Two Steps Behind

CHAPTER 8

Aside from me, able to answer the math equations, there was no new to my routine today anymore– From home to school, still the usual ones. Before I entered my class earlier from Mrs. Khant, I called Raven to meet me in the Cafeteria and asked him to recap some of the problems. 

At first, his eyebrows were scrunched, as if explicitly telling me that I didn't listen to him last night. I know it's hard to teach but considering my part is much harder. 

Good thing, my brain cooperated and I catched up with his fast discussion easily. He should've taken up Education rather than Engineering since he teaches so well. Students would love the subject for sure if he's the professor. 

It's already Five o'clock in the afternoon and I am currently heading my way to the parking area. The weather was calm as the vast blue sky mixed with orange and red for the sun set. A smile suddenly made its way to my lips when I saw a flock of birds freely flying above. I envied the idea that they are journeying all together as one. They must be very happy there. 

I jolted when someone spoke on my side. "Are you planning to stay here watching over the sky, smiling, all throughout the day?" 

I rolled my eyes when I saw Raven whose both hands were in his pocket. "It's still early though. I just stopped for a minute and for your information, I don't have  any plans of standing and exposing my beauty here," I replied. 

"As if you do have beauty," he smirked. 

My blood figuratively boiled by his response. That was so offending! He was telling me that I am ugly? Isn't he aware that I am one of the girls that boys fantasise here in the school? He is really impossible! I was about to yell at him when he spoke once again. 

"Don't try to shout at me. Reserve your anger and energy later on our tutorial session," he calmly said, dragging me off to somewhere. 

This man is really an arrogant jerk! Me? Ugly? Never in my entire life to say that I am ugly! Maybe I just look haggard but, I. Am. Not. Ugly! He is getting on my nerves! 

"Stop dragging me! I am not a toddler!" I screeched before I harshly pulled my wrist from him. 

"Really? I thought you were. You're acting like one," he replied. So rude. 

I inhaled deeply and exhaled heavily, trying to relax my system but I really have this urge of punching his face until it bleeds. I shot him sharp stares while composing sentences in my mind. I would surely look for another tutor tomorrow. 

Before I could speak up, he poked my forehead with a smirk. See? He doesn't know how to respect me! "You're uglier when you're upset and mad." 

I formed my hand into balls and groaned loudly in front of him. Any moment from now, I would explode from anger. That was really too much to offend me! I want to pull off his hair! This i***t!

"I'll go with you to the coffee shop since we're already here together." I rolled my eyes at him and shouted NO. 

He should ride on his own. How thick faced this person is to ask for a ride after saying offensive words to me. 

I fished my car key from my cute pink backpack as soon as I saw my Baby Ferrari. I was about to open my car when Raven spoke. I thought he left already. 

"Is this your new car?" he inquired, curious. 

I turned my view at him with ng arms crossed over my chest and my raised eyebrow. "Yes, why? Don't tell me it's ugly also? Because if so, I would sue you for… For… Slander!" I yelled. He shook his head then released a smirk. 

"Slander is too much but you don't have to sue me. Honestly, it looks nicer and expensive than your other car which accidentally hits me once." My eyes grew in circles and my blood almost lost its track as I felt my body turn cold. 

I thought he hadn't recognised me. The second time we met each other, he was so civil. No trace of any emotions as a hint that he knows me. I'm going to lose my sanity on this man. 

"I… I… Don't… I… can't…" I stammered, don't know what exactly to say. 

He heaved a sigh before reaching for the car door latch then opened it. "Get in now. That incident is nothing to me, don't worry. And… Wait for me a bit while, I'll ride a taxi." 

I blinked a few times, still rooted on my stand. That makes me feel more guilty. 

"Come on, Martinez. Stop wasting your time from standing there. It wouldn't help you. Every minute counts," he commented again.

I slowly turned my right to get the full view of him. I felt embarrassed. "You…" I cleared my throat. "You want to hitch a ride instead?" I asked, looking down shyly. 

"No, I'm good. I was just kidding earlier," he replied with a grin. 

"No, please. I insist. You're right, we're already here together. Why won't we go there together also," I suggested, making my best to sound good and cool. 

He smiled genuinely at me then instantly shook his head. "No, it's fine, Martinez. I'll be quick going there. Just take care on your way, okay?" he replied before pushing me to get in my car. I tried to stop him but he already shut the door then turned his heel on the exit. 

I was so mean at him. I should've not treated him that way…but no! He was so mean at me! He offended me! Yes, he is the mean and not me. I shouldn't be guilty because I offered him help that time but he declined. Yes, that's it! You must think that way, Blythe, okay? Okay. 

After that self debate, I took a look at myself in the rearview mirror. My hair was a bit messy, eyebrow slightly raised and pale lips. It looks so haggard but I am not ugly! 

I immediately fixed myself before starting the engine. Brush my black straight hair, pull down my eyebrows and make puppy look eyes, lip tint on and plaster a smile. Let's see if that man would still say that I am ugly if he would see me later on. They must not trigger a woman's emotion about looks. I bet he would fall in love with me when he sees me. 

Meanwhile, I arrived at the coffee shop where our meeting place is. I went straight to the table at the end where minimal customers could be found and where we usually take our seats to study. I was taken aback when I saw him already there. He was too fast! 

"H-hey!" I greeted, tucking the escape fiber of my hair in my ears. 

I smiled when I succeeded in getting his attention as he turned his view on me. His eyes grew in circles, searching for my whole face. I made a puppy look into his eyes and gave him a cute smile. Got you! I looked beautiful at him now. 

"Are you going to stand there for the whole time? The chair won't walk in your direction for your own convenience." My smile faded away when I heard his comment. I hissed at him before plopping myself on the seat and slammed my bag beside me. 

"Fixing yourself tooks you so long, huh," he mumbled on my side. 

My eyes instantly widened in shock while I'm on the middle of getting my notes. He noticed it! He did! A toothy grin replaced my straight line lips as my system became active. I knew it! It's effective! 

I placed my notebook on the table then cupped my face, facing across him. I twinkled my eyes while giving him a flashy smile which made him crease his forehead. 

"I'm beautiful now, isn't it?" I asked him. 

His lips curved upwards exposing his white fair size teeth and well defined jaw. That's it! I giggled at his expense. I already know the answer but I want to hear it coming from him. Oh! My heart is melting! 

"No. Still, no. Stop that, you look insane," he said seriously before turning his attention back to the paper. 

I shot him sharp stares and dropped my head on the table causing it to create a thud. That hurts me a lot. He called me insane! I can't forgive him now.