Chapter 57: Chapter 57

"Damn it," I mumbled, not quite under my breath.

I looked back over at them and saw that they were still doing whatever they were doing since the beginning of the philosophy class.

My frustration bubbled up and before I could think better of it, I slammed my fist onto the table. I instantly regretted doing that as pain shot up my arm.

"Ouch," I winced.

All eyes turned to me. I was sure those two who caused this were staring at me too.

"What's gotten into you?" The philosophy teacher asked, his voice stern.

He hated any disruption in his classroom.

I shut my eyes for a second, taking a deep breath. I hated that I was the object of the attention. I was furious at the way Samantha and Romeo had put me in the spotlight like this and ruined my monday. All I wanted was to focus on my philosophy class, but how could I do that when I was still reeling from what happened at the party? It was all I'd thought about all weekend. And, I was here, trying to focus, but Samantha and Romeo were all acting couple-y behind me.

God, I felt like pouring a cold glass of red wine over their heads, drenching them from head to toes.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by my philosophy teacher's voice, which seemed to cut right through me.

"Ms Young, I expect you to provide a well detailed explanation telling me the reason you disrupted the class instead of just gazing into space." His voice resounded into my ears.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I wasn't sure about what to say. How could I tell him that I was so upset because my ex was with the queen bee of the school? I felt so stupid.

My philosophy teacher crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at me. "Since your outburst seems to have been without any purpose, I'm giving you detention after school. I won't tolerate stupid disruptions in the class," He stated firmly.

My eyelids fluttered closed, as I took a deep breath. It was just a detention. Getting a detention wasn't the end of the world, but I felt so embarrassed. I was mad at myself for acting so stupid. I'd gotten caught up in my emotions. I should not have let my jealousy get the best of me. I should cover my face in shame.

My heart rate slowed down when the teacher turned back to the board. The rest of the class was a blur, and I couldn't focus on anything. I kept my gaze straight ahead and didn't let my eyes wander to the back of the class, no matter how tempting it was.

Finally, the bell rang for break. I heaved a sigh of relief when the teacher walked out of the class. I began packing my notes away quickly, eager to leave the classroom and get some fresh air. I needed time to process everything that had happened. I couldn't wait to get out of there.

"Awww, looks like miss perfect got herself into trouble,"

I looked up from what I was doing. A hiss almost escaped from my mouth.

It was the queen bee of the school, Samantha. It looked like Romeo had left the room, leaving the queen behind. She stood in front me with a sly grin plastered on her face. What was she plotting now?

Samantha tossed her glossy hair over her shoulder. I hated to admit that she was glowing. I couldn't help it.

"So, what or who set you off? You literally hit your fist on the table." She asked.

"You, fool!"

The words almost slipped out of my tongue. I could tell she was fishing for information, but I wasn't about to give it to her.

When I didn't answer her question, she added, " Even Romeo was kind of worried about you, he kept stealing looks at you during the philosophy class."

A line appeared between my brows. Why was she telling me? What was her motive?

"What do you want?" I blurted out.

"Is it a crime to be concerned about you? That was a pretty rude question." Samantha shot back, batting her fake eyelashes rapidly.

"I am okay," I uttered.

The corners of her mouth turned up. "Well, are you jealous that Romeo and I are together now?" She asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I frowned. I could feel my blood beginning to boil. I shouldn't let her get to me, but why was she such a bitch?

"Is that why you sent that video to me on Friday night? Was it to rub it on my face that you were with him? That was so childish, Samantha. I don't care whether you're with him or not. I'm over it. I'm over him." I rambled.

I practically shouted, my voice shaking with anger. I hated how loud I was getting - the other students were already staring at us.

Samantha let out a chuckle. "You were right. I sent that video to rub it in your face that you are a loser," She uttered.

"Funny how you think I care about Romeo's flings," I blurted out.

"I'm not his fling," She snapped.

"Yes, you are just a fling to him. I'm sure he's using you to kill boredom. Do you think Romeo gives a fuck about you? He doesn't. You are deluding yourself if you think otherwise. You might want to take a good look in the mirror and have a reality check." I shot back.

I should not be saying all these words. I knew I should have walked away from her, rather than engaging in a battle of words with her. I had let my anger get the best of me. But, it was too late now - I'd already said what I'd said.

Samantha started, biting his bottom lip. "You were a fling too. He used and dumped you. He - "

I didn't let her finish her irrelevant sentence. I cut short her words. " I am not having this convo with you anymore. It's just so stupid like you," I said.

I picked up my school bag and walked out of the classroom, without sparing her a final glance.

I turned away from the direction leading to the cafeteria, heading instead to the library. I needed to clear my head, and being in a noisy place would not help. Skipping lunch would give me some time to regain my composure. I was still fuming, but now my anger was directed inward. I was mad at myself for letting Samantha get under my skin. I felt so stupid.

****

I pulled my coat tighter around me as the cold wind bit at my skin. I was alone in the school park. The detention had ended, and I should have headed home, but James had texted me earlier, saying he would be here to pick me up. He said he had something to show me. He'd stayed late in his school for football practice. I wondered what he wanted to show me.

I had the sudden feeling that someone was watching me. I shivered, feeling a chill. Turning, I saw him - the same handsome face that I'd seen so many times before, but now his eyes were burning into mine. As usual, they were the color of a dark forest and I felt lost within them.

What happened on Friday night flashed through my mind and I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to hit him on the face. I frowned as he started to walk towards me.

"Do you need a ride?" Romeo questioned, his eyes fixed on mine.

"No," I managed to say.

I tried not to look away, but it was hard to maintain eye contact with him.

"I want to give you a ride," He insisted.

"I don't want to be in your car," I blurted out.

"Do I need to lift you in my arms again?" He asked, his voice low and seductive.

I felt weak in my knees, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I was transported back to the day he'd carried me to his car.

Now, I didn't know what to say. A part of me wanted to feel his strong arms around me again. But, another part of me was still hurting from what he'd done. I was caught between these two feelings, not knowing what to do.

We were still standing here when a car pulled up in front of me. I recognized it immediately - it was James's car. Now, I had a decision to make - go with Romeo or get in the car with James.