Chapter Ten- My knight in wet clothes

I received many stares as I walked to cafeteria. They were burning holes at my head. Judgmental looks in their eyes could not be missed. I was wondering what happened this time. My mind came to one conclusion- Kim is going to kill me. Ninety nine point nine nine percent of me was sure that it was because I came out of Nick’s car in the morning. The remaining point zero one wished it was not because of that.

When I entered cafeteria, Emma was sitting there with Jessica. My eyebrows rose up as I made my way to them. Emma never gets to table first. She is always last among three of us to reach there.

“Hey,” I smiled and took my seat. Jessica gave me a look of suspicion and Emma looked as if she was going to murder me. She is so going to mark Nick as her territory.

“Did you sleep with Nick?” Emma threw the expected question at me but still I was taken aback. Hearing it aloud sounds so bad. Not that anything like that happened.

“Of course not,” I shook my head.

“Made out?”

“No!”

“Kissed?”

“No! Nothing like that happened.” I was astonished. I might have fantasized about kissing nick but hearing it loud sounds so bad. I can only grimace with disgust.

“Then why were you in his car?” She asked with tomato face.

“I was late. My car didn’t start. Nick saw me and gave me lift. That was all that happened.” I explained moving my hands.

“Are you sure?” She narrowed her eyes at me.

“What sure? It was only a lift. Why is everyone making such a big issue about it?” I almost spat.

How can they be so judgmental? Seriously, this is absurd.

“Okay,” Emma nodded her head slowly. “I believe you.”

I didn’t say anything and went to grab something to eat even though I didn’t feel hungry at all.

When I was back on the table, three boys were already sitting there. It was surprising to see Nick and Blaise on same table. Nick was fine but Blaise, he seemed out of place. His eyes were cold. He looked normal but the stiffness of his back and shoulders told me other story.

What is going on here?

“Hey,” I said as I took my seat, between Blaise and Jessica. Nick and Josh waved at me but Blaise hardly moved. He ignored me completely. I frowned. What was wrong with him?

“Hey B,” Nick called out and I rose my eyebrows at him prompting him to continue. “Thanks”

“For what?”

“For opening my eyes. I apologized to Blaise. You made me realize my mistake. I was upset over nothing.”

“Uh, it’s okay,” I said but uncertainty was clear in my voice. “And thanks to you too.”

“For what?”

“For giving me lift. I don’t know what went wrong with my car. That thing never works properly when I need it the most.” I shook my head.

“Blaise will help you. He knows how to fix cars.” Nick suggested.

My head turned to Blaise. His head rose and our eyes met. He seemed to be more at ease. After Nick apologized, he must be feeling better than before.

“Sure, I’ll do it.” He said his lips barely moving but words were loud enough.

I smiled at him.

“So you two are good now?” Emma peeped in.

“Yeah,” Nick smiled adoringly at her.

“That’s great. It was getting tiring to see both of you fight. But I knew it won’t last longer.”

Except for Nick, I believe everyone on the table gave her ‘are you serious?’ looks. She was the one to talk rudely to Blaise and she didn’t even apologize. I shook my head. This girl is impossible. She belongs to the group sitting just a few tables away.

“You are really nice, Emma.” Nick smiled at her and she blushed. I had to stop myself from throwing up. Jessica seemed to mirror my thoughts. She even seemed green.

“Thanks,” she whispered tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

A jock came and said something to Nick slapping his back before leaving. He only smirked and didn’t give any response.

“Don’t forget our date tonight.” Nic reminded her.

“I won’t,” she grinned at him. Her eyes gleamed with happiness and I felt a pang of jealousy but stomped on it before it constricted my heart. They were happy in their own world. What was I even doing here? Hurting myself? I was to be blamed for it.

“Hey Jessica,” I distracted myself from lovesick couple.

“Yeah,”

“My Aunt has called me for weekend. I told her I’ll be bringing a friend. Will you come with me?”

“Um,” her eyes darted to Josh. I knew a denial was coming. I guess I have to be alone to face the torture. “Josh and I are going to hang out so…”

“It’s okay,” I smiled reassuringly at her. “I can go al-“ Before I could finish my sentence, I was interrupted by Nick.

“Blaise also doesn’t have anything to do for weekend. Why don’t you take him with you?” Nick asked me.

My eyes widened. Oh no! This can’t be happening. I can’t go with Blaise. Well last time we went to McDonalds and I wanted to cut his fingers. We can hardly handle each other for five minutes. Now that he is in good spirits, he will torment me more. I guess I liked sulking Blaise more.

“Yes Beryl, that’s a nice idea. What do you think Blaise? Will you go with Beryl?” Jessica asked. I could mentally picture her with a bow and an arrow. She was playing cupid and it was not going to work. Why did I even say that I’d be bringing a friend? Aunt Jen was happy with me only but I was the one to complicate it. This is called digging your own grave.

Please say no. Please say no.

“Fine, if Beryl agrees with it.” He shrugged casually but there was a gleam in his eyes that I couldn’t miss. He was thinking about something, I just hope it was not dangerous.

“Beryl is fine with it. Right Beryl?” Jessica asked me. I smiled at her but my eyes said ‘you’re going to pay for it’.

“Y-yeah,” I stuttered.

“That’s great. Everyone has plans of their own for this weekend.” Nick said. “But we are going to spend next weekend together. Change all your plans if you have them. Next weekend is for friendship. This weekend is for… love.” He shot a sideways glance to Emma.

This weekend is going to be last weekend of either my or Blaise’s life.

*

I was at my home packing for my two night stay at Aunt Jen’s house. Blaise gave me ride back home and we had small argument when he started drumming his fingers on steering wheel again, though he thankfully stopped. I told him that we were traveling to other town and he didn’t protest or ask many question. And I told him that my Aunt, Uncle and their son were really nice. I just missed out some facts. He will find out eventually.

I was still packing when Blaise barged in with his bag. He said he would fix my car later and I didn’t pressure him. Instead he thought it was better for him to get on my nerves when I was trying to pack my stuff.

“So what did you talk about with Nick?” He asked.

“Why are you asking?” I folded my clothes neatly and placed them inside the suitcase.

“Wanted to know what made him change his mind.”

“I don’t know. I guess I got a little philosophical. Nothing special.” I shrugged rummaging around room.

“Nick is of that kind. He talks that stuff sometimes.”

“I figured it out after he told me about his views on popularity. Believe me, I was shocked but then I was laughing hearing something like that coming from Nick’s mouth makes it a joke. But it doesn’t feel weird now.”

Silence followed as I kept on packing grabbing my clothes or other stuff. I was contemplating whether I should get swimming suit with me. Aunt Jen has pool and I love spending times around it as I can’t get inside the water because every time I do, cold is always waiting for me with open arms. Not again.

“Beryl,” Blaise said suddenly. I turned my head but didn’t look at him. I hummed.

“Do you-“ he was cut off by doorbell ringing.

“Who could be there now?” I muttered under my breath.

“Don’t worry. I’ll get it.” Blaise rose from bed and headed downstairs. I thought it was not a good idea. I guy in my house. It has never happened before. Also, Blaise is not a man to be trusted when it comes to make fun of me.

When I reached downstairs, Blaise was just opening the door. I was about to stop him but I was late. As soon as I opened the door, water flooded inside the door and drenched Blaise from head to toe. A bucked followed right after that covering his head. I stood at my spot, few feet away from Blaise, shell shocked. Time froze as Blaise lifted the bucket revealing his wet hairs clinging to his face.

He narrowed his eyes at someone and I snapped from my daze leaning forwards to get better view of person standing outside. My eyes widened at the sight of Garry who looked equally shocked. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

“Who are you?” Garry asked. “Isn’t it Parker’s house?”

“Who are you?” Blaise asked calmly crossing his arms over his chest. His muscles bulged through wet shirt.

“I’m their neighbor. Who are you and what you did to Beryl?” Garry asked stepping back.

“I’m Blaise Anderson.” Blaise answered curtly. Understanding downed on Garry’s face. After he was the Blaise Anderson.

“What are you doing here? Are you planning to take advantage of Beryl? Are you a stalker?” Garry narrowed his eyes at Blaise trying to look intimidating.

“I should be questioning your sanity because you just threw a bucket of ice cold water on me for no particular reason.”

“Where is Beryl?” Garry ignored Blaise’ comment.

“She is in her room.”

“Are you sure? I want to see her.”

“I can’t let you see her.” Blaise stopped him as Garry tried to come inside.

“What? How dare you? Let me in.” Garry glared at Blaise. Then his eyes fell on me and he shouted my name. Blaise’ head snapped in my direction.

“Beryl, ask him to let me in.” Garry gritted his teeth together.

“Let him in Blaise.” I said solemnly. Blaise complied stepping away, his eyes narrowed at me.

What did I do now?

“Hey Garry,” I nervously waved my hand at him.

“What is he doing here?” He asked me straight.

“He’s here. Mom said he can be here anytime he wanted.” I remembered my mom saying that. Inside, I was getting nervous. Garry hardly has that look in his eyes which your father gives to you when he doesn’t like your boyfriend. But neither Garry was my father nor was Blaise my boyfriend. Still I felt as if I was being questioned by FBI.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Garry asked in disbelief.

“No, he’s not.” I said flatly.

He frowned instantly.

“Now will you explain why you found it necessary to pour water on me? I had taken bath before I came here.”

“Oh sorry!” Garry looked sheepishly at Blaise. “It was meant for Beryl not you. She lived alone here and I didn’t see Delilah’s car so I assumed it’d be her opening the door.” I took two steps away from Garry.

“Why?” Blaise cocked his head. I took two steps back.

“She gave my phone number to this girl…” Garry started and stopped, turning sharply to me. By the time I had already tuning around and ran away letting out a squeak.

“You will not escape from me,” Garry shouted at me. I sprinted away from him towards the living room and started circling the couch. He was just behind me and then abruptly stopped. We were in either sides of the couch moving left or right.

“How dare you do that Beryl?” Garry accused me.

“I’m sorry. I was hungry and she gave me sandwich. Then she asked for you number and I couldn’t say no.”

“Really? Are you crazy? I’ve been receiving unlimited texts and calls from her. She even came at my home twice.”

“Ban her,” I suggested.

He gave me a flat look while I kept my expressions serious. “I’ll send her to you.”

“As long as she brings me something to eat, I’m fine with it.”

He groaned rubbing his hands on face. “Why are you like this?’ He pointed an accusing finger at me.

“Smart, beautiful, irresistibly hot. Thank you,” I smirked at him while he scowled.

“If you two stop your bickering now, Beryl, will you show me way to bathroom.” Blaise snapped my attention to him. He was dripping wet with a glare directed to Garry who chuckled nervously and apologized. Blaise grumbled something and followed him.

“I’ll grab one of dad’s shirts for you. You’re almost his size.” I bolted away to dad’s room and fished out a random shirt. It was only when I shoved it to his naked chest, I realized that he had muscles. My eyes remained downcast as he protested about the color. In a hurry to get away from half naked boy in the washroom, I just dashed away from there not giving him a single glance.

I let out a sigh of relief when I was at a reasonable distance and leaned against the wall. My eyes flashed back to his naked chest over and over again. When I had barged into the bathroom without any notice, my eyes had directly landed on a hard chest. My reaction was faster than lightening. Floor seemed more interesting all of sudden. I had thrown the shirt on his chest and ran away from there as if I was chased by Kim Welsh.

“Why are you so flustered?”

I had almost forgotten Garry was still there.

“N-Nothing,” I stuttered not looking at him.

“Are you sure?” I could feel his narrowed eyes burning on my face.

“I’m sure. I just ran too much.” I waved my hands looking at him.

“What is he doing here?” He asked again.

“I’m going to Aunt Jen’s home. She asked me to bring a friend so Blaise tagged along. And before you say something, mom already knows about it and she is fine with this arrangement.” If only he knew how fine was she with it. Unfortunately ore than me.

He nodded uneasily. I rolled my eyes and put an arm around his shoulder.

“Relax Percy Jackson, I have got this under control.” I never understand his weird obsession with Percy Jackson, but it always lightens his mood.

“Fine. But take care of myself.” He kissed my forehead and walked to front door with me following him.

He had forgotten the whole issue about Dana. Thanks for Blaise. He not only took the blow meant for me but also served as distraction for crazy Garry. My knight in wet clothes.

“You too take care of yourself.” I smiled as he stepped out. “And Dana’s also.” I added for effect. He turned around to jump on me but I shut the door on his face. There was s thud and a pained groan followed by third class cussing before he said goodbye and left.

I returned to living room where Blaise was sitting. He had put on a pink shirt and sweatpants.

My smirk was not missed. Before I could even open my mouth, he interrupted me.

“Don’t say a word. Just don’t.” he raised his hand silencing me and threw me his car keys. “Got get me a shirt from bag in backseat of my car.”

“Why don’t you go?”

He gave me a flat look and I grumbled before doing his bidding.

He changed to new clothes while I packed my remaining stuff. He was dressed in a black and white t-shirt and cargo pants. And he looked really good in them. Though I was not going to compliment him. He might be getting praise from most of girls but not me.

“Let’s go,” I said dragging my bags behind me.

He scoffed and picked my bags as I followed him. I locked the door and got in passenger seat. My cell phone vibrated inside my pocket.

Have fun. But not too much. –J

I groaned internally. When I return, it is going to be really difficult for me to face my best friend.

The car started moving. I was tired after packing and running. Exhaustion lulled me to a dreamless sleep.

** *** *** ***
I was thinking to write something more but my mind was not completely into it. I just come up with this chapter. Hope it’s not disappointing you much. But I promise next chapter will be much more fun since my final practical are over now.

And yeah, like every other chapter, it’s not edited.

Keep on voting and commenting.

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-nerdinspects