CHAPTER 3
I parked on Tess’ driveway and checked my watch, she asked me to give her a ride to school today. A few minutes later she came out the front door, and got in the car. We air kissed each other then I drove out.
“I had fun yesterday, Janie is cooler than I thought.” She said and I smiled nodding “I know, you and me both.” I said.
Janie liked the idea of hanging out at Tess’ place even better.
We pulled up at school and got out, Tess chuckled grabbing a flyer
“Girls’ choice dance.” She said and I took it from her looking at it. They mentioned it at the beginning of the semester but I didn’t think they’d actually go through with the idea. The last function similar to this one was the spring dance last year, which I found an excuse not to attend.
“Its three weeks from now, this is going to be fun.” Tess said and I simply nodded, she rose her eyebrow at me “You’re not going to bail again, are you?” she asked and I shrugged.
“Well it’s a girls’ choice dance Tess, I don’t even know who I’m going to ask.” I said, and she chuckled as we walked into the building.
“Why don’t you ask that Brandon guy? I’m sure he’d love to take you up on your offer.” She said nudging my shoulder and I gave her a hard look.
“Okay, okay I know I said I’ll never mention him. Geez.” She said and I gave her a brief smile. I didn’t dare mention that I dreamt about him last night; I was still embarrassed I did. My smile fell when Adrianna and three of her minions came up behind Tess. She pivoted to face her but Adrianna’s cold gaze was fixed on me
“Your stupid clumsiness yesterday better not happen again.” She spat then got a little closer “For your sake, you better stay out of my way or we’re going to have a serious problem.” She added.
I looked at her silently, I wasn’t in the mood for this, I really wasn’t. Tess snorted
“Oh it was just a mistake Adrianna, get over it and go crawl back into the hole you came from.” She said, I slightly smiled at my best friend; she always stepped in when I wasn’t prepared to fight my own battles.
Adrianna slowly looked at her “I don’t remember ever talking to a pathetic side-kick, who are you again?” she asked then chuckled darkly “Oh yes, you’re the chick with the hots for my boyfriend, I saw the way you look at him. It’s a shame really, given that he never spares you a second look.” She spat and her minions giggled, she leaned towards Tess “He’s mine, get over that.” She whispered.
Without another word Tess turned and walked away, leaving the group of mean girls with satisfied smirks. She and her minions didn’t fully understand how vulnerable of a spot they just attacked, but I did.
“What is wrong with you Adrianna? Why do you keep following us around like you’re obsessed or something? Leave us the hell alone!” I barked, slamming my locker shut and went to go find Tess.
I went into the girl’s bathroom “Tess?” I called out and she came out of one of the stalls. “Hey. I’m fine.” She said, “Don’t give me that look.” She added going over to the counter basins. I leaned against them looking at her closely, but her expression didn’t give much away.
“Are you sure?” I asked and she nodded running her hand through her red hair
“I realized two things.” She said taking out her lip gloss, applying it lightly “One, I refuse to cry because of her. Two, what’s the point of crying over reality?” she said then looked at me when the bell rang. “Let’s go.” She said and I followed her out.
We came around the corner when JT stopped in front of us; well he had perfect timing. “Katelyn can I talk to you?” he asked me and smiled at Tess “Hello.” He said, “Hey.” Tess replied with far less enthusiasm then turned to me “I’ll see you in class.” She added to me and walked away. JT stared after her for a second
“What’s wrong with her?” He asked and I shook my head.
“Nothing’s wrong with her, what do you want JT?” I asked with a far sharper tone than I would’ve liked. JT started for a second, he looked like he wanted to say something but decided against it.
“We have a family meeting, so don’t make any plans for this afternoon.” He said then walked away. “Great.” I wailed when I remembered that I left a book of mine in my locker, I would’ve remembered it if it weren’t for Adrianna’s tirade.
I opened it and a couple of my things fell to the ground, I groaned realizing that my slamming it earlier was the cause. I crouched down to pick them up and strong looking hands were already helping me. Surprised, I looked up into amused grey eyes and I felt my heart jumpstart.
Get a grip! I thought, chastising myself for reacting the way I did around him. He practically gathered all my things and stood up, so I did too, still staring into his eyes. I hoped to God I wasn’t gaping at him when he smiled, handing them back to me. I snapped out of it and took them murmuring a thank you. I was careful not to touch him, but his warm skin came into contact with mine. The feeling I got in art class yesterday pulsed through me again and a quiet gasp slipped from my lips. “Hi, I’m Brandon.” He said pleasantly and I tried to ignore what his smooth deep voice did to me. “We have art class together.” He added and I forced a smile onto my lips too.
“Yeah I remember. I’m Katelyn.” I said glad my voice was steady.
“I know.” He said and I looked at him dumbfounded, he did? “You do?” I blurted out and he smiled. “I think everyone does.” He said slowly and I nodded feeling a little stupid. Of course everyone knew me.
“Mr. Carter, Ms. Gilbert. Class. Now.” I heard the principal’s voice behind me and I looked back to see him a couple of feet away, glaring impatiently at us. That’s when I noticed the empty hallway; I cursed inwardly putting my things back and grabbing my book.
“Of course Mr. Hammond, sorry.” Brandon called back to him then smiled down at me “See you later.” He added before going passed me. I exhaled in a rush and closed my locker. I practically ran to science class, I found the teacher ready to start the lesson.
“Sorry I’m late sir.” I muttered, chagrinned; I was never late before.
“Don’t let it happen again Ms. Gilbert, take your seat.” He said and I went over to my table and sat next to Tess. “Where the hell were you?” she whispered and I sighed “Lost in the Brandon vortex.” I muttered quietly and she gasped.
“Oh my god, I want details at lunch.” She said and the lesson began.
I was more excited than usual to go to art class, and I knew for certain that a gorgeous looking guy with beautiful grey eyes had something to do with that. See you later Brandon’s words echoed in my mind and I shook my head sadly.
I couldn’t nurse the infatuation I was slowly having for this guy; it would just end badly.
Like Tess promised, she grilled me at lunch. She interrogated me like I had a hot make out session with him, but nothing happened, he was just being nice by helping me; end of story.
I walked into the class and he was already seated, doodling something on a scribbler. He looked up and smiled when I walked to my desk, I didn’t want to be rude so I smiled back before I took my seat.
Mr. Anderson walked in “Good day class.” He said, “Please find yourself a partner because we’re going to do our class project in pairs.” He added. Everyone got cracking trying to find a suitable partner and I considered my options. I was about to go ask McKayla when I heard Jessica ask Brandon to be her partner.
“I already have one, sorry.” He said, and I tried not to let that bother me, why does it matter to me anyway?
“Really? Who?” I heard her crestfallen voice ask, “Katelyn.” Brandon simply replied, shocked I turned sharply to look at him.
“Oh.” She said then she spared me a bitter look before she walked away, I couldn’t really fault her, I’m sure I would’ve felt that way too had I been in her position. I looked back to Brandon who shrugged nonchalantly
“You don’t mind, do you?” he asked, the curve of his lips taunting me. I think the real
question was, did I want to mind? “No.” I heard myself say and he smiled then sat next to me. It was then that I noticed his amazing scent; it was a blend of leather and ocean air, intoxicating and unavoidable, just like him. I took another deep breath savoring it, how could I have missed it when we were in the hallway? Then again I was distracted with the rest of him to notice it. When the class settled down Mr. Anderson wrote descriptive drawing on the board.
“Descriptive drawing, basically its art with text. A picture worth a thousand words.” He said with a smile “You will complete a pen and ink drawing using words to determine values. By choosing a picture to work from with high emotional content.” He added then he took out an example and showed it to us.
“Select words that describe the picture’s content, that will help ensure the success of your project. I do encourage you to be creative, so illustrate quotes, music lyrics, poems, go crazy and have fun with it.” He said.
“Words should be placed together tighter, made bolder etc. to achieve darker values. Any question?” He added then answered the questions from the students.
“Get to work on this project immediately, I’m giving you two weeks to complete it.” He said “Please make sure that you do your best because this project will make up 50% of your grade for this term.” He added.
I’ve never tried drawing with words before, it looked challenging but the end product looked breathtaking.
“This is going to be hard.” I said and Brandon chuckled, the sound was very inviting and carefree “This is going to be fun.” He said, his gaze falling to my mouth. I had a feeling he didn’t particularly mean just doing the project, I swallowed hard. Turning my gaze back to Mr. Anderson, what did I get myself into? I thought.