Chapter eight

While inside the school Alina leaned against her locker, her mind still reeling from yesterday's bizarre encounter with Marcus. One moment he was flirting with her, with a soft eyes and warm smile, making her heart flutter.

The next day, his attitude had completely changed. When he told her she belonged to him, his tone was cold and his words were out of line. The memory sent a shiver down her spine. She only hoped today would be different."

As she turned to grab a book from her locker, she spotted Evan waving to her from across the hall. Her surprise was evident.

They used to be close, chatting about classes and sharing laughs, but everything changed when he started dating Kendra.

Marcus's words echoed in her mind: "Evan actually likes you." She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Kendra had been clear that Evan wasn't into her.

"Hey, Alina!" Evan's voice broke through her thought. She glanced up to see him approaching, a soft smile on his face.

"Hey, Evan," she replied, returning his smile with a small wave.

He stopped in front of her, leaning casually against the locker next to hers. "How have you been? It's been a while since we talked."

"Yeah, it has," Alina said, closing her locker. "I've been... okay, I guess. How about you?"

"I'm good, thanks. I've been meaning to ask you—why don't we talk anymore? I miss hanging out with you. I'd like to be friends again, if you're cool with that."

Alina blinked in surprise. This was the last thing she expected to hear. "I... I'd love that, Evan. I missed talking to you too."

Evan's smile widened, and Alina felt a small flutter of hope. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Evan, I noticed you were limping. Is everything alright?" Alina asked.

Evan looked down at his leg and let out a sigh. He was hoping no one noticed that he was limping, especially her. He did not want to appear weak in front of her.

"Yeah, I got bitten by a dog," he lied.

"Ouch! That must have hurt," Alina said, her face full of sympathy and concern. She wished she could be there for Evan.

"Did you get it treated?" Alina retorted.

"Yeah, I did. I'm alright now," Evan reassured her with a smile. "So, any exciting plans for the weekend?" Evan asked, leaning in a bit closer, his eyes genuinely interested.

"Not really," Alina replied, her spirits lifting. "Just the usual—homework and maybe catching up on some shows."

"Well, if you're up for it, a bunch of us are going to the beach on Saturday. It could be fun."

Alina hesitated, the image of Marcus's intense gaze flashing in her mind. "That sounds great, but I might have to see if I can make it."

"No worries," he said, his tone understanding. "Just let me know. It would be awesome to have you there. But, Alina," he added in a low tone, "I've noticed you hanging out with Marcus a lot lately. You should stay away from him. He's bad news."

She sighed, giving him a small smile. "It's complicated, Evan. But thanks for your concern."

Before Evan could respond, the school's front doors swung open, and in walked Marcus and his three friends. The hallway erupted in whispers and giggles from all the girls. Marcus strode down the hallway with a swagger, his confidence oozing out.

Alina rolled her eyes, scoffing, "Look at how he's feeling himself." She cast a disdainful glance at the girls fawning over Marcus and his friends. "It's their fault for gushing over him so much," she hissed.

Evan smiled and shook his head. "You know, Alina, it wouldn't hurt to stay away from trouble. Marcus might seem charming, but he's hiding something. Trust me on this."

Alina frowned, her eyes narrowing as she watched Marcus and his entourage. "Why do you care so much, Evan? What's the big deal if I hang out with him?"

Evan's expression grew serious. "Because I don't want to see you get hurt. Marcus... he's not what he seems. There are rumors about him, things that could put you in danger."

Alina opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Marcus caught sight of her. He and his entourage made their way to where Alina and Evan were.

"What are you doing with my girl?" Marcus said, his eyes narrowing at Evan.

Alina's eyes widened in surprise. "Your girl? Marcus, that's not true," she said, shaking her head desperately at Evan.

Evan stood his ground. "Leave her alone, Marcus. Stop toying with her."

Marcus smirked, leaning closer to Evan. "And what will you do if I don't? You've got a girlfriend, remember? Alina's not your concern."

He then turned to Alina, motioning for her to come stand by his side. "Come here, Alina."

She crossed her arms, giving him a stink eye. "No way, Marcus."

Marcus nodded to Joe, one of his friends. "Show her the stuff, Joe. Maybe she's forgotten."

Joe pulled the scrapbook from his bag, waving it in front of Ali's face. Her mouth dropped open in shock and surprise.

In her panic, she tried to run toward Marcus, but her shoelaces betrayed her. She tripped and fell forward, her lips accidentally landing on Marcus's.

Both of them froze, eyes wide with shock. Marcus quickly pushed her away, his face turning red. Alina couldn't lift her head, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Marcus's friends burst out laughing. "You fox!" Joe said, smirking. "You did that on purpose."

"Oh my God, I think she did," Zack added, laughing. "Did you see how she set her lips?"

Evan stepped forward, glaring at them. "Shut up! It was a mistake."

Kenny, another one of Marcus's friends, grinned at Evan. "Jealous, much? If you want a morning kiss like that, go find Kendra."

Marcus spotted Kendra approaching from down the hall and nudged Evan. "Looks like your girlfriend's looking for you."

Evan turned to see Kendra walking towards them and sighed. "This isn't over, Marcus," he muttered before heading off to meet her.

Marcus glanced at his friends.

"Go on ahead, I'll meet you in class," he said, his voice casual. His friends exchanged amused looks, smirking as they sauntered away, continuing to tease Ali with snide comments.

"Hey, Alina, you sure you can find the classroom without tripping and kissing someone else?" one of them jeered.

Marcus waited until they were out of earshot before grabbing Ali's hand. "Come with me," he said, his voice low and insistent.

Alina's heart pounded.

"Marcus, what—" She didn't finish her sentence. He was already pulling her along, down the hall, past classrooms, until he stopped at the janitor's closet. He opened the door, pushed her inside, and followed, closing it behind him.

The room was tiny and dimly lit. It smelled faintly of cleaning supplies and was cluttered with mops and brooms. There was barely enough space for the two of them to stand without touching. Marcus pressed her against the wall, one hand braced beside her head, his eyes roaming over her.

Alina's breath hitched. "Marcus, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling.

He didn't answer immediately. His gaze was intense, conflicted. Slowly, his hand came up to touch her lips, brushing against them lightly. Her heart raced. She remembered the accidental brush of their lips earlier, how it had felt like a spark igniting.

Marcus leaned closer. "I can't help it," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.

Alina's mind whirled. This wasn't supposed to happen. She had always had a crush on Evan, not Marcus. But right now, all she wanted was for Marcus to kiss her.

Their lips were inches apart. Alina closed her eyes, her body trembling with anticipation. But just as his lips were about to touch hers, the door flew open.

"What are you kids doing in here?" The janitor's voice was gruff.

They sprang apart. "Nothing, sir," Marcus mumbled, grabbing Alina's hand again and pulling her out of the room.

They ran down the hall, their faces flushed with embarrassment. At the end of the hall, they separated, heading in opposite directions without a word.

After that incidents, Marcus was different.

Alina noticed it immediately. Marcus was colder, more distant, and to her confusion, in class he was back to his old self, flirting with different girls as if he never tried to kiss her or anything.

Anywhere Alina looked, Marcus was with a random girl, either whispering sweet nonsense in her ear or kissing another one in a corner.

Alina was pissed; she couldn't understand Marcus. What was his game? She just couldn't understand him.

And if that wasn't enough, he kept giving her absurd tasks to do, like the one that happened in class.

"Alina," he called her in class. She turned to see him carrying Amy, a classmate, on his lap.

Alina's irritation flared. "What do you want?" she replied, unable to mask her irritation.

"Come here," he said, his eyes locking onto hers.

She eyed him suspiciously and turned her face away. Just then, she heard Amy's voice behind her.

"What, you want me to read it out loud? What's the book all about?" Amy asked.

Ali's heart raced. Was she talking about her scrapbook? No, she couldn't be. She turned around just in case and saw Amy holding the scrap book.

Alina immediately jumped out of her seat and hurried to where Marcus sat. He smiled and took the book from Amy's hand.

"Don't worry, you don't need to read it again," he said, pinching Amy's cheek in a playful manner. Amy smiled and blushed hopelessly.

Alina scoffed, eyeing him with anger.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice laced with irritation.

"Take this," he said, giving her some money. "Go get me and Amy some drinks."

"That's not fair, Marcus," Alina protested. "You know Mr. Thompson will be here any moment, and we have a test. If I come late, he won't allow me to take it."

"That's not my business," he said coldly. "You better hurry if you want to take the test." He threw the money on the floor and looked away.

Alina grabbed the money, boiling inside. She couldn't believe he was the same guy locked in the janitor's room with her. Amy smirked and laughed at her.

Alina picked up the money and ran as if her life depended on it to get the drinks and make it back in time before Mr. Thompson came into the class.

And that was just the beginning.

Marcus continued to give her more absurd chores:

He demanded she carry his books to every class, even though her own load was already heavy.

He made her clean up the art supplies after class, even though it wasn't her mess.

He sent her across campus to fetch lunch for him and his friends, always during her limited free time.

Alina's frustration grew with each task. She couldn't understand why he was treating her this way, especially after the moment they shared. But no matter what she did, Marcus seemed determined to make her life miserable.