Chapter Nine

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Liam

I wake up to a clicking sound and something weighing down on me. I slowly open my eyes to find Jess sleeping soundly on my chest, her blonde hair splattered everywhere, and one leg draped over mine.

I remember the intimate way we fell asleep last night and immediately feel panic rising up my throat.

I slowly move her, trying to get out of her hold. Her dress is riding high, exposing her milky skin, but I don't finish my ogling when I see Stefani standing at the end of the bed with a huge smile on her face, staring at us. Jess wakes up slowly, and when she takes in her surroundings, she quickly gets up and covers herself up in embarrassment.

"What are you doing in here?" I ask Stefani, a little irritated.

"I woke up in a mansion with no one beside me, so I naturally thought I was kidnapped by the Mafia. Till I came in here and saw you two all cozy, that is." She wiggles her eyebrows.

You've got to be kidding me!

I turn over to see Jess trying to fix her hair up. She looks over at me and gives me a weak smile.

"Sorry." She whispers.

For what?

"So, what happened here?" Stefani asks, looking back and forth at us.

"You got high. That's what happened." Jess says, giving her a glare.

Stefani looks baffled for a second, and her eyes suddenly widen with realization.

"The painkillers?"

"Turns out, they weren't what you thought." Jess murmurs looking around. She looks at me, pleading for direction. I point at the purse that is laying on the floor, next to the guitar.

"You're in a hurry." I say, looking at her as she paces around my room.

"We need to go home and change for school. I suggest you get up and do the same. Thanks for the help." She says while trying to push Stefani out the door.

"Wait! What happened here? Did you two like do it?" Stefani asks, smiling wide, looking at Jess then me.

"Steff! We didn't." Jess says through gritted teeth.

"Interesting." Stefani gives us a sly smile.

"See you later." Jess looks over at me before rushing out of the room, dragging her friend with her.

I sit frozen on the bed for a few seconds. This isn't something I do. I don't invite a girl back to my house, and I definitely don't spend an entire night in the same bed with her. I don't know how to explain it without sounding fucked up, but I can't bear that kind of intimacy. I actually can't even stand something as simple as falling asleep next to someone, let alone have them in my arms all night. The idea that I could leave myself open to any kind of vulnerability is not acceptable to me. But last night— last night I couldn't help myself. She felt too good in my arms. And I broke all my rules.

But I won't let it happen again.

***

When I get to school, Jess isn't at our usual meeting spot in the parking lot.

"Man of the hour."

I turn around to find Ryan grinning at me.

"Hey, buddy. I saw what happened last night. A certain somebody left with two hot blondes, and one of them happened to be wasted." He says, patting my back and wiggling his brows.

I glare at him.

"Yeah. All thanks to you."

"What did I do?" He frowns.

"She wasn't drunk. She took the X you carelessly left lying in your cabinet, thinking it was aspirin." I tell him.

"Ow! Oops." He raises his hands up and laughs.

It isn't in his nature to take anything seriously. I shake my head.

"So, how was it? Did you get down and dirty?" He asks.

"What do you think?" I snap at him. "That's called rape. You think I'd sleep with a semi-conscious girl?"

"Dude, of course not!" He says, offended. "But I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for you to get into Jessica's pants, at least."

"Well, I didn't. They both slept in the guest room." I lie.

"Oh well, that sucks for you. But Stefani, I mean, wow! She's a hottie. Can't believe I never noticed. Do you think she has a boyfriend? Ah, it doesn't really matter." He fists his hands together and smiles wickedly.

I stop dead in my tracks when I see the look on his face.

"Don't even think about it!" I scold.

"You can't have them both. That's just selfish." He says, and I roll my eyes.

"They are not the type you want to mess around with. There are plenty of willing girls you can have."

He raises a brow.

"Not the type you mess around with? And what exactly do you think you're doing with Jessica?" He asks.

I push him aside and walk past him, increasing my pace.

He follows.

"You can't be serious, Liam. This is just a game, remember?" He says. "Don't tell me you are catching feel..."

"Of course, not!" I snap, interrupting him. "Do whatever you want."

"Not that I needed your blessing, but thanks."

***

When we get to class, everybody is already in. Elliot and Brittany are basically making out, Shannon is behind them chatting with Chastity, Jeremiah and Stefani are laughing about something, and Ryan goes and sits behind her and winks at me.

I shake my head, walking over to my seat.

Jessica

After an hour of convincing Steff that nothing happened between Liam and me, she finally lets it go. When I get home, mom has a few theories of her own about last night but luckily, convincing her is much easier than convincing Steff.

Making it to school in time required a miracle. And when I arrive, I am in no mood to play fake girlfriend, so I make my way inside without waiting for Liam.

I can't see him now. I am so confused. But there is really nothing to be confused about. I mean last night was... I don't know. It wasn't like it was sexual. But it was sort of... intimate. But I'm pretty sure he has girls in his bed all the time, so it doesn't mean anything. Plus, he doesn't like me like that, he likes Brittany. And I certainly don't like him like that.

But last night... and oh my God, the sexy morning hair!

No!

I shake my head to clear my mind. I shouldn't even be thinking about Liam, he is not the kind of guy I need. And I'm definitely not the kind of girl that he'd want. We are too different. He would get bored if we spend one full day together.

Even if he is an A-class jerk, Elliot is the kind of guy I fit with. The calm, no surprises, danger-free kind of guy.

The neglectful, inconsistent, cheating kind of guy, more like. My subconscious corrects me.

I decide to ignore her. I have Mr. Miller for homeroom. How not exciting!

I walk into class, looking down to avoid eye contact. I can't face him after what happened the last time we were in the same room together. How am I supposed to go on the whole year in this class? It's going to be so awkward.

God, just, please...

"Miss Grayson." Mr. Miller calls, interrupting my silent prayer.

"Yes." I hesitantly look up at him. What could he possibly have to say to me in front of the whole class?

"My class happens to be full. Some kind of mistake, I suppose. So I've decided to transfer you to Mrs. Ronin's class." He says, and my eyes widen.

"What?"

"You are transferred to Ronin's class." He repeats sternly.

What the actual hell! I can't possibly be transferred to Mrs. Ronin's class. Everybody's in it.

Brittany.

Elliot.

Ryan.

Shannon.

Liam.

"No." I shake my head.

People start whispering and laughing.

"Miss Grayson, don't make a scene. Take this paper and leave." He hands me a piece of yellow paper, eyeing me hard.

I take it still struggling to believe what's happening.

"But I don't understand. Your class can't be full. My desk is right there...." I stop talking when I see a new guy sitting in it.

"He's a transfer student." Mr. Miller explains.

"Please. You don't understand. I chose this class on purpose. You can't transfer me to Mrs. Ronin." I say pleading.

He scoffs.

"It's already done, Miss Grayson. And Mrs. Ronin and I provide the same kind of education, so it shouldn't be a problem. Her class starts in five minutes, so I suggest you hurry up and close the door behind you."

I glare at him. If a glare could kill, he'd be dead. Aside from the fact that all my enemies are in that class, Mrs. Ronin is a grumpy old lady that loves torturing students with millions of assignments. Thank God I at least have Steff and Jeremy there. English is definitely my new worst subject, and it happened to be my favorite subject.

***

I knock the door on Mrs. Ronin's class, fidgeting nervously. It feels like the first day of kindergarten all over again.

"Come in." I hear her sharp voice.

I open the door slowly and enter. In my state of nervousness, I'm able to notice a few things. Like the way everyone in the class turns their heads my way and their hushed whispers. I quickly head to Mrs. Ronin to hand her the yellow piece of paper. She checks it and looks up at me with her icy blue eyes.

"Go sit on that empty desk." She points at a sit at the back right in between Liam and Shannon.

Perfect.

I keep my head down as I make my way to my seat.

"No need for introductions, we all know Miss Grayson. We do indeed." Mrs. Ronin says it in a way that makes me sink down my seat with shame.

I can feel both Liam and Shannon's eyes burning a hole on the side of my face. Thank the lord for oversized hoodies. I pull the hood over my head and pull the strings tight, covering myself up as I sink further down my sit.

Class has never been so long. After what feels like years of Mrs. Ronin's lectures about the sad and complex characters of Shakespeare, the bell finally rings.

I wait until people leave to go out.

"Why are you here?" Shannon asks as she stares down at me.

The audacity!

"I think you know exactly why." I glare at her before getting up and speeding through the door.

I walk out to find Steff laughing with Ryan.

Huh?

"What's wrong with this picture?" I ask, walking alongside Jeremy.

He shrugs. His jaw is locked, and he doesn't seem like he's in the mood for a chat.

"Hey, girl who decided to ditch me." I turn around to find Liam walking beside me. His voice is playful, but his eyes are serious.

"I didn't ditch you. I was late."

"Your friend was in class when I came in." He tells me. "I know she drove you here."

Crap!

"What's with them?" I ask, gesturing at Steff and Ryan.

She's laughing, and his hand is resting at her lower back.

"When did this happen?" I ask, and he shrugs.

What's with everyone?

"Well, I'm off to my next class," I say, slipping away.

It's an uneventful day. After the fourth period, my head starts to hurt. That's the aftermath of staying up so late last night. I need to get to my locker and put these heavy books away before I collapse.

I run down the stairs taking it two at a time. My mind is focused on one thing and one thing only, getting rid of my books. When all of a sudden I miss a single step. My heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach, and the books fly out of my hands. I almost land on my face, but strong arms catch me just in time.

I turn around to look at my hero and find deep green eyes staring at me with concern. It doesn't take long to recognize him. He is the same guy that was sitting in my desk in Mr. Miller's class.

"You okay? What happened?" He asks.

"Missed a step. I'm fine." I say, and he loosens his grip.

"You sure?"

"Pretty sure," I say, giving him a weak smile. "Thanks."

He bends down to pick up my books.

"I owed you one for whatever mess I got you in back there. I had no part in it, by the way. Miller offered to take me in his class." He hands me the book.

"Yeah, that's fine. It's not your fault my life sucks." I say, and he chuckles.

"I'm Jade, by the way. Short for Jayden."

"Jessica." I smile at him. "Thanks again."

"It's nice to meet you, Jessica." He smiles back. "And I'm glad I saved your teeth from getting knocked out. You have a beautiful smile."

I can't help but laugh. We walk to my locker, and I get rid of the damned books.

"Well, see you around?" He says, and I nod.

He smiles at me before walking away.

"Hey, Jade," I call after him, and he turns around.

"I think you're lost. The cafeteria is that way." I point in the opposite direction, laughing.

"No, I'm skipping lunch. What could be worse than being the new kid at an empty lunch table?" He asks, giving me a half-smile.

This guy is well built. He has dark brown hair similar to Liams, and deep green eyes that have the power to draw anyone in. Fitting in is not going to be an issue for him. In a few days, girls will be throwing themselves at him. But until then, I don't mind being the girl that saves him from eating lunch alone. I, too, know what it feels like to be a loner.

"Come on, don't skip lunch. It's the best part of high school. You don't wanna miss out on the misery. They say it builds character." I say, and he laughs.

"You can sit at our table. My friends won't mind." I tell him.

I am not exactly the inviting, friendly type. But the guy just saved me from basically deforming my face. It's the least I can do.

"Oh, no. I wasn't trying to impose. But thanks."

"No, you're not imposing, I promise. My friends are really outgoing, you'll like them." I insist.

"Are you sure?" He hesitates.

"Positive," I assure him, leading the way.

After we get our food, I lead him to our table.

"Guys, this is Jayden. He is the guy that took my place in Mr. Miller's class." I tell them, sitting down.

Jayden gives me a look of horror as he sits down beside me.

"That's how you introduce me to your friends?" He shakes his head. "I'm the nice gentleman that saved her from falling on her face." He corrects.

"Stefani." She brings her hand up for a handshake with a big grin.

"Jeremiah," Jeremy says with a small smile. "It's nice to meet you, man."

"I hope you guys don't mind me joining in," Jayden says.

"Oh, no. We're friendly people. So, where are you from?"

Typical Steff. She can't even give the guy a chance to eat.

"New York." He answers, smiling.

"Oh, the big apple. That's cool. So what brings you here?"

"Steff, are you gonna let him eat?" I glare at her and look over at him apologetically.

"No, it's okay. I moved because I needed change and my grandmother lives here. She took care of me when I was a kid, so I figured it was my turn to take care of her." He says.

We both stare at him like Aww. What do you know, there are still a few decent guys left in the world.

"So, it's not your first time here?" She asks.

"No, I used to come here a lot. To visit my grandma and for some other things. I was actually here last summer for some science project thing to showcase a new car model and..." He looks up at us and laughs. "It's a bit dorky, nevermind."

"No way! You were there? At the car show?" Jeremy asks with amazement.

"Third year in a row." Jayden grins.

"I go there every year. Strange that we never met."

They start laughing and talking about cars. Steff and I look at each other. The guy must have superpowers. Nobody has things in common with Jeremy. When I look up, I see Liam walking over to our table. Hand molded into a fist, jaw clenched. He looks like he is about to murder someone, and I hope it is not me.

"Jayden?" Liam's eyes spit fire, and his voice is so cold it sends chills down my spine. Jayden looks up at him, not even fazed.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Liam asks, his chest rising and falling. Ryan tries to get him to calm down, but he shakes him off.

"Long time no see, old friend. Last time I checked, this was a free country." Jayden says.

They know each other?

"We need to talk," Liam says. "Now!"

"Excuse me," Jayden says to us before getting up and following Liam.

"What the hell was that about?" Steff asks Ryan, who is still standing here.

"Bad blood." He says, shrugging. He looks all relaxed and flirty. I look over at Steff to find her giving him the same look.

"Ugh!" I roll my eyes.

This is ridiculous. Jeremy must feel the same way because he has the same expression of disgust on his face. I steal a few glances at Liam and Jayden talking. After some time, it seems like they finally come to some sort of agreement. Liam storms away and Jayden comes and sits back down.

"What was that about? What happened?" I ask.

"Sorry about that. We just have some unfinished business." He takes a bite out of his sandwich with a smirk playing on his lips.

***

What do we think about the new guy? Do we like him or no? Comment and let me know.

Much love :)
Becca


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