Chapter 9 - Josette
1031 Words
As I pulled into the school parking lot, the following Monday, the morning sunlight cast a warm glow over the scene. Cars filled the lot, and students poured out of their vehicles, chatting excitedly as they made their way to the school entrance. I grabbed my backpack, locked my car, and joined the stream of students heading toward the building.
The air vibrated with the hum of conversation, laughter, and the occasional shout of greeting. I exchanged smiles and waves with familiar faces, feeling a thrill of excitement for the new school year. As I pushed through the crowded hallway, the sounds and smells of the school hit me – the clang of lockers, the endless chattering, and the faint scent of freshly waxed floors.
I made my way to my locker, where Vanessa and Riley were already waiting, leaning against it as they chatted. I grinned. "Hey, guys!" I said, dropping my backpack onto the floor as I opened my locker.
"Took you long enough," Riley said grouchily.
I chuckled, raising a questioning eyebrow at Vanessa. "What's wrong with her?"
Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Never mind her, she's still hungover from last night's party."
I laughed, relieved that I'd skipped the party. "Glad I didn't make it then."
Riley shoved me gently. "You bitch."
My smile faltered as I spotted him – Evander, taller than most, stood out in the crowded hallway. The crowd parted, and his presence seemed to silence the hallway. Everyone turned to stare at the brooding figure as he made his way across the hallway.
His eyes held mine for a second before he looked away, his expression unreadable. I hadn't heard from him since he disappeared from my room Saturday night. It still hurts that he hadn't even bothered to say goodbye.
I still don't know how he managed it; the only way out besides the front door was through my window, and my room was on the second floor.
As he brushed past me in the hall, I'd expected a simple acknowledgement, but he didn't even spare me a glance. Ouch!
Were we friends now? No. Friends at least wave at each other in school, not completely ignoring each other's existence
Vanessa noticed the change in my demeanour and asked, "Hey, you okay?"
I nodded, forcing a smile onto my face. Riley made a joke about her hangover, and we all laughed it off, heading to our respective classes. I chose a secluded seat by the window, staring out at the last few students hurrying to make it to class before the bell rang.
After school, I didn't bother to wait with Vanessa during Riley's cheer practice. Exhausted, I made my way to my room dragging my bag behind me. The silence in the house was familiar; my parents were still at work. I couldn't wait to crash onto my bed for a quick nap.
As I pushed open the door to my room, I let out a startled scream. A figure sat on the edge of my bed, and I dropped my bag, clutching my chest.
"Oh s**t, Evander!" I shouted, my heart racing. "You startled me. What are you doing in my room?"
He stood up, his bag slung over one shoulder, the other hand tucked into his pocket. "I didn't mean to scare you."
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "How'd you even get up here."
Evander pointed to my window, and my eyes widened in surprise. I peered out the window, then turned back to him incredulously. "But it's so high!"
He shrugged, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I'm good with heights."
I nodded, still trying to process how he'd managed to climb up to my window. "So, what are you doing here?"
Evander's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes piercing. "I needed to see you," he said quietly.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I nodded my excitement getting the better of me. "Why?"
Evander's eyes wandered around the room as if searching for the right words. His gaze finally settled back on mine, and he spoke in a low, measured tone:
"I think...I missed you."
The words hung in the air, vulnerable and unexpected. A hint of regret lingered in his voice, and his eyes seemed to hold a depth of emotion that made my heart skip a beat.
I took a step closer, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why'd you leave the other night?" I asked, my eyes searching his for answers.
He said, his voice low and husky. "I needed to leave, I couldn't control myself,"
I felt a flutter in my chest as I searched his face, trying to understand what he meant. "Control yourself?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Evander's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and warning. "Yes," he said, his voice dripping with tension. "I didn't trust myself to stay."
The air between us seemed to vibrate with tension, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I took a step closer, my eyes locked on Evander's.
"What do you mean?" I asked in a whisper.
His gaze dropped, his eyes focusing on my lips. "I didn't trust myself not to kiss you," he said, his ignited something in me.
My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a rush of excitement. I raised my hand, my fingers brushing against his chest. "And now?" I whispered, my eyes locked on his.
Evander's eyes flashed back to mine, burning with an intensity that took my breath away. He took a step closer, his chest brushing against mine.
"Now," he whispered, his breath dancing across my lips, "I'm not sure I want to stop myself."
I found myself staring at his lips in anticipation. They looked firm, soft, and inviting. Time seemed to slow as he leaned in, his face inches from mine. My heart racing, I felt my lips parting slightly, inviting him closer. His warm breath danced across my skin, and I felt my pulse quicken.
I closed my eyes and waited. Suddenly, everything went still and all I could feel were his lips on mine.
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