I woke up for school. My mood was lighter and I felt better. I got ready like I did every morning. I pulled my hair back and stared in the mirror. I was happy today. I didn’t have to go to Blake’s birthday and school was almost over. I had been approved to go to a college out of state, and I couldn’t be happier to know I would soon be gone.
“I just need to make it through summer.” I said in the mirror. I got up and went downstairs for a quick breakfast.
“Pay up!” My mom laughed.
“You guys made a bet?” Jake asked as Parker crossed his arms.
“Fine! I’ll get some cash back and bring it home.” Parked said annoyed.
“Aww no Blessica?” I said and my dad started to laugh hysterically.
“No, they didn’t bond. Blake was relieved, but his dad was unhappy.” Jake said, grabbing his lunch. I walked over and grabbed mine.
“What a shame. Maybe he’ll never find a mate?” I said sarcastically.
“Now, now, be nice.” My mom pointed at me as I followed Jake.
“We didn’t get breakfast.” I whined.
“Get some at school.” Jake said as he unlocked his car. I got in and we drove off to the school. It wasn’t a long drive, but still long to walk. We got out and I looked around.
“I bet he’s piled under a mountain of gifts and affection.” I joked.
“I’m sure he is.” Jake said walking next to me. We walked into the school. I suddenly stopped and grabbed Jake's arm. “What?” He said, pushing my hand off of him. My heart was beating out of my chest.
“It-It’s nothing.” I stammered as I started to walk fast.
“Kelsi?” Jake called after me.
“I’m fine!” I yelled back to him and started to pray he didn’t follow. I could feel eyes on me as I pushed through people. I got to my locker and I stood there. I could smell his intoxicating scent as he approached. I was frozen with my hand on the dial. Sweat pooled above my brow.
“Kelsi what is going on? You almost knocked down Mrs. Harvey and she’s practically ninety.” I heard Jake and turned.
“I’m perfectly fine!” I said, almost angry.
“She’s fine.” I heard and didn’t look up. Blake’s voice was soft and sweet. I could feel his eyes on me.
“Hey there you are! Happy birthday again.” Jake slapped his shoulder. The bell went off and Jake looked at us. “Bell?” He said with neither of us moving.
“Ella?” Blake asked and I walked past them. I couldn’t go to class, I needed to breathe.
“Ok, I’ll be back later to pick you up.” Jake called after me. He only had one class and then helped as a TA for most of the day. I walked into the woman’s bathroom, the only place I could think of that no one would follow me. I turned the faucet on and dampened my hands. I started to fan myself when the door opened. I could see Blake’s reflection in the mirror. My face set on a glare as he slowly walked toward me.
“This is a woman’s room.” I said coldly.
“Well I wasn’t going to wait out there until you decided to come out.” Blake said, crossing his arms as he came up next to me.
“You should! T-this isn’t a place for you!” I stammered and Blake’s face started to curl into a smile. “What!” I demanded. Blake put his arms around me. “Get off me!” I slapped at his hands as he buried his head in my hair and took a deep breath.
“Who would’ve thought you, little Ella, would be my mate.” Blake whispered as I struggled, grabbing at his hands.
“Let me go.” My voice had become a low growl and Blake laughed.
“Feisty.” Blake whispered as he laid his lips on my neck.
“D*mmit! I said let go of me!” I yelled before he finally dropped me. I took a few deep breaths before pushing myself up. Blake stood there, just watching me. I started out the door and walked down the hall. I couldn’t leave, Parker would give me an actual punishment this time. I stopped in the hall unsure what to do. I could feel Blake slowly approaching.
“Kelsi?” I heard and looked at Mrs. Harvey.
“Oh, hi!” I said awkwardly.
“Why aren’t you in class?” She stuck her hand on her hip and looked at me. She must’ve still been angry from the push earlier.
“We’re sorry Mrs. Harvey. We have a project due, and Kelsi was worried I didn’t do my part. I left part of it at home, so she was upset with me.” Blake put his hand on my shoulder. My heart skipped a beat.
“That’s no reason to push people Mr. Westley.” Her voice had become kind yet again.
“I know, we apologize. Right?” He looked at me and I nodded.
“Well good. Now get to class.” She said walking away. I made my way down the hall and I could feel Blake right behind me. We didn’t have any classes together, so why he was following was beyond me.
“Don’t you have class?” I said annoyed.
“I do, but I want to make sure you make it to your class.” Blake said.
“Just do me a favor and leave me alone!” I said, grabbing the handle as he laughed. I went in and the entire class turned to me. “Sorry.” I said walking to my seat.