chapter 15

You've Got The Love- Florence + The Machine

Enjoy!

The next few weeks leading up to my trip to England were strange. Xavier continued to follow me around and we actually engaged in some talks. Surprisingly, I got to know him a bit better.

I can almost tolerate him now. He still drives me insane at times but sometimes, I can have a good laugh with him. Its weird how well we can get on when we aren't fighting, we can act like we've known each other for years. Even though, in truth, its only been a few weeks.

However, Stacy has been a pain. So far, she's been doing small things to make my life hell. Whenever Xavier isn't around, either her or one of her minions will take it into their own hands to destroy me. For example, two days ago when she had somehow managed to get ahold of my homework. She had torn it up and chucked it in the bin. The result was me having a thirty-minute detention.

Even in the hallways when I'm alone, if I passed someone who followed her, I'd either get pushed or would have my stuff thrown on the ground and trampled on. I should be grateful really that she hasn't done anything extreme yet but I have a feeling that all of this is building up to something great. Like its a taster of the greatest revenge plot ever.

God help me when that happens.

On to Cora, after I gave her a speech about taking a risk, she hasn't done a thing. I know she's nervous about all of this since she has never experienced anything like this before but she needs to go for it. I haven't approached her about Derek yet but if she doesn't do anything before I go away for the trip, then I'm going to have to speak to her.

Even Ren wants her to grow some balls and ask him but she doesn't know how to tell Cora it. The relationship they have puts Ren off -- she thinks Cora won't listen to her because apparently, Cora doesn't trust her.

Sometimes I wish I could bash both of their heads together and show them just how much they actually care for each other.

But because I'm a  nice friend, I won't do that.

"Hey, sunshine." Xavier greets me with a smirk. I roll my eyes, slamming my locker shut.

"Don't call me that, it makes me want to puke." I pretend to puke for extra effect; he justs laughs. It makes me want to smack him on the head with my textbook. Perhaps it will revive some of his dead brain cells.

"Aww, why not? I like that name." He pouts, his plump red lips sticking out, cutely?

Oh god, what's happening to me?

"Well, I don't." I reply with a huff and start walking to my next lesson. And of course, he follows me like a lost puppy.

My eyes dart around the hallways to see if I can find Cora or Ren but it appears they haven't arrived yet. Recently I haven't seen much of Ren because she's been busy rehearsing. Her bug performance is in a couple of weeks so she has to practice more often. I can tell she's really excited about it; I can't wait to see her perform.

Whilst on the subject of extracurricular activities, I still haven't been to cheer practice. The coach said that she wants to wait until my rib has completely healed which means that I have to wait until after the England trip. I'm going to have to stay behind extra hours to practice the routine. Luckily, the coach likes me so she will help me.

I'm dreading having to practice with Stacy again. Hopefully, the coach changed the grounders so that none of Stacy's minions will be catching me.

I have a feeling Stacy wants me completely gone from the team but, even though she's the captain, she doesn't have the power to kick me off.

I don't know what I would do if I was thrown off of the team. Cheerleading is my life.

As we continue to walk down the hallway, I pass a very pissed off looking Stacy. The cold glare she sends me is enough to make me want to bury myself six feet under.

Not kidding.

Xavier follows my line of sight and nearly growls when he sees the look Stacy is giving me. He mutters something to himself and runs a hand through his silky hair. His grey eyes glance at me, uncertainty clear as day in them and then stomps off to Stacy.

Curiously, I watch them exchange words -- when I say that I mean I watch Xavier threaten Stacy, whilst she cowers in fear.

Its quite satisfying seeing her being put in her place; I wish I had a camera so that I could document this moment.

After several more minutes, Xavier comes back over to me. His eyes look irritated yet his outward appearance appears calm. How he manages to pull that off is a mystery to me.

"If she even comes close to you Annabella, you tell me. Okay?" Xavier asks, narrowing his eyes to add effect.

I shake my head and cross my arms. "I don't need anyone to fight my battles. If she comes near me then I will deal with her. Okay?"

Xavier gives me a frustrated look and tugs on his hair. "Why are you so stubborn?"

I shrug, a smile threatening to make its way on my face. "I just am." I nonchalantly say.

Then I continue to walk down to my lesson, faintly hearing Xavier behind me.

"Annabella, I'm serious." Xavier seriously says. "That girl is trouble and she's batshit crazy."

I roll my eyes, very much aware of that.

"Really? No freaking kidding." I sarcastically say, stepping into the class.

Xavier raises an eyebrow. "Sarcasm? I thought you were more mature than that."

"Did you know that sarcastic people are smart people." I smirk as he gives me a 'WTF' look.

"What? I'm telling the truth." I grin, holding my hands up in defense.

"Where on Earth did you hear that?" He asks.

I shrug, frowning as I try to remember. "Google, I think."

"Well, for future reference, I think you should stop believing everything you read on the internet." Xavier tells me.

"Nah, the internet is my life. I don't know what I would do without it." I truthfully say, knowing I would literally die without Netflix or Youtube. Its sad but true.

"Wow, just wow." Xavier mumbles, shaking his head in disappointment. Aww, whatever standards he thought I had has just gone.

"Perhaps on your trip to London, you'll discover something better. Hey, you might even have an epiphany." Xavier declares.

I roll my eyes. I very much doubt that happening.

"The sooner I get away from you the better." I mutter, looking down. I hope he didn't hear what I said otherwise I'm toast. Or worse, he teases me for talking to myself. Its a habit that I've been doing for a long time now.

Knowing Xavier, he would probably make a joke by saying something like: the first sign of madness is talking to yourself. Do you know what the second sign is?

Man, I really want an excuse to punch Xavier in the face.

"You know what Xavier? I'm good." I claim, sitting back in my chair. Where is this goddamn teacher? Why are they always late?

"You know what Annabella?" Xavier mimics, just to annoy me. "I don't think you are good."

"Oh really? And how did you come to that conclusion?"

Xavier pauses for a few seconds, thinking of an answer. I start to daydream whilst he does that, my mind taking me to my warm and comfy bed with my favorite TV show.

"Because for starters, you haven't even noticed the teacher has asked us to read pages sixty to sixty-five." He smirks at my shocked expression. Shit! I didn't notice a thing. Hopefully, nobody noticed me otherwise that would have been really embarrassing. "Oh, and you talk to yourself."

Great, he noticed that. Well done Annabella, well done.

I get my book out and start reading. Halfway through, bored, I glance at Xavier to see he still has a triumphant, cocky smile on his face.

How I wished to wipe it clean off of his face. Now that would make my day.

"Its okay Princess, if you don't have find help in England, I know a great psychiatrist here." He arrogantly smirks, his eyes glistening with pride at his response. He chuckles at my expression, whilst my jaw nearly hits the desk.

Narcasistic, arrogant, no good for anything playboy.

Word count: 1547

Okay, so I don't think this chapter went well but who knows? If you did like it, then comment and tell me.

So the England trip will be soon, in a couple of chapters. I just have to set something up before.

Next update: 2nd January

Oh, and please...