We're Not Lovers

Nicole's Pov “She's checking you out,” the girl said not even bothering to lower her voice, jabbing the boy beside her with her elbow. “No, she's not,” he retorted, bored with the entire situation to look up from his phone. “She's been gawking at you for the last thirty minutes.” I dropped my gaze to my fingers that were folded on my lap, feeling embarrassed as I felt the girl's eyes on me. “Taylor, don't! The boy mumbled, Tay, you- Jesus you're awful.” Even without looking up, I know that the girl was making her way towards me. I wish the ground would be opened and swallow me. I ducked my head low as possible, as I felt a presence sitting next to me. “Hey,” she spoke as if she hadn't caught me staring at her earlier. “Hi,” I redundantly raised my head, only to find that she's already smiling at me. “Uh- I'm sorry for staring, it's just...” “It's fine,” the girl — Taylor as the boy called her — giggled. Up close, she was even more beautiful; her hair was dark brown which looks great, with her green eyes which contain amusement. “You're not the first to stare at me on public transportation, but you're way less creepy than those old men.” A nervous giggle escaped my lips, but on the inside, I wanted to bang my head against a brick wall. “That's a good thing, I guess.” “Oh. You're even easier on the eyes than them too,” she said winking at me. I felt my cheeks burn red, and immediately dropped my gaze to my lap. “So what's your name beautiful?” She asks, her eyes traveling up and down my face. “I'm — I began, but before I could get my name out the boy who was talking to Taylor, flopped down beside me. He was a spitting image of Taylor, a male reflection; same pale skin, green eyes, strong jawline, brown hair only that his was short and looked like he just woke up. Leaning across me, he shoved Taylor's face away from me. “f**k off, Tay. Anyone can see you're straight as a ruler.” The smile immediately turned into a frown, “I might be gay! Maybe I'm not out yet, ever thought of that?” “We had this talk,” he sighed, “You told me you're only attracted to guys, and I'm pretty sure you would've told me if you felt differently.” She just rolled her eyes while crossing her arms, “Buzzkills.” The boy leaned back into his seat with an apologetic smile, “Sorry about that, you picked the wrong twin. I got all the gay genes, well technically half I'm bisexual.” “Oh, well, I don't swing that way,” I muttered awkwardly. “I could tell.” He retorted with a grin. “So, is this you're first air at CB?” “How do you know I'm going there?” “Well, you look to be seventeen, and the last stop is right next to the school.” “You're right, I'm going there this is my first year, what about you?” “Same here, so why did your parents wanted to get rid of you?” “I don't like my last school very much, so I wanted to get away from there.” “I see, so no sobbing story? You just wanted to go?” “Yes, are your parents forcing you?” “So, our mom cheated on our dad with her boss, now everything is s**t at home. They said it will only be a while until they sort things out.” I didn't miss out on the bitterness in his voice, but I decided not to say. He looked pessimistic enough already. “If things go well we might be able to return on Christmas,” Taylor let out. Her brother just nodded silently, watching the raindrops poured down the window. “I'm Nicole, by the way,” “Tyler,” he said, “Nice meeting you.” After the train has come to the last final stopped, Tyler helped me get my luggage, and we make our way outside onto the platform. “Does anyone have an umbrella?” Taylor whined, shielding her face, “My makeup is dripping off already.” “Oh, no,” Tyler mocked, “Now everyone will see you looked like a troll.” “Urgh! I'm pretty glad the boys' and girls' room is in a different part of the castle, can't wait to get rid of your annoying ass. “ My ass is gorgeous,” Tyler scoffed. Pulling my hood over my face I make my way in the direction of the school, with Taylor and Tyler trailing behind me, still bickering like a married couple. I winced as lighting struck the sky, followed by thunder. Swearing under my breath I walked faster, pulling my two suitcases through the mud. “Such rich school, but can't afford transportation to take you there,” Taylor grumbled under his breath. When I looked up I saw two iron gates a few feet away from us, it was a huge castle with a bunch of flowers and stones under the thunderstorm it looks like a haunted castle. “This looks a little less like a school and more like a haunted house,” Tyler voiced my thoughts. Walking inside the hall was laid out with shiny polished tiles, the light from the chandelier illuminates our surroundings, the walls were filled with certificates from several athletics. Also, photos of students grinning widely right beside was a showcase showing awards and a few medals. At the opposite end of the wall, there was two flight of stairs, leading to different wings of the building. A figure descends the stairs to our left, I immediately spotted her because of her bright red hair, which shone under the chandelier. “Oh, you finally made it,” the girl said as she neared us, “Mrs. Johnson was worried you got lost.” The girl smiled thinly at us, she was tall standing at 5'7 I think, her face looked young. Despite that, she carried herself with confidence and authority, which suggested she was older than she seems. Her grayish colored eyes studied us keenly. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” I said apologetically. “Are you supposed to be giving us a tour?” “Yes, I am, my name is Claire Peters, head of the body councils and captain of the cheerleaders. First welcome Charterhouse Boarding school, for boys and girls. We're happy to have you in our community.” “Now, let's get to the rules, shall we? You are not allowed to leave school grounds without notifying a teacher and never after nine o'clock in the evening. You must wear your school uniform and stick to the dress code every day, including weekends. Boys are not allowed in the girl's wing, vice versa, you need to attend all meals in the cafeteria. If you are ill you must see the nurse and visit your classes or stay in bed according to her. Bedtime is at ten o'clock and breakfast at eight to endure that the student has rested well and able to perform at their best.” After looking at us to make sure we're listening she continued, “Breaches of these rules will be punished by the community service at our school or worst case, expulsion. Are there any questions?” “No,” We said in unison. “Fantastic, now let me take you to you're rooms, Taylor and Nicole come with me. You Tyler stay here until I get back.” I followed behind Claire, soon as I saw her walking off. Taylor hurried after us struggling with her suitcases just as I was. Claire didn't notice are she didn't care; instead of offering help, she raced up the stairs like she was running for a gold medal. “I think I just decided I don't like her,” Taylor panted, glaring at Claire. “She's probably just annoyed because she's stuck giving us a tour.” “Nah did you see her eyes when she read the rules? She gets off on doing this. I bet she'd be the first one to run off to the principal if we broke a rule.” “True.” “Hurry, girls,' Claire called just then. “ Bedtime is less than twenty minutes, and we still need to get you settled in. You don't want to break a rule on your first night here, do you?” “Of course not,” Taylor said sarcasm dripping from her words. I doubt Claire noticed because she just smiled and led the way down the hall. There are many windows but there was no sunshine, so there was were actual torches every few feet. The thick red carpet swallowed the sound of our footsteps, looking back I could see the wet footprints we were leaving behind. I just hope Claire doesn't notice them. Taylor and I almost ran into her, when she suddenly stopped and knocked on a door. A girl in PJs with a ponytail and some kind of mud dish face mask opened the door and glared at Claire. “Seriously? What now?” Claire just wrinkled her nose, and look at the girl in the most irritating way before saying; “Sophia, I told you I would bring your roommate by this evening. If you fail to make yourself look presentable is not my fault and now of my interest either. Sophia just huffed at her, Claire then looked back at us; “Taylor, meet Sophia your roommate, if you enjoy being immature and lust over every boy you'll get along just fine.” Taylor, just shoved past Claire hitting her with her shoulders, “Oh, and Claire, actually I do, Sophia do you have any additional face mask? After this day I would do with a bit of pampering and relaxation.” Sophia's lips twisted into a wide grin, “Yeah, I do! Do you want cucumber or chocolate?” The rest of their conversation died out when Claire pulls the door shut with unnecessary force, flattering her already neat skirt she turned to me; Seeing that Taylor is all settled, let's get you to your room, I do have to warn you though...” “Why?” I asked almost tripping over my suitcases, trying to keep up with her. “She is not easy,” “What do you mean? Therefore, if I'm going to be sharing a room with her I'm going to need a bit more details.” “Fine, she's impossible rude and does not care about others than herself and that guy she's always with. It is the last girl who shared a room with her for only a month, he came crying to Mrs. Johnson in the middle of the night begging for a different roommate. But I'm sure you'll last longer than that.” “She can't be that bad?” Claire looked at me with pity, “Well, see for yourself this is your room.” Hesitantly I turned the doorknob, it was a rather big room the walls were bare stone, the floor covered in the red carpet. Two beds, two desks with a single chair, two drawers occupied the two half of the room. The right was taken by the girl; you could see books, and clothes all scattered over her bed. After taking a look at the room, I allowed myself to take a look at her; she was sitting on the windowsill, with one foot dangling out while smoking a cigarette. Noelle Daniels, the skin was pale as snow and her dark hair was incredibly curly which felled on her shoulders into her face and flowed down her back, making it impossible for me to see her face. Sitting by the window while lighting flashing and rain dribbling, she looked unimpressed and unbothered. Only when Claire cleared her throat did she looked around, her blue eyes might as looked warm in someone else face but right now she was shooting daggers at me. She has a cute little button nose and full lips. “What is it, Claudia?” She asked. Her tone dripping with venom, but still, I noticed how nice her voice was; it was deeper than I expected and a little raspy. “Claire, my name is Claire and you know that.” Claire hissed pushing past me, “Is that a cigarette?” “No, Claudia. Why would you think that?” Noelle asked flicking ash onto the carpet? I stifled a grin while Claire stomps her shoe on the ground like a little child. “Put that out, Daniels. Your roommate is here, can't you at least acted decent?” “I supposed,” she muttered glancing over at me. I felt uncomfortable as she looked me over from head to toe. “You know, there's a question I have though, what the f**k is she doing here?” “She's your roommate, did you not just listen?” “I told Mrs. Johnson not to bring another girl in here, so what is she doing here?” “I don't care about your issues, Daniels. Nicole will be living here and none of your hissy fits will change that!” Claire states losing her patience. “Well, we will see about it.” She mumbled taking a drag from her cigarette before putting it out on the windowsill and tossed it outside. Fed up with the pointless discussion, Claire turned and walked away; “Your school uniform is on the bed and breakfast is at eight.” I nodded at her and close the door behind her, when I turned around Noelle was getting up from the windowsill, not looking at me anymore. “I'm Nicole,” I said awkwardly getting out of my wet coat. “Do you know where I can get a towel? I'd like to change off.” She didn't even react in the slightest bit, instead, she lit another cigarette. I tried not to wrinkle my nose at the smell of the room. “Noelle,” I tried again. “I know you don't want me here, but maybe we can get along? I'll try my best not to be annoying.” “Try harder.” I stood dumbfounded before her and couldn't react, not even when she blew a cigarette in my face. She waited for a heartbeat as if challenging me to complain. And when I didn't, she laughed deeply and quietly and left the room letting the door bang shut behind her. Looking at her, I realized that she was as terrifying as Claire had said. Almost as terrifying as she was beautiful. And right now I wasn't sure which was worst.