Two Steps Behind

CHAPTER 9

"Here, I would let you borrow my notes so that you could study in advance. I heard from Peachie that you have an upcoming exam," Raven said, handing me his thick blue notebook with a print of his name on it. 

I rolled my eyes then accepted the notebook without taking a single glance at him. I really hate this man. Earlier today, he explicitly said that I am ugly and just a while ago he said that I am nearly malnourished. I almost cried from his insults. 

"Thanks," I replied forcefully. He must be thankful that I am good enough to thank him after all he said to me. 

"Sir, here's your oder," the waiter spoke on his side. 

My mouth suddenly watered as  I saw the chocolate filling of the fluffy cake. Oh! I need choco to activate my senses while listening to my hired tutor.

"Thank you. Give that to her please," he answered him with a smile. Then the waiter placed the plates on my side. I smiled while watching over it. He must be guilty telling me that I am ugly that's why he's making his way to make up with me. 

I immediately took a big bite on the chocolaty cake to satisfy my watering mouth. This is so sweet and delicious! My smile suddenly faded away when Raven mumbled on my side. 

"Eat a lot more. You're rich but you look malnourished." That made me think of stabbing him the fork I was holding. 

He doesn't know the word sexy? And diet? What kind of creature is this man? Where on the planet did he came from? This is a great insult! 

"You seemed quiet since earlier and your eyebrows  were meeting each other. Mood swings?" He chuckled on my side. 

I turned my left to get the full view of him who was crazily grinning on his seat. I threw him deadly stares which made him grin more. 

"Don't you dare see your face to me again, Ravel Ismael," I warned in rolled eyes before I annoyingly stood up then harshly grabbed my bag on the seat next to me. 

He. Is. A. Total. Jerk! 

Without looking back at him who was calling my name, I pissedfully took the exit. 

"Ma'am, let me open the door for you." The security guard offered when I can't push the glass door open. 

I stepped back a little then he did the favor to me. I must be very pissed and tired, that's why I didn't make it. I smiled at him as soon as the door opened widely. 

"Thank you. I must be very tired, that's why I haven't been able to open it," I said. He smiled back. 

"I guess it's not, ma'am. You don't look tired," I made a toothy grin at his complement. "You actually pushed the door though it was labeled here– Pull," he continued, making me feel embarrassed. I haven't noticed the sign! This is such a horrible day! 

I hurriedly stepped my heel outside the coffee shop. I can't contain the embarrassment anymore! I am so stupid and it was all Raven's fault! I hate him! 

When I arrived and positioned myself in the car, I immediately called Peachie. It tooks me two dials before she picked up. 

"Hey, Blythe! Sorry for the missed calls. I didn't hear it ringing be–" I cut her off. 

"Crap it, Peach! I am not demanding an explanation." 

"W-wait, are you alright? You sound annoyed. What's the matter?" she asked worriedly, curious and confused. 

I heaved a loud sigh before making a groan to release my annoyance. This is a really unbelievable and embarrassing day! I wish I could turn back the time and didn't dare to watch those birds. Maybe, it wouldn't turn things out like this.

"Please recommend me another tutor as soon as possible, Peach. Name the fee and I'll pay them. It would be better if you will look for a better person who is not arrogant, has a lot of patience and is appreciative. Please, Peach," I told her in one breath. 

Though I couldn't see her physically right now, I know she was preventing a smile with her eyebrows scrunching. 

"Why all of a sudden? I thought Raven is already cool for you? He teaches so well and explains better than me. Also, I already mentioned to him that you have an upcoming exam, that's why he prepared his notes for you," she replied. I rolled my eyes out of nowhere. 

"Can't you recommend someone that reaches or better than his standards?" She was quiet for a moment. 

"Hmm… I can't think of any. He is honestly the best of our group." I groaned while listening at her on the other line. "Why? Is there a problem with him?" she added with a question. 

"He's rude, arrogant and impatient," I deadpanned. 

There was a moment of silence again before I heard a loud guffaw coming from her. I scrunch my face in annoyance and pull the phone a little distant from my ear. My eardrum might be broken by her voice. I don't know what that laugh means– An agreement and a greeting that I finally discovered the unmasked Raven or otherwise. But, I bet it was the first one. 

"Nah. That's impossible! You must be kidding me," she chortled. 

"Do I sound joking?" 

"Okay, chill. You must have met another wrong person and not really the Raven, my classmate." Yeah, she's explicitly telling and reminding me about that other embarrassing scene when I hugged the wrong person. 

"I am sure that he is Raven Ismael, the conceited demon engineering student," I replied with full irritation. 

"You know Blythe, you are my best friend but I won't believe you on that. Raven is a nice guy. Everyone in the block looks up, admires, fantasises and drools over him. I swear, he is really a nice man." 

"Well, this time you are wrong. Nice guy? At where angle? He was just deceiving you all! I am seeing the real Raven that you know –" I stopped when I heard nothing on her line. "Peach? Hello? Peachie?!" I called her but still no response. I was about to call her again but I saw my phone already dead. Goodness! 

I scrunched my body, tweaked my hair and shouted in frustration and annoyance. Let this exam pass and his job will be over. I swear! 

I heaved a loud sigh before I started the engine. For all I know, he was just working to have extra money to spend on his pile of girls during their night outs. Boys are really boys! All making love in their system. 

Just a few minutes of travel, I arrived at home. I pressed my car honk two times for Lexie's awareness that I am already here and she would open the gate for me. 

"Are you alright, Blythe?" Lexie inquired as soon as I stepped out of the car.

I weakly nodded at her. "Please prepare me food, more carbohydrates, please," I requested. 

"Perfect timing! I ordered and cooked a lot of food for us. I used the money you gave me earlier," she replied while we are on our way inside. 

"Oh, thanks! I am really starving." 

I want to eat everything she prepared. I want to gain fats and prove to him that I am not malnourished! I can also gain weight if I want. I was just maintaining my figure and chose to have a diet! My thoughts were disturbed when Lexie spoke. 

"Strange of you asking a lot of carbs for dinner," she said as she prepared my plate and utensils. I shifted my look at her with my hands on my waist. 

"Do I look malnourished? Severely wasted?" I asked. She was confused but just a moment, her laugh echoed around the halls. 

Ahhh! It's annoying!