Chapter 12: CHAPTER 12

"So, Clara, what inspired this sudden change?"

I held steady under the weight of six pairs of scrutinizing eyes. Amy's not included, who was rather amused by the attention I was getting from the cheerleaders. It had been her idea, after all-that since I was officially on the squad, I should spend more time with the cheerleaders instead of drifting off to the boys as usual.

Of course, after pleasantries were shared, Eliza couldn't help but ask this question. I thought I'd been invisible before my makeover, but clearly they'd been watching me more closely than I realized. I guess hanging around the most popular boys will do that. And I would've been fine with this question, even considered it quite innocent, if it weren't for Eliza's sharp-eyed stare that sized me like a possible threat.

"I decided to embrace my feminine side," I said evenly. The girls blinked. That was not at all the answer they were hoping for. "..it feels nice to pamper yourself. Plus, it doesn't hurt having your ex regret it."

And at that their eyes sparkled, thrilled by the exact kind of story they love to ramble about.

"I bet that felt satisfying."

"When my ex cheated, I dyed my hair blonde and got layers. He was floored the next day."

One after another, they piled their own breakup stories, sharing their sympathies. For the first time, I felt an odd kinship with them. Their heartbreaks were disaster relationships that lasted months, even years, all crumbling in similar ways. Despite my 'relationship' barely lasting a day, they didn't judge me for it, only nodded knowingly, like heartbreak made us all sisters. Beside me, Amy shifted uncomfortably. Her name wasn't mentioned, but she was the elephant in the room, the one who technically played a part in my ex's cheating.

Eliza remained oddly aloof. I sensed she was unconvinced by anything I said. Which was strange, what exactly was she expecting? I could feel her studying my outfit, which was more laid back compared to yesterday's. I'd decided on a cropped blouse patterned in soft florals and light-washed jeans. It gave a rather carefree charm while offering me enough modesty for today's health class 'activity.

Unsurprising, Eliza chose a black mini-skirt with a top one size too small given her overflowing chest.

Cross would for sure have fun getting a view of that.

Seemingly having enough of me being the center of attention, Eliza shifted the conversation with a practiced smile. "I'm having a party tonight," she announced. "You should come. Everyone's going."

That caught me off guard. Instead of ostracizing me as she seemed to want to, she drew me closer. I remembered the boys mentioning a party at lunch yesterday, this had to be it.

"Sure, thanks." I said, nodding. I might as well find out what all the hype was about.

The girls then turned to bombarding Eliza about which boys were coming, and of course they all squealed when she mentioned the trio, amongst a few others on the football team.

We dispersed at the sound of the bell, but Amy stuck by me, chattering about how I should thank her for introducing me to the girls. It was fascinating. She does something out of her own volition and then wants to pander like it was some sort of favor.

"...and everyone has a blast at her parties. So yeah, you're welcome. This makes us even now."

I blinked. Oh, so that's what this was about? Residual guilt from kissing my ex, only this time it was wrapped in a ribbon of favor.

"I already let it go Amy. You don't need to do these...gestures," I said, waving my hand at imaginary space as that is exactly what they felt to me-empty of any true good will.

If I wanted to tell my mom, I would have. And if I wanted to humiliate her in front her friends, I could have. But I didn't care to. Her kiss with my ex showed me everything I needed to know about her and about how much more guarded I needed to be the next time I gave someone a chance.

"Fine. Cross will be there," she said, referring to the party. "How about we up the bet. Whoever gets a kiss from him tomorrow."

I balked. "The bet was getting his attention. I don't need a kiss to do that."

"Whatever," she shrugged. "You have twenty-eight days left to prove your point."

Just then, Eliza came behind Amy and linked her arm around hers. "What are you two whispering about?"

Amy didn't flinched. She calmly told a lie and redirected their conversation elsewhere. Giggling, Eliza hugged her close. "Alright, I'll see you girls later."

When she left, Amy leaned in. "Don't worry, she didn't hear a thing" Then, after what seemed to be some inner debate, she said "But I'd be wrong not to warn you...Eliza doesn't like you. She told me yesterday you tried to make Cross your partner in health. Which.." She lifted her brows. "Not surprising. But just keep that in mind."

I had a lot to say about these false accusations, but none worth wasting breath on. Eliza was just as delusional as Amy when it came to Cross. "Sure. Thanks. Bye."

Instead of leaving, Amy stood on her tippy toes and peaked inside my classroom. She scanned each table carefully before deflating and stepping back. Cross

wasn't there. I could've told her that but instead I gave her my back. Let her hunt for ghosts if she wanted to.

After a lazy glance at the empty hall, Cross entered the obscure closet. The area was desolate, as usual in this part of the school. It was the middle of second period, so it was rare that anyone strolled these halls so early on. Upon entering Cross glimpsed her figure.

"You're late," she hissed.

"The teacher gave me a hard time," he said smoothly. That, and he took his time getting there.

However, he decided to be a gentleman and preserve her delicate feelings by omitting that last part. She went on her tippy toes to give him a passionate kiss, but Cross gave her the cheek.

Not today.

Keeping in stride, she kissed down his collar bone. Her hands slid under his shirt as she sucked his neck.

Cross bristled. "Don't leave a mark." Grabbing her by the hair he pushed her lower.

On her knees, she gave him a sultry smile, unbuckling his pants. "Did you miss me?"

He humored her. "Depends."

She had texted him incessantly last night. Her desperation for his affection at first brought pity, but now he was annoyed. From the beginning he made it clear he didn't feel the same way. Much less reciprocate her intensity. And she played the uncaring role quite wel. until recently, when she became more pushy. He hated pushy. Despised it. Girls who pressed too hard and entitled, as if his attention were owed.

From her body language Cross could tell she wanted him to participate more, but to be honest he was already bored, as with most girls he had flings with. She lowered the straps of her top, bringing it low to expose her chest.

When he made no motion to touch them, she clenched her teeth, her expression livid. "I hate when you do that!"

Cross moved a hair out of her face in mock affection. "If you hate it so much, why do you keep texting me to come back?"

She clutched her skirt, harnds balling into fists. "I don't know."

He laughed darkly. "It's like you're an addict. You love it, you need it. So come get your fix, if you can handle it."

With that Cross unzipped the remaining of his pants fromn the progress she'd made.

Since she was so insistent last night on giving him service. Begging. Fine. Have at it.

In a show of false bravado, she moved to the opposite wall, only a few feet away in the cramped room. If she wanted to, she could have left, but instead she stayed, a weak display of defiance. But her eyes said it all. She wanted to be near him.

Forrest pulled up his pants and chuckled.

Desperate for footing, she cleared her throat. "So, what do you think of Clara's new look? It wasn't even for Kevin, as most people think."

Cross raised a brow at her odd change of topic. "She looks fine."

"I bet you don't know the real reason she did it.." she said, tapering off.

Cross shrugged. "How would I know? She's evolving into womanhood," he said dismissively.

She huffed, disbelieving. "She did it for you. She always acts like she doesn't like you, but I know she's secretly obsessed with you."

Cross eyed her. Knowing her, she wanted to know if he found Spencer an option now that she changed her image.

"If it's in hope of getting me as you say, then she wouldn't be the first to try that. Sound familiar?"

He smiled arrogantly as she looked away.

it sounded like her.