Dawn of Love

04

A week has passed and I never set foot at the hang out place. I only get to see him and his ultra clingy girlfriend during class and P.E.. I even eat my lunch under the old oak tree at my school. No once goes there because they said it was haunted. But I didn't care. In fact, if it was, I think I belong. We're all unseen creatures.

I try my best to avoid River as much as I could and even if Austyn doesn't say it, I know he's pleased. I don't do it for him anyway, I do it for my sanity. 

River still tries to talk to me during class but I held my foot down and didn't even spare him a glance. I could see his annoyance though from the corner of my eyes. His reactions actually made me all the more persuaded to treat him like air. To give him a dose of his own medicine. It feels empowering really.

However, I may look calm on the outside, but inside - it's like zombie apocalypse. It's a whole gamut of emotions in there - fear, pain, disappointment, wanting him, missing him, and anything and everything else in between. Out of the many girls in class and in school, why Lexi? Why her? Wasn't he avoiding her then? What changed his mind?

A week has passed and come Monday. To say I was surprised was an understatement. River and Lexi are still a thing and that girl still latched onto that good-for-nothing guy. I sighed in disgust as I made my way to the lockers. This means I'd have to forage hiding spots for this week and I guess the next coming weeks too. I thought highschool would be different, I guess not. 

My frown was deepening when I felt two arms wrap around my waist. My body stiffened as surprise overtook me but the moment I smelled that familiar fruity oak perfume, I instantly relaxed.

"What the heck, Mercedes. You scared the wits out of me." I giggled as I turned around to hug her back

"What? I just missed my best friend and lucky for you, my schedule opened up!" Mercedes announced gleefully

"Which meeeeaaaans?" my eyebrows furrowed 

"Which means we're going to a party on Friday night!" Mercedes jumped excitedly as she clapped her hands "And you are gonna be my date! and then afterwards we can have a sleepover till school day either at your house or mine! Isn't that good news?!"

I couldn't share my best friend's excitement for my mind was stuck on the word PARTY. If it was a school party then that meant, River AND Lexi will be there "Who's party is it?"

"Oh, it's Lily's." she said nonchalantly

My furrowed eyebrows spoke for her. I have no idea who she was. I felt so out of touch with the highschool world.

"Lily Brooks? The student council president Lily Brooks? It's her birthday by then so she's throwing a party for everyone at school" Mercedes shrugged

My eyes widened and my mouth made an "aaaa" sound as realization sank in. Then my face changed into an awkward grin "Do we have to go? I mean do IIIIIII have to go? Can't I just wait for you at home or your house?" I tugged at her arm, basically begging her to just let me off the hook

"No frickin' way Willow. It's been ages since we partied together. No. By hook or by crook you're going to that party." Mercedes pointed her finger at me as a warning. 

I knew refusing her was futile. She'll do everything she can to make things happen her way. That's just who she is, so I just conceded half-heartedly. I closed my locker as I sighed defeatedly. But, she was more or less satisfied with my reaction. She knew she won. 

Mercedes and I then walked the hallways linked arm to arm. We chatted heartily like we've never been apart at all.

"Willow! Hey wait up!" Mercedes and I turned to look behind us. It was Reid, but I frowned when I saw River beside him.

I fixed my gaze back to Reid "What's up?" I saw River frown heavily when I refused to acknowledge his existence. The hell I care. Though he looks scary. I controlled myself from showing the shivers I got from his menacing stare.

"Well..." Reid sheepishly smiled as he rubbed his nape. He looked cute when he does that actually.

I sighed in impatience "Be straight to the point, please."

"uhm... You never dropped by the hang out place anymore and I really, really, really need help with my book report, you know it's due by Friday."

I paused and drooped my eyelids, then I looked up at him again "Okay. Come over at my house after school and let's work on that there."

"Awesome! You're really the best, Willow." He ruffled my hair. A habit of his that I really dislike. But it's not a big deal so I just let him be.

"I also ne-" River began to speak but I cut him abruptly

"I only have one slot this week." I said sternly and quickly. Then I spun around to leave, dragging the clueless Mercedes behind me, away from the two boys.

When we turned the corner, I leaned against the wall and let out a deep breath. My heart was beating crazy and my head was spinning.

"What was that all about?" Mercedes looked around her to check if there are anyone around us, the she said in a whisper "You like River Leon?"

My head snapped up at her and my eyes widened as I covered her mouth in panic "Would you keep it down?!"

She pushed my hands away and grinned mischievously "So I'm right?"

"What right? There's nothing to be right about!" I was highly defensive and extremely fidgety. My sweat formed like beads on my forehead

"Oh come 'on Willow, you can't hide anything from me. Well, at least not for very long. I know you inside out!" She then elbowed me as she raised her eyebrows up and down playfully.

I rolled my eyes and grunted regretfully. I looked at my bestfriend apologetically and nodded my head.

"I knew it! I knew it! I KNEW IT!" Mercedes was so enthusiastic I couldn't help but laugh at her 

"I guess you're wondering, how and when did I figure it out?" Mercedes crossed her arms 

I nodded again.

"Well, number one, cause you're my best friend and all your micro body language gave it away. At least to me. and number two, since middle school. I just never mentioned it because there was just no opportunity to talk about it and I knew you didn't want anyone to know so, I just let it be. and number three, Austyn asked me if I knew." Mercedes shrugged her shoulders

"That son of a gun." I rolled my eyes in annoyance "I swear that guy's gonna be the death of me"

  Mercedes giggled "So, am I the bestest of best friends or what?"

"To be fair, you're my only friend so I have nothing to compare you with."

"Hey!" She punched me lightly with an aggrieved look on her face

I grinned at her then we eventually laughed. Before we parted ways, she made me promise tell her every single detail in our sleepover and of course, I agreed. I just had to - that's what she said.

Before, I went inside the classroom, I dropped by the girl's restroom to freshen up. Imagine my dismay when I heard the most unpleasant voice ever.

"Hey there, Willow." Lexi walked over to me and leaned her back at the sink as she crossed her arms. I continued to ignore her as I washed my hands.

"What, you deaf?" irritation lined her voice

"Get to the point, Lexi." I sighed heavily and faced her

"Wow. So fierce!" she smiled a fake sweet one then returned to her bitchy expression. She then slowly fixed my hair on my shoulder with her finger as she spoke "Alrighty, then. I want you to stay away from River. Since we were once friends, this is just a warning. Next time, I won't be so kind. " her tone was full of threat but it didn't faze me

I smiled and scoffed bitterly. What is it with people and staying away? Can't they see? "In case you haven't noticed, Lexi. River doesn't even notice my existence. So, there's nothing for you to worry about and he's all yours for all I care."

"It's good that you know." She grinned haughtily "Well!" She then once again donned her fake Barbie smile as she clasped her hands and stood straight "This was a productive conversation! I won't be keeping you any longer then."

As Lexi strode out the door, I sighed a breath of relief. I looked at myself in the mirror with pity and resentment. Of all the people I could like, why does it have to be River?

A/N~

First, thank you for all your support. Second, Apologies dear readers. I know you are all excited for what has in store for Willor & River, as I am as well. However, unforeseen circunstancea has overcome my day job and my upcoming wedding (only a few weeks from now) that forced me to draw my attention to them first. So I do apologies again and hope for your kind understanding. I'll be writing soon for the multiple updates! For now, what would you think will happen next? Looking forward to your guesses! ;)