by V. R. Knight
I heard the car door shut and I raced across the room to look out the window. Zane walked up to the door wearing his famous black leather jacket; his hair messy, in a good way. The doorbell rang. I grinned as I grabbed my new purse, put on my Aviator sunglasses and headed down the stairs. I almost tripped with the black boots I was wearing. I took a deep breath then opened up the door. Zane was looking at something but quickly averted his eyes on me. I stood looking sexy by the door. His blue eyes were wide and he looked over me a couple times.
“Olivia?” he asked.
I smirked and put on my sunglasses.
“Yes?” I asked, my voice higher pitched, more girlie. I decided on wearing tight black jeans and a red strapless shirt with a big bow on my breast, plus a pair of high black boots.
His eyes were wider than I have ever seen.
“Damn, Taylor!” he said as I moved past him.
“Eat your heart out,” I said and put down my sunglasses.
I heard him laugh and ran after me. He grabbed my waist before I could get in the car and pushed me up against it.
I gasped. “Get off me!”
He looked down on me; his hands still on my waist. He was about two inches taller than me, maybe less so we were almost at eye level. He looked up in my eyes. He wiggled his eyebrows.
“You’re looking hot today. I’ve done well.”
I rolled my eyes but they were wasted on him since I had sunglasses on. His leg moved between my legs and my breath caught.
“Now if we can get you going….” I pushed him back and he laughed. “Kidding!” he said putting his hands up.
“Whatever! Let’s just go, so we can get this over with.” I got in his car and then he got in. Zane kept looking at me as we drove. We got to the parking lot and everyone was going inside. We both got out and I slung my backpack over my shoulder. Zane came around to me and sighed.
“You’re right. I can’t believe we are doing this,” he mumbled.
I nodded. I reached to grab his hand but he jerked it away.
“Give me your damn hand!” I muttered as people started to see us.
He rolled his eyes and took my hand. Surprisingly they fit together perfectly. Don’t get any ideas Olivia. I threatened myself. We started to walk. Not too close together but enough that sometimes I would feel his arm hit mine. People stared at us as we walked up the steps.
“Hey man!” Zane called and waved to a friend of his. I smiled and calmly walked by. We went into the school and everyone stopped and looked directly at us. I took off my sunglasses. Everyone started to whispered.
“Who’s the hot chick?”
“Is she new?”
“Dude, I bet she’s from France!”
“Man I’d like to tap that!” The mummers were all around. I felt good today. I felt confident. Zane walked me to my locker and spun me around. I wanted to yell but saw eyes on us.
“Honey,” Zane said in a sweet voice.
“Yes, baby?” I asked touching his arm.
He looked surprised and cleared his throat.
“I’ll take your books so you don’t have to worry about them.”
I smiled.
“Sure,” I handed him over all my books and smirk. They were heavy.
He grunted slightly.
“Come on,” he muttered. I took his hand and it unbalanced him but I didn’t care. I wasn’t carrying my books.
Chapter 5
People asked us all sorts of questions. It was funny how people reacted when they saw us together. But they were more surprised to see how much I had changed.
“I changed because I wanted the best for my baby.” I squeezed Zane’s cheek.
He smiled in pain, and then glared at me as they looked away. Next was lunch. We hadn’t seen Grant and Kendra but we knew they knew. We were the talk of the school. So before we went into the cafeteria, I pushed Zane in a hall without kids and sighed.
“Man, this is so tiring.”
“You think?” he said and massaged his hand.
I grinned.
“You squeezed it so hard I thought I wasn’t going to have a hand.”
“Oh get over it, you big baby!”
He looked up at me.
“I like it when you call me that.” He winked.
I rolled my eyes.
“Tell me again why I wanted to do this?”
He thought for a moment.
“Because you’re truly and madly in love with me deep down?”
I gasped.
“Nah.”
He frowned and pouted.
“Come on, I look good today. Just for you.”
I laughed.
“You don’t look that good.”
I grabbed his hand and he winced. “Come on.” We went into the cafeteria and we both inhaled a little. There in the corner were Kendra and Grant. They were feeding each other pudding. Ewe! “Let’s get something first, and then we’ll go over there.” He nodded and stared at them as we got in line. I hit him in the ribs when we got in line.
“Ow!” he complained.
“Pay attention to me!” I muttered.
He laughed and then I could feel his breath on my neck.
“Why? Are you jealous?”
Goose-bumps rose on my arms and I tried to act like it didn’t bother me. What are you talking about?! It didn’t! Of course it didn’t….why would it?
“EW no!” I said and laughed.
We got food and walked to their table. “Hey guys!” I said cheery. They both looked up at me with wide eyes. Kendra had a spoon full of pudding on its way into Grant’s mouth but it dropped to the table.
“Olivia?” they both asked.
Zane put his hand around my waist. I gave them my best smile. Grant’s eyes glazed over as he looked at me.
“Yeah, silly!
Hey can Zane and I sit with you guys?” her eyes went to Zane and they bulged. Grant took his water, suddenly looking parched, as he looked at us.
“What….” She stammered.
“Oh! Sorry Kendra, Zane and I are together now.”
Grant spit out his water; some coming out his nose. Zane swallowed a laugh but I could feel his body shaking a little.
“You’re what?!” they both yelled staring at us.
I smiled.
“Awww… you didn’t know?” they both shook their heads dumbly. “Zane asked me out as soon as Kendra dumped him.” He bumped me in a rough way. I smirked slightly. “So we’re together now. Can we sit here?” I asked, sliding into a seat next to Grant. He still stared at me dumbfounded.
Zane took the seat next to Kendra. He didn’t even look at her. I could see a vein on his neck bulge. I looked up at him but he didn’t even look up.
“Zane, baby?”
He finally looked up. His eyes were a little sad but something wasn’t right.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“You want to come over after school? Remember my parents are gone. It will be fun.”
He smirked a little.
“Sure.”
I frowned slightly then turned and smiled at Grant. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be to see him. I started to eat and felt uneasy about why Zane wasn’t talking. But who cares! I’m only stuck with him for a while then Grant and I will be back together.
I went to my locker to gather my books. Zane said he would meet me at the door. I went to the door but didn’t see Zane. I looked out the window and saw Kendra backed up against Grant’s car looking flushed and excited. I gritted my teeth together.
“I hate that girl.”
I jumped and turned around.
“Hell Zane!” I yelled.
He laughed.
“No actually it’s just school but close enough.”
I gasped and rolled my eyes.
“I can’t believe this. They don’t even seem fazed by seeing us.”
I shook my head in disgust.
“I’m not surprised. It’s going to take a little more than that for
them to want us back.”
I nodded and sighed.
“I guess.”
“Do I still have to come over to your house, though?”
I looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
“Yes! What if someone sees you out? They’ll know we are lying.”
He grinned.
“So you are really starting to enjoy this, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, right!” I said and scoffed turning so he couldn’t see a little pink in my cheeks.
He took me back to my house and I got out of the rust bucket.
“It is not a rust bucket!” Zane said jumping out of the car.
I looked back at him and threw my head back and laughed.
“Yeah it is! Look at the bumper it’s about to fall off! And your mirror… it has a crack in it.”
He pouted.
“You’re not a very supportive girlfriend.” He muttered.
I shook my head.
“That’s for school….not now.” I unlock the door and went in. He followed. I dropped my bag and took off the boots sighing with relief.
“Ha-ha!” he said and plopped himself down on the couch.
I rolled my eyes.
“This isn’t your house. Get your feet off the couch!” I growled.
He laughed and kept them there. He taunted me.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Zane, get them off. If my parents knew….they would slaughter you.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What are you going to do about it Princess? Claw me with your fingernails?”
“You little—“I ran over there and grabbed his feet.
He looked surprised. I threw them off but just as they went off he caught my arms and pulled at me.
“Freaking...tough….” he grunted trying to get me down. I hit at his arm around my wrist. Finally, I kicked him in the ribs with my foot. I laughed and almost fell back. I went to run but he caught my ankle and yanked me back and landed on top of him. He grunted and I hit him in the chest.
“You’re a tough one,” he said. “And heavy!”
I gasped.
“Ass wipe!” I yelled.
He laughed but grunted. I pushed at him and we wound up falling off the couch. He was on me. I gave out a huff.
“Yeah, you are too, there big boy! Now get off!” I yelled. I pushed at his arm and he laughed then stopped as it gave out and he fell inches from my face. His deep blue eyes looked at me and I swallowed. His body was warm above me. His chest was tight and muscular and it tempted me. His lips were inches from mine and I kept looking at them. They looked so soft….my breathing was heavy and a piece of his hair touched my cheek. He looked really good….I felt….good. What is wrong with you?! Eww it’s Zane! I shook my head a little.
“Zane get off!” I yelled in his face.
He frowned then jumped back.
“Gosh, you’re such a prick,” he said laughing, shaking himself a little.
“Me?! You’re the one who wouldn’t get your damn feet off my couch!”
He laughed.
“I’m hungry,” he said suddenly and went into the kitchen. I gave out a sigh and stood up. My legs shook a little and I regained control of myself. You have got to get yourself together Olivia! You’re practically lusting over the first guy you have in sight since Grant. Get over yourself! Get a life! This is fake and it won’t last long. So don’t get used to it! I went into the kitchen and Zane was drinking out of the milk carton.
“Hey!” I yelled.
He smiled and a drip of milk slipped down his chin.
“Ah!” he said and put it back in the frig wiping the back of his hand over his mouth.
“You’re sick,” I said and grabbed a granola bar from the cupboard. I sat on the counter and nibbled at it.
“Maybe we should go on a double date with them….well after a week or whatever. Just to show that we are serious.”
I frowned thinking.
“Yeah, we could do that.” He said shrugging. His hair came down in front of his eyes and he pushed it back. My stomach did flips…..for some stupid reason! It was the granola bar! That’s it. Yeah I shouldn’t eat it. It’s making me feel sick. I put it down and thought.
“We should probably lay low for a while, then when we see them, act like the perfect couple.” Zane said.
I nodded.
He moved his shoulder and winced.
I grinned.
“My books are heavy, aren’t they?”
He glared daggers.
“You have no idea.”
Chapter 6
One week later:
One week later and we still hated each other. Probably more than last week! Everyone asked us questions about dating and how we figured out we were, so called ‘in love’. We made up a lot as we went. Zane was being a total jerk to me! Outside of school that is. We were like brother and sisters fighting.
“Honey!” Zane cooed coming to my locker.
I smiled but I gritted my teeth together.
“Zaney!” I said, nicknaming him.
He glared for a moment then leaned against me on the locker.
I hated when he did this!
“How was your day?” he asked.
I pinched his side to get him off me but he just jumped and smirked.
“Fine baby, now can we go home?”
People were smiling and laughing at us.
“Nah, I thought I’d just leave you like this…it’s much more relaxing.”
“Ooh! Go Walker! He’s got Taylor pinned on the locker!” a friend of his shouted.
I smiled but it was forced.
He saw and grinned. His leg was pinning my leg. Finally I went for another attempt. I put my arms on his shoulder and grabbed his hair forcefully. He gave out a squeal but smiled.
“Olivia,” he said.
“Kiss, kiss, kiss!” they chanted. He smirked.
“Not going to happen,” I whispered and pulled at his hair.
“Ow, ow, ow,” he whined.
“Let me go,” he huffed and pulled back.
“Awe!” I laughed.
“Let’s go baby.” I grabbed his arm and he squeezed it tightly.
I winced and he smirked. See! We were always at each other’s throat. We walked out of the school Zane and me, trying to kill the other’s hand.
“Hey!” Kendra said running over to us. I clenched my teeth.
“Hey,” I managed to say. Grant smiled and waved from his car. I nodded. Ugh! They act like nothing is wrong! They don’t even look the slightest bit jealous. This wasn’t working!
“Do you guys want to go to the movies or something this weekend?” I looked at Zane who looked panicked for a second, then regained himself.
“Sure Kendra,” he said calmly.
She looked up at him and swallowed a little.
“O-oh ok.” she stuttered. “Then we’ll meet at theater at 8 tomorrow night?” I nodded. She left quickly and I looked at Zane, who watched after me with a smug look.
“What’d you do?” I asked.
He looked down at me.
“I think she misses me.”
I laughed and dropped his hand and started toward his car.
“What? She was! She couldn’t stop looking at me!” I laughed again and got in the car.
He got in too and we started for my house.
“Are you staying?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“No, I can’t. My mom is having a friend over and she wants me to meet him.”
I frowned.
“Him? You never talk about your mom.”
He shrugged.
“She’s a great woman. My, um, my dad left when I was about 10 so I take care of her. And she dates every once in a while.” His words were quiet and sad and somehow I respected him.
“That’s nice,” I said watching him.
He shrugged again.
“Sure, I guess.”
I bit at my bottom lip.
“Actual
ly, it really is.” I said sincerely.
He laughed.
“So what now? You’re going to go telling people I’m some momma’s boy?” he gasped.
I frowned.
“No, I wouldn’t do that.” We made eye contact and we both froze. He quickly adjusted his eyes to the road.
“Thanks,” he said quietly again.
I nodded.
We got to my house and I saw my parent’s car parked in the driveway.
“Oh crap, they’re home.” I mumbled.
Zane laughed.
We got out and walked to the front door. I went in and mom and dad were in the kitchen talking. “Mom? Dad?” I called.
“Oh sweetie!” mom came running out but stopped short as she saw me and Zane as well as my new attire. “You’re a girl!”
My mouth dropped and Zane burst out laughing.
“Yeah, mom, I actually am. Thanks!” I yelled.
“Oh, I didn’t mean it like that!” she said waving at me. She came over and gave me a big hug. “You look so pretty!” she gushed. My mom had my hair color but more bimbo like; fake boobs, fake nails, and fake hair extensions. I was the opposite of my mother. “Zane, it’s a surprise to see you. Are Grant and Kendra coming over?” she asked. My heart dropped a little, realizing she didn’t know.
“Actually, mom,” I looked back at Zane, who was speechless for once. He looked me in the eyes and nodded. “Grant and I broke up and now Zane and I are together.” she raised an eyebrow.
“You’re the Walker kid, right?” my dad said behind my mom.
He nodded.
“Yes sir,” he extended a hand and my dad looked impressed for a moment. They shook hands.
“Awww, well that’s sad but don’t worry Zane, we like you.” She gave him a pinch with her fingers on his cheek and he grinned widely at me. I rolled my eyes and started for the stairs not caring if he was coming. I went to my room and I heard him skipping up the stairs.