Chapter 37

"Come here," Ariana hugged Anika. "It's okay," Ariana said, trying to soothe her. Anika felt a lot better after talking to Ariana.

"Thanks," Anika smiled at Ariana.

"One question. Why do Zane and Zach look alike? Are they twins?"

"No. My aunt and my mom are identical twins. They gave birth to Zane and Zach on the same day, but Zach's a minute older than Zane," Anika explained.

"You know that doesn't count, right?"

"I know, but Zach always brags about it," Anika chuckled.

"So, have you made up with him?"

"Yeah, we're good," Anika stated.

"Well," Ariana stood up. "Since you're feeling better, let's get to class," she extended her hand for Anika to grab. Anika accepted Ariana's hand, got up, and they left for their class.

That night, Ariana carried on her normal midnight studying. She fell asleep on the table. Zach, who was busy with his phone, noticed that she had fallen asleep. He got up from the bed and approached her with his hands in his pockets. He stood still for a while, watching her sleep. He smiled; she looked so cute and peaceful, yet she was feisty and full of attitude. He didn't know why he thought about her like that, but he shook off the thought. He reached out his hands to carry her but stopped halfway.

Deciding against it, he squatted as he watched her sleep. He got her a cushion and placed her head on it. Tucking some strands of Ariana's hair behind her ear, Zach found comfort in an awfully weird way. He wanted to go to bed, but still found it difficult to leave his position. He felt like there was a magnetic attraction between him and Ariana. After watching her for what felt like forever, he heard his phone ring and got up to pick up the call.

The next morning, Ariana woke up, finding herself on the chair. She remembered she had fallen asleep at her desk. After taking her shower and getting ready for school, she felt a sharp pain in her neck as she put on her shirt. Wincing out of pain, she managed to get ready and they hopped into the car.

Zach held a packet of ice and pressed it on her neck to relieve the pain.

"Why didn't you move me to the bed?" Ariana complained, giving Zach a glare. It was all his fault that this happened to her. He should have moved her to the bed like a gentleman.

"You said I shouldn't touch you without your permission," Zach answered innocently. Ariana gazed at him in shock and with a gaping mouth.

"I didn't mean it like that... Forget it," Ariana slapped his hands off the ice pack and applied it to her neck. Zach stared at her with disbelief; did she just slap his hand? He didn't know why, but he liked this feisty version of hers. Ariana took painkillers, and the pain subsided just in time for class.

During lunchtime, Ariana finished her lunch and decided to take a stroll to the library. As she strolled, she saw a group of wealthy girls glaring at her. Ariana turned to look behind, confirming her suspicion. Those girls gave her death stares. Ariana noticed the girl standing at the front; it was the girl who wanted to date Zach so badly, Britney.

Britney used to follow Zach around like a moth glued to a flame. Ariana wanted to laugh as she recalled Britney's phase with Zach back then, but she held back her laughter. Britney saw a smile on Ariana's face and scoffed.

"Was she mocking her?" Britney questioned herself. Just because Zach was giving Ariana attention didn't mean that he was planning to date her. Zach was hers and always would be. Ariana turned to leave when she saw the glare Britney gave her. Britney stared at Ariana like a hungry lion ready to devour its prey.

The minute Ariana turned to leave, the whole group chased after her like wild tigers. Ariana ran like prey fleeing from its predator. She ran to the basketball arena and tripped, falling to the ground. Britney caught up to her just in time, grabbing Ariana's hair before she could stand up.

"You slut! You stole Zach away from me," Britney said in a menacing tone. How far would this girl go for a guy who didn't even pay her attention?

"Let go of my hair!" Ariana yelled as she hit Britney's hand. The remaining group of girls attacked her. Some grabbed her legs, some hit her, while others pulled her.

Ariana was in so much agony; she couldn't fight back. The fight continued until a masculine voice was heard.

"What are y'all doing?" Zane thundered. The girls leapt in fright. They got up and ran away from the arena. Ariana lay on the floor and sighed in relief. She thought she might eventually die.

"Are you okay?" Zane extended his hand to help her get up on her feet. Ariana accepted his hand and stood up.

"I'm fine," Ariana groaned.

"Do you want to go see the nurse?" Zane asked, concerned.

"No," Ariana refused. She had something better to do.