Chapter 15

ARCHER'S POV

I walked towards the ice cream stand installed close to the cafeteria three days ago. As a school gradually making it's way to the top, it needed attractive improvements and adding this sounded like a great idea to them because not all schools have such. I was still lost in thought about Ruby's reaction previously. Her attitude concerning everything involving Hazel weakens me to the core. What I really wanted to avoid was a situation whereby she'll make me choose between her and Hazel.

I mean, normally everyone in that position would pick her as a good friend but damn. The thought of not having anything to do with Hazel makes me weak to my bones. I sighed and turned sharply towards the ice cream booth corner and bumped into someone. Her books fell all over the floor and I hurriedly bent to pick them without looking up.

"Oh my I'm so sorry. I didn't see you...." I paused when I finally looked up. It was Hazel. "There." I finally completed and got up.

She looked at me like i was crazy and chuckled. "Why are you giving me that look do I look scary?" She asked and I beamed.

"Nah. I uhh....was just a little bit startled. Didn't expect it to be you." I replied awkwardly. She scoffed and collected her books from my hands.

"Thanks anyway. I'll be on my way." She said and made to move. I stopped her.

"Wait." She turned back to me looking deep into my eyes. Christ does she have any idea how mesmerizing her eyes are? Why must she look people straight in the eye? Doesn't her eyes have other places to look? I gulped. "Sorry uhhh...wanted to.....uhhhh....apologize about what I said at the clinic. I'm sorry. I was angry at that moment I couldn't....."

"No need to apologize Arch. I understand." She said with a wry smile. I knew she didn't mean it. But before I could say anything else, she made to move.

"Wait." I stopped her and she turned sighing.

"Is there something else you really need to say? I've got work to do before literature class." She said exasperated.

I cursed myself in my head. "I'm sorry. Go ahead. I'll catch you later." I said with my heart beating hard. She turned and walked away muttering a thanks. It was then I realized I had been holding my breath. I took a deep breath. Waoh. All this pressure just to talk to a girl you are crushing on. I shook my head and turned to see Ruby by the ice cream booth licking an ice cream and staring at me in a suspicious way.

I walked up to her. "How many of that have you had today?" I asked.

"Enough to take away my loneliness." She replied and I frowned. Was that how she felt?

"Hey come one. Why would you say that? You've got me."

"You sure about that? Or did you mean Hazel's got you?" She said out of the blues and stood up picking her backpack. What the hell is wrong with her? "You know, ever since this session began, I felt we were drifting apart. I just didn't know why or what would warrant that but now I see. Just keep going around sniffing Hazel's pants like some desperate lover. But know this. She can never treat you like I do. One way or another, you'll come back to me.... begging." She added and stomped off.

I stood there mouth agape. Shocked to the core. Where was all this coming from?