Chelsea's POV
"Chelsea!" I am deep in thought on my way to close when I hear my name being shouted. I turn around to scan the stream of bodies in the hallway in order to locate the person with the voice. Let me tell you that I am more than shocked when I realize it is Torin calling out my name and waving at me from a distance.
I first of all turn around to look behind me and make sure it is me he is talking to. I doubt I am the only Chelsea in this school. He reaches where I am suddenly planted to the ground, big smile plastered on his face, which only confuses me more.
"Are you talking to me?" I ask dumbfounded. Like you could clearly see the shock on my face. I am totally confused. Even more puzzled when he laughs at my question. Torin. Always brooding Torin. Like the same one who freaked the hell out when I sat at his sit on the first day of school. The same Torin who definitely doesn't want me, or anyone else as his project partner. That same Torin. Laughing and smiling. At me of all people. Days ago, we were at each other's throats and now he's being super nice. And it is awfully suspicious.
"Your name is Chelsea, isn't it?" He asks. "Well, unless I have been calling you the wrong name since you started here." He adds teasingly. He is teasing me. This feels like a major trap, so I take a step back and scan him suspiciously.
"What do you want?" I ask cautiously. My stance proves that I am ready to sprint the hell out of here if need be.
"Nothing really. Just wanted you to wait up so we can go to class together." He says with a shrug.
"You, Torin, wants to walk into class with me?" I ask dumbfounded.
He rolls his eyes and puts his hands on my shoulder, leading me through the crowd and into our classroom. I legit still can't believe this is happening. I take my seat, looking at him like I am in a complete trance, while he takes his own seat. And then he does something unpredictable. He winks. At me. And I realize the world may be coming to an end eventually.
Or maybe, iI haven’t woken up yet. Maybe it is all a dream.
****
After class, I am putting my books in my bag when Kayla stops me.
"Hi." She says carefully.
"Oh, hey. What's up Kay?"
"I'm good. Uhmm... Quick question. Are you dying?" She asks uneasily. I look up at her, confused.
"No. Why?" I ask cautiously.
"Nothing really. Just noticed Torin being super nice to you today." She says, which in turn makes me laugh.
"No Kayla. I am not dying."
"Then why was he so nice to you?" She presses.
"Beats me," I answer with a shrug. "Come on, let us go get ourselves some lunch," I say and we exit our class.
****
I am shoving food down my throat and I notice the worried glances Kayla keeps throwing my way. She still thinks the only reasonable explanation as to why Torin is suddenly nice to me is that I am dying.
Kayla is not the only one staring though. Kevin and Jasper have baffled looks on their faces as they watch me chow down my food.
"Are you alright?" Kevin asks, concerned and Kayla gives me a look that says 'see?'.
"Sis, you are eating like an animal," Jasper says, eyes wide as saucers. "The last time I saw you eat this much was when you were 9 and we were at that food eating competition in Kentucky." He adds.
"Does something have to be wrong with me for me to decide to eat this much?" I ask with a mouth full and roll of my eyes.
"Yes!" The three of them chorus.
"I actually don't think so." A voice says behind me and I turn to see Torin with his food tray.
"Thank you." I say to him then I turn the face him. "Uhmm, don't take this the wrong way, but what are you doing here?" I ask him while slapping Kevin's hand off my fries.
"Uhmm, I wanted to ask if I can sit with you guys." He says nervously. Torin. Nervous. Wow!
I look back at the trio on the table with me and they give me 'what the hell is happening' looks. I shrug my shoulders and turn back to face Torin.
"Okay. Sure. Not like we have assigned tables or anything." I say and turn back to face my food. Torin pulls out a chair beside me, looking a little too cheery for my comfort.
"Are you high?" I ask him out of the blue, making Jasper, Kevin and Kayla laugh. Torin looks at me, a confused look evident on his face.
"What?" He asks.
"Are you high?" I repeat my question, oblivious of the discomfort I am causing him.
"Uhmm... No. I am not." He answers carefully.
"Okay...." I drag. "Did you hit your head somewhere?" I ask.
"No. Why?" He asks suspiciously.
"You're nice." I say and belch out making Jasper say eeww. "Too nice." I add, ignoring Jasper.
"Since when did it become a crime to be nice?" Torin asks.
"Since the day I met you." I say. "Are you planning on killing me?" I ask again.
"No."
"Hex me?"
"I'm not a wizard."
"Sabotage me?" I ask, pointing a suspicious finger at him.
"Chelsea, no. None of those things. I am being genuinely nice to you." He says frustrated.
"Why?" Kevin and I ask at the same time.
"Why not."
I'm not convinced.
"Is she dying?" Kayla asks in a quiet voice and everyone turns to look at me.
"Kayla. For the last time, I am not dying. I am healthy and strong and everything is fine."
"You finished two plates of food already Chels." Jasper points out like the bloody Sherlock Holmes he is.
"Yes! Because I am bloody hungry and I need all the energy I can get to survive school. Now stop talking about something being wrong with me and pass me those crackers." I snap.