Chapter 23
Natalie's POV
While the class was in its full swing and everyone paying serious attention to whatever the teacher was saying, I was busy with my phone..... Texting Xavier.
Hey, good morning, I sent it to him and dropped the phone, drumming my fingers on the table. My phone vibrated and I hurriedly picked it up.
Good morning. Aren't you texting from classes?
Kind of... Are you busy? Can we talk after school? I sent it to him.
Sure... But what do you want us to talk about? I sighed before replying.
You'll know when we meet. See you later.
And with that, I dropped my phone and pretended to pay attention in class. I caught Mira staring at me with a questioning look on her face; I shrugged, and she smiled. Well, I need answers to all that's going on.
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Xavier's POV
I stared at the last message I got from Natalie. She wants us to talk, but about what??? I racked my brain several times, but I could only come up with one thing. Well, if that's what she wants to talk about, I had better get myself ready to tell her the truth, or the truth that I've been made to believe for two years.
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Mira's POV
We got out of our general classes, and Natalie and I took our separate ways. She had history while I had music. I was going down the hallway alone when someone crossed his way in front of me. I looked up and found that it was Darren. My face lit up with a smile.
“Hi, good morning.” I greeted.
“Good morning to you, too. How have you been?” He asked.
“Good,” I answered, and we both fell silent, having nothing to say.
“Soo... Where are you going?”
“To class. I'm having music now.”
“Okay.....” He trailed off.
“Is there anything you want to tell me?” I asked when he kept staring at me.
“Tell you? Oh, sure... I wanted to ask you if you'd like to go.....”
“And look who I bumped into!!!” someone yelled, interrupting us. We both turned and found out it was Celine, just perfect. She walked towards us and wrapped her hands around Darren. Okay, not trying to sound rude, but I hate it when she does that.
“Good morning.” I greeted coldly, still angry that she interrupted us.
“Good morning Mira. How are you?” She asked, smiling brightly, but everyone would know that was fake.
.” Fine. What do you want?”
“Ah, nothing... I just wanted to see Darren. Ask if he slept well because I didn't.”
“And why would you want to ask that?” I turned.
“Because we went on a date yesterday... Wait, didn't Darren tell you? I thought you were discussing our date??..” she asked, glancing at the both of us. Darren pushed Celine away, but she clung even harder.
“You... you went on a date with Darren?” I saw myself asking.
“Oh sure. And it was a lot of fun. Also, it's just a matter of time before you hear we are dating. Unfortunately, Darren hasn't popped up the question yet.” She said with a smile. Darren coughed.
“That's not true...” I began saying but glanced at Darren. He looked despondent, like everything that Celine said was true. “You did go on a date with Celine,” I stated.
“You didn't think I was lying, did you?” Celine asked.
“I didn't go on that date, my parents....” Celine slugged him by the arms. “What!?” He yelled and then turned to me. I took a few steps back, trying to calm myself down.
“I know this sounds weird but, why do I feel so disappointed?” I asked and with one final glance at Darren, ran to class...
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Celine's POV
I smiled to myself, seeing Mira run to class. Finally! The almighty Celine won. I was about to celebrate the victory with Darren, but when I turned to Darren, he was glaring at me angrily. If looks could kill, I'll be six feet under.
“What? I was just telling her the truth. We did go on a date.” I said perfunctorily. Darren was unmoved. In a swift move, he grabbed me by the shoulders, gripping me tightly. I winced in pain and struggled to get off.
“Just because I agreed on that stupid date doesn't mean I like you. Trust me, if I knew you were the jerk I was meeting, I'd rather throw myself into the sea. Get that.” He growled, his eyes blazing fire. I shuddered.
Then he released me and walked away.
“Darren, wait!” I called, but he didn't answer. I rubbed the part he held, trying to ease the pain I felt. I don't care what you do Darren, one thing for sure. I'm going to make sure I have you and nothing, I repeat, nothing will stop me from achieving it, not even Mira.
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Mira's POV
I took a deep breath and sniffed, trying hard not to shed a tear. I couldn't believe I could be so disappointed. I mean, Darren hasn't said anything yet... But still. To think he even wanted to ask me out and that evil Celine came to ruin everything. I had gotten my hopes high. It had been dragged down to the mood. I'm never going to make that mistake.
Nevertheless, I'm not going to allow all of what Celine said to get in the way. I know she wants to get to me so I can give up, but that's not happening. It takes two to tango and am an expert dancer. Darren hasn't admitted that's he's with Celine yet, so that means there's still hope. Watch out for me... The game just got real.....
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Natalie's POV
School had closed, but I still had to wait till they were very few people left before going up the school building. At least, that's where Xavier asked me to see him. Taking calculated steps, I finally found myself at the topmost building with Xavier's back turned. I sighed before clearing my throat, alerting him that he wasn't alone.
Xavier must've heard, but he refused to turn.
“Good evening.” I greeted, my voice coming out shakier than I expected it to be.
"Good evening.” He greeted, his back still turned to me. We stayed like that for a while. I walked a bit closer.
“So what did you want us to talk about?” Xavier asked. I glanced at him before looking away.
"Look, I didn't think I wanted to know what went down, but I keep worrying what the hell is wrong between the both of you. Far better I should I know the truth.” I said and glanced at him. He looked at me before sighing deeply.
“Well, didn't you ask Xander?”
“I did.”
“And he directed you to me?” To which I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “Typical him..” he muttered. He didn't say anything for a while and I almost thought he wouldn't answer, but then he spoke up.
“Perhaps you're right. Something did happen..”
“What is it?” Curiosity eating me up
“You'll have to guess.” He said perfunctorily. I scoffed. There's no way I'm getting it easy.
“Um, you stole his car?”
“Nope.”
“Threw his PlayStation into the sea?”
“Of course not!”
“Leaked a sex tape of him to the internet?” I asked.
“Okay, not that. That's horrible by the way.” He mumbled.
“Okay... I'm running out of ideas..” I admitted. He looked at him and even though he seemed calm collected, there was an inner tremor in his eyes. I held my breath.
“Turns out, I might have slept with my brother's girlfriend, Lucy. I woke up one morning, and we were both naked under the sheets... Before I had time to process everything, Xander walks in and catches us. Thinks I seduced her and hates me for it.” He blurted out.
It took a full minute for everything to sink in and when it did, the only sentence I could muster was...
“Wait, a sec..... You did WHAT!!?”