Chapter 14: The Annoying Gnat

I looked around to make sure nobody was watching me. I quickly scribbled on the bright blue index card.

I want to talk to you. Meet me in the gym at 1:20. –Darling

I couldn’t help but wonder how many people he calls darling. I hope I’m the only one because if not, this situation can be embarrassing. I slid the note card through the slot in his locker. I smirked before running back upstairs to class.

~~~

During lunch time, I sat next to Grayson. He kept sending me curious glances but I avoided his gaze. Ten minutes before lunch ended, I stood up and left, making sure Grayson wasn’t following me. I went to my locker and grabbed my water gun, running to the bathroom and filling it up with water. I grabbed the smaller ones from my bag and filled them up before carefully placing them back into my bag. I exited the bathroom the moment the bell rang and I smirked before running upstairs. 

I was anxious to see what Grayson would do. When the clock struck 1:10, I received a text from Kyle. ‘He is going to go to the gym.’

I smirked and raised my hand, catching the substitute by surprise. I was one of five kids who decided to stay in class. I was thankful that Mr. Edgewood wasn’t here or else I wouldn’t be able to leave the class. I was going to leave the class earlier but I couldn’t have dealt with seeing Grayson and having him try and talk to me in the hallways; I couldn’t just yank out the water gun in the hallway.

“Yes?” She asked and I pursed my lips.

“I can’t really concentrate; may I go to the library and finish my work?” I smiled at her and she nodded.

“I’ll write your name down." After telling her my name, I grabbed my bag and left. I tried to run to the gym but I was too nervous that my water gun was going to spill and it’d ruin the items in my bag. Once I reached the gym, I took my mini water guns and put them in my back pockets, hoping that they wouldn’t fall out. I took the larger one and held it behind my back, leaving my other arm awkwardly dangling at my side. I ran over to the middle of the gym.

I anxiously waited in the gymnasium, anticipating Grayson’s arrival. I looked over to see Lola nodding her head wildly on the stairs. That means he’s coming. She dived into the equipment room and I stood there, trying not to look suspicious. When Grayson entered the gym, I noticed that his uniform tie was tucked into his pocket rather than around his neck.

“Audrey?” So I am the only one that he calls Darling. “You wanted to talk to me?”

I nodded, glancing towards the equipment room where Lola, Sandra, and Carson stood. Kyle was peeking in the entrance where Grayson just entered. I nodded. “I do.”

He quirked an eyebrow, rocking back and forth on his feet. “Aren’t you skipping class?”

“Substitute,” I shrugged and he nodded.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” he asked and I internally started to worry. I didn’t come up with a topic earlier; I didn’t plan on being asked this question.

“I found this note and I wanted you to explain it," I told him with a curious look on my face. He furrowed his eyebrows. I brought my hand that was gripping the water gun forward and his eyes widened.

Instead of letting him say something, I let the water spray him, soaking his clothes. He whimpered as he tried to block the water but I moved the water gun around, allowing it to shoot him all over. In an attempt to get it away from me, he went to walk forward but slipped and fell, landing in a heap on the floor.

He sat up and had his eyes shut tight. “I hate you-,” I cut him off by spraying the water into his mouth accidentally. Okay, maybe it wasn’t an accident- I wanted to see if he was like one of those games at the carnival that gives you a prize if you shoot the target long enough. The only prize I’d get is a dead Grayson.

I was laughing maniacally and once the large water gun ran out of water, I took the smaller ones out of my pocket, not hesitating to spray him even more. I was curious to know what would happen once I stopped spraying him. He’d probably falcon punch me back to class.

Now, he was just sitting there, taking the water to his face. When I dropped one of the small guns, he decided to speak, peeking open one of his eyes. “Are you done yet?”

The words were rushed and I realized it was out of fear that I’d spray his mouth again. “Nope.”

I took the last two out of my back pockets. “You’re going to be so sorry.”

I scowled and continued shooting him, letting my maniacal laughter fill the gymnasium. Once I emptied the water guns, I gave him a nervous look as he began standing up. I began backing away, trying to move sideways so I could make a quick exit. Kyle promised to clean up the mess because he also had a free period while I did not. Well, technically I did but I’m supposed to be in the library.

“Come here,” Grayson whispered as he motioned for me to move towards him. I shook my head, moving sideways so I could escape.

His clothes were soaking wet. His uniform shirt was probably the worst, the red was darker and sticking to his body. His pants were also darker, making it look like he peed himself, and his shoes were squishing as he walked. I was confused as he smiled at me, opening his arms widely. He suddenly took a large step forward, catching me off guard.

He wrapped his arms around me, encasing me in a cold, damp hug. I whimpered as I felt his hair dripping water onto my face. I stiffened as he patted my back. Although the hug was cold, all I could focus on was the fact that Grayson was hugging me and I could feel his body heat radiating off of him due to our close proximity. I could also smell him a lot better. I would usually catch his scent in whiffs when he was walking by me or when a gust of wind made its way through the air, but now I can smell it strongly. It was also a lot stronger due to the fact that his clothes were wet and it made the cologne seep off of his clothes and onto mine.

I heard someone wolf whistle as Grayson finally let go of me. My clothes were damp, but not as damp as his. My shoulders were soaking wet because his hair dripped onto the fabric. Kyle was already cleaning up the water and he even tossed a towel at Grayson, who gratefully took it. “So, they were your helpers?”

I nodded, positive that my face was still red from Grayson’s unexpected and surprisingly long embrace. “They were my elves.”

“I’ll remember that, Carson, Kyle, Shane, Lola, Sandra,” he nodded at each one of them as he spoke their name, his eyes narrowed.

Lola and Sandra put their hands up, claiming innocence. “Don’t even try and act innocent! You wanted to shove me in his locker and shoot him with a nerf gun, or a real gun, Lola. And Sandra, you’re no better! You wanted me to slash his motorcycle tires.”

Grayson let out a gasp. “You didn’t, did you?”

His eyes were wide as he stared at me and I let out a bark of laughter. He was still staring at me and I sighed, shaking my head. “Not yet.”

“Not yet?” His voice cracked as he stared at me, eyes still wide and a sense of innocence coating his face like frosting on cake.

I winked at him. “Someday I will, just not today.”

Shane shook his head at me, his eyes narrowed. He mouthed the words, ‘you player.’ He’s one to talk, isn’t he? I glanced around and noticed Lola and Kyle cleaning up the mess I had made. I turned to Sandra. “Did you record that?”

She nodded, winking at me. “I sent it to you already.”

I nodded and thanked goodness that I kept my phone in my bag or else it’d be ruined thanks to Grayson’s hug. Sandra sent me a wink but this time, it was about Grayson and I knew it was. And this time, it didn’t bother me…as much as it did last time.

~~~

After work, which was awkward because the middle school girls kept teasing me about how cute Grayson and I would look together (which I didn’t disagree or agree with), I just went home. But while I was at home, I decided that I would do some research. I wasn’t able to get my thoughts from the gym out of my head. What if I was developing feelings for Grayson? I let out a loud laugh. I continued laughing, earning the attention of my father who turned to me.

“Can you please be quiet? I’m trying to watch television,” my father furrowed his eyebrows as I looked at him and nodded. I placed my fist in front of my mouth before going upstairs, where I let all of my chuckles escape. What a stupid thought that was.

I looked in my closet and noticed my Halloween costume sitting there. I stared at it for a minute before realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a football player costume! How did I not notice this before? Grayson plays football, for crying out loud! Pushing the thoughts aside, I walked towards my bedroom door and shut it before changing into the costume. Although I already tried it on once, I need to make sure it looks nice. There’s only six more days until Halloween if you don’t count today and I can’t wait until the last minute to fix something.

I looked in the mirror. The dress part of the costume, which wasn’t really a dress, came down to my mid-thigh. The short sleeves of the costume were black with white stripes towards the end of the sleeves. The costume had the numbers ‘22’ in white on the front of it. It came with white leggings that went right below the knee. There was also a pair of socks that were black and had blue stripes that matched the costume. I decided that I’m going to pair my dark blue converses with it on Halloween. I’m also going to put black stripes under my eyes, like I’ve seen on television. I might as well rock it. I don't have enough money to go out and buy another one, I already put my paycheck into my college fund. I don't have time to make a homemade costume, either. My other Halloween costumes are packed away somewhere, probably in the basement.

All I have to do on Halloween is make sure that I don’t run into Grayson, Carson, Kyle, or Shane. I doubt they’re going trick or treating anyway. Football players don’t trick or treat, right? Way to stereotype, Audrey. Then again, you're seventeen and you're still trick or treating. Shut up, I liked you better when you agreed with me.

Looking back into the mirror, I smiled. Maybe this Halloween might go well.

~~~

I sat down in pre-calculus, my heart beating quickly. I had to run up four flights of stairs to get here. I noticed everyone in different seats and I furrowed my eyebrows, glancing up at the board to see a new seating chart. I stood up quickly, apologizing to a girl who sent me an aggravated stare. She quickly sat down in the seat I was just occupying but not before sending me another glare. Okay then, Ms. Attitude.

I noticed that I sat in the third row next to a girl named Samantha who barely shows up to class and has several piercings. I shrugged carelessly; maybe she’s a nice girl. I went and sat down, hunching over slightly, catching my breath. I let my eyes curiously dart up to the board, looking for Grayson’s name. When I finally found it, I frowned. He was sitting next to a girl named Natalie who was pretty and popular.

Natalie was already there, smiling. She’s probably happy about the fact that she’s beside Grayson. They're a match made in heaven. I noticed that I was frowning and I quickly shook it away, giving Natalie the occasional glance out of the corner of my eye. She has long blonde hair, which is opposite to my dark brown hair. Her gray eyes were usually friendly and inviting, sometimes even mysterious, unlike mine which were either glaring or squinting.

She was also tall, at least five inches taller than me, but then again everyone is taller than me. I frowned slightly again before struggling to push it away. Why do I care if she’s prettier than me? She noticed me looking at her and she smiled and waved. I struggled to wave back as I pasted a fake smile on my face. I quickly turned back in my seat and stared at the paper that was on my desk.

Samantha smiled at me, her lip ring glimmering in the light of the classroom. She was also tall, and the fact that she was standing while I was slumped over in my seat didn’t help. “I thought you might need one.”

I smiled back at her. “Thanks, I did…I didn’t notice them when I walked in.”

“I didn’t either, I just saw people crowding around it and I just grabbed two while I was there,” she told me, taking a seat. Her eyes were a pretty turquoise color and her hair was black. She wore the darkest selection of uniform, dark blue.

The teacher began speaking, pulling our attention in. Thankfully, the teacher is cool. Her name is Mrs. Geoffrey and she was recently married. She’s only 28 and she’s pretty laid back as long as we get our work done. She began taking attendance as we worked on our class starters. Once I finished, I watched as she read the attendance.

My eyes flickered towards Natalie and Grayson who were smiling. Grayson was helping Natalie, who I doubted needed help. I just think she wants to smell Grayson’s cologne. I narrowed my eyes at her before doing a double take. Was this me? Or was this someone possessing me? Because I surely do not care about whom Grayson associates with. Glaring down at my paper, I heard Mrs. Geoffrey call Samantha.

“Here,” Samantha told her as she sat back in her chair, spinning slightly.

Mrs. Geoffrey looked up with furrowed eyebrows. “Glad you can join us. What made you decide to come to class today?”

Samantha chuckled. “My mother.”

Mrs. Geoffrey smiled and continued calling names. When she said my name, I waved my hand in the air and she raised an eyebrow. “Are you here, Ms. Peters?”

I knew she was teasing me and I sighed. “Here.”

She grinned before continuing role call. For some reason, I was bummed. I noticed Natalie’s hand resting on Grayson’s arm and how he didn’t bother to remove it. If I put my hand on his arm, he'd probably smack it off and quickly have his arm amputated. Or he'd probably shrug it off and go play his Gameboy.I was glaring daggers into her hand when I heard Samantha laugh from beside me.

“What?” I asked as I turned to look at her, my face tinting slightly. She grinned and let out a hushed chuckle.

“If you had heat rays coming out of your eyes, that girl’s hand would be on the floor,” she stated and I felt the heat rush to my face.

I looked down. “It was noticeable?”

I peeked back up to see her shrugging. “I think I’m the only one that noticed.”

I nodded. I need to stop doing that.

~~~

After completing each worksheet or copying down the latest note, I’d glance at Grayson and Natalie. At one point, Grayson caught my eye and a slow grin spread across his face as if he knew something I didn’t. I just furrowed my eyebrows and pretended to look at something behind him, which I’m sure failed, but I tried.

When the bell rang, I dived out of my chair and rushed to creative writing but I made sure to tell Samantha I’d see her around. When I entered creative writing, I frowned deeper. Kyle and Carson were already present. Usually, they wouldn’t notice me until the end of the period because I’d sit in the back but it seems as if they already saw me. “Pst, Audrey! Come back here!”

I walked towards the back of the classroom and stood in front of Carson’s desk, my eyebrows raised. “What?”

“Sit down,” he motioned to the seat between him and Kyle. I furrowed my eyebrows.

“Won’t that look a bit weird, a small unknown sitting next to two large football players?” I asked as I looked at Kyle, the sensible one. He scoffed.

“Nothing’s normal when it comes to Carson,” he whispered and Carson hit him in the arm with his fist. It sounded like it hurt. I took the seat between the two siblings and watched as people began to enter the classroom. I gasped audibly when Natalie entered before allowing a frown to slip onto my face.

Kyle sent me a confused look. “Something wrong?”

I turned my glare away from her and shook my head. “Nothing at all.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong but weren’t you just glaring at that girl?” he asked me as he motioned to Natalie, who was seated in the front. Goody two shoes. Because you totally choose to sit in the back whenever you’re given the option, if anybody is the goody two shoes- it’s you.

I wrinkled my nose. “That girl is Natalie and no, I wasn’t glaring at her.”

“Are you sure you weren’t glaring at her? Because you seem to dislike her, any reason why?” Kyle asked as he raised an eyebrow.

I shook my head. “She’s in my first period class.”

“And what did she do wrong?” Carson asked, butting into the conversation.

I shook my head, thinking up a viable lie. “I just don’t know her.”

Carson grinned before grabbing my arm and gently yanking me up. “The teacher isn’t here; I’ll introduce you.”

I began to protest but he wasn’t listening. I sent a pleading look to Kyle but he just grinned. When we reached Natalie’s table, she smiled up at us, running a hand through her hair. “Hello.”

“Hello, Natalie, I’m Carson and this is my little friend Audrey,” he introduced me while I stood by his side. I offered her a quick smile and she returned it with confused eyes, a smile and a nod. “That boy over there is my brother Kyle.” She waved at Kyle before turning back to me.

“You’re in my first period class right?” she asked. Oh no, did she catch me glaring at her? “I recognize your name from attendance and I waved at you in the beginning of class.”

I nodded, relief flowing through me. “Yeah, that was me.”

“You’re friends with Lola and Sandra right? I’ve seen you guys around the cafeteria together. I actually have classes with Lola and we work together on some projects,” she smiled at me. 

I nodded again, preparing to speak but was cut off by Carson. “We’ll see you around, Natalie, the teachers coming and we don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Call me Nat," she smiled and he nodded.

“Okay, Nat,” he replied with a friendly wink. She laughed before turning towards her open notebook. It’d be easier to hate her if she was mean but unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

~~~

When I arrived alone to lunch, I watched as Lola walked with Natalie to the lunch line. I sat at our table alone, trying hard to eat quickly. That was hard to do because I was too busy praying that Lola walked to our table alone but I somehow wasn’t surprised when I saw Natalie right beside her, walking towards our table. Lola smiled at me. “Hey, Audrey, Nat is sitting with us today.”

I forced a grin and nodded, looking towards her group of friends as they talked and laughed, but one seat was empty. She fit right in with them, tall blonde girls who were smart, popular, pretty, and funny. They were also on the volleyball team. Nat also played softball and was known for starting a petition for female football. Grayson likes football. “What about your friends? Won’t they miss you?”

Natalie smiled at me and shook her head as she took a seat beside my bag, which I tactfully placed in the seat beside my own. I knew she wouldn’t walk all the way around the eight seated table to sit beside me but I did it for precautions. There was another empty seat beside me and I knew I’d look weird if my leg was plopped over it so I had to hope she wouldn’t sit beside me. “They’ll get over it.”

I forced a laugh as I nodded. Somethings off about her, and I know it. She's probably crazy. She has the look in her eye! I can see it! I looked up to see Sandra approaching our table, taking a seat and beginning to devour her food. I noticed Carson leading the group of four boys towards our table and I raised and dropped my eyebrows.

“Hey Nat!” Kyle grinned as he sat down beside Lola. He grinned at Lola, giving her a silent greeting. He waved at me and nodded his head in acknowledgment at Sandra.

Carson sat down and smiled at me, Sandra and Lola. “Hey Nat!” he smiled at Natalie and I noticed Sandra frown slightly. They talked for a minute and Carson groaned before leaning in and kissing her on the cheek, causing her eyes to light up like a Christmas tree. My eyebrows rose and I looked down at my food. When did their relationship take a step up? I remember them hugging on occasion and flirting like crazy, but I don't recall Sandra telling me that he's now her boyfriend.

“Hello guys,” Shane greeted cheerfully. Thank you, Shane, for not giving a cheery greeting to Natalie and then just nodding at the rest of us as if we don't exist.

“Hey Nat!” Grayson greeted while I stared at my food. I didn’t bother to look up because I knew he wouldn’t acknowledge me. I narrowed my eyes at my food, imitating his annoying voice in my head. ‘Hey, Nat! Hey, Nat!’ I changed the tune and octave, gritting my teeth.

“Hey guys!” Natalie replied and I viciously bit into my pizza. “I didn’t know you guys sat here,” I bet she knew. She had to know! There is no way she would sit here just to sit here. She's never sat here before, prior to the football player's arrival. Something is off about her. I'll bet my life on it.

“Audrey?” I looked up to see Grayson staring at my bag. “Can I move this?”

What happened to Darling? I just shrugged and he placed it onto the floor beside me before sitting down. It was the only empty seat and it happened to be between Natalie and me. I refused to call her Nat. It reminded me of one of those annoying bugs, a gnat. Maybe I should call her that. In my single day of knowing her, she’s been annoying and persistent.

I patiently ate as everyone talked. I sighed and continued eating, only to be nudged in the side by Shane. He sent me a confused look while I sent him one back. When did he sit there? I didn’t realize he was seated beside me. He leaned over slightly, whispering in my ear. “You’re awfully quiet.”

If this would have been the situation last year, Shane Deville whispering in my ear, I would’ve had a heart attack but now it’s just…normal, I guess. There isn’t a spark igniting in my soul or anything of the sort. I shrugged. “I’m just tired.”

He smirked and looked at me, scanning my face. “Awfully tired of Natalie, huh?”

Finally someone that doesn’t call her Nat! I shrugged but couldn’t help the smirk that fell on my face. “You can say that,” I whispered back and he rolled his eyes.

“She’s not that bad. She’s actually pretty funny; you’d realize this if you actually listened to her speak," he told me and I scowled at the positive comments about her. “If you’d just look past how she’s a bit friendly with Grayson, I think you’d like her.”

I scoffed. “I don’t care if she’s friendly with Grayson,” I snapped and he raised an eyebrow. “Honestly, I don’t.”

He smirked and I scoffed, shaking my head. I don't dislike her because of her relationship with Grayson; I just don't like her, okay? There is something off about her. I took my earbuds out and placed them into my ears, playing music from my phone. In the middle of the song, I paused it, in search of a new song. While doing so, I listened to their conversation. “Which classes do you guys have next?”

Everyone went around in a circle to answer Natalie’s question. “I have home economics.”

I listened to Grayson as he replied. I felt her gaze on me but I simply ignored it, using the excuse of music to get me out of it. I know I was being rude but I decided that I don’t like Natalie. I also don’t like how everyone treats her as if she’s something special when in reality; she’s just another girl who happens to be popular and pretty. Big whoop. Grayson scowled but answered for me. “Unfortunately, she’s in my home economics class.”

I glared at my phone screen, anticipating Natalie’s reply. “It’s probably not that bad.”

Although she said a positive comment about me, it didn’t make me like her any more. “Trust me, it is.”

Annoyed and aggravated, I stood up with my bag and walked out of the cafeteria, my music blasting in my ears. I didn’t even bother to pay attention to the song. What is this? Put down Audrey day? I may talk about Grayson, but I do it with our friends, who know that I don't hate him. He knows that I don't hate him, as much I say I do- I know that I don't hate him. Our friends already know the type of guy that he is; they know that it's hard to hate Grayson Carter. However, here he is talking about me to some girl that I don't know and don't like.

Knowing that if one of my friends was to look for me, they’d automatically go to the library, I decided that I wouldn’t go there because I don’t want them to find me. I aimlessly walked up the stairs, planning to just walk around until the bell rang. I eventually turned off my music when I reached the home economics class, trying to calm the dull headache that was forming from my loud music.

I walked to the hub at the end of the hallway, where they huddled the display cases, and sat down on the floor, my legs extended in front of me. If someone were to come up the stairs, which were at the opposite end of the hallway, they wouldn’t be able to see me and I wouldn’t be able to see them. They would only be able to see me if they came to the small cubby and looked at me.

I wish there was a janitors closet on this floor, or even a small supply closet because I’d sit in there but no, I have stay in an open area because entering the classroom early is not an option. I would look like a nerd and I’d probably be asked to do favors like running down the stairs to the office just to grab a paper. So instead, I just stared at the wall ahead of me. It wasn’t until I received a text message that I realized I had been staring at a wall for about twelve minutes, thinking about absolutely nothing.

‘Still burning with jealousy?’

I saw that it was from Shane. I narrowed my eyes at the text before quickly replying. ‘No and I never was.’

‘Where did you go?’ he replied and I decided not to tell him.

‘Where did you come from Cotton Eyed Joe?’ I responded with a smirk on my face. Hopefully he knows the song; if he doesn’t then it’d be a waste of wordplay.

‘This conversation is ending because of your bad jokes,’ he replied and I rolled my eyes. If anything, my jokes were amazing.

The bell rang and I stood up, wiping off the bottom of my pants and entering the classroom. I took a seat in the back of the classroom, awaiting the arrival of my other classmates. I dreaded Grayson’s arrival, though. I don’t know what he’d do. Now that I think about it, he probably won’t care. He might even be mad that he has home economics with me; at least that’s what he said at the lunch table.

I didn’t notice when Grayson arrived. All I noticed was him sitting in the table beside mine. My bag occupied the chair between our tables and I watched as he looked up before taking his phone out of his pocket. He’s probably texting Natalie. I gripped my bag a bit tighter as I reached for my notebook, prepared to draw until this day is over.

~~~

When I arrived at work, I was slaughtered and I really wasn’t in the mood to help the children. Walking through the parking lot, Ms. Janie was getting into her car. She let out a sigh of relief and stopped in front of me. “Thank goodness you came when you did; I was going to have to leave the library unguarded until you showed up. Dorothy is in the hospital; she fell off of her bike and broke her arm.”

I frowned at the mention of Ms. Janie’s six year old daughter. The 28 year old mother looked distraught as she ran her hand through her hair. “You go to the hospital; I’ll take care of things.”

I began walking towards the library but Ms. Janie called something over her shoulder. “There’s a note with instructions on the front desk.”

I nodded and entered the library, meeting the silence. I walked to the front desk to see the note from Ms. Janie.

The middle school children aren’t coming today, they have a Halloween dance and the elementary school children have a field trip to a haunted house. Someone can organize books while the other works the front desk.

I grinned and walked over to the table, glancing at the clock. I had fifteen minutes until Grayson would arrive. I took out my phone and put it on the table, deciding to listen to music and dance around. I made sure to put my bag in the front desk's chair first. I was definitely working the desk today.

I clicked shuffle and walked away from my phone. I nervously glanced around before deciding that Grayson probably won’t show up today. I snorted for even caring and began dancing when the song started playing. I was surprised that I even had the song on my phone; Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus. I understand why Grayson does this so often. It’s so much fun. I was shouting the song at the top of my lungs as I ran around the library.

As I was singing the song and running full speed towards a chair, that I was going to try to jump over, a voice interrupted me. “What are you doing?”

Instead of hopping over the chair like I’d planned to do, my knees slammed into it as I twisted and fell, landing in a heap beside it. The chair landed on my legs and I groaned in pain, my elbow throbbing from the impact. I heard howls of laughter and I frowned, sitting up. “Library parkour, isn’t it obvious?”  

I stood up, pushing the chair off of me. I saw Carson and Shane doubled over laughing while Kyle shook his head in disappointment. Grayson, on the other hand, was looking through my phone. Ignoring the pain that shot through my leg, I hobbled over to him. “What are you doing? Give me my phone.”

“You have some pretty good music here,” Grayson complimented, causing my already red face to darken for whatever reason. It wasn’t even a compliment about my appearance or about me in general.

“Can I please have my phone back?” I snapped, standing beside Grayson.

He snorted and shook his head before walking away, with me trailing behind him. “Hey guys! Listen to this.”

He began playing Gwen Stefani and I winced before running after him. The guys just continued laughing and Kyle just shook his head. My leg hurt yet I still went after him. “B-A-N-A-N-A-S.”

I looked over to see Carson swinging his hips around, singing along. I glanced at the clock and saw that work officially starts in three minutes. “Grayson! Give me my phone; I have to work the front desk!”

“Grayson, give me my phone, I have to work the desk!” he mocked me as he jumped around. I frowned and stood there with my arms crossed.

He turned and looked at me, raising an eyebrow. “Am I supposed to be intimidated?”

I continued glaring at him, my arms crossed tightly. I continued to ignore him. “Still not intimidated.”

I didn’t speak; instead, I just stood there and glared at him. “Do you know how to blink?”

I just glared, my mouth stuck in a straight line. “Hello? Darling, you home?”

Even though he called me by my nickname, I still remained angry. “I guess you don’t want your phone then.”

He turned away and I struck. I jumped on him, causing him to lose his balance and fall. I snatched my phone as I rolled away from him. I stood up, dusting myself off. I walked over towards the desk while glaring at the three other boys. “Speak of this and I’ll personally rip out your intestines.”

“Are you still angry?” Carson asked once I went to turn the small corner to the desk.

I turned and looked at him with narrowed eyes. I wasn’t angry but since it seemed like I was, I nodded. “I am, so don’t bother me.”

~~~

Work was boring and I wanted to go see what the guys were doing but I knew that it’d be bad to do so. I was supposed to be angry at them, not urging to see what they were doing. My thoughts trailed to Grayson, something they’ve been doing a lot lately, and I quickly averted them to work. Work, work, work.

I looked at the clock. I still had two and a half hours to go. I decided to call Sandra and Lola and invite them to come to the library to keep me company. Only one person checked out a book and they’ve been gone for about ten minutes. I doubt anybody is coming to the library in the cold weather.

“Hello?” Sandra giggled and I sighed, spinning in my chair.

“Where are you?” I asked her.

“My aunt’s house, why?” she replied and I grinned. Her aunt’s house is only ten minutes away if you walk.

“Come to the library," I whined as I pulled my legs up under me. It was silent on the other line.

“No, that’s boring," she responded, mocking my tone.

“You know who is here,” I whispered as I leaned forward on the desk, tapping my fingers on the wood.

“Voldemort?” Sandra asked excitedly and I groaned.

“No, the other you know who,” I muttered and she was silent.

“Carson?” she asked curiously. I made an affirmative sound. “I’ll be there soon!”

I snorted as I hung up and dialed Lola’s number. “Yes, dear?”

I smiled slightly. “Come to the library.”

“And why would I go there?” she asked and I pursed my lips.

“Because your best friend is bored out of her mind and you know who is here,” I whispered, afraid that they guys in the other room would hear me. The walls echo and I’d hate to spill my friend’s secrets, even though they’d happily spill mine.

“Kyle?” she asked, her voice rising slightly.

“Yes,” I replied and she squealed.

“I’ll be there soon!” she exclaimed, hanging up in my face. I furrowed my eyebrows. My friends would come if guys were here but not for me, good to know. Oh, and Sandra would come if Voldemort were here.

~~~

I heard shouting in the main library room and I sighed, getting up from my seat and walking into the room. I watched as Carson sat in the carts that we usually put books in while Kyle rolled him around. I watched in horror as the cart (that was full only yesterday) rolled around the with the large teenage boy’s body in it. I searched for the area where they dumped the books.

I approached Shane and slapped my hand onto the table. “Where did they dump those books?”

“We put them back," he replied casually as he flipped the page in his science book. He continued taking notes.

I furrowed my eyebrows. “Put them back where?”

He nodded his head towards the shelves. “Where they’re supposed to go, silly.”

“That wasn’t you or the other boy’s jobs; it was Graysons’s,” I snapped.

“He helped,” he just shrugged. “If you have a problem, talk to Grayson, not me. Besides, he wants to talk to you, too.”

At the mention of his name, I felt my face warm up. Shane did a double take, his eyes widening slightly. “Ar-are you blushing?”

I scowled at him, shaking my head. “No, I’m not.”

“Yes you are! You like Grayson? Oh my gosh, how did I not see this before? You actually do like him!” he announced, his voice raising. I slammed my hand onto his mouth, causing him to wince. I grabbed the nearest chair and swung it to the spot beside him. I sat down, my hand still glued to his mouth.

“I do not like Grayson, okay, Shane?” I snapped. “Now shut your mouth.”

Smacking my hand away, he continued talking in a hushed tone. “You like him.”

“I don’t,” I scowled.

“You do.”

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

“I don’t.”

“Hey!” Lola and Sandra cheered as they entered the main library’s room. I turned around and Shane smirked at me.

“We’ll talk about this later, lover girl,” he winked and I scowled at him, punching his arm roughly. He winced. “You hit like a man.”

“Shut up or I’ll cut you,” I hissed and his eyes widened.

“I’ll spill,” he told me. “I’ll tell them everything right now.”

I narrowed my eyes. “There’s nothing for you to tell.”

“Hey guys!” he exclaimed, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Did you guys know that Audrey here-?”

I cut him off by a swift punch to the mouth. I looked around nervously and saw them all staring at me, horrified. Kyle continued shaking his head in disappointment. Did he ever stop shaking his head in disappointment?

Shane whimpered as he held his jaw. “You’re so abusive! My black eye is just going away and you’re giving Shane a bruise on his cheek!”

I turned to Grayson, who just appeared out of the shelves, and narrowed my eyes. “Shut your mouth.”

“Or you’ll what?” he narrowed his eyes at me in response.

I whipped my hand back but was surprised when Sandra caught it and began dragging me away, Lola following. When we reached the area where I was supposed to be, Sandra turned to look at me with wide eyes. “What was that?”

“He was about to say something!” I snapped as I pointed towards the main room.

“What was he going to say? Your only secret is the one about your crush on Shane,” She told me and I ducked my head. Lola gasped and Sandra caught on rather quickly. “What was he going to say, Audrey?”

“Audrey, what was he going to say?” she asked again and I looked up at them, clutching my elbow as I rocked back and forth on my feet.

“Well, it might be possible that I have a small, itsy bitsy, teeny weeny crush on Grayson.”

Do you guys like Samantha and Natalie? Why or why not?