Chapter 8

AUDREY Second day at school, and I was looking forward to the classes I had today. But what I wasn't looking forward to was the stares that appraised Liam and me as we alighted from his vehicle together and headed to the school building. Liam didn't seem to notice, as he was trying to bring out his phone from his bag. I tapped him and he looked up, meeting my gaze. "Is it just me or is the whole school staring at us?" I asked, glancing around and noticing different clusters of students _ in two, three, or four groups _ all directing their attention at us. He followed my gaze, his eyes scanning the school environment. "It's not just you, bestie. They are all staring at us." "But why?" I had never been the object of attention, right from high school. Invisibility was always my watchword; probably one of the reasons I loved unisex clothing _ so I wouldn't stand out. But these stares... It probably wasn't because of my outfit. If I was dressing too masculine, I would have attributed it as the reason. I was simply dressed in black joggers and a white tank top _ just like every other girl who loves unisex clothing. There were tons of them here. So, my dress wasn't the problem. What could it be then? I glanced up at Liam for clues, but the look on his face showed he was just as clueless. "I wish I knew.." He replied and shrugged. "Well, let them keep staring." Then he turned sharply, giving me a sweeping glance. "You look astoundingly beautiful this morning." Holy crap! What! "Maybe the person that is being stared at is you..." My heart did several backflips hearing him say that. Despite how lovely it sounded, I tried not to get swooned by it_ just a normal friendly compliment. "As if. Aren't you the most dashing and handsome guy in the building? I bet you are the one that all of them are staring at _ mostly the ladies." I replied, wriggling my eyebrows suggestively. He halted in his tracks, causing me to halt too. He turned, staring fixedly at me. "Do you see me as dashing and handsome?" Okay, if I was holding a glass of water or juice, I would have probably choked on it following Liam's question. It sounded as if my perception of him was special. Well, it should because I was his best friend. But, that wasn't what it was feeling like now unless I was in over my head. Despite my flipping heart, I did the best that could be done in the situation. I laughed nervously. "The way all these girls are chasing after you already should have given you a clue, yeah?" I asked, one of my hands spread in the air, and the other placed on my waist. Trying so hard to ignore the urge to hold him closer and tell him in a whisper how dashing and handsome he was. I had been deliberately trying to resist the urge to give me a once over, because I didn't trust myself not to continue staring. He was such a work of art. And I wondered why I was just noticing now. He had been my best friend for like... Forever! Well, I guess my feelings surfaced at its convenient time. He shook his head and came closer, staring pointedly at me, making me gulp. "I am asking what you think?" He asked, placing extra emphasis on 'You' I blinked severally, totally dumbfounded. There was no way I could answer this question without revealing my true feelings for Liam, and I wouldn't want that. I scratched my head and after a few seconds, I decided to say it in the most honest but simple way. My mouth was already hanging midair, about to form a speech, when a liquid substance was splashed on my face. What the fuck! The liquid substance temporarily blinded my eyes and even flew into my mouth _ it tasted like... Shit! Vodka! Who in the well was raving mad to the extent of pouring vodka on me? I wiped my eyes with the handkerchief I was holding and I saw the idiot holding a glass while staring at me disdainfully. It was no other person but Liam's fuck mate _ Winnie. "Are you sick!! Why would you pour vodka on me?" She chuckled, tossing the glass around heightening my irritation. My teeth dug into my lips furiously, as I tried to get a hold of myself from pouncing on this whore. "Because you are a slut..." Holy crap! Look at slut central, calling another person a slut. "What are you doing with my boyfriend? So, you are the reason he didn't come to take me to school today, you this classless whore." As she advanced towards me, Liam stepped in and pushed her away. "Are you crazy, Winnie? Why would you call my best friend a slut and a whore or even pour vodka on her? Are you nuts?" She gaped at him. "Your best friend?" No, his mistress! Stupid bitch. I exhaled, trying my best to keep my anger in check, staring down at my white tank top that she had just messed up. "And what makes you think I am your boyfriend? Have I asked you out?" She blinked severally, biting her lips. "But we have slept together and.." "That doesn't make us lovers. We are just fuck mates, I thought I made that clear to you. Don't you ever pull this type of stunt again, unless you will forget about seeing me again!" Wait, would he continue seeing her after what just happened? Are you freaking serious, Liam? The idiotic bitch nodded slowly, then she looked up at me. "I'm sorry, I had no idea that you are his best friend." I rolled my eyes. "After all the embarrassment and staining my top?" I scoffed. "Fucking keep your apologies to yourself!" Liam edged closer and held me. "Bestie, I am sorry about this. Please forgive her." I stared hard at him for a few seconds. Anger building up inside of me. It was hard to believe that he was begging on her behalf, instead of ending things with her. Anger, and jealousy _ both fought their way inside of me. "Take this slut out of here before I pounce on her. I'm damn serious." I said through clenched teeth. Liam gave me a pleading look which I ignored. I was too angry to be pacified by that. "I mean now!" I thundered and he grabbed her hand, dragging her away. My eyes became blurry, and my heart was aching. He chose to remain with her even after what she did to me. It just felt like I had been really rejected. Do you see why I had to keep my feelings to myself? I might slump out of heartache if I confess to him and get rejected. I heard footsteps approaching me. But I couldn't make out the person, though the figure was familiar _ a girly figure. She got some inches closer and that's when I realized it was Lislie. She gasped at seeing the stain on my tank top. "What the fuck!"