My locker door slams shut and I jump, spinning around to come face with face with Brody. A smile immediately stretches across my lips and he smirks, his hand still resting on my locker beside me. He leans down, green eyes shining mischievously at me.
“Hey.”
“Hi,” I reply, biting down on my lower lip. I glance around worryingly however the corridors are deserted. I’m late for class but lately it’s becoming a regular occurrence.
“You’re late.” Brody says, raising one eyebrow at me. I roll my eyes, reaching out to slap his chest lightly. “Sorry Sir. Please don’t give me detention.”
“I’ll have to think about it Miss Winters.”
He speaks in a hushed tone, leaning down so his lips are hovering over mine. I suck in a breath, his intoxicating scent wrapping around me.
The corner of his lips twitch upwards into a smirk and his eyes drop to the floor and back up again to meet mine. My heart flutters inside my body and I reminded myself to stay cool despite how hot Brody looks right now. He’s wearing his signature white shirt and it clings to him, the fabric stretching around the tops of his arms.
“Do you want to get lunch together? I miss having some Bella in my life.”
I giggle at his words before realising we couldn’t do that. I shake my head, an apologetic look filling my eyes.
“You know I don’t eat lunch in the cafe. Beside I don’t want people to see us.” I mutter, embarrassment causing my cheeks to heat up.
Brody’s eyes instantly darken, his sparkle disappearing from my words. He clears his throat and narrows his eyes at me slightly —
“Why do you care if people see us? I don’t.” I sigh, my eyes dropping to the floor.
“You know what it’s like for me Brody.”
“I told you I would sort it. I want to eat lunch with you Bella, it’s not a crime. Are you ashamed of me? Because I’m sure as hell not ashamed of you.”
His voice is rising slightly and I close my eyes, panic increasing inside my stomach. I blink and take a deep breath.
“I’m sorry.”
The words are a struggle to get out, my throat tightening until breathing isn’t something that comes naturally to me. Brody licks his lips, pushing back away from me. I immediately miss his addicting scent and I can’t help but express the hurt I’m feeling.
“Brody, please. It’s just that — ” “Save it Bella.”
His eyes flash with hurt and he turns away from me, heading down the corridor. His head hangs low and I feel a stab of pain shoot straight through my heart from seeing his mood switch.
I’ve never seen him look so. . . crushed.
“Wait, Brody!” I yell, running after him. He freezes on the spot, his shoulders tensing up from behind. I silently will him to turn around but he doesn’t but waits for me to reach him.
I stand in front of him, looking up into his green eyes that are dull and without his usual sparkle. I’m so used to seeing them smile at me that it feels like I’m looking into a strangers eyes.
“I’m sorry, I’m not ashamed of you.” I explain, my tone desperate. I so badly want it to go back to being light hearted with us, fun.
Brody remains silent, his green eyes searching for an explanation in mine. The sparkle doesn’t return and I swallow once again, the lump hurting the back of my throat.
“Is that it?” Brody asks suddenly, the sound of his voice surprising me. I blink and take a step back, noticing how hostile his personality has become towards me.
“What else do you want me to say?” I whisper, confusion filling me. Does he not understand I can’t be seen with him? Does he not understand the fear I feel when everyone is staring at me because of him?
“I want you to tell me that you don’t care about anyone else Bella. I want you to tell me that you actually want to be seen with me. I want to take you out on a date and not have you constantly worry about everyone around us,” he said, shaking his head at me. Sadness fills his eyes and a glimmer of anger passes through them. He tenses his jaw, his teeth clenched tightly.
“You won’t even have lunch with me.”
His voice is broken, hurt. I open my mouth to reply but no words come out. I can feel my heart thumping wildly against my chest and I so badly want to wrap my arms around him and put him straight. The sad truth is, he’s right.
He’s absolutely right.
So I respond with silence.
Guilt immediately washes over my body and I frown, taking a step back away from him. Brody is right. I am ashamed to be seen with him, not because of him, because of everyone else.
“I’m right, aren’t I?” He says quietly, his eyes dropping to the floor. He waits for a few seconds to let me respond but I remain silent. He lets out a scoff, taking my silence as a cue for him to continue —
“You’re ashamed to be seen with me. Is it because I’m one of the cool kids Bella? One of the populars? We’re not all assholes, I thought you knew this by now.”
With that, he steps away from me, shaking his head. All I can do is blink back the tears as I watch him go, his posture completely deflated.
*****
I drag my feet, ignoring the shouts and yells behind my back from the crowds of students around me.
The bell rings signalling the end of the school day and usually, I’d be the first to leave. Ever since the argument with Brody, I’m quieter than usual, fulfilling my role of ‘the mute.”
“Hey Bella!”
I spin around slowly, catching eye contact with Tia. She’s weaving through the crowds, clutching her backpack tightly. A smile lights up her face and she exhales deeply as she joins my side.
“I didn’t see you at lunch today. Do you fancy going for some ice cream to catch up?” She asks cheerfully, turning to face me. When she notices the sadness in my eyes and my withdrawn presence, she frowns.
“Hey what’s wrong?” Her eyebrows scrunch up in worry. I blink back tears, forcing them to stay put until I can lock myself in my bedroom.
“Has someone said something to you? Is it Beatrice? I swear to god, I will knock the girl out clean so she doesn’t even remember what year we’re in.” Tia warns, scanning through the crowds. I shake my head, letting out a giggle from her threats towards Beatrice.
“It’s not her, it’s Brody.” I explained, my cheeks heating up from the mention of his name. I’ve never admitted to anyone before that me and Brody have a thing. Tia stops and raises both her brows at me, surprise filling her features.
“Brody as in Brody Baxter?”
I nod my head, reaching out to grab hold of her arm. She allows me to drag her to the nearest girls toilets and I check to see no-one else is in here. All the stalls are empty and I face Tia again, inhaling deeply. She’s simply staring back at me, waiting patiently for me to explain.
“So, me and Brody are like… talking.” I explain badly, grimacing at my choice of words. Tia looks at me confusingly, the determination in her eyes working hard to figure out what I’m trying to say.
“You’re talking to Brody Baxter? I think we’ve all spoken to Brody at some point Bella. I mean, I know he’s beautiful but that doesn’t mean people can’t speak to him.”
I roll my eyes at her sarcasm and she quickly gasps, slapping her hand over her mouth. The realisation of my words finally dawns on her and she widens her eyes at me.
“Shut – up.”
I bite down on my lower lip and nod repeatedly, unable to believe if myself. Tia grabs hold of both of my arms and squeals loudly, turning me deaf at the same time. I wince and let out a chuckle, amused by her reaction.
“Shut up!”
“No way!”
“How? When? Give me details!”
Tia lets out another squeal and I’m now blushing beetroot red, my face resembling a tomato. I jump up onto the counter, getting comfortable and Tia does the same. She drops her backpack to the floor and turns towards me, her eyes shining brightly.
“Tell me everything and don’t miss out any details!”
I nod, inhaling deeply before I start from the very beginning, filling her in on the most exciting few weeks of my life.