Chapter 3 - The Confession

TORI's POV

"What do you want?" Zach asked impatiently. "I hope for your sake that this isn't a waste of my time." I stared at him, unsure of how to set my plan into motion. He seemed really pissed too, since I had dragged him from the parking lot all the way to the empty classroom he had dragged me into the day before. How am I going to start this? How am I going to convince him that I like him? I'd never confessed my feelings to a guy before, whether they were for real or not.

I should have thought this through.

"If you're not going to talk, I'm leaving." He stood up and headed for the door.

I grabbed the back of his shirt to stop him. "Wait!"

He glowered at me. "Then speak up!"

I stepped back and look at him straight into his eyes. This is it, Tori. Do your best.

"I know I'm not the type of girl that you usually go out with. I'm not sexy, I'm not attractive and I'm no fun. I'm plain and boring with no charm at all. The only thing good about me is probably my brain, which everyone finds boring. But I must ask you this..."

I took a deep breath and mustered all the courage I had to say the words that I'd never thought would ever come out of my mouth. I hoped that I was doing the right thing and this will be the best solution for everything. "...Zachary Anderson, can I be your girlfriend?" I whispered timidly, my gaze glued to my shoes.

Silence.

I looked up. He was frowning. Was he angry? Did I say something wrong? He started walking toward me. I stepped back, unsure of what else to do. He continued to step closer until he had cornered me. He slammed his fist into the wall, and that made me jump in shock.

He looked furious.

"Are you fuckin' kidding me? You think this is funny? Yesterday you told me you didn't like me! Now you're saying you want to be my girlfriend? Don't mess with me, Peige!"

Nathan was right. Zach's really scary when he's angry. What was I going to do? "Say something!" He punched the wall again.

I was speechless. But there was no turning back now. If I took back what I said, that fist might end up planted in my face. Hesitantly, I reached out and touched his shoulder, "Zach, calm down." I said in the most soothing voice I could muster. "Look, I'm not kidding. What I just said is true. I... like you. I want to be your girlfriend. I always have." I looked him straight in the eyes, hoping he wouldn't realize I was lying through my teeth.

He stepped back and sat on the table. He continued to examine me. I took it as a sign to continue. "I hate to admit it, but you're right. Maybe the reason why I hated you so much is because"—I swallowed hard—"because you've always ignored me."

Oh, I was such a liar.

I saw his lips start to twitch in a grin. So, he believed me? Good. I should go on then. "I thought about it last night. And I realized that I really like you. I've always admired you and envied the girls you were with." This time, I looked away so he wouldn't notice that all these were total crap. I really didn't like him and as if I'd be jealous of those girls.

I hope he wouldn't see my expression and guess that I was lying. I wasn't a great actress, but I was determined to see this through for Chloe's sake.

He still wasn't talking.

Well, all right, I had sort of told him I hated him and that had been all too real. Maybe he wanted to hear lots of compliments coming from someone who despised him a lot. Well, this is the final blow; I hope your big head burst! I took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. "Do you believe in the saying that there's a thin line between love and hate?" I asked as I walked toward him. I made myself meet his gaze and continued, "The more you hate someone, the more you secretly want that person. Maybe that's what I'm feeling right now." Where was I finding the courage to do this?

He stood up and walked toward me. He looked scary—not angry-scary, but pervert-scary. Oh dear! "You like me, huh? So why don't we just hook up?"

Ugh! You're disgusting, Zachary Anderson!

I cleared my throat before answering. "Look. I'm not that type of girl. I don't hook up with random guys. If ever I'll be doing that, I want it to be with my boyfriend," I told him. Everything was true except for the boyfriend thing. I really wanted it to be with my real boyfriend that I love not some fake ones.

"You're right. You're innocent—boring!" He scoffed. "So how do you expect a guy like me to date someone lame like you?" His words came out more as an insult. I should have expected it, coming from this unbelievable, imbecile and egotistical jerk!

I should think of a good come back to that arrogant statement. Think fast Victoria Peige! "Yes, I know. I just wanted to give it a try. Aren't you curious? What it feels like to have a quiet type, a real girlfriend? Not someone who dates you for popularity?"

He was silent for a few seconds. Then he smirked. "You have a point. But, you see, I'm not the type of guy who settles for one girl. I'm friendly and affectionate with others, which is of course misunderstood by my girlfriends. So I leave them, because it's clear they don't trust me."

What? Had I just heard him correctly? What a load of crap! Friendly? You're the worst guy ever! Who would trust a guy like you? I struggled not to let any of my thoughts show on my face. "I know that. Girls like you because you're fun to be with. I understand. I'm not jealous, and I'll trust you. You're free to do whatever you want with your life as long as you agree to share it with me. If you let me be your girlfriend, I'll be the most understanding and trusting girlfriend you'll ever have."

Yeah, I really don't care if you have girls clinging to your arms or if you're making out with them. As I've said last night, no emotional attachment involved right? All fake. All for the sake of keeping him busy and occupied for my dear friend, Chloe.

"Why does me being your boyfriend matter so much?" he asked suspiciously. "What's the point if you don't care if I have girls around?"

"Look, our teenage years is almost over and I just want to know what it feels like to have a committed relationship with a guy I like. I've never been in a relationship before. I want to give it a try. I don't really care about the girls interested in you because I know that I'm your girlfriend and they're just flirts. In the end, I'm still the official and the titled girl, right? I'd trust you to be faithful." I replayed every fond memory I'd ever had in my head in order to muster up the sweetest smile I could give him.

This was easier than I thought. I'd never thought he'd believe me this fast. "Fair enough. But do you have any idea what you'll be getting yourself into? The consequences? Girls might do bad things to you." He sounded almost proud. I wanted to punch him.

Be strong, Tori. This was for Chloe, I reminded myself.

"Yes, I know. You'll protect me, right? I'm your girlfriend after all." I tried to smile sweetly and hoped it didn't come out as a grimace.

"I haven't said yes yet, Peige. And I won't be around all the time, you know."

It took all of my self-control to keep myself from rolling my eyes at his conceited response. "Well, I'm capable of defending myself. You worry too much."

"You really want to be my girlfriend?"

I nodded impatiently, annoyed at the obvious amusement in his tone. "Okay. I'll give you my answer later."

"What? Why don't you just give me the answer now?" I asked, feeling my hackles rise.

He stepped closer and touched my chin. "Be patient. Remember, I don't want a nagging and demanding girlfriend." He gave me another smirk and turned to walk out the door.

What would it be? If he refused, it's over. I set aside my pride just to confront him like that. Zach, why the long wait?

I let out a sigh.

This was for Chloe, I reminded myself. I could wait.

* * * * * * *

By lunchtime, I was so anxious to hear from Zach that I kept spacing out on Nathan and Chloe. I kept on thinking what would happen if Zach reject me. What would be his answer? I was going crazy! It wasn't like I was excited or anything, I just wanted to put my plans into action. I wanted him to be busy so he wouldn't bother Chloe and her boyfriend again.

"Tori!" Chloe called my attention.

"Oh hey! You were saying something?"

"Earth to Tori, you back? We've been talking to you. You okay?" Nathan looked worries. This gesture of his made my heart race. That worried look on Nathan's face really made me feel very important to him, but I knew he was just doing this because I was his important friend.

"I'm okay. You don't have to worry. I'm just... sleepy. I didn't have enough sleep last night." I tried to smile but failed.

It was true. I didn't get enough sleep last night because I was trying to compose the words I was going to say to Zach. But the waiting game, Zach's response, was killing me.

"Hello, my lady," intoned a familiar voice from behind me. Well, speak of the devil. "What are you doing here?" Nathan asked, surprised.

"What do you want, Zach?" Chloe demanded.

"I don't have business with you two. I'm here to give Tori my answer." He gave me a wink after he said my name.

Wait.

Please don't tell me he was planning to give me his answer in front of Chloe and Nathan? No!

"What is he talking about, Tori?" Nathan eyed me suspiciously.

I stood up and tugged on Zach's coat, hoping to lead him away. "What are you doing?" I hissed when he wouldn't budge. Chloe and Nathan were giving the two of us strange looks.

"Relax. I'm here to give you the answer you've been waiting for," Zach said with a cunning grin. Then, in a loud voice, he addressed the whole cafeteria. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please."

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, drew me close, and announced to the entire school, "This girl here is Victoria Peige. She's my new girlfriend."

---END OF CHAPTER THREE---

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