Chapter 20
Natalie's POV
It was physical education class, and Mira and I were out on the fields doing warm-up exercises. We jogged around the field while discussing.
“I'm so tired!” I complained while stifling a yawn. “When will this end?”
“Tired? That's strange. What happened?” Mira asked while stretching.
“I barely slept last night, and it's getting to me now,” I complained.
“What were you doing up all night?” Mira asked.
“Nothing. Just couldn't get any sleep.” I said. “Why don't we go get some water, I'm exhausted,” I suggested.
“Sure.” We left the fields to a nearby stall to get some water while catching our breaths. Right that instant, the boys jogged past us. Since we were in separate classes, we don't get to see much of them in school except for lunch and P. E classes. I tried to ignore them, but Mira nudged at me, and I looked in their direction.
As if attuned by my presence, Xavier looked in my direction and our gazes met. I sucked in air so I could calm my jittering nerves. The moment didn't last long, however, as he had run past us. I looked away and heaved a sigh.
“They sure are handsome when they are exhausted.” I heard Mira say, but I was too distracted to understand.
“Um... Natalie? Are you listening??” Mira asked, looking at me.
“Huh? Oh... Yeah, maybe they are.” I quickly said. Then, as if remembering something, I snapped my fingers.
“I have to go now, have to quickly do something. See you later.” And I ran out of the place before she even had time to react.
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Mira's POV
Is it just me or is Natalie acting strange today? I wondered. The way she left this place was pretty weird, I'll have to admit.
“Hmm... Not my business. She would never tell me, anyway.” I said and began walking back to the field. I had barely made it anywhere when my path was blocked by no other than that the trio. I frowned and tried to pass another way, but that was blocked as well.
“Well, well, well. Where does the pretty girl think she's going to?” Celine spoke up, snickering. I just hate their guts.
“To the fields?” I answered simply.
“Alone? Why? Isn't your bodyguard supposed to be with you?” Tricia cooed. I was confused at first but frowned deeply when I understood what she was talking about.
“Natalie is not my bodyguard. She's a friend, and she's not here for your information.”
“Oh, I see... I see that.”
“So what do you want?”
“Listen up, young lady!” Celine snapped, coming closer to me. “I've been noticing you and I've realized you're not as innocent as you look.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don't act like you don't know. It's Darren, of course. You've suddenly become sweet on him ever since he arrived. Well, let me warn you, Darren doesn't like pipsqueaks like you... So I'll suggest you stay away from him, or you might not like where you'll end up.” Celine warned. I smiled.
“Is that all you came to say? To warn me to stay away from Darren? And I thought it was something better... Well, guess what? You're free to do whatever you want but will happen, will happen and there is nothing and I mean absolutely nothing you can do about it!!” I shot back.
Celine widened her eyes in surprise.
“Look who's all brave now! I see that Natalie has been giving you wings. Well, I'm going to break it sooner or later!” I scoffed and shook my head.
“you know what? Once upon a time, I used to be scared of you, not until I found out you were all just a bunch of over-baked muffins. Now if you'll excuse me, I have physical education to get back to.” I said and was about to move away when Celine forcefully pushed me back. I staggered backward, glaring at her.
“How dare you! “Celine made to hit me but then.
“What's going on here? “A voice asked, Celine's hands froze mid-air. Turns out it was Natalie, and beside her was Darren. Celine's expression changed from anger to surprise.
“N... Nothing! Mira here was about to fall, and I was just helping her up.” Then she made to pat me while I stared at her, shocked. “Be more careful next time.” She muttered sweetly. It must've left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Then walked away while giving Darren a flirtatious look, which Darren pretended not to see. But wait, is the trio scared of Natalie?? It looks like the case.
“I don't think that's what happened here,” Natalie said, walking up to me.
“Do you believe anything that jerk says?” I asked.
“Definitely not.” He answered, sipping her juice. “Bye Darren, we'll talk later.” He nodded and waved at me. I smiled back. When Darren left, Natalie turned to me.
“What happened? Why did Celine want to hit you?”
“Oh, don't worry about that. I'll fix it myself. What about you, where'd you go to?”
“Don't worry about that, either. I went to confirm some things. Let's go to the locker room. All this standing in the sun is making me feel dizzy.” She said and walked ahead.
I gazed at Natalie and slowly smiled. This girl sure is something... I said to myself.
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(Saturday morning)
Finally! It's a Saturday. And as usual, I have nothing to do. My brothers called yesterday but they still won't be coming home until a few more days. Maggie's busy with work so I can't see as well, and Mira had already mentioned she won't be around on the weekend. For a moment I wished I was back at Middesville where I had something to do. All this inactivity is driving me crazy.
Frustrated, I grabbed my sweater and went down the stairs, where I met Maggie peering into her laptop.
“I'm going out. Don't know when I'll be back. But I'll keep you updated.” I said as I walked out the door.
“Okay..” Maggie said, eyes still on her laptop. “Don't get into trouble.”
I stopped and smiled. “I'll try not to.” Before closing the door behind me. Using a bicycle, I rode out of the house down the streets. I still was pretty unfamiliar with the place, but I was using a GPS. I got out of the estate and noticed a nearby grocery store. I stopped my bicycle and decided to get a drink since it was hot, and I was thirsty from all the rides. Placing my order, I waited for it to be delivered and someone else walked in and sat beside me. I didn't pay attention to him until he spoke up.
“One cup of coffee please.” He ordered. I stopped sipping and faced him.
“Xavier?” I asked, and he turned, surprised to see me there as well.
“Natalie?”
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Darren's POV
“I don't want to go home! Let's go to the movies!” Tina, my baby sister, pleaded. Of all days to babysit, it had to be this one! We just finished her ballet classes, and she's been super cranky!
“Let's go home. We'll watch movies when we go home.” I muttered.
“No! I want to watch it at the Cinema,” then running in front of me, hugged me by the legs.” Pretty please..... Or else I'll report you to mom!” she threatened, eyes glowing. I chuckled at the threat.
“What are you going to report then?” I asked, stooping to her level. People were watching us, but I didn't care.
“That you've been a bad boy! And you are going to get punished!” She yelled. I smirked and stood up.
“Let's go home,” I said simply. While stretching, I spotted an older girl dancing in the dance room beside me. She looks familiar, I thought. Curious, I walked into the room.
“Darren!” Tina called, “Where are you going!?” she piped in her tiny voice.
“Shh....” I motioned. And then walked into the dance room.
I was right, she was familiar. It was Mira, and she was dancing alone. Tina had already walked in and was beside me. She seemed unaware that she wasn't the only one in the room. Perhaps she was engrossed in what she was doing. I quietly watched, and soon she rounded up. Out of awe, Tina clapped, making me do the same. She turned and was surprised to see us there.
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Mira's POV
I didn't know I wasn't the only one in the room until I heard someone clapping, two people actually. I turned and saw the people I least expected to see in a dance school. Darren and a little girl. She was clapping excitedly.
“Wow! That was beautiful! Will you teach me how to dance like that?” She asked, her eyes shining. I smiled brightly and walked up to her, lowering myself to her level.
“Of course, yes, if your brother here agrees to it,” I said, motioning to Darren.
“Ah! He has no choice! He'll have to agree to it.” She said confidently. Then looked up at him for inquiry. “Won't you brother Darren?”
“We'll see.” Then glanced at him while I was standing up.” Didn't know you could dance.”
“Well, now you do. What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Came to pick up my bratty little sister from her ballet class. Right now we are heading home.”
“Oh. Didn't know your sister dances here. Next time I'll pay more attention.”
“So where are you going, after here... I mean"
“I don't know. But there's still time to decide.”
“Let's go to the movies!” Tina whined. “I don't want to go home yet! Please!!”
“Aww, why? Seeing the movies won't be a bad idea.”
“He won't let me! Says we should go home.” She complained, pouting.
“You know what? I've changed my mind. We are going to the cinema.” Darren suddenly spoke up.
“Huh? Really? Yay!”
“Really?” I asked, surprised. “But you just said....” He cut me off.
“That is if you come with us.”
“Me?... I'm not so sure....” I muttered, tucking my hair behind my ears.
“Please say yes!” Tina begged. I smiled at her, but I still wanted to refuse. Me and Darren alone? Why does it sound like a date?
“Come on. I know you want to say yes. Don't say no when you really want to say yes.”
“Ahh okay... I'm coming with you guys. Happy now?”
“Yes! Yes!! Yes!! Let's go! We have to hurry!” Tina yelled and raced out of the room, leaving Darren and me alone. He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Thank you. "
“You're welcome,” I answered, smiling.
“So, shall we?” He asked. I nodded and moved forward, he behind me. Oh gosh! I'm so excited. We walked down to his car, and he opened the door for me. Tina had already sat, with her seat belt on. I nodded thanks, and he got in himself.
Soon we were driving to the closest cinema nearby, I am so looking forward to it...
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Celine's POV
I watched further as Darren's car drove past me. I was coming out of the supermarket, opposite the dance school where I went for some shopping and had remembered that Darren's sister usually came for dance classes here. If I was lucky, I could meet Darren there.
True, Darren was there today, but that bitch called Mira had the guts to be there before me. She even managed to go out with him. She is so not taking me seriously and I am going to show her. I don't know what she did to get Darren today, but he won't be so lucky next time. And I'll make sure of that, starting from tonight.
I am going to have Darren, like it or not.