♛

"You know who I am?"

At my question, Jordan chuckled as if finding it hilariously amusing, which on second thought, it might be.

"Who hasn't heard of little miss goody two shoes Liana Harrington?" My heart dropped at his words, I could not decide which one hurt more. The way he spat out my name like it was deathly poison or the way he stared me down with eyes full of mockery.

"So you are the Liana girl?" Black haired guy was the first to break the thick silence that had unknowingly descended upon everyone as they took in this new piece of information.

I had no idea what he meant by that but I certainly did not like the way he emphasised my name, seemingly hidden with secrets shared between them regarding me that I was not a part of.

His words also pulled everyone out of the stupor state they were in since the guys began talking all at once.

"Is she the prude?"

"Damn, I didn't expect her to be this hot."

"I thought prudes aren't supposed to be this hot."

Words were carelessly thrown around like an insignificant paper ball, passed from one person to the next. Unbeknownst to them, another piece of my heart crumbled alongside every single sentence. There would not be much of myself left until I absolutely break down, which could never ever happen, especially infront of these people.

With what little strength I could muster, I grabbed my bag and scampered away.

Far far away.

Away from all the judging eyes, away from all the untrue assumptions, to somewhere I could just be.

I stopped when my legs eventually gave out, stumbling to the floor like a soldier defeated from war. I was a mess, everything around me was a heap of mess.

Even then, at the brink of despair, I would still not allow any tears of defeat to fall. Not now at least, not when watchful eyes could be lurking behind any corner.

"Liana?"

In a flash, I was quick to get up on my feet, smoothing out the crinkled edges of my pleated school skirt.

The boy standing infront of me had golden blonde hair as soft as his voice, a hint of concern could also be seen in his eyes, eyes that looked like two sparkling sapphires.

"Yes?" I asked in a clipped tone, taking a step back to put some distance between us.

He held up both of his hands, "Woah, relax, I mean no harm. You left your lunch box on the table so I thought I'd bring it back to you."

I tentatively accepted the lunch box from him whilst trying to subtly analyse his features.

You could tell that he was a guy well liked by everyone, he had this aura that draws people in, like a golden halo surrounding him.

"Thank you.", I whispered. It didn't matter if he was one of those football players with the crude remarks, basic mannerisms have been instilled into me since I was a child.

"No problem, sorry for the hit by the way, how's your head?" He inquired, a frown marred his face as he spoke of the accident.

"No need to apologise, you aren't the one who hit me with the ball." I shrugged my shoulders, an action that would have caused a light chastise from mother if she were to saw it.

"It's just...I feel bad, that's just how Jordan is, to everyone."

I narrowed my eyes, "Is that supposed to make me feel better about his brazen attitude?"

The guy shook his head frantically, "No of course not! What I mean is, he doesn't get along with everyone here. The guys on the team respect him as captain but not all are fond of him."

I nodded my head, not fully taking in what the guy was saying, all that was on my mind was to put a stop to this conversation and walk away.

"...the Chandler Corporation is the biggest shareholder of this school which explains why he-"

"Chandler Corporation?" I repeated, my eyebrow raised in slight surprise.

"The one and only." The guy confirmed.

The missing dots finally connected as it came to light that Jordan Chandler was not only a spoiled rich boy attending a private school, but also the sole heir to his family's prestigious business.

His father, Charlie Chandler, was a well respected businessman in the industry. Their company construct buildings to sell to their clients, occasionally buying plots of land for investment.

According to rumours, Jordan was seen associating only to his tight knitted group of friends, the closest one being Tyler Bennette who he practically grew up with.

"And you are...?" I asked, realising the guy had not yet introduced himself.

"Dustin, Dustin Maxwell." The self introduction was also accompanied with a full-blown teeth baring smile, much like those seen on television for a toothpaste commercial.

"You must have a really dazzling life, Dustin." I commented, my poor attempt at a joke since his family owned Maxwell Mines.

Albeit, Dustin looked like he had somehow understood the joke since he gave a deep throaty laugh, the genuine kind that could touch the heart of a lonely soul.

"Speak for yourself Liana, having famous designer parents sound pretty cool to me." His tone was not spiteful and his posture seemed relaxed, like one would be when having a casual conversation with a friend.

A friend...

I internally shook my head and dismissed the thought, past experiences have taught me that the bigger the expectations, the greater the disappointments.

"Nothing spectacular. Look, class is about to start and I don't want to be late, so I'll get going first if you don't mind?" It was a rhetorical question, a chance of escape from the normal conversation with Dustin, which was utterly unusual for me.

People could just never hold a civil conversation with me, thus the fact that Dustin was able to do so confused my brain beyond words.

Giving a half hearted smile, I spun on my heels and stalked off in the opposite direction before he could reply, absolutely clueless to where I was heading.

When I was some distance away, Dustin yelled a few words that stopped me in my tracks.

"See you later Liana!"

A second went by, then two, before I exhaled a breath. Those simple letters, loaded with such an obvious literal message, have managed to touch the heart of a lonely soul yet again.

"Hopefully not, Dustin."

♛

Hope you guys enjoyed this chappie although I wasn't very satisfied with it, I just wanted to upload it before the new year begins but I'll edit it soon!

2019 is starting in less than 2 hours for me (!!) I am not sure how I am supposed to feel but cheers to a good year ahead everyone!

Don't forget to vote and comment for an extra touch of luck in 2019;)

xoxo,
xuan