“Fetch.” She said monotonously. I couldn’t stop myself from guffawing.
Yeah, so unladylike. But who cares?
“What am I a dog?” Pierre snapped. Ninnon just shrugged and turned her phone camera screen so Pierre could see himself and his messy strawberry blonde hair which was untidy and spewed in all directions. Grumbling he trudged to Ethan and grabbed his cap, plopping it on his head. Folding his arms across his chest, he pouts earning a few sympathetic looks from the girls in the class.
Ninnon and I roll our eyes and his childish antics.
“Thanks, girl.”
“I don’t want your thanks.” She replied. Not rudely. But calm without a slight annoyance in her tone. “I need an explanation as to why you never returned any of my calls since Saturday evening.”
“Oh”
“Oh wouldn’t cut it Amelia. I was worried!” Ninnon turned to face me. I can see her pretty eyes behind the frames of her glasses which she kept pushing up the bridge of her nose.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized honestly.
Thinking back to what happened on Saturday kept giving me headaches. Not to mention heartaches too. The latter I wasn’t so sure why.
After the whole Adrien ordeal, I went back to Florence’s place with her walking beside me worried. I hadn’t spoken to her much neither her parents. But they were kind enough to figure out something had happened. I left Florence’s by evening the next day when I got a call from aunt Felicity.
She literally screamed my ears out and strangled me with her tight hugs but nothing could keep the smile on my face and soon she started asking questions on what was wrong.
I hadn’t seen Adrien as well. He stayed over at Evan’s. Only called home once to say he’d be going to school from Evan’s place and that the Student body President’s uniform was a perfect fit to him and that it wasn’t necessary to come back home.
I was mad at him. Enraged. I was ready to walk, or run or whatever to Evan’s and give an earful to Adrien and yell at him that none was my fault. But at the end of the conversation between mother and son, I heard aunt Fel replying with a, “she’s home” and “she’s fine dear.” Which sent a blast of hot air inside of me making me feel sort of good.
Was I happy that Adrien still cared? He was worried about me?
But then what about the misunderstanding? Am I that simpleminded?
Which lead to me being unable to get some good sleep. Again.
And so now I’m looking like a freaking zombie in daylight worrying my best friend.
“Does he need another shoe attack?” Ninnon’s voice broke me from my hurtful trance.
What?
“Girl, stop throwing shoes at him!” I exclaim. Was this girl for real?
What is she, shoe bomber?
“The last time, the shoe did some good bringing back the brain which he seemed to have swallowed,” she said with a nonchalant shrug making me stare at the crazy girl bewildered.
“Does this have something to do with that first-year kid? That womanizer?” Ninnon asked with a slight edge in her tone now. She had been furious when she heard about the first misunderstanding between Adrien and I and that the reason had been Shyne. She apparently loathed him because he was too much a player and she hated those types.
I was saved by the bell, as homeroom teacher walked in to get the attendance and Ninnon was forced to sit back.
Before I turned around to face the front, I looked back and found Ethan staring at me, like he knew something was wrong even without me complaining. Pierre too seated right behind me was giving me a soft lopsided grin.
I turn around as my name was called and smiled to myself at how lucky I am to have encouraging and amazing friends.
Ninnon didn’t get a chance to pull me aside as we were quite busy. And when free, Pierre made sure to be glued to my side. To annoy Ninnon, or just be beside me, I have no idea.
When lunchtime grew near, I became anxious.
Of course, Adrien wasn’t going to come.
But… what if he does?
The lunch bell rang. Everyone shut their books and began walking around the class, talking aloud. Some ran to the cafeteria.
But no Adrien was at the door.
It wasn’t just Ninnon, Pierre and Ethan who gave me grim looks. But Theodore and Florence as well. I just shrugged like it was no big deal.
I mean, he’s a senior? He must be busy prepping for exams and stuff. It’s not like he’s got time to eat with me.
At least, this was what I kept saying to myself to keep myself from feeling any more awful.
“Ame…”
“Senior Amelia.” Someone called out to me from the classroom entrance. I despised the voice so much I knew who it was without looking.
“You better leave Fendis.” I hadn’t expected Theodore to sound so rough. He was after all our class teddy bear. He has always been kind and soft. This change of attitude surprised many in the class.
“Is there a rule which says we cannot meet our seniors?” Shyne wasn’t backing away. He’s one gutful kid I tell yah. “I only want a moment with senior Amelia.” He continues.
“What do you want?” I ask. I stop myself from snapping.
I don’t need bodyguards. I can speak for myself.
And before things get ugly with my savagely badass girlfriend wrecking his so-called beautiful face, I better talk to the guy.
“I just need to talk to you.” He repeated. I don’t move and he sighs. “In private”.
Sighing I make way towards him when Ethan stops me.
“I don’t like the kid.” He said gruffly. And I nod
“Same here. Nothing but trouble. But, it takes a lot of courage to waltz to the second years’ section and asking to talk to a single person in front of an entire class.” Ethan still doesn’t let go of my hand. “It’s fine Ethan. I’ll be back soon. Save me some cheesy meatball.” I say the latter glaring at Pierre. He loved Aunt Fel’s cooking.
Shyne Fendis was famous, even in my year. While we walked to be in a quiet place away from prying eyes, many looked over fawning at Shyne’s presence.
Do these girls drool over every good looking guy?
Let’s just hope rumors don’t start. The last thing I want is to be in an even worse situation.
We manage to move away, find a private spot and get right to business.
“Well? What do you want?” and now I snap.
“Wow. You truly are in a bad mood, aren’t you Amelia.” He says with his weird French accent which seems to make girls fall at his feet. He dropped the whole “senior” drag.
“I don’t even want to look at you, Shyne. So just get to point so I can leave.”
“There’s a bad vibe between you and the Vice President. Am I right?” he asked. I thought he was mocking but when I looked at him directly, he looked back with regret.
I don’t answer.
“I’m sorry.”
That took me by surprise. I didn’t take him for a guy who’d apologize so easily.
“What?”
“I saw you this morning. Walking through the school gates. Alone. Looking like a corpse who had been forced into daylight.” I was about to hit him for insulting me but stop. “I felt awful somehow. Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Perhaps, the Saturday incident was my fault? I was only teasing. Didn’t know you weren’t allowed to meet other guys”.
“It’s not like that. I don’t understand it myself. Anyways, it’s cool. Thanks for apologizing. I feel slightly better.” I say smiling at him.
Suddenly he drops down, crouching and sighing aloud in relief.
Woah… what just happened?
“Um... Are you alright?”
“Dieu Merci.” He muttered to himself.
“What? What did you say?” I ask.
“I said, Thank god.” He repeated this time in English. I raise a brow wondering what he meant that for. “Because you’re not mad.”
“You were worried I’d be mad?” I asked conf
used and slightly taken aback. I wasn’t expecting this.
“Of course I was worried. Urgh, I thought I was going to vomit my heart out with all this unnecessary beating.” He sighs once again.
Ooookay… whats going on?
When did he turn good?
Shyne noticed my uncomfortable stature. He stood up and leaned on the window which was behind him.
“I don’t know myself, okay? I just felt really bad when I saw your face looking sad. And when I thought I should apologize I started getting nervous, thinking you might not accept my apology.” He finished leaving me even more surprised.
“Fuck. This is not me.” He said to himself. But I heard him.
“Yeah. You’re sounding weird.” I say.
What? I’m being honest people. He’s scaring me.
I literally forgot my worries with this guy being so weird.
“I don’t know why either!” yelling he pushes me aside and runs away like a kid who’d just got rejected. His face was brimming red.
“Okay. So he is not a 100% douche I see.” Ninnon’s voice makes me almost slip and fall on my face.
“What the actual fuck?” I whirl around and find her standing behind me. Beside her, Ethan and a fidgety Pierre stood.
“I told them no!” he spoke before the other two. Ethan and Ninnon glare at him for ratting them out.
I plant my hands on my hips and stare at them for an explanation.
Pierre covered his face with his cap looking at the dirty wall as if something interesting was happening on it. Ninnon looked the other way embarrassed for eavesdropping. Ethan was the worst. He stared back at me like I was the criminal.
Seriously?
I break out laughing at their awkward expressions. In return, they sigh. Pierre goes extra lengths to laugh and throw an arm over my shoulder.
“You didn’t have to worry so much guys. I would’ve been just fine” I manage to say between chuckles.
I stop chuckling and pause walking. The three stop as well looking at me, wondering the reason for the pause.
“So… was that a genuine apology? I don’t know. Adrien and even the student President talked about him in a not so good way…” I drag on unsure how to end the sentence.
“Well, I definitely hate the guy.” Ninnon says. “But, I’m pretty sure his apology was heartfelt. He ran away with his face red as a ripe tomato. If it was a joke he has no reason to be that embarrassed”
True. Ninnon was right. But what do I make out of this? And why the hell was I getting special treatment from the guy?
“You guys go ahead. I need a word with Amelia.” Ninnon takes hold of my hand.
“What about eating?” Pierre asks.
“Go ahead and gobble up. We’ll be there.”
“But..” Pierre was cut off with Ethan dragging him away.
“What’s wrong Ninnon?”
“Come on, spill. What happened between you and Vice Prez?”
Now that I’ve been cornered I had no choice but to reveal everything.
Once I was done, Ninnon’s expression was beyond astounded. She even looked like she would faint at any moment.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh, mon dieu! Amelia all this happened and you kept quiet!?” Ninnon yelled and I begged her to shush. She paced back and forth.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked hurt.
Great first surprised and now hurt.
She’s a born actress!
“I was going to Ninnon. You’re the only one I’ve got to say these anyways. I was messed around the head and didn’t know what was going on.”
“He…” she cleared her throat, “Vice prez really… kissed you?” she asked rather softly afraid someone might hear.
Which was the best thing to do. The last thing I want was a herd of raging jealous girls attacking me with their perfectly manicured nails.
I nod at Ninnon and she lets out a breath
“Wow… what’s going on?” she asked me.
She’s asking me?
I’ve been asking this same question since the very beginning!
What the hell is going on?
“Is that all that has happened?” she questioned.
“You want more to happen? I’d be brain dead with the confusion Ninnon!” I exclaim.
“What if he… likes you?”
“Woah there. We are talking about Adrien, right? And did you forget I told you that he’s got a crush on the Student Secretary?”
Ninnon shakes her head in disagreement.
“I don’t think so, Amelia. His behavior towards you, not to mention those secret kisses could only be leading to him having a crush on you.”
My head whirls. I’ve been constantly wondering what was behind the kisses, but I never concluded it to him liking me.
Because that’s not possible!
Right?
CHAPTER TWENTY- SIX
The same day when the whole Shyne weird incident happened, I laid back on my bed at home, leafing through a French Magazine looking at the latest design trends.
A soft knock disrupts me. I put down the mag and sit up staring at my closed door.
Who could it be?
Uncle Tim rarely comes knocking at the door. Aunt Fel walks in as soon as she knocks. Uncle Cam, although an adult and a principal of an elite school, is an idiot and comes barging in without knocking.
The only one left is Adrien, and well his knocks aren’t exactly soft.
The doorknob turns alerting me. I grab the mag once more and roll it up to throw it at the intruder.
Brilliant plan!
A head pops in and then the body clad in black jeans and a red v-neck t-shirt.
I do what my brain orders me to.
I throw the rolled magazine at the guy.
“Ouch! Are you crazy!? You throw it after you’ve seen my face?” He asked annoyed and bewildered.
“Reflexes” I counter smoothly.
Yeah, Amelia. Smooth
“Reflexes?” He raises a brow.
Wait a minute...
“Woah... Adrien? What... What are you doing here?”
Stupid brain! How dare you not notify me whose inside?
“You realize who I am after a whole minute had passed?” Now he looks at me with confusion and amusement.
“Well it’s not like I’d been expecting you or whatever”
I get off the bed and stand straight, arms crossed over my chest, waiting for an explanation.
“Stop giving me that look.”
“What look exactly?” I ask.
“The you-don’t-deserve-a-chance look,” he says dejectedly.
“That’s ‘cause you don’t,” I say coldly.
Wow, I’ve got a split personality. Wasn’t I upset and depressed earlier cause he was ignoring me?
“Just let me explain. Please.” He requests earnestly.
“Did you let me that day? Did you Adrien?” I was feeling a pang of pain inside.
I’d pleaded so much that day. Yet he pushed me away without hearing me out.
“I’m sorry. I truly am. Mia, I don’t know what got into me that day. I just... Snapped. When I saw you together with him, it was like I saw red and black. I became furious.” His body language changed to anger. It was clearly visible with the way he was moving.
I was confused.
Why is this affecting him so much?
Suddenly my conversation with Ninnon popped in my mind.
“Does he like you?”
I shook my head vigorously to clear away the stupid thoughts.
Adrien was looking at me now, pleading with his eyes. I’m a sucker for his emerald eyes. They just capture my heart.
Sighing I let go of my pride.
“So, what made you realize it wasn’t my fault?” I asked.
“That kid came all the way to the senior floor to talk to me” Adrien replied shuffling his feet like a kid.
“Shyne?” I ask wide-eyed. And he noded.
Wow.
This kid was amazing. He actually went over to the senior section.
It’s really not a big deal in high schools. Every student blends in irrespective of the year they’re in.
It’s just that Harriet high is slightly different. The freshman students, that is the first years and the sophomores, my section, we blend in. But the seniors, third-year students are treated exceptionally and are not allowed to interact much with the rest as they’re busy prepping to leave for colleges since they start the third year.
Adrien was an exception since he does whatever he likes. The Student Body members are allowed to move about since, well, they’re needed by all.
So Adrien is saying this new kid, a freshman, just walked up to the senior section and asked to talk to the Vice Prez of the school.
Wow.
“He’s nuts” I muttered but Adrien seems to have heard.
“You bet he’s nuts. He gave me a shock standing in front of our class. I was in between of snapping and pitying the guy for the weird stares he kept earning” he explained
“So what did Shyne say?” I ask curiously.
“That all was his fault. He met you coincidentally. That you declined his offer for a date.” Adrien hung his head in shame.
The great Adrien who was a poker face and feared by almost everyone in the school is hanging his head now in embarrassment.
Amelia just who are you?
What godly presence do you have to make such miracles happen?
“You should have just let me talk. But no, you were so busy feeling angry for no reason and walked away leaving me behind feeling guilty for something I hadn’t done” I take a breather. I’d spoken nonstop without a pause.
“Adrien you hurt me a lot” I can’t believe I was close to tears.
What the heck?
Adrien grabbed hold of my hands and held them tight,
“I’m so sorry Mia. It’s all my fault.”
“You bet it was” I wasn’t gonna be any nice even if I wanted to.
His sudden touch made my whole arm tingle. A spark of a sort was running throughout. I wanted to grasp his hands in return but kept myself in control.
I tried to keep my mind busy so I wouldn’t remember the kiss, which would definitely make me feel conscious and make us feel awkward.
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