Chapter 58: Chapter 58

A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of the wind. I could feel the chill in my bones. Tension filled the space between us. I could feel Romeo's eyes on me, even though I was facing James. I knew he was grappling with his own feelings at that moment.

Perhaps, it was time to get a bit of revenge on Romeo. He'd been messing with my head for far too long. He'd been making me act like a fool, and I was sick of it. It was time to turn the tables.

Even if I had no intention of accepting Romeo's offer, I knew that saying "no" would only have little effect on him. He would just shrug it off. But, going home with James, and letting Romeo see me do it would bruise his ego. I could imagine his face falling as I climbed into James' car.

I beamed a smile and moved closer to James. "Hi, James," I said.

James smiled back and held out his hand for a handshake, but I wrapped my arms around his neck, giving him a big hug. James' reaction confused me. He didn't hug back for a few seconds, then he just patted me on the back and disengaged from the hug. Why was he so surprised by my hug? After all, I'd greeted him like this before.

"Are you ready to go?" James asked. "I don't know why it's so chilly."

I nodded my head. "Yes."

James and I started walking towards his car. Before I got in, I glanced back at Romeo. I wanted to see the look of hurt on his face. My eyelids dropped when I saw that he was not there anymore. Where had he gone? I hissed. I silently hoped that he saw when I hugged James before entering the car.

Soon, the car started moving out of the school gate.

The car ride home was quiet, but not completely silent. James tried to make small talks about school and football practice, but I kept my answers short and to the point. I just wanted to get home.

When we finally arrived at my house, I breathed a sigh of relief. I alighted from the car, James also climbed out of the car. I turned to say goodbye to James, and mumbled a quick " thank you ". I turned to walk away, but he reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me into a warm embrace.

"No goodbye hug?" James muttered, his voice soft and gentle.

I gave him a quick, friendly hug, and smiled up at him. When I pulled away, I asked, "Why did you act so weird when I hugged you at the school park?" I questioned him.

James ran his hands through his hair. "I… I just wasn't expecting it," He stuttered.

"I've hugged you a lot of times, " I retorted.

"I know, I know." He uttered. "I guess I got caught off guard."

I lifted my shoulder in a half shrug. I was too tired to drag this with him. I waved at him and waited till his car was out of my sight , then entered my house.

My mom was not around. I already noticed that her car was not in the parking lot. I was about to walk to my room when I caught a glimpse of a piece of paper on the dining table. It was a short note filled with my mom's handwriting. She stated that she had gone out with her boyfriend and wouldn't be back till tomorrow morning. I beamed a smile when I saw the part that stated that she baked some pancakes for me. I read the note again just to be sure that I'd understood it correctly. Then, I folded it up and put it back on the table.

As I turned to head to the kitchen to get some pancakes for myself, it hit me - I had the house to myself for the first time in ages. I felt so relieved.

I sat down on the couch after getting pancakes and yogurt for myself and started to scroll through my messages. The first message was from Joey, asking if I was okay. The next message was from James, telling me that he had gotten home. Then, I saw the message from an unknown number. I frowned wondering who the person was before opening it.

The message said, "Why did you hit your fist on the table during philosophy class? Are you okay?"

No hi's. No hello's. No what's up. No form of greeting.The person just went straight to the point.

Romeo Sparks. Those were the names which popped into my mind.

My eyebrows lifted. What was wrong with him? Why would he text me? What did he want from me?

"Why are you asking?" I typed and clicked on "send".

I let out a hiss when I didn't get a reply back after a few minutes. I dropped the phone on the table and tried to focus my attention on the show displayed on the television. But, I couldn't concentrate. I kept stealing glances at my phone waiting for a notification. What the heck was wrong with me? Why did I care whether he replies or not? I had vowed that I wouldn't let him stir me up again. I needed to get a grip on myself.

When I decided to focus on the movie, my phone beeped. I quickly rushed and picked it up instantly. As expected, It was a message from the number.

Romeo: Damn, Ivy. How did you know it was me?

Ivy: Who else but that certain green - eyed jerk would text like this? What do you want?"

Romeo: Now, you're texting just like me.

I didn't know what to say, so I just left the message without replying. I hoped he would send another text.

Wait, why did I want us to continue the conversation? Something was indeed wrong with me.

Then, my phone beeped again.

Romeo: Where are you?

Ivy: My house.

Romeo: Come outside.

Ivy: Why?

Romeo: I'm outside.

I heard a car horn. My brows furrowed. What had gone into his head? What did he want from me? Should I go and meet him? Should I ignore him?

So many questions ran through my mind. I decided to see him. I didn't know his motive, but then I knew he wouldn't force me to do things.

I walked outside. Romeo stood by his car, one leg crossed over the other and his hands in his pocket. I noticed that he was in an all - black outfit. A black jean and a black t-shirt. Did he think he was a high-class model or what?

As I walked towards him, I felt butterflies in my stomach. His cologne drifted through the air, enveloping me in its rich scent.

"I am here," I blurted out.

"I can see that," Romeo mumbled, his eyes boring into mine.

He tore his gaze from mine and reached for my hand, the one I hit on the table at school. He turned it over to examine the bruised knuckles. I felt the warmth of his touch as he gently rubbed the injured skin, his eyes filled with concern.

My lips quivered and my body trembled as I gazed into his eyes. I hated the strange tingling feeling that spread through me. I hated how much my body responded to his presence.

"W..What are y..you doing?" I stammered.

He looked up at me, his eyes were wide and sincere. "Does it hurt?" He asked softly.

I pulled my hand away, moving back a few steps from me. "What do you want, Romeo?" I questioned, my voice sharp and cold.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I needed to get a grip on myself before I do something stupid again.

"I just wanted to check up on you and see your face." He answered.

"I'm okay. Now, you can leave, " I said bluntly.

I didn't know how he did it. He suddenly grabbed one of my arms and pulled me closer to him, trapping me in his strong arms.

"Don't tell me you're scared of me,"

It was as if he whispered the words into my ears. I had the chills.

"No," I managed to say.

"Then, what?"

"I don't want to be near you. I don't want you to touch me. I don't want to see your face. I hate how - "

Romeo cut short my words by pressing his lips to mine. His lips were warm and soft. My lips parted slightly, allowing my tongue to slip inside. It started as a slow kiss until I found myself wrapping my arms around his neck, each of our tongues fighting for dominance.