chapter 2

After dragging myself through this torture it was almost time to end it and I couldn't wait. At history class, the lessons were as boring as always. People were busily chatting while some were poking themselves to stay awake. Most had lost the fight but I was still in counting on the seconds – which were about 600 seconds more – left to stop the war. Bree on the other hand was busily taking notes, highlighting them and stuff. I couldn't even comprehend the words coming out of the teacher's mouth. But when Ms. Kindal mentioned a project work , every eye awoke , every ear heard and every mouth seized. Fingers were crossed for names to be assigned to either best friends or the brilliant students. I was impatiently waiting for Brenda Mitchell's name to come after my own. She further explained,

"This is one of your last project in this School so give it your all. It boost 5% of your GPA so the choice is yours whether to get good marks or not. If one of you is reported to not have taken part in team project, I'm giving you F without batting an eye. We will ballout the topics out tomorrow. The randomly picked out names are, Andrew and Sara, Rubien and Lisa , Marthias and —" she was busily making an announcement but all I heard was blah blah blah until I picked out,

" Brenda and Aiden" I swiftly looked my best friend , my ride or die and she looked delighted and even blushed. Guess it's bad news to only me.

" Liam and Rachel, Annabelle and Bryce."

I probably misheard it. Maybe it was Bryan which I heard it as Bryce. I didn't know any Bryan but I sure as hell would take him over Bryce any day. For confirmation on me hearing it wrong I turned to Bree and she had a look of concern on her face. Oh hell no, it couldn't be but I looked at my brother and he was busy giving a deadly glare at the named jerk. Just when I was plotting the perfect murder in my head to prevent this disasterous team work a hand shot up followed by the owner's body .

" Objection!"

"This is not a courtroom Liam, sit down."

The class erupted with laughter but looking at his back as he slowly and reluctantly sat down. All I thought was you and me both buddy, you and me both.After Miss Kindal has made and crashed people's day she ended her very long but not really necessary speech with another one.

" And no I'm not changing my mind anytime soon so don't bother to see me after the lessons. Unless the partners agree to change places with you then I have no say. See me tomorrow for your topics and for other matters that need to be settled. Put your hand down Mr. Smith, I just cleared everything."

"But I have a question to —" Jaime said.

" That's why I indicated the word 'tomorrow'. Class dismissed." She said gathering her stuffs to leave just as the bell rung. Some grumbled as they made their way out while some cheerfully moved out – lucky bastards.

Since I wasn't part of the class from the start, I just picked my bag and moved to Bree's place. She was engrossed in putting items into her bag.

"Congratulations." I gave her a knowing smile.

" I don't know what you're talking about". Busily fighting a blush, who is trying to kid here.

"Aiden and Brenda sitting in a tree

K-i-s-s-i-n-g. First come love, then come marriage, then come Brenda with a—" she pushed me lightly with her face as red as tomatoes.

"Shut up!" Trying to sound angry but with the tomato face and the smile threatening to make an appearance, it was hard to believe.

"Stop teasing her." Aiden appeared from nowhere.

"Already fighting for your gf, huh" I prod his arms with my elbow.

"Not you too" he said shaking his heard.

" Said the guy whose ears are as red as beetroots." Leo said and I high-fived him.

"K-i-s-s-i-n-g, first come love —" both of us sang and they sprang out as if where they were standing was on fire. We burst out laughing. We caught up with them and I hooked my arms in Bree's own.

" I haven't been seeing Mia around." Bree said.

"We broke up." Leo replied.

"Again??!" Bree and I said in unison.

He chuckled." Yep about 2 days ago."

Mia was Leo's on and off girlfriend. They have been together and not together for about 2 years. They started dating since freshman year – the year I uncrashed my Leo crush. There have been 5 or so breakups.

"Y'all trying to break some record or what". I said.

" What did you do this time?" Bree asked.

" Did you forget to put on socks for your date again?, Or was it your hair you forgot to wash it didn't you. It was —" feeling amused.

"Probably his nails he forgot to shape them"

Bree added.

" I think it was his shoe, it wasn't pink enough." Aiden said and we laughed.

" I'm glad my breakup is always the highlight of your day." Leo rolled his dark brown eyes but still displayed a smile.

" But seriously what did you do?" Bree asked a little concerned but very amused.

" To be honest, I have no clue. She said she needed space." Leo replied.

We stopped the teasing and shifted to some other topics.

Later on we parted ways since the boys had practice. On our way to the parking lot Bree remembered to have forgotten a highlight thingy so she went back for it. Moving towards my car to start it up , a figure blocked my path. I glanced up to see my ex– the self proclaimed king of assholes– Bryce and his lame ass minions. I have always wondered whether Mark and Joe had a life of their own or they disappear into bubbles after Bryce sleeps. After successful avoiding him since school reopened – I know I sound pathetic– this is one of the unlucky days I see his face close up. What annoyed me more was that he still looked good. He was a walking cliche. If you are looking for a guy with blue eyes, blonde hair, rich, football captain, half the girls in the school crushing on him , an obnoxious cocky jerk , Bryce Walter is your guy. After the breakup I've been avoiding him like the plague he was but of course he had to make his presence known.

"Long time no see , you look lovely as always." He said in his I-know-I'm-hot voice with his supposedly charming smile.

" Not long enough, apparently." I said feeling bored and looking bored.

"Are you still hang up on what happened. I've apologized and it's been ages , let it go".

It's been 4 months, 2 weeks , 6days and 9 hours but whose counting.

'let it go' one of the most underrated words in the world. When ever I thought : should i forgive him and smile like nothing happened... Hell to the fucking no. Even though I knew the answers to the questions I still wanted to stop feeling resentful towards him I just couldn't. Him standing here and acting like he is not the reason I used to scream into my pillow and curse at the poor fluffy thing makes me stand firm on my point. I texted Bree to let her know that I'll take the lead.

" 'let it go' , big words for your tiny brain but I will keep that in mind. I would love to stay and entertain you but seeing you makes my palms itchy to scratch something , preferably your face."

He chuckled, " Always saying what's on your mind. Since we are on the same—"

"We're not"

"I would like to propos—"

" Hell no, that's a bye. Move out of my way... Else I will make you."

I glared at him. He looked more amused than anything.

" I would like to see your effort." He bended a little to look at my face. I scowl at him. "I would like to see you try— ouch."

Using the heels of my boots I stomped on this also booted foot. I matched to my car and pulled it from the parking lot.

After dinner , I went to bed and called Bree who helped to formulate plans to get me out of my incoming prison work.