Chapter 99: Chapter Forty Six-1

-------------------- I gave him a flat stare. "You're a nerd." "If you get all your work done, I'll buy you dinner. Pizza?" Instantly, I perked up. "You know the way to my heart, Mr Cameron." He let out a laugh, swinging his arm around my shoulder as we began to walk back to my house. "I think I do, Miss Connaway." -------------------- It felt refreshingly normal to walk into school. I have my long hair twisted up into a bun, praying that I did it messy enough that you can't notice my bald patch. As both Hayden and I are still exempt from swimming practise, we arrive at school at the same time most others did. Eyes swivel our way as we walk down the corridor. Our fingers are ed together and it seems like every pair of eyes are drawn to them. I see the whispers on people's lips and the shocked stares. People probably still think Hayden attacked me. I haven't read what the local newspaper has reported. Or should I say, Harvey's father has reported. I like him even less now, broadcasting my story across the entire town, pinning Hayden as a filthy criminal. How he could be the father of one of the nicest and beautiful people I know, baffles me. "I feel like a celebrity," I state with an eye roll as we reach my locker. "At least people aren't looking at you like you're a criminal," Hayden mutters, fingering his hair agitatedly. "You're not a criminal. These people have known you for years. If they believe the rumours, then they're as stupid as they look. Why would I be dating someone who attacked me?" He grins, glancing down the hall. "They do look pretty stupid, don't they?" "They do," I agree loudly, glaring at a group of four girls who are watching eyes with wide eyes and their mouths hanging open. "You're a mean girl," he teases as they hurry away from us. I shrug, pulling out my Society and Culture textbook. "There's a fine line with being mean and standing up for yourself." "Fair point." "Good morning best friend and best friend's boyfriend," Harvey greets us, his messy hair flopping onto his forehead, his bag slung loosely over his left shoulder. "How's the gruesome twosome today?" I let out an un-lady-like snort at Harvey's new nickname for us and Hayden frowns at him. "Fine and yourself?" "Never been better," he shoots back with a grin. "You know everyone is watching you two and talking, right?" "I think I would have to be blind not to notice," I remark. "Hi," a small voice squeaks. We all turn to see Caitlyn standing there with a shy smile. "Welcome back." "Thanks Caitlyn," I reply with an easy smile. "Do you two know each other?" Caitlyn nods but Hayden looks at her blankly. "Hayden, Caitlyn, Caitlyn, Hayden," I wave between them lethargically. "Nice to meet you," Hayden replies politely, still looking confused at who she is and why she is talking to us. The bell buzzes overhead and Harvey loops his arm with Caitlyn as they walk in front of us. Hayden made a face at them behind their back, causing me to giggle as we follow them. "He is so lame," Hayden groans. "Shut up! We come as a package deal so you must be nice to him." "Fine," he sighs. As we walk into the class, I hold my head up high as I feel the eyes of my peers burning holes into my skin. Hayden sits beside me at a desk near the back. Harvey and Caitlyn sat at the desk in front of us. I watch Mia walk in and she surprisingly sends me a small smile. When her eyes meet Hayden's, her cheeks burn red and she averts her gaze, sitting at the opposite side of the classroom. After Mike came over to say hi to Hayden, he joins her. "You should apologise to Mia," I whisper to Hayden. He let out a sigh, playing with his pen. "I probably should." People finally got over the fact that we were back at school and are together, eventually turning their attention to the substitute teacher we have for today. Hayden's warm fingers slide in between mine. I glance at him, letting out a breath, relieved that he is here with me. "I love you," he mouths with a smile. "I love you, too," I reply silently, grinning from ear to ear. *** It feels weird entering the locker rooms and not seeing Ashton standing there with his clipboard gripped in his left hand. "Hello," an unfamiliar lady greeted Hayden and me as we walk in. She is a sturdy woman with auburn hair, pulled back into a tight ponytail. She is tall, taller than I think Ashton might have been, with visible muscles tightly bulging underneath her shirt. "You must be Grace and Hayden. I have heard so much about you! I'm Coach Mitchell." "Nice to meet you," I smile and Hayden nods at her. "It's good to have the Captain back," she continues. "After practise, can we have a chat, Hayden?" "Sure," replies Hayden. "Are you two swimming with us today or just watching?" "Swimming," I blurt. "I can't go another day without swimming." She grins at me, wrinkles gathering at the corners of her eyes as she did. "That's what I like to hear. Just go easy, okay?" I nod as I slip out the back to get dressed. "Hey," I greet, seeing Mia already there. She is pulling her swim cap over her head. "Hey." Her hair swishes behind her as she quietly pads away. "Hey, Mia?" "Yeah?" "Want to go for a run this afternoon?" I randomly ask. "A run?" she repeats blankly. "Or work out?" She bs at me. "Why?"