Fake it Till You Love Me

9.

Vienne's POV

I calmly made my way to the class for the fourth period of the day. I was late all because of the meeting with a few members of the science club as I was the president.

I stepped into the classroom; my eyes scanned through the whole class and my eyes fell on Ryan's seat. His former seat partner was some other guy but now, guess who?

Amelia sat there confidently like it's her throne, and upon finding my gaze on her, she threw me a tiny taunting smile. I bet she doesn't even know what she looks like doing that.

Hideous.

I looked away from her to Ryan instead and he just glanced at me then looked away like I was some nobody. Like we weren't a thing some weeks ago.

That hurts.

My seat had always been in the row behind Ryan's and throughout this period, I'd been managing myself in the class. But God knows how I would cope with those two right in front of me. Amelia would make sure I get the best view of her and Ryan's good time.

I can practically feel everyone's stare on me. Waiting for a good show. Or a reaction.

I bit down hard on my lower lip, forcing back my tears before stepping in and heading for my seat. Just before reaching over, someone almost rushed into me with all smiles and I resisted the urge to snap at her in aggression.

“Hey!” She beamed at me.

Grace. I recognized her as one of my classmates but we rarely spoke. I'm not expected to speak to everyone except if necessary.

“He_”

“Do you mind switching seats with me?”

“No.” I blurted out almost immediately.

I don't even know where her seat was, but I would do anything. I would sit anywhere else to escape Amelia's taunt for the rest of the class or maybe session.

“You would exchange seat with me?”

“Yes, I would. Where is your seat? You can have mine” I breathed out. Upon close inspection, one can even sense the desperation in my voice.

“Over there” she pointed towards the end of the class. Her seat was on the last row, right beside Damon's. She'd been Calloway’s seat partner but I never took notice. “There” she continued with an incomprehensible smile still. “I hope you don't mind.

“I definitely do not mind, Grace”.

“Okay. I'll move my things” she hoped over to her seat, which wouldn't be hers anymore and anytime soon. From the corner of my eye, I could see Amelia throw a wicked glare at Grace who seemed oblivious and that seemed to make her fume in exasperation.

Ryan only had a slight frown on his face.

I exhaled like someone had just lifted a stone from my chest before making my way to my new seat. As much as it slightly hurt to move away from Ryan, I was glad to have Amelia's plan disrupted.

Damon was not on seat. It was empty with only his jacket hanging loosely on the chair while his bag was nonchalantly sitting over the desk.

I took my time settling down in my new seat while zoning out of the students’ whispers around me.

A few seconds later, Miss Donati, the chemistry teacher, walked in.

“Good afternoon, class”

She adjusted her glasses perched on her nose before swiftly writing on the board the topic for the day.

It's been ten minutes into the class, and I frowned at the empty seat beside me.

Skipping class?

Just then someone opened the door and strolled in like some King. I never noticed before but this boy carries some energy around him. Like he's looking down on everything and everyone.

I'd say shameless.

Who gets into the class late and acts like he's done nothing wrong?

I watched as Damon proceeded to make his way over.

“You're ten minutes late, Damon Calloway” Miss Donati hissed at him in annoyance.

Justified.

That can be annoying.

“My bad” his response came out dryly as usual.

With one hand inside his pocket, he continued on his way over to his seat and the frown on face could not be missed upon sighting me. Instead of Grace.

“Before the unruly interruption, I said hydrocarbons consist…” the teacher continued in spite.

But the fellow she was throwing a jab at couldn't be bothered, instead he lowered himself to his seat. He threw me a glance while I returned it.

“What did you do?” His low voice rang out to me.

“You mean?”

“What strings did you pull with the poor girl?” clearly referring to Grace.

“What do you mean strings? She wanted to exchange seats with me. That's all”

“How believable” he taunted.

I scoffed at him “she reached out to me. At this point I'm starting to believe your attitude must have chased her and wanted somewhere away from you”

“Hm. If I don't know better, I'd say you're getting obsessed with me. Easy Reyes.”

“You've got to be kidding me. Stop being delusional” he was being so unbelievable right now.

“Do you two mind sharing with the class what you're talking about? Reyes? Calloway?” Miss Donati’s voice caused me to jump in my seat. It dawned on me that we might have been muttering at each other.

“I'm sor_” I began.

“No, we don't want to” he cut me off.

My head snapped fast towards him in mortification and I could tell the teacher was running on low patience. I don't plan on getting into trouble with this guy.

“I apologize, Miss Donati” I quickly rushed out one more time, this time without interruption.

“I don't want a repeat”

“Yes, m_”

“And why are you sitting there, Reyes?”

All eyes suddenly fell on the last row again, Amelia's neck almost snapping like she didn't want to miss the teacher ordering me back to my former seat.

“Huh… the window. The breeze is getting too much for me lately.”

“Hm. Whatever”

With that the class continued.

“How could you effortlessly lie through your teeth?” Damon questioned like he's some saint

“I won't let you get me into trouble” I muttered to him. Done with whatever conversation.