I walk out of class, tugging at the baby pink, fitted turtle neck I am wearing. The whether is exceptionally cold today which is probably because we've approached November, so Aunt Maggie insisted I wear something warm. She ignored the oversized sweaters in my wardrobe and decided to pick my outfit for today.
I frowned as I remember how she had pulled out a pair of blue, straight leg jeans and a turtle neck for me to wear. She had her puppy dog look the whole time, leaving no room for refusal. Now here I am at school, looking totally different from any other day. My usually bunned hair was let down and I probably looked liked I would piss myself because of how exposed I felt even though my body was completely covered.
Normally I wouldn't feel this way but you just can't help it when all eyes are on you everywhere you go. What's with these people anyway? Never seen a nerd change wardrobe before? They're making me feel really self-conscious.
I walked towards the cafeteria and sat on my usual table, using my hair to block out their stares. Jasper and Nicolas are nowhere to be seen so I'm alone for now. I pulled out my literature notebook and began to study since the exams were fast approaching.
" Uhm, hey." I heard a masculine voice say. I tear my gaze from my book and lock eyes with Andrew Cullen. Sophia's brother. Unlike her, he had naturally tan skin and forest green eyes. He's usually chosen by the school for debating competitions as well as athletic one's. He's very outspoken and a real charmer too, a real brilliant charmer.
" Hi." I reply feeling nervousness bubbling up in me.
" I really want to talk to you about something, Hope." He smiles awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. He was nervous. Why? My eyes drifted to the table far across mine where his friends were silently cheering him on.
" C-Can I sit?" He asks and I give him a small smile.
" You may not." Came a quick reply.
My smile dropped when Nicolas came to view. He looked as collected as ever but his eyes seemed to be drilling holes into Andrew. Andrew's body stiffened and he growls something under his breath.
" I'll see you later?" He turns to me with a sigh. I nod confused as to what was happening before me. Nicolas is known as the most feared kid in school. Yet I'm still surprised by how he manages to scare people. He doesn't seem so scary to me now. But he still is.
Nicolas takes a seat and I watch him with confused eyes as he takes out his own book. He wants to study? I couldn't control the smile that spread on my face when I realized we were basically having a study date. Wait...date? I felt myself blushing at the fact that I just pictured Nicolas and I on a date.
My face grew crimson with embarrassment as I caught Nicolas scanning my choice of clothes today. I immediately felt self-conscious and looked away, hoping he'd stop. Did I look bad? Good? Disgusting? I couldn't tell because his face was as stone cold as ever.
" H-Hey." I whispered. His blue eyes locked with mine and I watched them travel to my cheeks. I could have sworn I saw a smile on his lips though he doesn't answer.
" Where's Jasper?" I ask trying to distract him from his stare. Why do I feel so funny? Nicolas shrugs, his eyes somewhere around my body. Please let it be my neck, or...stomach.
" Hey guys! Guess what?" Jasper chirps and I mentally praise him for saving me from such an embarrassing moment.
He scoots over to Nicolas who rolls his eyes at his friend's action. Jasper,however seems too excited to care.
" Well, I just finished asking- Woah there! Looking good gumdrop." He complements taking in my appearance.
" T-Thanks." I blush.
" Trying a new look? It fits you." He smirks.
" Really? My aunt decided to pick my clothes today." I say genuinely flattered by Jasper's opinion.
" Yeah. You look hot. I've never seen your hair down before. Do it more often yeah?" He says searching through his bag before bringing out an apple and taking a bite.
" Sure." I blush. I look over to Nicolas who didn't look the least pleased.
" But why did your aunt choose to dress you up?" Jasper wondered.
" Because I won't for my birthday." I shrugged and both boys look at me. I felt myself shrink from Jasper's incredulous look and Nick's gaze.
" What do you mean?"
" I mean I'm probably going to spend it in my room, on my bed, in my usual clothes." I sigh, feeling my insides hurt.
" Why?" Jasper asks innocently.
" Because...this is my first birthday without my parents. They died last week. And...I don't think I want to celebrate anymore." I muttered feeling a lump form in my throat.
" I'm so sorry gumdrop. I didn't know." Jasper says genuinely planting a gentle kiss on my knuckles.
" And so is this idiot." He says referring to his best friend. I giggled lightly and looked over to Nicolas who seemed slightly alarmed. What's he thinking about now?
" Anyways, your aunt did a great job because you look amazing." He grinned wiggling his eyebrows.
" She looks amazing doesn't she Nick? Her aunt did a great job huh? Yeah? Didn't she?" Jasper grins smugly, nudging Nicolas with his shoulder repeatedly. Nicolas grumbles under his breath, irritation evident on his face.
" You really need to stop bothering him." I giggled.
" No! He needs to ad-mit." Jasper grunts when he nudges Nicolas a little too hard, causing him to nearly fall off his seat. The fire in his eyes were burning and he glared threateningly at Jasper who shrugged pitifully.
" So when is your birthday?" Jasper asks with a wide grin.
" Uhm, November 11. Why?" I ask confused. What does he want to do with my birthday? Like I said, I'm not celebrating it so he shouldn't even bother.
" Oh nothing. Just asking." He smiled.
" So why were you so excited?" I asked changing the topic. Jasper's face stretches with a grin.
" I just asked Arya Greene to the school dance today." He smiled feeling proud of himself.
" Arya Greene? " I smile picture Jasper with the dark haired latina girl he's excited over. I'd be lying if I didn't say she was beautiful. They'd look great together.
" That's great Jasper. Everyone is excited about the dance I think it's going to be the best this year." I smiled. Jasper grinned back quite proud of himself. So she's the girl he likes?
" What about you? Do you have a date yet?" Jasper asks and I blush. No one's asked me. Plus, I've never really attended them because they fell on my birthday so u don't think I'm going to attend this one either.
" Nah. I don't think I'm going to attend anyway." I shrugged.
" Why?" He asks incredulously.
" Because it's on my birthday." I tell him and he sighs.
" Come on gumdrop. You need to attend. I can even go with you if it means you'll come. Pleeeeeeese." Jasper pouted. I smiled at his cuteness.
" Whatever. I'll just go to the bathroom real quick and try not to get yourself beaten up." I smiled at Jasper who was too busy cowering from Nick's glare. He really should stop before he gets hurt.
I walk into the empty bathroom and do my business before washing my hands and taking a look at the mirror. I had to admit, I did look good, but it's hard to enjoy my appearance when all eyes are on you everywhere you go. I hate unwanted attention. I sigh and walk out the door.
"
Nicolas!" I shrieked when I saw him right in front of me. I placed a hand over my racing heart and mentally groan.
" You scared me." I breathed.
His eyes travelled to my hand before looking back at me. Now I felt more self-conscious and we were the only ones around. He moved closer to me, pinning me against the wall. I stared into his eyes feeling a mixture of fear, shock and confusion. What's happening?
" Bella..."His voice trailed off. He looked unsure of what to say, almost speechless.
Really, what is happening.
" Nicolas?" I breathed overwhelmed by his strong, spicy scent. My thoughts were all jambled and I couldn't bring myself to ask him what he wanted. Other than that, I could easily leave the place since he wasn't trapping me but he was still close to me. Too close and I couldn't even walk considering how my legs felt like jelly.
" Be my date."
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Okay I'd like for anyone who doesn't like this chapter to please bear with me. I'm not in a good mood today because of annoying siblings 🙄. But I hope the next will be better. Please and please don't forget to VOTE COMMENT and SHARE to encourage me. Love y'all 💋💗