Eight
I sit in my room, waiting for everyone to leave. I never told them I was going to my parents’, so I technically didn’t lie. I just let them assume that I was. I can’t go back there, not yet, and two weeks to myself will help me figure out what I need to do about my friends.
Do I tell them the full truth of why I am here or just partial? And really, do I need to tell them anything. Clearly, they’re keeping things from me, but I can’t get Amias’s face out of my mind. He thinks I trust Noah more than him, but in reality, I don’t trust anyone. Although if I’m honest with myself Noah is the easiest one to talk to, he’s unassuming and lets me go at my own pace, would Amias do the same?
The halls go quiet after a couple of hours, and as I leave my room, I notice how quiet it really is. I don’t think I’m the only one who hasn’t gone home but hopefully those who have stayed won’t cause me any problems.
I grab my tablet; I think a snack and a dip in the pool sounds like heaven. I grab a sandwich and a packet of crisps before heading to the fitness centre.
There are a couple of guys hashing it out in the ring, three girls are using the treadmills and rowing machines, and there are a few people in the weight room. None of that interests me though, so I get changed and store my tablet in the locker before making my way poolside.
I’ve always loved the water – it’s freeing and makes you feel weightless. I don’t even think as I take a running jump and cannonball into the water. I push up off the floor and break the water's surface, flicking my hair off my face before swimming a few laps. Just like with running, I always push myself harder every time. I fight through the burn and the cramps that threaten to stop me, even as my arms scream for mercy.
“Punishing yourself for something?”
I come up short, of course, I couldn’t be lucky enough to avoid everyone as my eyes meet Finley’s. He may be nice to look at, but I’d still prefer to spend my time as the backside of a donkey than with him.
“Why do you care?” I’m suspicious, so sue me.
“I don’t, but I’m not going to jump in there and save you if you lock up,” he says as he draws circles in the water with his fingers.
“What is your problem, if you don’t care about hurting or helping me why do you keep showing up?” I swim to the edge and lean my forearms against the side. I genuinely want to hear his answer.
“It winds Amias up and I think you’re a distraction for him, which means I’ll have the advantage come match day. Plus, you’re fun to irritate and Chelsea hates you.” His tone is silvery and there’s a sing song quality that isn’t unpleasant to listen to. I don’t think he’s lying, he’s too self-centred to put the effort in.
“What about the other guys in your group, I barely even see them,” I say, genuinely curious.
“Declan has been having it away with a secret lady, apparently he’s going to call it quits with Britney and no doubt leave our little group. The poor sap is apparently in love. As for Drew well, would you spend all your free time with a girl like Octavia, that bitch is needy,” he says with a laugh, and I have no idea why he’s telling me all of this.
“Enjoy your two weeks, things are going to get a lot worse for you when school starts back up. The girls have it out for you and Harrison is done biding his time, see you around brownie.”
He kisses his fingers before blowing them my way and I choose this moment to launch myself out of the water, grab his wrist and pull him in. He’s spluttering as he comes back to the surface, and I blow him a kiss in return as I climb out of the pool and hear his intake of breath as he takes in my form.
Looks don’t mean a lot to me, but I know I’m considered attractive, if a guy only cares about that then I’ll never give him the time of day but it is fun to torment them just a little.
I’m walking back to my room when a group of girls approach me, great guess these are the sheep.
“Hey, you’re Henleigh right, I’m Bella and this is Leah. This is Mikaela, who won’t say much as she prefers her friends to be in print, and Roxie here dislikes everyone. How you doing?” Information overload or what, what do they want from me.
“I’m good thanks,” I reply, and I can hear the scepticism in my tone.
“Don’t worry we’re good people, we just thought we’d come say hi and see if you wanted to come over to the hall later. A bunch of us are setting up a projector and having a movie night. What do you say?” She sounds genuine but her over friendly attitude and timing has my back up.
“No offence but you’ve never tried to speak to me before, as far as I know you could be working for that psycho Octavia. Gods know she doesn’t do much of her own dirty work. Her or any of those damn Shepherds.” Bella is smiling at my reply, confusing girl.
“Oh honey, no one likes her. Her fans would stab her in the back given half the chance but she’s popular, and that means a lot to the simple-minded buffoons here.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder and rolls her eyes along with her derisive tone, she clearly doesn’t think much of her fellow students. “We haven’t approached you before because you’re either with your friends or pounding the track. But seeing as your staying here as well over Christmas break, we thought we’d extend the offer to come and hang out with us. Look, we’re going to get something to eat, we’ll be meeting in the dinner hall at six. If you fancy it come on over and if not, then no hard feelings.” She gives a beautiful smile and it almost makes me agree right here and now.
She gives me this enthusiastic wave as they head off to the canteen and I’m left standing here and wondering if I should risk it or not.
Come half five and I’ve got on a pair of black leggings, a red mid-thigh shirt dress with a black belt around my waist and a pair of red ballet pumps. My hair is curled softly, my lips are painted with a subtle red and black kohl lines my eyes. It feels nice making an effort, and even better that none of the guys I’ve been crushing on will be here so I can hopefully just relax and have some fun.
I’m heading straight for the canteen and I wonder if it’s all a ruse and no one will actually be meeting me here. Nope, I’m shaking those thoughts off. I can at least get something to eat whilst I’m waiting.
“Don’t get anything too filling, we have loads of snacks waiting,” comes from Bella and I don’t understand the relief that washes through me.
“What do you recommend then?”
“I’d go for one of their chilli chicken tortilla wraps, they are delicious and then I can pre warn you about Roxie’s boyfriend,” her words fill me with dread, but I grab what she recommends and when head over to my usual table.
“Okay, Roxie is kind of currently seeing Declan. Now we know you have an issue with the Shepherds but we’re hoping you’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.” Her eyes are wide and hopeful but she’s also wringing her hands, I don’t want to make her nervous.
“I’ll treat people the way they treat me. But I have to ask: if he’s so great, why is he cheating on his girlfriend with your friend and how can you all be okay with that?” I’m screaming indignation and although I try not to be too judgemental, I can’t help it right now.