Chapter 35: Chapter 35

“Until tomorrow!” Siobhan laughed as she fingered the plastic cuff. We had just gotten into class and told our curious classmates what happened. “That is actually funny. Let’s see if you both survive today without tearing each other apart.” She smirked and winked at Andre. “But this is an interesting thing though, are you getting any kinky ideas, babe?”

He laughed. It was refreshing since he has been frowning ever since we came out of the lab. I couldn’t force myself to laugh so I just looked away and saw Aaron coming toward us. Luckily he wasn’t in class when Andre and I came in, he would have noticed the tension between us and the redness of my eyes which Siobhan for some reason couldn’t see.

Aaron’s eyes dropped to the cuffs and he laughed. “What the heck is that?”

I told him all about the punishment sparing as many details about the whole thing as much as I could.

“Aww you poor baby,” he smoothed my blond hair mocking me with a smile. He glanced once at Andre who was listening with a sly grin to Siobhan as she whispered something into his ear. “You are not one to cause trouble so I’m guessing Andre is the culprit here?” he asked with a raised brow.

I forced a smile. Looking at Andre though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"It was the both of us actually, we got into a big argument about something."

Aaron punched him playfully. “Well, while you were causing trouble with my girl, the rest of us met up with the coach. We train every evening until the real match. He was strict about attendance today and if I hadn’t stepped in you would have been dropped from the team.”

“Really?” Andre asked, his voice suddenly turning serious. “Thanks, man,” he unhooked his free arm from Siobhan’s grip to pat Aaron on the shoulder.

“It was nothing dude, that’s what’s friends do.” He looked at me, green eyes sparkling. “He’s my best friend you know.”

“He’s everyone’s best friend,” Siobhan rolled her eyes as she grabbed Andre’s hand back. “But he’s my baby.”

“Hey, I’m not trying to steal him away from you. I don’t have the looks or the charms good enough to tempt Andre,” Aaron chuckled.

While they both laughed I remained stiff. I could feel the tension in Andre too as the both of us tried to appear as normal as possible. More than his tension I could feel the unspoken words. I don’t know what he feels but I know I feel sorry. Sorry because my mind was with Aaron and my heart was in a different place. Sorry because I wanted to do anything within my power to fight Andre off in order to protect Aaron’s happiness. I can’t lead him on if I know my heart is yearning for something else.

Yet even as I thought those thoughts I knew I was being a fool. Andre is nothing but heartbreak and Aaron is the right guy for me. He’s gentle, he’s sweet, and he is everything I want. I’ve always worked against boys like Andre, I don’t want them messing up my life. Subconsciously, I moved slightly away from him and looked away, and suddenly there was Shewa watching our small group curiously and I forced myself not to groan.

I know Shewa. She sniffs out secrets faster than a dog can fish out the pizza crust under the bed and she’s almost always 95.9% correct where her curiosity is concerned. For all I know she already knows about the unspoken tension between Andre and me.

Then Aaron stopped talking for a second and his hand on my hair moved to cup my cheek. Suddenly he frowned.

“Have you been crying?” he asked softly leaning in.

I looked up at him in shock. How had he noticed? I started to deny it but the look in his eyes told me he could see the faint rims around my eyes.

I settled for a shrug instead. “Why not? I got into trouble and I hate it.”

His hand slid to my shoulder and he hugged me in for a second and kissed my temple. “I'm sorry about that. I wish you were chained to me instead, I would have loved that.”

“Is it just me or do we have 2 forever – couples in our class already?” Shewa said mischievously.

“I think we do,” Gideon agreed. “Too bad the rest of us are still too single unless, of course, Carla Rios will finally agree to date me.”

“Eww,” Carla mused. Everyone else laughed but for some reason neither Andre nor I laughed…well, I don’t know why he wasn’t laughing but as for me, something about Carla’s response, though simple, sounded off. I can’t put my finger on it but something about her reaction to my reading her book the other day was off-putting. And I have been curious about her and Andre's reaction to my association with her since that fateful day.

“Well maybe Gideon is pushing his luck to nowhere but Andre and Bianca are definitely getting somewhere,” Shewa chipped in, those curious eyes of hers still trying to source for a story.

“You mean Andre and me,” Siobhan huffed sounding slightly miffed.

“Yeah that’s what I meant,” Shews responded with a secret smile.

Ask Diddy your most personal interrelationship questions. Tell Diddy everything. Go on! We dare you!

Remember, the reason Ask Diddy is added to the school newspaper is to help students interact with a fellow yet an anonymous student. All secrets told to Diddy remain secret.

This is Diddy – actually, this is not Diddy, this is Shewa your humble reporter from the newsroom and I have got gossip from your favorite friend, Diddy. No, I do not know Diddy’s identity so no one should come asking me who Diddy is. Even if I did I am not sharing Diddy’s secrets.

Anyways, what did Diddy tell me? Do you guys remember that story about the student-teacher relationship? Diddy knows who they are and she has sworn me under an oath of secrecy not to reveal. Ohh but this is just the beginning of juicy gossip!

Are any of you guys familiar with how painful love can be? Well, I for one have never fallen under the throes of love so I don’t know how it feels – if you’re looking for me I’m currently in the newsroom crying over how single I am (Laughter)

Well, don’t we just love to see two people in love while pretending to hate each other? The sexual tension, you guys! I bet the sex between those people would be explosive as heck! Goodness gracious, I wish I was in their shoes. Seriously you guys I need a boyfriend already! I will be keeping you updated about these two lovebirds in their love–hate relationship.

On to other news…not very interesting news but still important nonetheless, the basketball team and the cheerleaders will be practicing every evening until the major game against St. Patrick’s 2 weeks away from now.

Go EAC!!!