Secretly Yours

Chapter 3

Blair’s POV

During Literature Professor Kaithlyn was leaning against her table while staring at us, as if contemplating who she should torment next. Her brunette hair was softly braided on her left side. Her 1980s eyeglasses were hanging above the bridge of her nose. She sighed when Blake barged inside the class room 15 minutes late and sat beside me.

Shaking her head in disbelief and disappointment, “Ladies and Gentlemen, please give this man a round of applause for always being on time.” she said with a sarcastic smile.

Blake grinned and stood up and gave our classmate from the back a wave. He knew perfectly well that Professor Kaithlyn was being sarcastic. She glared at him which made him sit back again.

“Now that everyone’s here, I’ll be starting our new topic. We’re picking a new classic author and I want everyone to give their opinion.” 

I suddenly felt giddy like a child ready to catch a chocolate candy. I immediately raised my left hand,

“Thomas Hardy!” Harry and I both said at the same time. I turned my head and saw that we were the only ones who volunteered. Blake’s brows was furrowed in annoyance, and stood up,

“Hardy is a f*****g hopeless romantic. I’d go for Charles Dickens’ A Tale Of Two Cities,” He confidently said,

My brows were arched with confusion, “I’ve known you all my life, but I could swear that I never saw you read a single book, let alone read a classic novel by a notable author.” I said.

He mimics an offended expression but I know him better, “No. You don’t know me that well, B.” He says. He turned towards Professor Kaithlyn who looked at him with a sudden interest.

“Why Charles’ ATOTC is more epic than any classic novels that were ever written. Is that because he made a character like Sydney Carton who sacrificed himself in order to save the lives of the people he cares about more than his own. Everyone knows that before Darnay even met Lucie, Carton was already in love with her and even confessed his love for her even though he already knew that he got ain’t no chance with her and Darnay, the man he saved once from being executed on false charges of treason, already have her hands in marriage from her father. Even when Darnay and Lucie were already, he dealt with his own pain and married a widowed woman who needed his help. The moment he found out Darnay was about to be executed for the same charge that was sentenced to him a long time ago, he didn’t hesitate to save him and Lucie, the woman he loved, for the second time around.” He pauses and smiles, “ That is the kind of story we should discuss. Don’t you agree, Professor K?”

“Excellent, Mr. Michaelson.” Professor Kaithlyn says. Impressed by his answer. I can’t deny that he took me by surprise and for someone I know since childhood, I never really thought that he reads.

“And, that’s it for today, Kids. Tomorrow, we will talk about Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy.” She says, winking at me and Harry with a dirty look. I really hate it when she does that to me. Everyone knows in school that I have never dated anyone in my life, as in ever. I don’t know why exactly though, it’s not because I’m waiting for Blake to see me as a woman and a friend. But, because of the feelings I have for him. It would be unfair for the guy I'd be dating if I still have lingering feelings for him.

Professor K grabbed the books on her table and made her way out of the classroom. While I was returning my notes inside my bag, I saw a shadow towering over me. When I turned around Harry was standing behind me with a deep smile plastered across his face. Up close, I could see the deep shade of his green eyes. His brunette hair was neatly combed. I smiled back and I caught him swallowing a big gulp.

He’s nervous? Why would he be?

“Thanks for following me back on **. I was really surprised when you did,” He says and rubs the back of his head.

“Oh.” was all I said.

When he noticed that I was speechless, “I guess, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He said and he turned on his heel.

“That was f*****g lame. He couldn’t DM that to you on **?” Blake remarks.

“He’s being nice. Stop being rude, B.” I mumbled and I closed the zipper of my bag. He grabbed my bag and shrugged it on his left shoulder with a wince.

“This s**t is too heavy. Don’t tell me you’re carrying this throughout the day?” He says.

“Yes, I brought all of my books and notes with me. In case, I forget something.” Then I looked at his vacant hand and noticed that he didn’t bring anything, “Unlike you, who never brings anything to school aside from your phone and car key.”

“Because, I don’t need them. I only need this,” He says, pointing at his head with a smirk.

We exit the classroom and make our way to the cafeteria where Niana and Tay are waiting for us. The cafeteria was like a cemetery for melamine. It covered the counters. It covered the tables. And of course, it peeled at the edges revealing blackened sticky plywood beneath. The servers would have done well in a funeral home for all the smiling they did. The food had a greyish quality - washed out and overcooked. The vegetables were mush, the meat was chewy and the puddings were dry. 

We sat next to them, and I noticed Niana was frowning while watching her phone as if she was waiting for someone to call her.

I grabbed my bag from Blake’s shoulder before he went to the counter and put it next to me. I pulled out my lunchbox that I made this morning. The beef sausages were perfectly placed on top of the Kimchi Fried Rice I made.

Niana groaned when she looked at it with a sigh, “You really need to stop watching those Korean Dramas. It’s making you even more outgoing and stuck at your pjs.” she says,

I ignored her with a laugh as I dug in the food I brought. “What’s with the frown?” I asked her. Blake came back and put the Hokkaido Milktea he bought for me.

“Let me guess, you and your douchebag fought again.” Blake teased her.

“Hey, stop calling him that. It’s my fault I’m being paranoid.” Niana says,

“If you’re bothered if he’s cheating on you with Tricia again, then I’m telling you. You are right.”

Niana just stares at him, speechless. 

“If you don’t believe me, you should go with me tonight. Tricia will be throwing a party,”

She turned to me with a pair of pleading eyes and I know exactly what’s going to come out from her mouth next.

“I don’t do party, you know that.”

“Please, Blair I might need an extra pair of hands if I decide to deal with that slut. I will need a back up.” she pleads. I am no trouble maker and I’m extremely against violence. But if my best friend wanted me to back her up, then I will.

“Fine. But as soon as it’s confirmed. We go out, okay?” I said with a flat voice. She squeals and walks over to me, wrapping her arms around me.

“Thank you, Blair.” She says and went back to her seat, “But we have to dress up or else everyone will find out that we’re only there to confirm something, and Harry might be there as well”

“Fine,” I said with a sigh.