The Beauty and the Inked

Fifteen: In the Middle

Zack was leaning on his car, his eyes were on me. His face was impassive, something that I am used to see. I would prefer to see Zack smile, but this emotionless façade is what I'm used to. His hands were still tucked inside the pockets of his jacket.

"Why haven't you left?" as the words left my mouth, realization hits me. I'm being beyond obnoxious. He's trying, or maybe not, but he was just being nice, and all I do was to disregard his limited kindness, "I'm sorry," I said with my head down, feeling guilty because of my stupid mouth.

I was surprised when he opened the passenger door without saying anything, he was holding his temper. See? I'm the one who's a rotter and not him. I climbed inside his car and the now familiar scent soothes me.

He drove without saying anything, and I don't know how to start any conversation. I mean, I just don't know what to say. I'm afraid, I might push another button and he will burst in anger. That's right, Yssa. Shut up.

"I didn't notice your hair earlier," his were still on the road, and I know the amusement in my face is clear. Of course he wouldn't, I pulled it into a ponytail.

"Uhm, I just want to have it shorter," I replied. Maybe this ride would go smoothly… as long as he's being a nice, maybe.

"Brunettes," he said, it was almost a whisper. I thought, maybe it wasn't intended for me to hear it. Instead of asking a stupid question, I just let it go. Actually, I was pretty amused that he noticed my hair. Not that I would want him to notice it, but I think it was just not a part of his characteristics to do so, or maybe because I don't know him at all. I'm starting to be curious.

Curiosity can kill.

No. Not at all. But I would want to know more about him. I don't even know his family name. I'm sitting here, inside his car and all I want to do is throw query at him, I'm dying to ask the boiling questions in my head, but I don't want to be a nosy b***h, so I decide against it.

As we approached the library, I saw Nick and Henry standing outside, they were with two other lads. Zack was out of the car, half-jogged towards the other side to open the passenger door. Wow.

My eyes darted towards his friends. All of them were wearing a loony expression except one.

"Best of luck," Zack said, having my attention. He was smiling. His smile is the most dazzling I've ever witnessed in my entire life. The way his mouth curves, showing a little of his white teeth, and his tongue resting behind it, it was just so glorious to see; almost Godlike. Oh I forgot, for me- he's a demigod.

"Err- yeah. Thanks," I bit my lower lip, suppressing a giggle. Now is not the right moment to let him know I'm being giddy as hell. Just look at him, with the glorious looks and nice attitude, it's enough to make a girl drool, but drooling would be gross.

I stride towards the library, Nick and Henry greeted me with their warm smile. But the guy with a beanie eyes me indifferently. I shrugged off the thought and headed towards the reception desk, the girl with copper-blonde hair was still there.

"You made it on time," she was now smiling. Oh, I wonder what happened with the snobbish girl. Who's this girl that looks a lot like her?

"Yeah, thanks to my friend," so Zack is my friend now?

"You should be," her voice was like a melody, tiny yet beautiful to hear, "Come on, Sir Hidalgo is waiting for you," she lead me into a stair case. The carpet was a dark color, and it lessens the click-clacking of my pumps. The walls of the library were covered with old wallpapers, and it smells like old books in here; one of my favorite smells. The copper-blonde girl opened a double door and ushered me in.

"Sir," she said. Her voice is something you would want to hear forever, "She's here."

The man who was seated behind the desk wasn't paying attention at first; his eyes were on his desktop with a crease between his eyebrows. But when we stepped closer, we took his attention.

"Oh, yeah. Have a seat," he smiled but his eyes were still fixated on his computer. I looked around the room. He has a lot of books piled up in every corner. Sealed boxes were on the other side; I guess those contain books too. A shelf was attached on the wall, from ceiling to the floor. There were books neatly arranged, classic books.

"I believe you know my brother," Greg said, he was now looking at me. His smile was warm, almost adorable as Nick's.

"Uhm, yeah but not really, we just met a couple of days ago," I explained. I sat on one of the cushioned chair. He answered me with just a simple nod.

"Actually, we don't have to talk about a lot of things. No more query, I will just discuss your working days, your shifts, packet..." as he continued to talk my mind slowly drifts away. Surely this is not the formal interview I was expecting, I'm grateful and yet doubtful but mostly, grateful. It was just; I am beyond being lucky to be hired quickly. How and why?

Zack.

Zack knows Mr. Horan, maybe he was truthful with his words earlier. He said he would help me. Yes, Zack helped me to get this job.

Greg had finished talking, and I left his office immediately. Almost running down the stairs, my feet were stomping almost loud against the carpet.

"Congratulations," the copper-blonde said. Her smile wasn't so conspicuous; I doubt that she was oblivious about the reason why I got the job so easily.

"Thank you," I replied. Maybe I should ask her? No. I will ask Zack, that's better. But what if I'm mistaken? I shook my head, I will ask Zack. Do or die, Ysabelle.

"See you on Monday?" She asked me.

"Yeah. I'm Ysabelle, by the way."

"I'm Jane," she smiled again. “Jane de Jesus,” It was so strange to see her smile, maybe because my first impression of her wasn't the best.

"I should go, see you," I almost ran towards the door, hoping to see Zack. I have to ask him, I need a closure for this matter. If Zack wasn't around, maybe his friends would do.

"Yssa!" a cheerful voice from my behind called, I turned to see who it was. It was Henry; his tight jeans will make you wonder how he had managed to wear it.

"Hey," I chirped back. My eyes scan the street; Zack wasn't anywhere to be seen, just Henry and busy strangers making their way to different shops.

"Congratulations," he said with his Cheshire cat smile. Does he know? Ugh. Of course. This is getting on my nerves.

"Thank you," I need to find him, "Have you seen Zack?"

As the words slipped out of my mouth, Zack came out from the coffee shop where Henry came from. His eyes immediately landed on me. He wasn't wearing the impassive expression anymore, he was smiling. I wonder why...

No need to wonder, Ysabelle. He gave you a job.

"Can we have a minute?" I said in monotone. I hope he will let it go, because I didn't mean to sound cold, and I need his light mood to be able to make our conversation go out smoothly.

"Sure, yeah," he said. He looked at Henry who nodded and enter the shop again, "So..."

"Did you help me to get this job?"

His eyes flashed a guilty emotion, but after a second it was already gone. Confirmed.

"So, yeah? You talked to Greg?" my voice was small; I'm trying my best to control my anger.

"Sir Greg…” he corrected me, but he saw how serious I was, “Will you get mad if I say yes?" he asked rhetorically. Now is not the right time for his smart mouth.

"Just answer me."

"Yes."

"Yes what?!" I almost shrieked. I was stomping towards him.

"Yes. I helped you to get the job," his face was now showing no emotion.

"Why do you have to do that?!" my self-esteem was talking. I feel so humiliated; my nails digging at the palm of my hands. Why? I didn't ask for his help.

"You should be grateful, right?" his anger was now flowing through his voice, and I can see that he was also holding back his temper. I was standing in front of him; his familiar scent invaded my thought.

"No, Zack . I didn't ask you to do that! You know what-"

"What?!" he almost shout at my face. I can see fire in his eyes, "Why do you have to be so difficult?! I helped you, but instead of being thankful you're practically being ungrateful. You're the most infuriating person I've ever met."

"I don't need your help. I could get that job on my own. Now I have to thank you for the rest of my life for this! And you know what?! I feel humiliated, you... You're practically implying that I can't get that job, Zack!" my chest was heaving, and my self-esteem, for the millionth time was crushed by Zack. My eyes was starting to heat, tears were now in the verge of escaping.

"What?" he was a little calmer than a while ago. His hazel eyes were on mine. The anger in him was slowly wearing off, maybe he understood my point.

"Zack, I'm grateful that you helped me," I started, my voice was trembling with my emotion, "But I feel chastened and embarrassed. I believe that I could get that job on my own, and you talking to Greg make me look feeble."

"I didn't mean it that way," he said, "I'm sorry," his eyes averted. I appreciated his help but I just don't like the thought of me being weak.

"I'm sorry. For being so bitchy..."

"It's fine."

"No, I mean it. You're right," I darted my eyes to the ground, I should go. I walked away, hoping that he wouldn't follow. If he does, it will drive me crazy, seriously. I need to pamper my wounded ego. With Zack, everything is in shambles. One minute all is well, the next it will be disordered and I will be left confused. We should be apart from each other- we always clash. I’m now attracted with him, in every worst way possible. Attracted.

"Yssa!" my feet stopped from moving, oh god. Why? I can hear his footsteps behind me, I want to shout, scream, cuss, and all. I want to disappear and never be seen again.

"What?" I asked in defeat, "Zack, I need to get going," I half lied. But I do really need to get going; actually I need to run away.

"Need a lift?" he asked, gauging my reaction. Oh, he means to be inside in a small space with his scent all over? No.

"No, thanks. I'm going to the hospital," I started to walk away again. But I still hear him behind me. Ugh. I don't know what to do with him.

"Come on," he practically dragged me towards his car, I was caught off guard. It made him easily to take me. He opened the passenger door and let me slid inside. Why is he doing this? Doesn't he know that this is driving me crazy? When will he stop intervening in my world? I'm in a completely chaotic phase, my mind tells me to get my shits together but it won't let me because it doesn't function properly.

As we drove off, Zack asked me where hospital we are going.

"Just drop me off at the nearest bus stop," I said without so much conviction. I like being in his car, I like being close to him. I'm infatuated, and infatuation is for teenagers. I'm a twenty-year-old woman, I should know better than to mess my mind.

"You know that I wouldn't do that, right?" playful Zack is back.