Apparently staying away wasn't that easy when we were forcefully paired with this stupid project. Try and do things our separate ways hadn't proved to be that good and got us a C. So as much as I wasn't that convinced, we needed to work on next one together if we wanted to improve it and I still wanted to get a chance to get the scholarship.
So here I was, trapped again in a weird situation with Brett Ryder. Will I ever be able to be rational when it comes to him?
Going to the library was like willingly entering a mortal trap. I couldn't believe I was going to head there to meet with Brett of all the people. Especially considering I first began hiding there from him and his crew. The thought of being in my 'safe place' with my bully alone made me sweat cold and felt my mouth dried.
It's alright, Alyson. Just think abut him lately, he'd been calmer right? Ever since he came back form his boarding trimester he'd still yet to openly confront me... And the whole pill thing is still too confusing to understand. Maybe that was a Jade's stunt only?
Anyway, doubt he would pull something on me now on a public place like the library... would he? Based on my own experience everything was screaming a big fat 'YES!' But again, it's not like I could avoid it if I wanted to improve my terrible mark that would for sure lowered my Economy's standarts.
Sighing I made my way there as soon as the final bell rang and everyone made their path to freedom... but not me. I was stuck with cocky soccer player. Aka my bully. Just great.
Of course, me being me, too caught up in my own thoughts I had to go and bump into someone just as I turned the last corner before the library. I gasped loudly, loosing my balance and forcefully shut my eyes waiting for the painful floor, but instead two hand caught my shoulders rather a harshly but firmly, preventing me to.
Wait what?
Hesitantly, I opened my eyes and met the dark orbs of Connor, sendidn a chill straight across my chest. My lips parted, but words failed making me blush hard at his ever persistent hate-passive look. I hadn't confront him face to face since that day on the first week back when he bluntly called me coward and I completely loose my cool over such a trutful statement. That episode still leaving a bitter taste in my mouth, hating to keep proving him right about being weak. I felt even worst when I caught the giggles of some girls beside us, mumbling something on the line 'what and inept'. Do I alway had to made a fool of myself?
Lowering my gaze in shame I stepped away from Norah's mysterious brother, regaining my balance. "I'm sorry. I wasn't looking and you came out of the blue and-"
Unbother of what I was murmuring, he pushed past me and down the hallway. I mean, did he even talk? If it wasn't for the few times I saw him said something to Norah I would seriously doubt that. I noticed a book in his hand and frowned at the thought of Connor reading or studing. For all I know he was an antisocial hoodlum that hides behind the bleachers to smoke and paint obscenities on the walls instead of actually doing productive stuff. Norah was always complaining on how would she wish he would focus on school for once. Yet, this was the second time I saw him in the library. My heart clenched at the bitter memory of out last encounter there, growing self conscious and ashamed.
I never know what he had against people... or humanity, if you ask me. Connor couldn't stand anyone, nor even trying to hide how dull and exhausting our presence was for him. The few times I'd tried to talk to him -including the flop of that tour on their first day- I'd always been met with annoyance, boredom or plain and hurtful indifference.
At least I know that with him it wasn't that he particularly hated me. Connor hated everyone. And my awkwardness only made him dread me more but I couldn't help it. Whenever I met and the awkward silence fell one us I did what I always on those cases: I ramble.
"Who would had known the guy actually got reflexes?" I immediately recognize that voice for the way it brought chills down my spine. The fact that I couldn't point out if they were out of fear or for the alluring tone only increased my uneased. Brett stepped beside me and turned from glancing Connor's retreating back to me. A half smirk was thrown my way. "You know, he looks more like the creep on the back who couldn't pick a beach ball thrown nicely."
I furrowed my brows, not liking his words and the mock on them one bit. "Don't talk about him like that."
"Why? It's true." he shrugged and my fingers crippled more around the books I clenched against my chest. It was futile talking sense to him. Such concepts as 'it's rude' didn't actually get to his skull. "Well," he pushed the library's door and held it open gesturing for me to get in with a wink. "Ladies first."
His sight and gest was awfully sweet coming from him and the part of me that still stuck in eight grade couldn't help but blush against my best intentions. Mortificated, I hurried inside head down so the hair would cover my shame but his chuckle behind me let me know he indeed had seen it. Awsome, Alyson, you finally manage to stand for yourself even a bit only to let him think he could affect you with that flirting charade... wich he wont!
I nodded politely at the librarian, whom I grown accostumate to on my now daily lunches here. Guess the feeling is mutual from the knowing look I get in retribution.
"Let's go." I heard the door closed and not even one mississippi later my heart jolted in my rib cage all over again when a hand pressed against my lower back and guided me forwards. Why did he felt like he had the right to touch me like that? It didn't exactly help the unease I felt but didn't want him to know how much it affected me. "I'm eager to start. Aren't you?" I felt his punishing smirk but keep my head down, not really looking forward to see him enjoying making me swallow my own words of not working together. "I got this feeling this will be great."
My breath hitched when I saw where he was guiding us: to the hidden table, the one behind the furthest shelves. There was where people like him ended when for some casuality they did come to the library. I wasn't going there. That table was out eye-shot from the rest of the place and was known for having on them a lot of activities but actual work.
"Uh, yeah yeah." I quickly stepped out his hold and set my belongings rather harshly in aprehension on the nearest table on our way towards there, only several feet from the last line of shelves. "I'm eager too. Let's start." and took a seat not giving him the chance to object. Uff, that was close.
Brett eyes me weirdly but took a seat as well... beside me. Ugh! Couldn't he just seat across like a normal person would? That way I wouldn't have to worry about this unwanted closeness and who his scent made my stomach flutter...
I didn't just think that.
He's my bully, for God's sake! He's here to watch me squirm.
"So," he dragged the chair closer. See? "You got any clue on what are we supposed to do here?"
He got to be kidding me. But the apologetical smile he gave me when I met his eyes told otherwise. So not only I had to work on this stupid project all over again and improved it, but also babysit his part? I sighed defeatedly, how could I ever think he would actually want to do something other than frustrate me further? His dearest pastime. I pursed my lips.
"Just... give me a moment and I'll do it. You don't have to bother waiting. I'll put your name and-"
"What?"
"What?" my brows knitted together. "I'm sure your friends will be happy to have you back earlier." I waved, silently praying he let me have an easy way out. Maybe this weekend I'd allowed myself to enjoy a bit of what could had been if he hadn't turned against me... but the thing is that he has. And this was high school. Within this walls I wasn't allowed to forget the current state our relationship was. "Just go. I'll end it properly and we'll both get a great mark."
"What are you on?" Brett frowned, eying me like I'd gone mental. "You were the one to say we have to work together."
"I know." I shrugged one shoulder diverting my gaze as I opened the notebook and focused on the blank page staring back at me. I could feel my pulse harshly pounding and it took me more effort than I thought to keep my voice even. "It's just, you don't seemed fond to the project and I just thought..."
"Bullshit." he cut, more offended than I would had expect. Why on earth was he offended? It wasn't as if it was the first time I get paired with someone from his crew and ended working it all on my own. Confused I dared to sneak a peak of him just as he furiously yanked his own book book open. "Say what's the fucking project and I'll do it. I'm not that stupid, Lys."
"I..." my mouth was dried and I had to swallow in order to whisper. "I've never said that." which only earner me a glare that made me shrink.
"Whatever."
Guess I just killed his previous good mood. Well done, Alyson. In order to remain alive and unhumiliated I focused on the topic of the project, successfully driving his attention there as well. Much to my surprise, keeping his snap at bay was almost too easy. Not that I was complaining, but he was someone rather remorseful and stubborn, so when he let the sudden frustration melt and went back to his carefree self as I explain our aim I could only inwardly exhale a huge breath of relief. Only God knows the reason of his odd behaviour this days but at least I wouldn't be the one dealing with his outburst.
Somehow we managed to get through the next couple hours actually working. Both of us. He proved to be rather useful and easy to deal with in Economy. I did most of the pull together but he researched pretty well and exhaustively. It was almost... fun. He slowly went back to his smirks and winks here and there, making me realize his fury wouldn't be as confusing for my poor naive heart as his demeanor was.
How was I supposed to remember the reasons why I hate him when he was determinate to shown all the reasons why I fell in the first place? His easy humor, his lovely dimples when he smile, his way to made me feel-
Snap the breaks, girl. There is no way you're feeling like this. Not now. Not with him.
So what if the boarding semester had smoothed him off? Don't you remember all he'd put you through? All the nights you spend crying? How deep his sudden betrayal cut?
But keeping the lost feeling buried proofed being harder than it seems.
I was already packing my things, satisfied with our job and making a mental list of what I should pick before going skating -usual Monday's self trainment- when a voice startled us from behind: "Well, well. Isn't that Brett Ryder? On the library?" we spun in time to see Lydia Hammel sweet taunting smile as she pulled one hand dramatically over her heart while her other held a pile of papers. "I must be dreaming."
Brett smirked back. "Does Hunter knows I'm the man of your dreams?"
She giggled and winked playfully. "A girl must have her secrets." then turned to look at me and her grey eyes warmed. "Hey, Alyson. It's been a while since we talk. Don't tell me you got this nutcase to actually do some work?"
I couldn't help a small tug on the hem of my lips. "Mrs Goldin's project."
"Oh, man." she grimaced. "I get it now. That woman is a tough bone."
"Tell me about it." Brett rolled his eyes. "What are you doing here, sunshine?"
She pointed where she was coming from -the computer section- and the papers on her arm. "Flower's Queen's promotion." she grinned brightly and handed us a couple of her pamphlet with her picture, radiant as ever over a cristal blue background and a writting 'Vote for Lydia' on top. "One month 'til Spring Ball," she let out an excited squeal that earned her a hush from the librarian. "I need to step up my game."
I smiled back admiring the flyer. Lydia was trudly gorgeous. Her light, ginger hair and cute freckles all over her skin made her adorable, yet her slender tall frame and perfect features made her beautiful. Perfect match. And with her determined, strong yet gentle personality it wasn't hard to figure out why was she one of the most popular girls.
"You better." snorted Brett amusedly eying her pamphlet and nodding aprovingly. "Jade had already began her campaign as well. And she's bound to win."
"We'll see about that." then turned towards me once more. "Can I count with your vote?"
Considering the other option was Jade, the answer was damn clear. "Sure." that if I even decided to show up, which I doubt, but if I did I would certainly vote for Lydia.
As if reading my mind, Brett huffed disturbing Lydia sweet smile. "You'll be lucky if she even shown up there."
"What do you mean?" I felt myself blushing as the ginger frowned. "Of course you have to show up. It's our senior Spring Ball. Last ball before Prom and then thats's it. This would be one of those memories that we'll keep forever and ever in our memory." Really? I thought skeptically and she rolled her eyes waving it off. "You know what I mean. You can't miss it. Brett, tell her she can't miss it."
"You can't miss it."
"See?"
"I..." how was I supposed to convince one of the sweetest beings on earth that most of her group of friends would made sure it would be unforgetable but for the wrong reasons? I couldn't. Not with one of them right there. So instead I focused on my fiddling hands. Embarrasment swallowing me like a heavy sea. "I'm not much of a party person, okay? It's just not my element."
"Then we'll have to change that." she surprised me with her nonchalantly, "This Friday there's a party at mine, after the match." her eyes sparkling as soon as the idea left her lips. "Wear something nice and show up. We'll work from there."
My eyes widened. When did this turned from 'vote me for the Flower Queen' to 'let's teach you socialize'? The mere thought got my guts twitching.
"Oh, no no no, Lydia. It's fine, it's really-"
"-Settle then." she grinned, ignoring my protests. "Your friends can come as well. Macy and that one with the pink hair... she's fun. Bring them along."
"But-"
"Oh, you see what time is it?" she moved to the door waving us, hard to tell if it was an excuse or she really was late to something. "See you, guys!"
Unbelievable! Baffled I met Brett's amused glance and diverted mine to the table, gathering my remaining stuff still unable to process it all. Did Lydia just invited me to her party? For real? That was, like, getting a VIP pass. It was way out of my league and the girls would be so excited when they know the invitation extended to them as well... But I wasn't lying before. I really didn't manage well in big groups of people, and a party was certainly a huge social even. Full of people determined to make me miserable. I couldn't go there!
"Based on my own experience," Brett's voice brought me back to present. "I wouldn't go against something Hammel said if you don't want to see her nasty side."
Nasty? I seriously doubted she could be anything other than sweet but I wasn't going to discuse it with him now. We've done our project and nothing was keeping me here now. If I get home in time I might still had time to go skate a while. So I just shrugged.
"Don't forget your book."
"This one?" he asked leaning to get it; way closer than I expeced him to be, leaving only inches away and his heat caressed the side of my face. I immediately straightened myself, anxious at the sudden nearness between us and quickly put some distance again. Jolted out my daydreams for good this time, fully aware of the wild pound of my heart.
"Mh. Yeah."
He watched me stepped back with an unreadable look, before amusement clouded it again and he matched it closing the distance once more.
"Do I make you nervous?"
"W-what?" my eyes remained glue to his electric ones, only noticing what he was doing when he'd casually circled one hand around my waist, preventing me from backing away again and making the spot burn even throught the cloth. My breath hitched, caught out of guard. Clueless at what his next move might be and wheter I should held on the apprehension or on the exitement that swirled in my chest.
What was he doing? Should I pushed him off? Clueless at what his next move might be and whether I should held on the apprension or on the exitement that swirled in my chest, I realized that even if I'd found the determination in me I felt like all the strenght had left me the moment he touched me. Almost ready to sagged to Brett when he bring 'til we were chest to chest and his breath franned my face waking up the whole jumgle in my belly. My hands laid flat on his pects, like wanting to push him but void of any force.
The hell was wrong with me? And with him? What was he doing? I couldn't look away from his eyes. No matter how much my mind screamed for me to, it was like he got me trapped under a spell. Those bright orbs darted between mine, almost as if looking for something and my lips burned when I watched them lowered there for the tiniest fraction. Then leaned, but aiming for my ear much to my relief and... disappointment?
His lips so near they created goosebumps all over my skin. "I'm looking forward for this party."
"I-I didn't say I was coming." fudging chump, where are your big girl words when you need them?
I could feel his smirk close, too close to me and I shut my eyes when the fingers in my back made burning patterns up my spine, almost absently. "Wanna bet, Lys?" Brett took one lock of dark hair that had fallen over my eyes and twisted it gently before pushing it over my shoulder, making sure to caress skin as he does and tingles erupted. My heart danced, oblivious of anything else. This was so confusing, never had he take such an intimate aproach. And from the way my whole body was responding... "I bet this will be interesting."
And with one last sexy smirk, his heat and hands leave me at once as he stepped again, brushing past me and taking with him all the building tension as he strode away. Nonchalantly, as if nothing had happen. I stared wide eyes his back, ashamed, still not able to breath properly and the turmoil in my chest getting bigger and bigger.
Was that a threat? A promise? Was I really willing to find out?
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QUESTION: What would be your perfect Friday night?
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