by Lili Lam
Walking out of fourth period, I instantly noticed Tristan leaning against the lockers beside the door. He had a bored expression on his face as he watched people shuffling out of class. How the heck did he make it over here that fast when his class is on the other side of the school is beyond me. He probably leaves all his classes early, either that or he ran all the way over here.
Once his gray eyes zoned in on mine an instant heart stopping smile spread across his lips. I thought it was sweet how he was being so protective of me...I'm not sure from what though. My heart thumped wildly against my chest cavity at the mere thought of him actually being happy to see me. Is it pathetic of me to have trouble breathing every single time I see his face?
I have to admit that he's really been trying his hardest to prove me wrong. To show me that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to him, that he's not just another pretty faced player. I'm not sure where we stood as far as our relationship goes or if this could even be categorized as a relationship at all. Let's just safely call it an escalating friendship.
I haven't seen him give any other girl a second glance since we got here this morning, which was very surprising. He said hi and was friendly to everyone, but he never overdid it. Guess I had him pegged all wrong. I thought he enjoyed all the attention the random girls threw his way. For some reason I thought he was the type to live for it.
To say I felt special would be an understatement. He was completely ignoring all the lustful looks the other girls were giving him and devoting all his attention to me. "Hi." I greeted him shyly. We had gym together third period, since it’s the first day thankfully we didn't have to get dressed.
Mr. Deluca our gym teacher gave us a free period after handing out our gym T-shirts. He gave us a fifteen-minute lecture on the importance of coming prepared and being ready to participate tomorrow. Of course Tristan had to be in the one class that I'd make a fool out of myself in. I'm sure he'll get a kick out of my wonderful athletic disabilities.
Jordan and Luke were in the same gym class as Tristan and I; they played a game of volleyball while I sat on the bleachers reading. I could feel his eyes watching me the entire time he stood on the court, but I kept my eyes focused on the story. Or at least I tried my best to act like I was, all the words were blurring together on the page.
"Hey, ready for lunch? You're sitting with us." Tristan told me while reaching over and pulling my messenger bag off my shoulder. He slung it over his head so that it hung across his chest with the pouch resting on his back. I barely even had time to react to him stealing my bag, he maneuvered so fast. Everything he does is so smooth and in one quick motion. It's unnatural for someone to move so gracefully.
He wasn't even carrying any books of his own. All he had was a pen tucked into the top of his ear, while I had my messenger bag which was full and two textbooks I was hand carrying. Holding out his hand with his palm facing upwards he looked over at me with a grin. "Give me your books."
I shook my head; I’m perfectly capable of carrying my own things. "No, I'm fine. Can I have my bag back?" I asked in a small voice, but only received a stern look in response. Huffing like a little girl not getting her way, I grudgingly handed over my two textbooks. Why is he treating me like I’m made of glass?
I know…I know any girl in the right mind would be dying for all this attention. But do I look like your typical girl? No, I'm not so of course it made me feel hella awkward. I was used to being independent and doing everything for myself. Not ever having anyone else to count on, I got used to the fact of being alone.
Tristan stopped right in front of my locker and began twisting the dial on the lock. Yes, he made me give him my combination. For what, I don't know. "Uh..." I began, knowing deep down inside this idea isn't going to sit too well with him. "I always go to the library for lunch."
I don't want to sit at his table for lunch; it will be too uncomfortable. Tristan's table includes all the guys he usually hangs out with along with a few more I don't know and a bunch of girls, that I know for a fact aren't too fond of me. For the past two years, I've spent my lunch period on the comfy beanbag in the library. I wasn't about to change my routine now, just because he says so.
His head twirled around and those smoky eyes bore into the side of my face as I stood there chewing down nervously on my lip. "Absolutely not." His voice came out in an authoritative tone. "You're going to eat something first and if you want to go to the library when you're done, I'll come with you."
I couldn't help, but roll my eyes. Since when did he become my Dad? So freaking bossy! I have to admit he is extremely sexy when he gets that determined look in his eyes. The look that says he dares me to try and defy what he says. Boy, he is one intimidating looking guy when he doesn't get his way.
Tristan shoved all my textbooks and emptied out the contents of my messenger bag neatly into my locker. Only leaving my binder and pens for the remaining classes.
When we reached the lunchroom, I looked around in wonderment at all the seniors. It's a place I've only been to a handful of times in my two years here.
I’m a brown bag type of girl. So I would normally eat my lunch in a quiet corner of the library. Mrs. Reynolds the librarian and I have a mutual understanding. I'd help her with the filing and she'd let me eat my lunch as long as I cleaned up after myself. She’s a nice woman, understanding I was a loner with no friends.
"How about you go sit down at the table? I'll go get us food." Tristan said pointing over to a table in the far right corner. I could see Luke and Max already seated there with a bunch of other guys. Tristan must have been able to sense my hesitancy and uneasiness at going over to the table on my own. He smirked at me and began walking over to their table.
"Guys..." Tristan addressed everyone at the table. "This is Lise, she's sitting here with us."
"Hey." Chorused a bunch of male voices. Guess the girls aren't here yet. I'm sure I wouldn't receive as warm a welcome from them.
"Lise, so glad you could join us." Luke smiled patting the empty seat next to him, signaling for me to sit down. "Anya said to make sure you call her after school."
"Hey." I responded with a small wave and slight smile as I sat down next to Luke and across from Max. "Ok, I will. Thanks."
I grinned at the fact that Luke was starting to talk to my best friend more then I was. Luke seems like a nice enough person and besides, I've never seen Anya so happy. "Don't worry they won't bite." Tristan reassured me, leaning down and whispering in my ear. "Do you want anything special to eat?"
It took everything out of me to not shut my eyes and relish in the smell of his wonderful cologne, but I didn't want to seem like some sort of freak. "Anything's fine." I answered in a dismissive manner as I stared straight ahead. My body was thrown into overdrive from the warmness of his breath trickling down my neck. What is this guy doing to me? I can't even form a full sentence, let alone figure out what I want to eat for lunch.
"Be right back." Tristan promised as he straightened up and headed to the line with Luke and Max. I sat there staring down at the table, suddenly interested in the swirly patterns in the wood. For some strange reason, it seemed as though all eyes were focused curiously on me.
They were probably wondering whom the freak show was that managed to snag Tristan's attention for the week. I've had numerous people come up and ask me if I was a new transfer student. It’s getting old, having to explain that I skipped a grade to each and every person who approaches me.
Tristan kept his eyes trained on me the entire time he stood in line with Luke and Max. I felt as though I was a child and he was the parent watching over me to make sure I don't get lost. Just as I counted my twenty-fifth swirl, I heard a chorus of giggles erupt from the left of me. A group of the popular senior girls who included cheerleaders, volleyball players, and the girl's soccer team came through the door.
Jewel, the most popular girl in our school was in the center. I can see why all the girls flock to her she's gorgeous. She's got long chocolate brow
n hair straight down her back, bright blue eyes, and the body of a Sports Illustrated model. She's also captain of the volleyball team.
"So where have you been these past couple days skank?" A girl with short black hair and brown eyes asked. "I was calling you to see if you wanted to go shopping, but you've totally been MIA."
I know I shouldn't have been eavesdropping, but I really couldn't help myself. They were talking so loud as they made their way over towards the table I was sitting at. "I was a little busy." She answered with a suggestive smirk. "Spent all of Monday and Tuesday with Tristan."
What? Is that where he disappeared to all day Monday and Tuesday? He was spending time with her? Doing what? Well, I can only imagine what the hell they were doing! I suddenly felt stupid, as if someone like Tristan would be interested in plain old me over her. Why would he want bread-freaking pudding when he has access to creme brulee?
All the girls around her ooh'ed and ahh'ed appreciatively. "You lucky bitch!" Some of the girls squealed in excitement. "What'd you two do?"
"Oh you know..." Jewel grinned wildly. "Kept one another extremely busy."
I began getting lightheaded and dizziness swept over me as my heart developed a dull ache. I bet they are all in on this little game. Thoughts of this morning suddenly crept into my mind. I began replaying Tristan leaning sexily against his car smiling at something on his phone, probably a text from her.
What is this, a sick remake of the movie She's All That? I refused to be Rachael Leigh Cook's character, even though I fit the role perfectly. Realizing I indeed stopped breathing I inhaled deeply and with all the dignity I could muster, I stood up from my seat on the bench.
I was extremely grateful that Tristan was no longer in view of me, he was in the part of the line that was blocked off by a wall to make sure kids didn't steal any food. My eyes began to water as I mentally cursed myself for being the gullible idiot I said I wouldn't be! I could mentally slap myself for falling for the crap.
As quickly as I could, I escaped out of the lunchroom and ran down the hallway to the girl's bathroom. I didn't want anyone to see nerd girl crying. Locking myself in a stall I pulled my feet up to my chest as I sat down on the toilet crying my eyes out. It was then that I decided something of high importance.
I was through with Tristan Evans and the games he wanted to play with my emotions. What explanation could he possibly give for spending all day Monday and Tuesday with Jewel, none. My breathing was ragged as I gasped for air. Why am I sobbing over him? It's only been a couple days for crying out loud!
It finally dawned on me, that in these past couple of days...Tristan Evans managed to steal my heart like a thief in the night. Guess his mission was accomplished, but guess what? I wasn't going to give any of them the satisfaction of knowing they broke me...
Chapter 8: Silent Treatment