CHAPTER 3

*AT BRYAN'S HOUSE*

Hunter is seen with Bryan, playing a video game.

"Do you know that girl?" Hunter asked.

"Which girl?"

"Veronica."

"Yeah, is she the one with the big boobs?" Bryan asked him.

"Yeah," he replied.

"I asked her out on a date," Hunter continued.

"You did what?" Bryan asked, setting down the game controller.

"What did you tell her?" he asked.

"I told her I want to date her."

"Woo! You were that straightforward with her?" Bryan exclaimed.

"So, what did she say?"

"She told me that she thinks it's a bad idea," he said with a sigh. "Then she left."

"Wow, but that girl is hot! Have you taken a good look at her?" Bryan asked.

"Yeah, she is damn hot," Hunter shouted, grinning.

"Anyway, Harry is hosting a party this Friday, so maybe you should try inviting her," Bryan suggested.

"Yeah, that would be nice," Hunter replied as they high-fived and started laughing.

"Wait, you really like this girl, right?" Bryan asked.

"I don't like her," Hunter replied. "I just find her sexy, and I want to know how her lips would feel on mine and, of course, more." He smirked. "Everything about her is just so hot."

"Hunter, I don't think that's a great idea," Bryan said with a frown.

"What? When did you become Holy Mary? I don't think you, of all people, should be advising me on relationships," Hunter retorted.

"Anyway, let's forget about that and continue with the game."

The two of them resumed playing the video game until Bryan's phone started ringing. He looked at the caller ID and saw it was Cindy, then decided to ignore the call. However, Cindy, being herself, continued calling.

"Are you going to answer that?" Hunter asked. Bryan replied that he would pick it up if she called again, and of course, she did.

"Hello, it's Cindy."

"Of course, it is because nobody calls me more than five times in a row if I don't respond," Bryan replied with an eye roll.

"Okay, so why didn't you pick up earlier then?"

"I don't think I owe you any explanation, so cut to the chase. Why did you call?" he asked.

"I called because I missed you. Can't I just call you anytime I like?" she asked, and it was obvious from her tone that she was pouting.

"No, you can't," he replied, which made her laugh.

"You've always been the rude one, and you always ignore my calls," she complained.

"I never begged you to call," he replied without emotion.

"Okay, fine. I know you never begged me to call, but that doesn't mean I will stop calling," she said shamelessly.

"Do whatever you want, Cindy, but don't expect a reply in return," he said with a shrug.

"Okay, see you at school tomorrow then. Goodnight," she said.

"Whatever," he replied, ending the call.

VERONICA

When I got to school the next day, I couldn't wait to tell my best friend what happened yesterday.

As I opened my locker, a paper fell out.

I really need to clean this locker; the birthday decorations Sam and the others had put up for me since last year were still there, along with dust.

I picked up the paper and read it. It turned out to be a note from Hunter telling me to meet him in the school's fine arts lab during lunch.

I took the paper and my books, then went to class.

When I got to class, I noticed that Sam wasn't in his usual seat. I guessed he wasn't even at school yet.

I sat down and couldn't help but notice the stares I usually get every day. I decided to call Sam, so I took out my phone and dialled his number. He didn't answer, so I tried a second time, and he picked up.

I asked him why he was absent from school, and he said he was feeling sick, so he decided to stay home today.

"Hope it's not serious," I said, concerned.

"No, just a mild headache that will probably go away if I take some medicine and get a short nap."

"Take care then," I told him.

"Yeah, thanks. I might come to your house this evening," he said.

"Please do; I have something to tell you," I replied.

He agreed and told me to take care of myself before we exchanged goodbyes and ended the call.

After the call, I opened my phone gallery and started going through my pictures. As I reached a particular Snapchat picture, I heard someone laughing beside me.

I looked to my side and saw it was Hunter. "Creep," I muttered to myself as I scanned the room to see if anyone was noticing, but everyone seemed busy with their own things.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"I don't know; can't I stay here?" he replied.

"No, you can't, so please leave."

"Bold. I like that," he said with a grin. "But I'm not going anywhere; this is where I want to stay," he added with a smirk.

"Besides, I see no reason why you want me to leave," he said.

"Well, I don't want people to gossip and start spreading rumours," I explained with a shrug.

"False rumours like what?" he asked, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Stop it. I'm being nice," I said.

"Don't act shy, Veronica; I know you're wilder than this," he said, making me cringe in disgust.

"Okay, since you don't want to leave, I will, "I said and stood up.

As I stood up, all eyes were on me.

I could feel Molly's gaze boring into my skin.

Molly is Cindy's bestie and she has always had a crush on Hunter.

I know many girls do but Molly's own is different.

She feels they are meant for each other, and she always follows him wherever he goes, the funny part is the fact that she always introduces herself as his girlfriend, which he usually denies.

Isn't that pathetic?

" Okay, guys, nothing is going on, so you can continue whatever you were doing," I said with an eye roll, but they didn't stop staring, so I went out and headed for the restroom.

"So annoying."I scoffed.

"Veronica" I heard my name and I knew it was Hunter.

"Well, here we go again; why won't you just leave me alone? can't you see that I don't want anything to do with you?"I asked annoyed.

" Why don't you want to have anything to do with me?"He asked as he started coming closer.

"Let me make it clear in case I haven't; I don't want to date you. I don't even know why I'm standing here talking to you."I said and continued my journey to the restroom.

"Okay, Veronica, I will try to stay away from you, but I mean no harm; I just wanted to let you know that there is a party going on this Friday, and I would like you to come to the party," he replied.

"I don't want to go to your stupid party," I shouted and continued walking away; I didn't even know why I was this angry.

He didn't do anything to annoy me.

"Okay, but feel free to tell me when you change your mind," he replied and left.

Oh, so he is expecting me to change my mind.

He didn't even say if you changed your mind. Instead, he said when you change your mind.

I finished my business, washed my hands then left the restroom.