Chapter 14
Natalie's POV
I arrived home feeling completely exhausted. After the morning warning I gave to Tricia and the rest of them, no one dared disturb me and I was glad.
Walking into the living room, I saw Maggie coming down from the stairs.
“Good evening Natalie. How was school?”
“School was fine. Where's everyone?” I asked, noticing that the house was strangely empty.
“Oh, Greg and Jace finally went for their business trip. Which means we have the house all to ourselves!”
“Really? Thank God!”
“I knew you would be glad to hear the news. There's some food in the warmer in the kitchen... But you can heat it if you want.”
“Thanks, Maggie. I'll just go freshen up and wash all this ' make-up' off.” I gestured to my face. She laughed softly.
“And when you're done, if you want to watch a movie with me, you're free.”
“I'll consider that,” I muttered. We both chuckled, and I left for my room.
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I settled down with Maggie and a bowl of popcorn in my hand watching a movie she had picked out, though I'll admit, I really wasn't paying that much attention.
“Aww... That's so romantic!” Maggie gushed. “Natty? Did you see that?”
“See what?” I asked, my focus coming back to the room.
“Gosh... aren't you watching the movie?”
“Hmm... I don't think so. I'm not a fan of this.” I said.
Maggie gave me one of her puzzled looks.
“You look like you have a lot on your mind. Is everything okay?”
I sighed softly... “I don't know Maggie... Sometimes I think I've got it all sorted out and then bam! I mess it up again.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked.
“I'm fine. I don't want to drag you into my mess.” I said. “Don't worry, I'll have it all sorted out... Eventually.”
Maggie smiled reassuringly. “Just know that just in case you need someone to talk to, I'll be right here like the sister you never had. Does that sound okay?” She asked.
I chuckled. “It sure does. "
“Well am glad. “She answered.
“Thanks, Maggie...” I slowly said.
“For what?”
“For noticing... Not everyone does that.” said sincerely. She smiled but didn't say anything. I smiled back.
“You know what? I'll just leave you to your movie. I'll bore myself to death if I spend another second here. "
“It's okay. I like watching my movies alone, anyway. Greg hates movies. Always falling asleep even before it ends.”
“Then it runs in the family then. Can I take the popcorn?”
“Sure.”
“Well then, have fun watching your movie.”
“You're welcome...”
I stood up and walked into my room, the bowl of popcorn in my hand. Collapsing onto the bed, I brought out my phone and began scrolling through all the pictures on my phone. Maybe I should call Ari. She always has a way of making me feel better.
Yeah, I'm calling Ariana...
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(Next day: morning)
Darren's POV
I've never liked the idea of being a transfer student to Ambrose high school mainly because of the stupid things I did back there. But now that Natalie is attending, perhaps this year might be different.
I fastened my tie and brushed my hair back one last time. Satisfied with my look, I took my car keys and walked out of my room. My parents were downstairs having breakfast with my little sister.
“Good morning Mom, good morning Dad, hey sis,” I hurriedly greeted.
“Good morning, Darren.” Tina greeted.
“Good morning son, how was your night?”
“Good,” I said, eating my breakfast.
“Daddy, why are we back in New Orleans?” My little sister asked.
“Because daddy has a job-based in New Orleans. “My dad answered.
“But I like Florida better!” She complained.
“Don't worry, we'll be back there soon. It's just for the meantime.” Dad explained.
I smiled at the exchange before speaking up. “I have to go now; I'll see you later.”
“So early?” My mum complained. “You should eat some more.”
I smiled smugly. “No thanks. I'm trying to make a good impression this time.”
“Oh... In that case, I have to let you go. Take care of yourself.”
“Bye brother Darren,” Tina said, her gaze on her food.
“See ya later, sis.”
I stood up from the dining table and strolled to the garage. Picking one of my favorite cars and greeting a few workers, I got in and turned up the stereo, music filling the entire car.
Then I drove out of the house to school.
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Natalie's POV
The ride to school was pretty dreary, partly because of my mood and disinterest in arriving at the same dumbass school with dumbass students. The driver stopped as usual at the school's entrance. Thanking him, I stepped out of the car with my earphones on.
It was until I got into the hallway that I noticed that the atmosphere today was different. Everyone around me seemed pretty excited, although I didn't know and couldn't guess why. I managed to find Mira amid the frenzy, and she was practically radiating with happiness. Okay... What is going on today??
"Good morning Mira.” greeted.
“Great morning Natalie, great morning. Oh my gosh... I'm so happy!”
“And why are you so happy early this morning?” I asked, surprised.
“Wait till you see it... Oh my, he's coming! He's coming!! He's coming!!!” Mira squealed. I turned to the hallway and there's he was... Wait, Darren??
What the hell!?
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Darren's POV
And I saw her! The girl who almost killed me one time during the summer holidays! The girl beside her was telling her something, but she was too stunned to listen. Then, as if pulled by a magic force, dragged the girl by the arm and came right in front of me.
“No way! No freaking way! Darren, what the hell are you doing here?” She gushed, smiling wildly. I grinned.
“Wait... You know him?” The girl beside her asked, her friend maybe?
“Yeah... Long story..”
“I'm so not happy to see you here, Natalie. I thought I lost you back there in Middesville!”
“You know I should kill you right now, don't you?” Natalie said, grinning at me. I rubbed my neck, chuckling.
“Kill him? He just arrived here!” The girl said again.
Natalie looked at her quizzically, then burst out laughing.
“I'm not killing him, silly! You don't know how to take a joke!” Then turned to me. “How should I greet you? Do I hug you, shake you, or give a fist bump?”
“Anyone is fine by me, as long as you're not throwing a snake at me,” I said truthfully... I hate snakes.
She smirked and gave me a signature handshake, ending it with a fist bump.
“Finally! Things are looking in my direction!” She muttered to herself.
“But seriously, though, what are you doing here?”
“I'm on transfer and since Ambrose high used to be my school... I decided to be transferred here.”
“Now I get why I never liked you in the first place... Please don't be stupid, I can't take any more.”
“For someone whose middle name is troublemaker, thanks for the advice.”
She slugged me by the arm. I groaned in pain. Seriously?
“Just because I'm in a rich kids' school doesn't mean I can't kick your ass. Don't mess up.”
“Yeah... I've heard,” I muttered, frowning slightly.
“Okay, I have to go now. Mira? I'll see you later.” She said and left us standing there. Amidst the stares and peers. I shrugged it off and turned to the girl whom she called... Is it Mira? Yeah, it's Mira.
“Hi... Welcome back,” she greeted shyly.
“Yeah... Thanks,” I said, presenting her my most handsome smile.
She blushed and bent her head, earning a chuckle from me. Seriously? I still have that effect on girls?