Chapter 67: Chapter 67

Romeo had been out of my mind for the past week, but he had somehow found his way back in. Maybe that had been his goal all along — to make me think about him. Maybe that was why he had helped me out in history class, and why he was staring at me so intently. He wanted to get my attention, to make me think about him.

And it seemed like he had succeeded. He had creeped his way into my thoughts, whether I liked it or not.

Damn, I didn't like it. I hated that I was thinking about him. It was a little unsettling to think that he had such an effect on me.

Just as I was thinking about the devil, Romeo walked into the English class. It was another class we shared. Everyone in the class fell silent as he came in. I was not surprised. He was the school's baddest boy. But, I found the silence annoying.

I almost let out a hiss when I saw Samantha walk in too. Honestly, I was not jealous — I just didn't like her.

I watched as Samantha took Romeo's hand, a huge smile on her face. She was head over heels in love with him. I just hoped that he didn't break her heart again. Well, If he broke her heart, I would not feel bad for her. She had it coming. I would be satisfied that she got what she deserved.

Romeo and Samantha walked towards the back of the class, I assumed they were going to sit at the empty seats in the back. But as they got closer, I realized that there were only two empty seats together and they were the ones next to me.

Oh no, they were going to sit next to me. Why did this have to happen? Why couldn't they just sit anywhere else?

They were coming closer and closer, and my mind was racing. There was no way I would be able to concentrate with them sitting next to me. It was not even about Romeo — it was about Samantha. I couldn't stand the way she talked or acted. I would not be able to focus with her right beside me.

I had to do something. So, I stood up, slung my bag over my shoulder and began to gather my things. I would rather sit in the back and at least try to pay attention than be next to someone who would distract me. I picked up my things and started to head towards the back of the classroom.

"Hey, where are you going?" I heard Samantha call out. "Leaving your seat is such a petty thing to do. What's wrong with you, miss perfect?"

Obviously, Samantha was referring to me. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but I pretended not to hear her. There was no way I was going to engage in one of her stupid arguments. I just smiled and kept walking to the back of the classroom.

I could tell that she was surprised by my silence, and she didn't try to continue her mischief. Instead, she simply sat down and looked away. I deserve a pat on the back, I had stood my ground and refused to engage in her drama. Sometimes, the best way to deal with someone like that is to simply ignore them.

Just then, the English teacher entered the class. As the class began, I took a deep breath and focused on what the teacher was saying.

****

"You know you can't make your best friend come to a party, right?" Jake asked his girlfriend, taking a sip of his drink.

I nodded my head. "Joey doesn't seem to get that she can't force me to go," I agreed.

"Hey, don't talk about me like I'm not here," Joey scowled. "I'm not forcing you, I just want you to come."

"But, I don't want to go," I protested.

This conversation was going nowhere, and I could feel myself getting frustrated.

It was lunchtime, and we were all sitting in the cafeteria. Joey, as usual, was trying to convince me to attend a party she had been invited to. Why couldn't Joey just accept that I didn't want to go to the party?

"C'mon, it will be fun!" Joey pleaded. "You can't keep turning down my invitations!"

I rolled my eyes. "I've said "no"a hundred times, and I'm not changing my mind. I just don't want to go."

"But why?" Joey whined. "You can even ask James to be my date to the party."

"I know I can invite him. But, I'm not interested in going to the party," I retorted.

"You're so stubborn," Joey blurted out, letting out a loud hiss.

I smiled. "I know,"

"Attention, everyone!"

A loud, familiar voice boomed across the cafeteria. I turned towards the sound, surprised to see Samantha standing on top of one of the tables. She had everyone's attention, and I had a feeling I knew what was coming next. Probably, she was about to tell everyone to vote her for prom queen.

"As you all know, prom is just around the corner," Samantha said. "I'm the perfect candidate for prom queen. I'm beautiful and charming. So, I ask that you all to vote for me."

"This girl is a fool," Joey mumbled.

I looked around Samantha's table, and noticed that one person was absent - Romeo. I tried not to think about where he was, it was none of my business.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at the screen and saw a message from an unknown number. I quickly realized that it was the same number Romeo had used to text me before. I opened the message, wondering what he could want from me.

Romeo – I'm not in a relationship with Samantha.

I furrowed my brow. Why would he send me this? What was he trying to do?

I quickly fired off a response.

Ivy – I don't understand. Why are you sending me this?"

As I hit send, I held my breath, waiting for his response. A few moments later, my phone buzzed again. My heart skipped a beat as I saw his name pop up on the screen.

Romeo – Let's talk about this.

I almost let out a hiss. What's with his audacity? He asked to meet like it was no big deal.

Ivy – No.

I waited for his response, but it didn't come. He must have been angry or offended by my message. Good for him.

My phone beeped and my heart skipped a beat. It was him. I took a sharp breath before I opened the message.

Romeo – Please, let's talk.