I quickly turned around facing Connor who was ready to rip the ball away from me. Here goes nothing, I thought to myself, chucking the ball into the general direction of the basket.
I squeezed my eyes shut as I threw it, hoping for the best. I heard a thump and cursing, but most importantly, cheers. My eyes flew open to see Connor sitting on the ground rubbing his head. Suddenly I was lifted up into the air, James screaming his head off as he placed me on his shoulders.
I- I made it ? I asked in disbelief. A grinning Jessica ran up to me, well James that is. James lowered me to the ground as the bell rang, signaling lunch.
You- She paused, laughing, the ball bounced off of Connor’s head and into the basket. She clutched her sides, laughing hard. At that, I burst out laughing, looking at Connor as he glared at me, disappearing into the boys’ locker room.
Oh my… I said, tearing up from laughing so hard. We went into the girls’ room, laughing as we did so.
Lunchtime
I walked into the lunchroom with the girls, smiling and laughing. We took our normal seat after getting our food.
So I heard you and Liam really hit it off. Claire said casually as she took a sip of water. I started choking on my apple, causing Lily to pound my back violently.
Who told you that ? I asked, my voice hoarse and my throat burning.
Jessica. She said, not noticing my reaction. I turned to glare at Jessica, just as Anna spoke.
Don’t be mad at her, she was only looking out for you and Liam. Anna said.
What do you mean ? I asked. I was getting really confused.
Connor will kill Liam if you try to get closer to him. Natalya explained. I frowned and looked at all the girls. What was this ? Some intervention ?
Okay, I get it. I said, looking down. I was no longer hungry anymore, so I excused myself and left to throw away my food. Just as I was about to leave the lunchroom, I heard my name being called.
Huh ? I asked, turning around. Liam was waving at me from his table. I recognized a couple people at the table.
Hey guys, I said, standing by Liam.
How’s Connor ? Harry asked. (the ginger)
I scowled and flipped him off turning to leave. Somebody grabbed my wrist, causing me to stop moving.
Wait, Liam said, standing up. I, um… I wanted to know if you wanted to hang out sometime. I felt myself blushing, and tucking my hair nervously behind my ear.
Uh, yeah, sure. I said, stammering a little bit. He exhaled, looking relieved.
How about tomorrow night ? He asked, rubbing the back of his neck. I thought for a minute, my heart pounding. What’s going on with me ?
Sounds good to me. I said, laughing a little. Liam grinned at me, letting go of my wrist.
Can’t wait. I blushed and left the lunchroom feeling giddy. Wait- what about Connor ? I shook my head, smiling, what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.
I glanced at the clock in the hallway, time for Study Hall.
Bella ! I turned, facing Mr. Henderson. Can you come to my classroom for a second ?
What’s going-
Bella, this is your tutor. Mr. Henderson announced casually, sitting down at his desk. My jaw dropped and Connor smirked at my reaction.
Come on, Bells, let’s get working. Connor said cheerfully, grabbing my hand as he led me from the room. I struggled and even tried to hit him, but his grip on my wrist was like steel. He dragged me into the library, where I was scolded for being to loud.
Who knew that Bella Brown is failing all her classes, he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I’m not failing ! I snapped while pulling out my assignments. Connor laughed, watching me.
Wait, I said, freezing. How could you possibly be my tutor ?
Connor’s face hardened, all amusement wiped away. Let’s just start. I stayed standing, watching as he sat down, looking at me impatiently.
No. He sighed and made a grab for my work, but I pulled it away just in time. He frowned and glared at me.
This is a trick, isn’t it ? I snapped, putting all my books inside my book bag. Connor scowled and stood up, walking around the table to my side and cornering me.
This isn’t a trick. I really am one of the top students here. I scoffed and flung my bookbag over my shoulder.
I’m serious ! Connor said, exasperated. I glared at him, unsure if I should believe him or not.
Then tell me why your parents think otherwise.
15 minutes later
So I just tell them I’m failing because they refuse to be proud of me. Connor said.
Wait, you mean your parents don’t know your actual grades ?
He scoffed, They know nothing about me. I’ve been the disappointment to them ever since Ch- well, anyways, they bought me a house just so they wouldn’t have to see me.
But if they knew you weren’t blowing off school, then they wouldn’t be dis- I started.
I have nothing to prove to them. Connor snapped. I could tell he was getting mad, so I decided to lay off the subject. One thing I noticed was he hesitated, he was going to tell me something. ‘Ever since Ch-‘ I wonder what he was going to say…
I’m sorry, I murmured, resting my hand awkwardly on his shoulder. He gave me a small smile before returning to his seat.
Come on, you’re going to need all the help you can get. He joked. I scowled playfully and plopped down pulling out my books.
20 minutes later
Bella ! You can’t do that ! Connor exclaimed, ripping the pencil away from my hand.
Mwaaaaaaaaah ! I screamed dropping my head to my desk in defeat. Ten minutes ago, Connor would have laughed. Now ? Well I’m pretty sure I’m just pissing him off.