Claws And Flaws

~Chapter 7

HARLEY

It's been a whole two weeks now, that Asher joined this school. It's been a whole two weeks that I have forgotten how it felt like to be so lonely at school. It's been a whole two weeks, I don't spend a day without smiling or laughing. It's been a whole two weeks, I have been added to almost all rumours going around school all because I'm hanging out with they are so called "hottest and popular new guy" at school.

Lastly it's been almost a whole two weeks since I have been pushed around during changing classes. Thanks to Asher.

We have gotten really close. I would be completely lying if I say I don't love his company. He has been keeping his promise pretty well that he would not leave me feeling so lonely. I would admit, I do get scary stares and burning eyes from most of the girls but Asher being next to me, makes me forget about reality, about them.

I still won't lie, but I do feel like my enemies just keeps growing everyday. The more time I spend with Asher.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" he called unwrapping the light plastic covering his burger.

"Oh, sorry." I said.

"Tell me."

"What?"

"What you were thinking about." He takes a bite, turning back to me, chewing.

"Just about you coming-" I was suddenly cut off.

"Hey Asher!" Oh! And I forgot to mention one more thing. We always get interrupted by his friends or should I say fans, since they wouldn't spend an hour without coming to interrupt us.

"Janine!" Asher greets back. Janine walks closer to us. Then took her seat on one of the chairs on our table facing Asher completely. Showing how she isn't here to speak with me.

"There is a party in my house tonight and you are invited." She said giving him a wide grin. This is the fourth time they are asking him to join their party and of course he agrees to all of them. Then asks me if I want to come which I always disagree. I hate parties especially when it includes strong drinks and hard drugs. But it still hurts feeling left out.

"Hey! Can't you see Harley here?" He asked sounding annoyed this time. He keeps reminding people of my existence, most times.

"No it's fine Asher. She came to talk to you not me afterall." I said assuring him.

"Yeah, she says it's fine." She gives me an ugly look before turning back to Asher with a dreamy smile. Yep, I am pretty much hated in this school. How would I have coped or even do without Asher? "So are you coming to the party?"

"I'll continue going to you all parties if you start to acknowledge Harley's presence. Man! It's so annoying." Asher glares at Janine with such a serious face, it felt like he was angry about something bigger than this.

"What?!" Janine exclaimed and got up surprised at what Asher said and may I add getting the whole cafeteria attention, actually she's not the only one shock, I am also. She lightly chuckles. "You are joking right?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Asher says sternly, no emotions. He is actually freaking me out considering, I haven't seen this part of him before. He had a strong look of annoyance on his good features.

"I-It's fine Asher. Don't do this. You know how much they love your presence in the party." I said, knowing later on I'm going to be the one paying for this. I could feel my heart beating quicker than usual.

"No! Stop saying it's fine. They behave like you don't exist. That freaking annoys the s**t out of me!" He yells. I look around and people really got their eyes glued on us.

"Please Asher, I'm fine-" I was cut off.

"I can't believe you care so much about this low life." Janine says gesturing her hand at me from my lower body to my upper body. The insult, I try my best to avoid since I started at this school.

"Don't insult her." Asher said moving closer to Janine. I quickly got up and slowly pull Asher's arm back but it felt useless since he wouldn't budge.

"It's fine Asher. I-I don't really care. It means nothing to me." I said trying to assure him. He finally looks down at me. His eyes stays on me, I nodded at him.

"Are you sure?" He asks seriously. I nodded.

"Argh! Really?! Please we aren't here to watch your loveless romance s**t! Asher I honestly don't know what you see in her? She's a complete weirdo. Just look at her!" I also looked down at my huge pants and tight top, I have been having for four years now. That's why it's a bit short, then my sweater sawed for me by my grandma who passed away early last year and I always leave my brown hair down to cover half of my face with a dark blue beanie on top.

But still, I don't know why they call me strange girl.

The bell then rings. "So you are not coming?" Janine asks.

"He is." I insisted. Asher turns to me, a bit shocked.

"I wasn't talking to you b***h but thanks for the reply. See you there Asher dress like you always do!" She winked at Asher before turning and leaving.

I took my bag and left passing Asher. "Harley!" I don't look back. "Harley!" I just walk faster trying to get out of this place. But sadly he was able to catch up with me. My eyes were blurry as I look up and try blinking back the tears. I turn to look at Asher.

"W-what? Why were you calling me?" I asked. Asher looks into my eyes.

"Don't tell me you were actually affected by what she said." Asher said.

"Seriously Asher, look at me, then look at yourself and tell me what you are still doing with me." I said. Asher just kept quiet and stares at me. "You see nothing, you don't even know what you see in me yourself." I rolled my eyes and turned walking off.

"I see something different in you." He says. I stopped and turn back to him.

"What? My strangeness? My weirdness?" I said, doing well in hiding my mixed emotions.

"Your lack of comfort."

"So I'm some charity case to you." I said folding my arms angrily.

"No, no you are not some charity case to me. You are someone I cherish and enjoy being around with, okay? Don't let others come between us. Never allow that. It just weakens our friendship."

Friendship?

Oh yeah, friendship. It just doesn't settle in. Why?

"Yeah true, I'm sorry for overreacting." I said. He opens his arms.

"Come on, we both know you need it." I sniffed a laugh and walked up to him, hugging him. He immediately hugs back.