11.

Kira's POV

What's gotten into me? I can't even say a proper sentence. It seems like I lost my vocabulary. And exactly at the time when I need it the most. What was that he said? A maths test? I can not fail my first test at a new school.

I open the door and see him coming from his room heading down the stairs. I have to admit, he does have a sexy body. Megan would appreciate such a sight to drool over. Although his hair is messed up, it's still good to look at.

Unlike some of us; when my hair is messed up, that's a world war right there. Straightening combs, hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, rollers,... You name it, it's going to war against my hair.

The math test. Right. I run to the stairs and see him going into the kitchen. Was he a model in his previous life or what? Who just walks so perfectly? I legit have to watch my step wherever I go, or I might just trip over steam. That's how bad it is.

"Kian," I call after him. He stands and turns his neck to face me.

"Yeah?" he crosses his arms across his chest, flexing his biceps in the process. That's probably not his intention.

"What is the test about exactly?"

"I'm not sure," he shakes his head and looks at the floor before looking up at me again. "The thing is that levels 3 and 4 have a slightly different syllabus so I am not sure what will be in your test."

"Alright, thanks," I say as I start to walk away from the railing.

"You know, I'm glad you can make a sentence or two. I was starting to think I'm going to live with someone that only says one word or just nods," he says as he enters the kitchen, but I caught the glimpse of him smiling before he left.

I close my room and look around. I might just like living here. I draw the curtains open and lean against the wall as I take in the room I'll be using for the meantime.

There are porcelain pedestals standing at both the sides of the window. My bed is in the centre of the room, against the wall that's opposite a teal study table. The table has its own drawers and there is a lamp on the table. A little polka dotted dustbin stands next to the front leg of the table.

There is a maroon love seat in one corner of the room, and another purple love seat in the opposite corner, where the door is. There is a cream fluffy carpet in front of these love seats. Now give me a reason why I should wear shoes in this room. The last side of the room has a black walk in closet with a grey footrest sofa. Too much living space for sure. This lady sure has some taste in designs and colours.

I open my suitcase that's next to my bed and start unpacking everything onto my bed. I find a cloth in the bathroom and wipe the closet before packing my clothes in there. By the time I finished unpacking, repacking and organizing my stuff, it was 14:10. I lay back on the pillow to rest my neck. I close my eyes and concentrate on my breathing.

The first thing I notice when I open my eyes, is that the curtains are now closed. I look around me and notice that everything else is pretty much in place. I spot my suitcase next to the study table. I could have sworn I left it next to my bed. My phone vibrates from under my pillow and I reach for it.

I frown when I see that I have less than 30% battery life left. Thanks a lot for the warning, phone. I look at the time; 21:20. What?! Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Okay, calm down. I only have less than 24 hours left to practice for that math test.

I unlock my phone and see four missed calls and 7 texts from Megan. She's probably sleeping. I'll text her when she's up. I plug my phone on the charger and open the door quietly. I hear laughing voices coming from downstairs. I close the door again and go to the bathroom. I brush my teeth, wash my face and change into something more comfortable.

And by comfortable, I mean that I change into a baggy shirt and some cotton shorts with my Nordvek pink fluffy flip flop slip on. I apply moisturiser on my hands and face and some lip balm. I walk downstairs, not knowing who to expect seeing, but I hope it's Mrs Grand. I owe her an apology for missing lunch. What a good first impression, Kira.

"No, I just don't want to," I hear a male voice come from the slightly open lounge.

"Come on. How can you not be on it?" a giggling voice says.

"Because-" then there's laughter.

"You don't play fair," that's a female voice.

"That's old news, prima."

Wait, he also called me prima earlier. Maybe it's a thing he calls girls? I enter the living room and clear my throat. A girl looks up and beams when our eyes meet. She stands up and comes to me, her arms open.

"Hey, I'm Cara," she says as she gives me a tight hug. I hug her back just as tight.

"I'm Kira."

"I know. And you're even prettier in person," she says as she touches my chin. Hard to believe that when she looks like a runway model in black skinny jeans, a black tank top and black boot wedges.

"Thanks," I look at Kian but he's typing on his phone. "How do you know my name?"

"I heard about you," she says as she leads me to a couch and sits beside me.

"From?" I can't believe this. I am new in town and people are already talking abut me? I didn't even go out yet for crying out loud.

"Darling, almost a third of our school is talking about you," she squeezes my hand. Whelp. A third? Save me.

"And approximately how many people are we talking about?" I ask. She bites her bottom lip and looks to her left.

"Three," she says calmly. Excuse me, what? Three?

"A third consists of three people at your school?" If this was anyone else, I would have laughed in their face. She chuckles and hits my shoulder lightly.

"You have it mixed up. When I say a third, or if anyone by that matter says a third of RPHS, they are indirectly referring to the three most popular guys in school," she leans back. Kian stands up and walk to the door.

"You missed lunch and dinner," he says as he leans against the door, his phone in his hand as he holds it up at his face. No shit, Sherlock. But that was among the things gran said not to say to the hosts.

"There's lasagne and pizza-" he's cut short by the doorbell, "Cara will help you out," he says quickly before he leaves. Cara and I go to the kitchen and I sit on the stool while she heats the pizza and lasagne.

"Tell me more about yourself," she says as she leans against the counter. I dread this question. Who just likes talking about themselves? Like, when someone asks that, does one just open a mental document and start telling their biography?

"Well, I don't know where to start," I say.

"Cool if I go first?" she asks and I nod. "I'm 18. Last born. I'm in the Editorial Committee and I hang with the guys because of my brother, mainly. I come here a few times because I assist Kian with some of his homework. I'm in level 3," she says as she plays with her fingers.

"Okay, I'm 17, turning 18 later this year. Only child. I was in the Publishing Club at my previous school. I didn't really hang out with people, just my cousin," I scratch my forehead as I think of something else about me that's appropriate. "Oh yeah," I snap my fingers, "I played basketball for my school's team. Was the team captain as well." She looks at me in a surprised way and I blush. Maybe there is something interesting about me after all.

"I'm Ryan," I turn my head around to look at the intruder. A cute intruder may I add. He smiles as he walks in our direction with his hands in his pockets.

"I'm 18. I'm Cara's handsome brother. I'm in the football and basketball teams. I have a small circle of friends, and would love for you to join it," he winks

at me with his dark wood brown eyes. His hair looks wet and he is almost as muscular and good-looking as Kian. Keyword: almost.

"Did you invite him?" Cara asks Kian. I didn't notice that Kian appeared by my side until now. He shrugs and nods, taking a slice of pizza from Cara.

"She's off limits, Ryan," Cara says sternly.

"Give us a minute," he winks at her and she looks at me. I smile at her to reassure her. She turns to give him a dirty look before she bumps his shoulder as she walks away with Kian.

Ryan leans against the counter, the only thing between us, and smiles at me. He looks at me silently and tilts his head to the side. I tap my fingers on the counter and look at the sink. He's making me feel so uncomfortable. After what seems like forever, he stands straighter and extends his hand out for me.

"Hi," he simply says.

"Hey," I shake his hand firmly. He keeps quiet again. "Okay," I drag the word as I look around the kitchen.

"You don't give away anything, do you?" he asks me.

"Pardon?"

"I'm trying to figure you out. Get at least one thing out of you." I raise my eyebrows to question him, but his ringtone goes off. He slides his phone to answer, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Speak. Alright. We're on our way. Cool." He hangs up and leans against the counter again. "I believe you left me hanging," he says.

"I did?" I ask. When was that?

"Yeah, you said you'd text me when your school's out."

"Oh," I chuckle. "I must've forgotten that. I'm sorry." He looks at me, but not in my eyes.

"Say that again," he smiles.

"I'm sorry, whaaat?" I giggle. If there's anything good about this, it's that I'd rather laugh than cry during a situation I find myself uncomfortable in. His smile grows wider and he shakes his head.

"Forgive me. I just like the way your lips move." I struggle to breathe.

"Is that so?" I look away. "You should probably get going."

"No kidding," he says as he comes around to me. I walk out of the kitchen and head to the door with him right behind me.

"Can I call you tomorrow?" he asks as I hold the door open for him.

"The name's Kira," I blatantly say. He grins and rubs his temples, slightly shaking his head.

"I can tell you and Cara will get along just fine," his voice is full of amusement. Oh Ryan, I wish that as well. I need to have a female friend here. There is too much testosterone for me to handle all alone.

"Tell me you'll wait for my call," he touches my cheek gently.

"You don't have my number," I say. He smirks and tilts his head, his eyes mocking me. Apparently you're mistaken.

"I wont even ask how you got it," I roll my eyes. He strokes my cheek and winks, blowing me a kiss in the process.

"Bye," I whisper. I close the door and lean my forehead against the cold wood. Well that was...nice, I guess. I turn around and almost jump when I see Kian standing in front of me. He doesn't look so...happy.