Chapter 10
It was much expected that the class was looking at me awkwardly after the stunt I pulled yesterday during the event ceremony. I should be supporting my own class, but I was wishing they would lose so my brother's team could win. I chuckled, ignoring the curious looks on their faces, and sat down beside a tense Alicia.
“What's got you all worked up?" I couldn't help but ask. “You shouldn't feel too comfortable when the class is looking at you that way. They have something up their sleeves. I can sense it," Alicia spoke in haste. “You need to relax. I'm not afraid of anyone; besides, we all have choices. Anyways, where is the jerk and his girlfriend?" She giggled at my response. “You mean Isabella and Cody?" I nodded.
“I don't literally know about Isabella, but I heard the coach was really hard on Cody since he is the basketball team captain and the future of basketball in the school. From what I heard, the coach was really disappointed in him," Alicia explained, and I smiled. “It serves him right for being a jerk."
“Why do I feel like you don't hate him like you pretend to? I think you like him," Alicia spoke with a smile, and I choked on the water that I was drinking. “Are you listening to yourself right now? I don't like him in the slightest," Why did I find it hard to convince myself after saying that. “Oh c'mon, Millie, you do like him. He is really attractive, and he has a good heart. Sometimes I feel his attitude is just a façade but not the real him," Alicia looked at me with keen eyes, and I looked away.
As if on cue, Cody walked into the classroom looking as handsome as ever, with his messy curly hair resting on his forehead. “Look away," I recited the mantra in my head, but my eyes had something else to do. I didn't know I was staring for so long until Alicia tapped me on the shoulder, which startled me. “Oops, did I startle you?" Alicia spoke in a sarcastic tone.
“What was that for, Alicia? You nearly gave me a heart attack," I couldn't help but rant. “So you still believe you don't like him when you are blushing like crazy?" Alicia reprimanded and chuckled. “Stop talking nonsense. He will soon walk by, and if he by any means hears you saying that, I'm so doomed," Alicia zipped her mouth, and I laughed at her funny gesture.
It didn't help that he was walking closer to me because my heart was beating too fast with each passing moment. Whew, he finally got into his seat. That was a pretty close embarrassment. Isabella entered the room later with her crew but without giving me a dirty look, which I just ignored.
Class soon started with Miss Daniella teaching us some boring literature. I really hated literature, and I don't see the need to learn these folklores. It's a bunch of nonsense and a waste of time. I was just staring at my book, not paying proper attention. It was only when Miss Daniella ended that I sighed. “So, I'm going to send you homework via your class email. It will be due in twos on next week Friday, and each person will pair with the one sitting beside you. Good luck to you all." With that, she walked out.
Finally, it was over for the day. I was quite anticipating the next class. I really like Biology; it's my favorite subject. After biology, it was soon break time, and I hurriedly got out. Alicia walked reluctantly behind me. “Wait for me! You are walking too fast," Alicia whined behind me, but I increased my pace. Once I got to the cafeteria and the counter for food collection, I relaxed my pace so she could catch up with me. “Can I get two servings as usual?" I told the matron, and she smiled with a nod. “There you go," I said, handing the tray to Alicia. “Thanks!" She replied, and we walked to our favorite spot, which was in the corner beside the window, away from the school drama that happens all the time.
“I didn't see your brother today," Alicia asked, and I stared harder at her. “Why are you asking about my brother when you just saw him yesterday? Don't tell me it is what I'm thinking. Let me warn you, he might have a handsome face, but he's a jerk and very annoying," I said with a giggle. I knew I was being extreme, but I didn't want to have any awkward relationship with Alicia if something happens between my brother and her. The best way possible is to make her dislike him.
“I never said I liked him. I was just asking randomly. Besides, I don't think he will be worse than Cody," Alicia explained, and I smiled. “He had a muscle pull during the event yesterday, so he's at home for the week recovering," I replied casually. Alicia nodded in understanding. I knew she liked my brother but was pretending. Let's see how long she's going to keep up with this lie. I spotted Cody sitting with Isabella and her crew, including Cody's friends. Alicia unfortunately caught me staring. “When will you finally admit you have a crush on him? You've been looking at him for a while," Alicia asked.
“I think I'm full," I said and got up with my leftovers, heading towards the trash bin. Isabella started walking towards me. This is definitely not good. I tripped, ready to fall and embarrass myself when she intentionally bumped into me. But I never touched the ground, so I opened my eyes. There was remaining food everywhere, but someone was holding me in a firm hold. I looked up and realized I was in Cody's embrace. Why did he save me from this embarrassment? It didn't help we were standing too close because my heart was beating too fast, and I could feel butterflies in my stomach. “Ugh... Thank you," I said and got out of his hold. He flashed a smile. Some girls were looking at me with crazy eyes as if I've stolen their reward, while Isabella looked as pissed as hell. I shrugged and walked back to class a few minutes before the bell rang again for break over. The rest of the class was annoying, and I did everything to avoid Cody. The rest of the class was fun. Once school was over, I left immediately for the house. After a hectic day, it was soon bedtime, and I kept thinking about what Alicia said today. It seems I have a crush on Cody, and I feel jealous when he's around Isabella. That's the only explanation I can give for what I felt right now.