Chapter 25
Natalie's POV
After leaving Xander hanging last night, I had gone home angry and a little disappointed. True, he called countless times, but I refused to pick them up. I just needed time to think. Right now we're in school and just before I walk into class, someone stops me.
“I'm sorry...” A voice behind me says. I freeze and turn slowly. It's no other than Xander. Staring deep into his eyes I mutter, “Sorry about what?”
“The way I acted last night. I know it's not the best... I wasn't thinking straight.” He hurriedly explains.
“That's your excuse?”
“Maybe... That's not all. Well, I guess I buried this issue long enough that every time someone talks about it, it pisses me off.” He says with his hands in his pockets, looking at me skeptically. I made to say something, but then the bells rang, and I couldn't. So I sigh instead.
“I don't know what to tell you, Xander. I have to go now... Maybe we'll talk later?” I said, making my way to classes. I saw the despondent look on Xander's face and something terrible gnawed at my stomach. Maybe he is sincere after all, but I didn't give myself time to think about it as I'm already for classes, preparing for the day.
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Xander's POV
“I don't know what to tell you, Xander. I have to go now... Maybe we'll talk later?” Where the last thing Natalie said before leaving for her class. And something in me tells me she's right for saying that. If only I had been a little more patient, maybe we wouldn't have fought last night. Now I don't know what she thinks of me... And it's kind of freaking me out.
I heave a sigh and, clearing all traces of emotions on my face, walk to my class.
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Mira's POV
I was walking alone, heading for my next class, when the most bizarre thing happened to me. Just as I was passing one of the dance rooms, a pair of hands came out from one of them and pulled me into the room. I wanted to scream, but he placed a hand on my mouth, stifling it.
“Calm down, it's me. I just want us to talk.” I'm startled as I look up at the person that owns the voice. It's Darren. Seeing that I've recognized him, he smiled and removed his hands from my mouth but still pressed me to the wall.
“Darren! What are you doing here and why did you drag me like that!?” I whisper yell. He sniggers gently before answering.
“I guessed that this is the only place Celine won't be able to bump into us and I wanted to talk to you.” I raise my brows.
“Can you at least let me go now?”
“Sure.” He says and frees me. I mutter thanks and rub my hands.
“Soo... Why'd you drag me here and what do you want us to talk about?” I ask after a while.
“About yesterday. What Celine told you.” He immediately says.
“Why, isn't it true?”
“It is, but not the way that Celine put it. I did go on a date with Celine, but it was arranged by my parents, and it was a blind one as well, meaning....” I cut him off.
“Yeah, I know what a blind date means, but why are you telling me this?”
“Because I don't like Celine... Well, not that much to go on a date with her and that kinds of stuff. You have to believe me.”
I didn't say anything for a while and Darren is forced to continue. “See, Celine and I used to be friends before, but we're not anymore. You have to believe me...... I'd rather spend time with you than her.”
I looked up at him in the last sentence, to see if he meant it. He'd rather spend time with me? I must be losing my marbles...
“Are you being serious about that?” I quietly ask.
“Sure and I still want to hang out with you, if you'll agree that is.” He added quickly. I stay for a while, thinking everything over. Then I sigh quietly.
“I don't know Darren. Can you give me some time to think about it? I promise to get back to you before the end of today.” Darren seemed a little disappointed but quickly covered it up with a smile.
“Sure.”
“Okay, thanks. Can I go now?” I asked, staring at him.
“Yeah... But after I do this” and before I could understand what he meant or even think of objecting, he had lowered himself and kissed me on the lips. What the hell?? Even though it wasn't long, it still took me by surprise.
“Much better, you can leave now.” He said, but I was frozen to the spot.
“Well....” He drawled.” I'll be the first then. Bye.” He said and smiled, walking out of the room. I remained there for a while, my fingers making their way to my lips and then breaking into a small smile. Darren kissed me! Darren fucking kissed me!! Whoo! Okay, I'd best get out of here before I get to class late... By the way, I'm late, so let's run!!!
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Celine's POV
I was looking for Darren all over the school and just when I was about to give up, I saw him appear from one of the dance rooms. I called his name, but it looks like he didn't hear me, so I walked towards him. Until I saw Mira coming out from the same room, and that's when I froze. She was even smiling to herself. They've been together!! But what were they doing there??
Wanting an explanation, I hurried over to Darren, stopping right in front of him. He seemed stunned but recovered and immediately frowned, but I couldn't care less.
“What were you doing in one of the dance rooms with Mira?” I immediately asked.
“Huh? Oh... So you saw us?” He asked, raising his brows.
“That's not the answer, Darren! “I said, raising my voice. Darren sniggered, but it slowly died down, revealing a deep scowl. Then he walked over to me menacingly and gripping me tightly by the shoulders, gritted through his teeth.
“Listen to me very clearly, Celine. Just because I went on that blind date doesn't mean I like you. Hell, if I knew you were the one I was going to meet... I'd rather throw myself into the sea. I hope you can understand that.” Then released me and walked away.
I shuddered, then stomped my feet in anger. How dare Darren say such a thing to me!!
“You haven't seen the last of me, Darren.” I gritted as well. “You sure haven't. I'll follow you everywhere and if I can't have you, no one else will.” I promised underneath my breath. “I hope you can understand that as well,” I said aloud before walking away, determined to keep a close eye on Mira from now onwards...
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Natalie's POV
It was lunchtime but instead of going into the cafeteria, I was called up by Xavier into some weird place I didn't even know exist in the school. I took a deep breath when I reached the doorknob and, knocking gently, opened the door. I walked in and met Xavier and Darren seated. Wow.
“Am I late?” I asked when they noticed I was in the room.
“Uh, no. We just arrived here as well,” Xavier answered.
“Okay..” then glancing at Darren, I asked. “What's he doing here?”
“He knows.”
“You do?” Darren shrugged. “Part of it....”
“Oh well... So why are we here?” I asked, and they both glanced at me meaningfully. I widened my eyes. “Oh, that.....”
“I talked to Xander....” I announced. They both glanced at me.
“You did?” Darren asked me, surprised.
“Yeah. I needed to confirm everything Xavier told me. Turns out it's the truth... But not entirely the truth.” Then my gaze rested on Xavier. “You said you thought Lucy seduced you.”
“Yes....”
“Xander doesn't buy that.”
“And why wouldn't he?” Darren asked me.
"Because she's his or was his girlfriend. He probably knows her more than anyone here in this room. So there's something we are missing.”
“And what's that?” Xavier quietly asked.
“I remember you saying that you couldn't remember what happened the night before... That could also apply to Lucy. If truly you guys can't remember what happened, then there's nothing much I can do because it'll all be based on assumptions.”
“So the situation is hopeless..” Darren mused.
“It's not hopeless. We just have a little more time to think. If we make any mistake here, it'll haunt us for the rest of our lives.”
Xavier and let out a huff and sat back on his chair as if frustrated. I peered at him.
"What's wrong?” I ask.
“Look, this might sound weird, but I don't think I can wait for that much longer anymore. It's just a matter of time before I finish high school and get whipped to God knows where. If this doesn't fix Xander will resent me for the rest of my life, and I don't want that to happen.” He explained.
“Well, that's not going to happen. It'll be fixed, we just can't make any rash decisions... Especially not now.” I affirmed.
“Well, if you say so.” He mutters. I can't help but reach out to him, holding his hands. “I'll do everything I can, you have my word on that,” I promised. He glanced at me and something different crossed his eyes. It turns on something in me and I see myself holding his hands longer than necessary.
“Thanks... For listening.”
“You're welcome,” I whispered back. Then I released my hands and sit back.
“Well, if there's nothing more to say, I guess this meeting is closed. I'll see you guys later.” I say and stand up, walking out of the room. Lunch will soon be over, but I don't think I have any appetite for food. I've got to figure a way out of this mess... And I have to do it fast...
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(Closing time.)
Darren's POV
Picking up my phone, I stared at it for the hundredth time today, expecting a message from Mira. She said she'll give me an answer before today ends and it's already closing and still nothing. Despair filling me up, I gave up checking on my phone and pack my bags, ready to go home when it finally dings. Instinctively, I reach out to it and pick it up.
Finally! It's a message from Mira. I clicked it open to read.
Hi Darren, sorry I took so long to get back to you. I've thought about it deeply and I've decided to go out with you... For today.
So when are you picking me up?
Yours sincerely, Mira.
I release the breath I didn't know I was holding, and a huge grin breaks out on my face. How long have I been expecting this? I hurry up with what I'm doing and take big strides to my car, opening the door and starting the engine. It revved to life and I'm driving out of school, eager to see Mira again.