ONE MONTH WITH THE DEVIL

Chapter 12

"Don't go after him, dummy," my subconscious mind yelled at me.

Maybe it's really wise not to follow him. Since he doesn't want to tell me what's wrong, I shouldn't force it. Also, we just started talking again; I should act like I've been waiting for this moment. I shouldn't be a stupid b***h.

With those thoughts, I laid down on my bed, gathering all my notes so I could continue studying. But still, my mind kept drifting back to the moment Romeo and I shared. I couldn't stop thinking about him. God, Romeo, what have you done to me?

"I'm looking good," I said to myself happily as I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror in my room.

My eyebrows furrowed when I noticed that my lips looked a bit dull. I think I have some lip gloss. I quickly checked my drawers, and I was glad to find the lip gloss Joey, my best friend, gave me. The funny thing is that today is the first time I'm using it—I just kept it in my drawer since Joey gifted it to me.

I applied the lip gloss on my lips. Finally, I got the look I wanted. My lips looked shiny and attractive. It's unusual for me to try to look this good just to go to school. I even wore my second uniform, the one with the shorter skirt. Well, I'm not trying to impress anyone; I just want to look pretty. Or maybe, I am trying to impress someone.

"Ivy!" I heard my mom's voice from downstairs.

I suddenly remembered she was waiting for me and promised to give me a ride to school. Damn! I was so engrossed in trying to look good that I forgot Mom was still downstairs. I should go downstairs as soon as possible, or she'll be late for work.

I grabbed my school bag and dashed downstairs like a flash.

"What have you been doing upstairs?" Mom let out a loud sigh when she saw me approaching her.

"Dressing up," I replied.

We walked out of the house. The ride to school was silent since there wasn't much to talk about, and we were both lost in our thoughts. I don't know what's on her mind, but as for me, my thoughts are filled with Romeo. After his surprise visit to my house on Saturday and our little makeout session, which I can't seem to stop thinking about, he only sent me a goodnight text that night. I replied, but he hasn't responded since. I understand he might be busy or something. At least he sent a text, which I found sweet.

To be honest, I've read that text about fifteen times since Saturday night. The words are already stuck in my memory, like the definition of biology.

"Have a blissful night, Ivy. Hugs and Kisses."

As simple as it was, I couldn't stop thinking about it and blushing like the fool I am. I'm such a fool for getting floored by his simple text, especially after promising myself I'd get rid of these feelings for him.

"Ivy." Mom's voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Mum?"

She took a deep breath, staring at me through the rearview mirror. "I think I like someone."

My mouth fell open. I wasn't expecting this from my mother.

She continued, "I know I'm wrong and insensitive. I shouldn't like anyone. I should only care about your feelings. But I don't know how it happened. Trust me, I'm going to stop liking him. I "

"Mum," I interrupted her.

"Ivy, I'm sorry," she muttered, choosing her words carefully.

The corners of my mouth lifted. "Mum, it's okay. I never knew you were such a drama queen. I'm not upset about your feelings for someone. It's been a long time since Dad passed away; it's only fair that you have someone." I rambled.

"Are you sure, Ivy?" she asked.

I patted her shoulder, smiling at her. "Who is this person? Are the feelings mutual?" I asked.

"His name is Paul. Don't worry, you'll meet him soon. Yes, the feelings are mutual. He likes me too," she answered, smiling back.

"I'm so happy for you, Mum."

"I love you, daughter," she muttered, focusing her attention back on the road.

I'm genuinely happy for her. I like that she cares about my feelings a lot. Why would I be upset? Only a selfish person would be pissed off because her mother likes someone after so many years.

As for Philips, the man she was seeing before, their relationship didn't end well. Maybe this Paul guy will be different.

A few minutes later, we arrived at my school. My mother dropped me off and headed to work.

I think I really look pretty today, and my efforts didn't go unnoticed. I noticed people staring at me with a weird expression on their faces. I'm glad I made a good impression.

"Wow! What inspired this new look?" I heard a voice behind me.

I turned around instantly. It was Xander.

I smiled. "I look good, right?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

"Good is an understatement. You look amazing. I almost didn't recognize you. The Ivy I knew doesn't wear short skirts," he smirked.

"Well, I decided to go for a change."

"I love the change. I have AP English now. Catch you later, pretty."

"Bye." I waved at him.

My eyes roamed around the hallway as I walked past the crowd, but I didn't see anyone who looked like Romeo. I really want to see him. I desperately want him to compliment my new look.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Romeo," I blurted out without thinking.

I turned. I didn't know the person who asked the question, and I answered truthfully. I'm really stupid.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw it was Joey.

She gazed at me suspiciously. "Why are you looking for Romeo?"

I gave a half shrug. "Nothing."

I know she's going to taunt me if I tell her the truth. It's better to keep my mouth shut. I told her about Romeo coming to my house over the phone.

Her brows furrowed. "Are you lying to your best friend?"

"I'm not lying to you. We're going to miss class. Let's go," I mumbled.

"We're still coming back to this later," she let out a loud sigh.

We started walking to our physical education class.

I heaved a sigh of relief when the physics teacher left the class. It's break time already. The class was tough; we solved a lot of questions.

It's funny how I even concentrated on what the teacher was saying despite Romeo being in the class, sitting behind me.

But he didn't talk to me or even spare me a glance. Well, there was no chance to talk anyway. Like I said earlier, the class was really tough. I'm not sure if he even noticed me in class.

I subtly turned around to catch a glimpse of him. He was still sitting in his chair, looking handsome as usual while chatting with his friends his male friends.

Damn, I'm such a simp.

As I turned back, my eyes met the cold stare of the school's evil witch, Samantha.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted out.

It kinda slipped out of my mouth because I was still in shock that Samantha was in front of me. We're not friends nor enemies, so why is she here?

A line appeared between her brows. "When did you become rude?"

I shrugged. "I'm not being rude. I only asked you a question, Samantha."

The corners of her mouth curved into an evil smile. "You have a right to be rude, though. I understand."

My eyebrows snapped together. "What do you mean?"

She crossed her arms over her chest. "I wanted to kiss Romeo at the party so you'd lose your stupid first kiss to someone who doesn't give a damn about you. But I didn't know you're a slut. You hooked up with him." She paused.

"Are you okay?" I snapped at her.

She hissed. "Romeo never disappoints. He dumped you after taking your virginity."

"I'm still a virgin," I muttered under my breath, anger seething inside me.

I regretted saying that immediately. Even though I said it quietly, Samantha heard me. I didn't want her to know anything about me.

Her brows lifted. "Liar. Romeo dumped you after using your flat ass."

My hands clenched into fists. "He didn't dump me, fool."

She smirked. "Prove it by waving at him. Let's see if he waves back."

I closed my eyes for a second. This witch really wants to humiliate me. But I have to do it.

I turned to the back. Romeo was still chatting with his friends. I silently prayed that Romeo wouldn't snub me, at least not in front of Samantha.

"Romeo," I called his name to get his attention.

When he glanced in my direction, I waved at him.

His brows lifted, and his ocean-blue eyes pierced into mine.

I heard Samantha chuckle behind me.

"Dickhead, please wave at me or even smile," I almost shouted.