing, just needed a trash can." My eyes widened as something cold was thrown over me. I gasped as she stood there pouring her frappe all over my head. Laughter erupted around the class. I didn't dare look at Jameson, who I knew was wearing a 'I told you so' look. Oh she is messing with the wrong girl-

Deep breaths Clara.

I tried to repeat the words over in my head, but my pure hatred for her in that moment was screaming at me to fight back. Hands shaking, I was about to actually rip her fake eyelashes out when suddenly a hand gently wrapped around my wrists, stilling my shaking ones. I looked at Jameson, bewildered. His hand was smooth yet rough against mine, and made my hands look tiny compared to his. He frowned.

"Let's go." He left no room for arguing. He stood abruptly, pulling me with him as he guided me out of the classroom. Ruby, stood rooted on the spot, more shocked than me, as we left and headed down the hallway.

We walked through the corridors in silence as I scrunched up my face at all of the frappe in my hair and on my blazer. After about five minutes, Jameson broke the silence.

"You should have let me handle it." He mumbled, staring straight head.

"I had it under control." I retorted, crossing my arms defensively. His gaze flicked to my hair.

"Clearly." His lips quirked into a smile.

"Don't laugh!" I lightly smacked his chest when I saw the corners of his lips lift. He held his hands up in surrender. I pouted at him, annoyed, and sped up down the corridor. It only took him two strides to catch back up with me.

"Okay, I'm sorry." He grinned. "We'll just fine the nearest bathroom so you can clean that up." He gestured to my hair and blazer that still dripped with frappe. I snorted. "I should have a spare hoodie in my locker you can change into."

Why was he being so nice to me? I was expecting him to just stay in the classroom.

"Thank you." I whispered, spotting the girls bathroom at the end of the hall.

——-♛——-

I stared at myself in the mirror in the girls bathroom. I had somehow managed to rinse out all of the frappe from my hair, and used the hand dryer on the wall to dry it.

Jameson had handed me his jumper once he came back from his locker. It was a simple black hoodie, and due to his height, it came down to just above the trim of my school skirt. I tried not to focus on the fact that it smelt really good from his strong cologne.

I threw my blazer into a plastic carrier bag and stuffed it into my rucksack. Quickly, I grabbed my emergency lipgloss and applied some, just so I didn't look like a mess. Happy with my reflection and content that I didn't look like a girl who had just had a whole drink thrown over her, I pushed open the girls bathroom door to exit.

Jameson stood leaning again the wall, distracted by something on his phone. His green gaze locked on mine as I approached him, his gaze staring at his hoodie I was now wearing as he took in my appearance. I fiddle with the sleeves awkwardly.

"What?" I asked quietly as I felt heat rush to my cheeks. He gaze flicked back to my eyes.

"Nothing." He mumbled. The loud ringing of the bell signalled the end of the lesson. Few, time for lunch.

We both silently made our way to the cafeteria. I could practically feel his gaze burning into the back of my head the whole way.

——-♛——-

Loud chatter erupted all around us as we joined the back of the lunch que. I fiddled with the strings of Jameson's hoodie as we waited for the others to arrive. Perfectly on time, they strode into the canteen, spotted us and walked over. All three gave me confused looks as they saw me in Jamesons hoodie.

"Heyy guys..." Xavier dragged out his words, eying us suspiciously as they all joined the que behind us.

"Hey." Jameson and I spoke simultaneously. Xavier looked at me skeptically.

"You hair smells like mint-" he wrinkled his nose, sniffing my hair again to which I swatted him away. Jameson coughed to try and cover up his laugh which earned him a glare from me and he immediately stopped.

"Long story." I huffed, still fiddling with the strings of the hoodie. "That involves Ruby and her lovely frappe." I mumbled, still disgusted from the amount of milkshake in my hair.

"Is that the reason your wearing Jamie's hoodie?" He wriggled his brows, nudging my arm. I raised my brows at him and folded my arms in defence. Jameson scoffed.

"She's wearing my hoodie idiot because her blazer got soaked." He rolled his eyes as I nodded, still feeling embarrassed about that whole situation. Suddenly the twins joined in, resting their arms on either side of my shoulder.

"Tom, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Grayson raised his brows at Thomas, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

"I think I am," a slow smile spread across his face. I looked between them suspiciously. Jameson rubbed his temples, clearly tired.

"What is it this time..." he sighed. Thomas had a proud smirk on his face.

"Well Jamie, I'm glad you asked." He rubbed his hands together evilly.

"Revenge." They both stated at the same time. Xavier now mirrored the same smirk on their faces.

"I like it." He grinned. I looked at Jameson, confusion and concern in my eyes. He locked eyes with me, sending a shiver down my spine as he shook his head slowly, a small smirk growing on his lips.  Well, this couldn't be good.

——-♛——-

This chapter was a little longer than the others. Let me know what you think.

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