Chapter 16 ~True Friends~

"Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side, our roots will always be tangled".

Iris's POV

Its been exactly two days since dad was discharged from the hospital. Despite the doctor's advice to stay on constant bed rest, dad would still go to his automobile shop from time to time. We really tried convincing him but he kept insisting he's okay even though his appearance says otherwise.

Lately, dad has been getting some mysterious packages and letters from that same unknown person who sent the ledger. As the curious girl I am, I have tried so many times to ask what they were about, but he will always come up with excuses. I still feel uneasy about it.

"Dev!.. Devon!!". I yelled as I walked into the kitchen with my back pack.

"He left early for school, he said something about football practice". Dad explained as he sat with his mug of black coffee and I nodded in understanding.

"Hey dad, are the parts that are needed for my car available now?". I sat at the kitchen counter as Dad read the news headline from his newspaper.

"No, not yet. They will probably be shipped before the end of next week". He took a sip of his coffee as I munch on an apple.

"Ugh!!, its been a month and I haven't driven my car". I sighed.

"But you have Chris, so I don't see the problem or you could use the bus or you could just walk". He shrugged and I rolled my eyes.

"That's not the- never mind".

"Good morning beautiful people". Chris yelled as he barged into the house with his back pack hanging on one shoulder.

"I see you don't know what knocking is". Dad narrowed his eyes.

"Awwwn, Andrew come on, I literally live here". Chris smiled sheepishly while dad mumbled some profanities and I laughed.

"Anyways, we will be going to hell- I mean school now, don't miss us too much". Chris said as he dragged me to his car.

We sang all the way to school, with Chris constantly changing key.

Such a deafening sound!

********

I strolled into history class humming as I sat at the seat further away from the teacher. Aspen, being the jolly boy he is waved and smiled at me, while I received envious glance from the girls around him, as usual I ignored them.

"Okay class!". All our attention was now focused on the teacher in front of us.

"Today I will be assigning you all a project on the seven wonders of the ancient world and I expect it to be submitted in two weeks time". The teachers received various groans from the student.

"Since I am in a good mood today, I will give you all the opportunity to choose your partners". She smiled and some student cheered. I surveyed the class and found out that most student didn't waste anytime in choosing a partner specifically their friends.

I wish the girls or Chris were here.

"Hey Zandy". Charlotte greeted Zander, batting her eye lashes seductively. I cringed at the nickname she called him.

Seriously Zandy???... I can do way better.

I snickered when Zander ignored her and put on his poker face, she turn and glared at me.

"Zandy baby!, I think everyone is taken, can we be partners?". She pouted as she placed her hands on his biceps.

"Nope". He answered popping the 'p' and went back to ignoring her.

"Why no?". She shrieked as Zander gave her a look.

"I have a partner". He pointed at Lucas who smiled charmingly and waved at her. Her faced turned crimson as she went back to her minion.

I snickered as she walked away, Zander turned towards me and raised his perfect eyebrows at me.

"What's funny?". He questioned and I shrugged. He folded his arms and I couldn't even stop myself from gawking at his muscular arms. He noticed that I have been staring and just smirked while I rolled my eyes.

"Take a picture, it will last longer, cupcake".

"Seriously, I told you not to call me that. I swear to God I will-". He cut me off.

"What will you do, cupcake?.. Oh I know you will probably cry to your dad and mum to come deal with me".

Before I could give a befitting answer, Aspen chimed in.

"Before you two start world war II, Iris would you like to be my partner?". He asked and I raised my brows.

"Umh, why would you want me to be your partner?, there are obviously a lot of people and I mean girls that are willing to be your partner".

"Yeah, why?". Zander questioned as Aspen glared at him and Lucas just chuckled finding our situation amusing.

"Well, I need someone smart enough to do this project with, and if I become partners with any of the girls I will get distracted". He explained and I laughed.

"Okay, sure whatever". He squealed and I just shook my head and received a groan from Zander.

"So when do you want us to start?". Aspen asked.

"Hmm... How about tomorrow after school?".

"Fine with me, we are doing it at my place". He stated and I nodded.

Our teacher was really in a good mood that she allowed us to use the remaining time left for class to chat amongst ourselves. I really had no choice than to talk to the boys except Zander who kept glaring at me.

This was actually the first time I didn't see the five of them together. These days, you hardly see friends lasting so long in a relationship, but these boys have been together for a very long time, through thick and thin despite their differences. It reminds me of Chris and I relationship.

The few minutes I spent with them wasn't that bad at all, I learnt a little about them. Aspen was the closest to Zander, but there was always something you would love about Aspen. It could be his smile or his Charisma.

Lucas on the other hand, despite being a black American, he received attention from literally everyone.

And there is Henry, you literally can't help but find him attractive. Just a look at his soft blue eyes, you feel safe.

James being the youngest amongst them was just someone you would talk to and just his character will put a smile on your face.

Lastly, there is Zander, who has that mysterious aura around him. Just a glimpse into his electric blue eyes, you will just feel exposed and vulnerable and those same eyes still held guilt, anger and sadness. I don't know what has happened in his past but I am willing to take that risking of knowing him. I feel there's more to his story than what he allows the world to see.

As soon as the bell rang, I stood up excitedly, ready for the next class which was art. It has always been one of my favourite classes. Its one of the places I could express my feelings and inner thoughts without using words.

I walked into the class with a smile as I spotted Chris my smile widened and Chris mirrored my expression.

"You seemed happier than normal''. Chris eyed me skeptically as I took a seat beside him with an aisle placed in front of me.

''I just love art''. I sighed happily as I stared at the blank drawing paper placed in front of me.

I know I'm weird.

''Weirdo!''. He mumbled under his breathe and I just tossed my head back and laughed.

Our art teacher, Mrs. Cherry walked in looking like some kind of hippie wearing a wide sleeved dress designed with a playful paisley pattern with a flat gladiator sandals and adorned with various accessories to give that touch of hippie beauty.

She was definitely killing it.

"Good day class". She greeted the class with her signature Spanish accent and we murmured a greeting back.

"Oo oh!! I am so excited for today's class". She beamed excitedly and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

We definitely need this kind of person in our lives.

"I would be giving y'all a project to work on, but there's gonna be a slight twist". She paused dramatically.

"For this semester, you have to make your own piece. I want you to portray your life story into an artwork, just be you. Don't think too far, just search your heart. Ask yourself what art means to you". She explained and it made me go into a series of thinking. I held my pendant and sighed, I don't know why I feel like this project is more about knowing myself.

Do you ever feel like you don't even know yourself anymore???.... Well that's how I feel.

"Y'all have approximately a month for this project, so take your time to think it through. But for today's lesson. I've placed this bowl of fruit and bottle in front of you. I want you to portray them in as few strokes of pencil as possible". She explained as we all started drawing.

"Bibbs, are you okay?". Chris asked as I sketched.

"Yeah, why shouldn't I be?". I laughed nervously.

"You were smiling like a lunatic when you entered the class and now your mood suddenly changed".

I rolled my eyes at his bluntness. "Its nothing, the project just got me thinking that's all".

"Come on, you are Iris, you are gonna ace it. So quit thinking". He scolded playfully and I smiled.

That's my best friend.

We spent the remaining class in silence, the only sound that could be heard was the striking of our pencil on the drawing paper and Mrs. Cherry giving necessary correction when needed.

As soon as the class ended, Mrs. Cherry summoned me.

"Oh Iris, I know you are wondering why I called you". She smiled and I nodded.

"I would like to ask why you took this class". She questioned and held my pendant nervously not expecting such question.

"Umh... I really love art". I stuttered.

"It might sound weird but art is my therapy along side with music. I feel so free and happy whenever I draw or sing even if it doesn't seem perfect, I am sorry... I feel like I am not making sense". I laughed nervously and she smiled again.

"I definitely understand what you mean, you remind me of a younger version of myself". She smiled sadly.

"I can see you have a lot of potential, don't let anyone bring you down. Just do what makes you happy". She advised and I nodded and left her class.

I was so lost in my thought, before someone grabbed my arm and dragged me to a secluded area.

"What the heck!!". I whispered yelled as I glared at him.

Yes, you guessed right. Its Zander.

"What do you want now?". I questioned as I adjusted my glasses. A few seconds, he didn't say anything just stared at me and I shifted uncomfortably avoiding eye contact.

"Do I scare you?". He asked and I made the mistake of looking directly into his eyes.

Those eyes are so hypnotizing.

"N- No". I stuttered and my breathe hitched when he moved forward and I took one backward.

I gasped when I hit my back on the wall and he caged me with his arms and bent down so he could be at the same height with me.

I could feel his minty breathe tickling my face.

"Do I scare you?". He asked again.

Does he really expect me to answer him, when he's so close to me?.

"Answer me!". He commanded and I don't know why that sounded so sexy.

Iris, for God's sake!, FOCUS!!!.

"No!". I finally answered without stammering and he just smirked and I accessed every part of his face.

Gosh!!... He look so edible right now.

I cleared my throat. "Why did you bring me here?...I have class".

I was already feeling light headed from his close proximity. I placed my hands on his chest as I try to pushed him but he didn't even move.

Trust me I tried.

"You don't have any class right now". He declared and realized he was right.

"Oh my!, have you been stalking me?... I am so flattered Mr. Wayne". I teased and smiled.

He rolled his eyes and the corner of his lips quirked up a little.

"No wonder the boys adore you". He said as he stood up straight and folded his arms on his chest and took a step backward. I breathe a sigh of relief.

Don't act like you didn't like how close he was to. My mind teased.

"What can I say, I am adorable". I smiled as I flipped my black raven hair.

"And very humble". He remarked sarcastically.

"I know right". I beamed.

"So why did you bring me here?". I asked.

He study me again for some seconds and sighed.

"I just wanted to apologize about what happened at my house, I shouldn't have lashed at you like that. I'm sorry". I stared in disbelief.

"Oh my God!!!, which dimension did I wake up in today?".

"The one and only Zander apologize to me. I am so flattered". I teased and he glared.

"Whatever". He said and avoided eye contact with me.

I laughed. "I have already forgiven you". I said and something flickered in his eyes, something sad. We both stood there staring at each other until he broke the contact first.

"That doesn't mean we are friends". He narrowed his eyes at me.

He didn't even wait for me to say anything and just walked away.

Still a jerk... A very hot jerk.

***************

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