Sweeter Than Romance

Chapter 12: Doubtfully Yes

*Lianne*

The following week consisted of Nicholas’ attempts to persuade me in cooperating to his agreement. Whether it would include locking me up in a room until classes are over or announcing my name all over the campus, the cunning fox tried all means ranging from sweet to forceful attempts. His actions caused me to become a celebrity in the campus and my current popularity to rival the NIXON.

“ Wow Lianne. Looks like you’re the new member of NIXON now.”

“ And who would say such crap?”

“ Girl, people here are saying that you’re the new female member of the group.”

“ Ashley, you know better than to believe those lies.” I said in annoyance. Ashley continued blabbering about my popularity and Jace kept talking about Nicholas’ attempts.

“ Dude, what exactly does Nicholas wanted from you? He keeps going like crazy.”

“ I don’t know Jace. He has all the power and riches so I don’t have a clue myself.”

We stopped at my locker to collect some things and Jace leaned on the other side as he waited for me.

“I don’t know how important that is to make him do such attempts but you can always tell me if he’s bothering you, okay? I know I said that he seemed like a good guy but I’m always ready to beat him up if he’s causing you trouble.”

“ Look at you acting so high and cool when you can barely survive Gym Class.” I replied in a teasing tone and ruffled Jace’s hair.

“ Seriously, Lianne.” He said and swatted my hand away. “ If he’s causing you trouble, just tell me and Ashley.” He pointed to the blonde who was still blabbering about ‘NIXON’.

“Thanks Jace. I’ll keep that in mind.”

I was grateful for Jace’s concern and though he may act cool and harsh, I know he’s always ready to defend me and Ashley.

Suddenly, the hallway was filled with whispers and I looked at the direction on where Jace was pointing.

Lo and behold, the almighty fox was making his grand entrance and several stares were now directed at me. Just great.

“ Hi Ashley.” Greeted Nicholas to the cheerful blonde who waved happily in return. He then directed his gaze at me but not before acknowledging Jace’s presence.

“Remember what I told you.” Whispered Jace and I just shrugged it off with a sigh.

“ I can handle this, Jace.”

I walked towards Nicholas and he gave me a slight smile.

“ Can we talk?”

I rolled my eyes in response and walked away to which the latter followed in return.

“What. Do. You. Need. Now?”

“ Woah. Why are you so cold this morning? Did you slept in the wrong side of the bed? “

“ Cut the crap, Nicholas. You damn know that I’m more than annoyed at what you have been doing at the past weeks.” I said and crossed my arms over my chest. “ And don’t forget the thing about locking me up at the abandoned classroom!”

“ Chill. I’m sorry.... okay?” He said almost in a sincere tone to which I’m confused if he was saying the truth or was just acting. “ It’s wrong for me to do those things and I realized my mistakes.”

“ Hmmm. Really?” I replied in a skeptical tone and raised a brow.

“ Yeah. And it also made me realize that forcing you would only make it harder for me to convince you.”

“ You had a point there.”

“ And so.” He cleared his throat before speaking. “ Instead of persuading you the harsh way, why don’t I show you the rewards if ever you come to terms with our agreement?”

“ What do you mean by rewards?”

“ Now we’re talking.” Said Nicholas with a smirk. “Just think of it as bonuses or benefits if I might add.”

“ And what would that be? Not that I’m agreeing to your terms anytime soon. I’m just curious and asking.”

“ Yeah yeah whatever you say.” He waved his hand in dismissal as he spoke. “ If you want to know then we can talk about this after class.”

“ Why don’t you just say it now so we can get this over with.” I said impatiently and tapped my foot.

“ My dear. It’s not suitable to talk about matters like these in this kind of environment.” Nicholas motioned to our surroundings and I was greeted by the curios stares of students nearby. “ Besides, it’s very unprofessional to settle a deal without proper measures.”

“ I guess you’re right this time.” Came my reply which caused a triumphant smile to appear on Nicholas’ face.

“ Fine. I’ll be hearing your terms but don’t keep your hopes up.”

“ No problem. I have a good feeling about the outcome anyway.”

We parted ways and my thoughts wandered on what could possibly be the rewards Nicholas was talking about.

“ Whatever that is, I won’t be swayed.”

I was brought out of my musings when the sound of books falling reached my ears. I looked down and saw one of the people I was least expecting to encounter.

“Talk about Luck.”

“ Dumbass watch where you- Again?” He scoffed in annoyance as he picked up his books.

“ Hello to you too, soccer-face.” I said in sarcasm and fake smile.

“Why is it that every time I see you my day always gets worse?”

“ Blame it to your sorry ass for being stupidly unlucky.” Came my reply which caused him to ball his fists.

Seriously. This guy gets easily pissed that it’s damn funny.

“Move it, loser.” He harshly attempted to push me but I stepped away before he could do so.

“I didn’t imagine you to be the type to carry some books around.”

“ Why? Because I’m too cool to being mistaken as a nerd?” his own reply which caused him to smirk in arrogance.

“Because I just thought that maybe you can’t read.” I replied in nonchalance and shrugged my shoulders.

He gritted his teeth and his grip on the books became harder.

“ Go to hell bitch.”

“ Well see you there, asshole.” I replied with a fake smile and he walked away in anger.

Geez. I don’t understand why Nicholas is attracted to him. He’s not even that handsome and he’s an asshole for fudge’s sake. His personality is rotten and he even abhorred Gays in the past. I don’t know if he still does until now but over-all, I don’t like him. What did Nicholas saw in him? I can’t conclude that he was just using him for reasons because Nicholas is rich and influential enough to resort to those tactics.

“ The world is full of wonders.” I sighed and ran a hand through my hair as I walked towards my next subject.

------------------------------

Classes were over and I was stuffing my things inside my bag to meet Nicholas. A classmate of mine approached me and I temporarily stopped my actions to face him.

“ Yo Lianne. It looks like someone is waiting for you outside.” He said and lazily pointed at the door.

“ Must be Nicholas.”

“ Okay, Thanks.” I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Some of my classmates became giddy at the visitor and I can’t help but sigh at the commotion Nicholas was causing.

“ We could have meet up at the school grounds. Does he have to come here?”

I reached outside and the presence of the cunning fox isn’t the one who greeted me. Instead, one of the NIXON members was leaning against the wall and he flashed me a cheerful ‘Yo’ as he noticed me approaching. He then straightened up and placed a hand on his neck.

“You must be Lianne? Um Nicholas sent me to fetch you so you two can start talking.”

“ He did? “ I replied in a skeptical tone. Somehow, I wasn’t convinced that Nicholas ordered him to do so.

He chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head before replying to my question.

“ Well... He didn’t. But he mentioned that he’ll be talking to you so I decided to just meet you earlier and come fetch you instead.” He finished his explanation with a peace sign and a sheepish smile.

I motioned for us to start walking since the students were beginning to form a crowd and it’s better if we broke away as soon as possible.

“ So.. yeah. I’m Xavier Lucas.” He extended his hand for a handshake while we were walking along the hallway.

“ There’s no need to introduce yourself. I know you.” I glanced at the female students squirming and cheering on the side lines. “ The whole campus knows as well.”

“ Right hehe.” We continued walking and Xavier would bring up topics to continue our conversation. He really is a cheerful fellow.

“ We were curious on who was the girl Nicholas was crazy about so I decided that If he won’t let us meet you, then I’ll just meet you instead.”

He took a quick glance at me and spoke carefully.

“Now I know one of the reasons. You’re quite attractive and cute too.”

“I don’t know if you’re being flirty or just polite right now.” I said in a teasing tone and I wasn’t expecting Xavier to be so worked up about it.

“ N-No, I’m not-

“ Dude, chill. I take no offense.” I waved my hands in a dramatic motion which caused Xavier to break into a grin. “ And I know we don’t like each other that way so we’re cool.”

Yep. That’s right. Ashley’s probably gonna kill me if that happens and I can’t imagine that cheerful blonde to resort into that state.

“ You know what, Lianne. I like you already.”

“I hope it’s not the ‘like’ I am thinking.”

Xavier’s laughter caught the attention of some students but he just paid it no heed and casually hung his arm over my shoulders. I don’t really mind but guess what? Bingo. This will cause an increase in my popularity and for being the infamous friend of the NIXON

“ The headquarters is this way. It’s the place where we usually hang out. I figured that I’ll bring you there while you wait for Nicholas ."

We arrived at an average sized building located in a forest-like scenery. Xavier motioned for us to climb the stairs and he walked ahead of me to open the door and make a grand welcome.

“ And Tadah! Welcome to our headquarters! Come in.”

I looked inside and the space is comfy for at least 10 people. There was a couch in the right-most corner and also one room in the left. Maybe one of them goes here to sleep and use the room for himself? There were also picture frames and a little bit of paintings hanging on the wall. I must say, the place gives off a homely feeling. I wonder who came up with the theme and design.

“ Hey Xavier. I told you to- “

The remaining NIXON member stopped midway in his speech when he noticed my presence. Without breaking eye contact, he released his hold of the doorknob and started approaching us.

“ Zion. This is Lianne.” Xavier said and motioned at me. “ And Lianne, this is Zion. He’s one of the NIXON members as what already know.”

“ Not to be rude but why did you bring her here?” Zion directed the question at Xavier and the cheerful dude just shot him a ‘Duh’ look.

“ Oh come on, Zion. I brought her here because I wanted to meet her! Don’t tell me you’re not curious about Nicholas’ new friend.”

“ I might be curious but it doesn’t mean you have to bring her here.” Zion sat on the couch and stared at me thoughtfully. “ Besides, does Nicholas know about this? He’s supposed to be meeting her then you go capture her instead.”

“ Why are you so negative? Bruh. Don’t mind him Lianne. He can be a grumpy ass.”

“ It’s okay. I don’t really mind.” I replied in nonchalance.

Xavier and I continued our chat and along the way, Zion would just listen to our conversation. He would answer the questions directed to him from time to time and based on his responses, I’m pretty sure he was observing me and my actions carefully. It feels as if he was scrutinizing me and I can see Jace in him before we became close friends.

The two share the same behaviour when they first took note of my presence. It includes being wary and not being talkative or cheerful.

If I compare them to my friends, Ashley is like Xavier and Zion is the NIXON counterpart of Jace.

“ Yeah and Nicholas was like blah blah “

I glanced at my watch and took note of the time. I didn’t realize that 20 minutes already passed because of how talkative Xavier was. Phew. I wonder what would happen if Ashley and Xavier indeed ended up together? I think I would need an earplug at that time.

“And he might act like a douche. But Nicholas is real kind. Yeah. It might not seem obvious but that’s what he is.”

I listened to Xavier’s speech for the last time before I decided to excuse myself and look for Nicholas. Xavier just agreed with open arms and he even invited me to hang out next time.

“ Bye Lianne. Let’s see each other next time.” He said with a grin before closing the door.

I was left alone in my thoughts as I walked on the path which leads back to the school grounds. Nicholas seems like a good person based on his friends’ remarks. But then again, they are his friends. They might be biased on their opinions about him.

More importantly, should I continue the charades I’m keeping up with him? Or should I just sign those damn papers instead? If I indeed agree with his terms, he’ll be leaving me alone from now on and stop pestering me with his presence. I guess that would bring a positive effect since my campus life would be more peaceful and calm. But then again, it’s not like I’ll be spreading his secret so why does he need to force me into signing those papers?

“ Why am I ever placed in this situation?"

I continued walking until I caught sight of two familiar figures. I hid behind a nearby tree while sneaking glances at the two figures. I can’t hear what they were discussing but based on their gestures, they seem to be arguing about something.

“ I wonder what made soccer-face upset like that.”

Soccer-face stormed off and Nicholas tried to chase after him but remained rooted in his position instead. I never imagined Nicholas to be in that state after how cocky and arrogant he appeared to me in the past weeks. Maybe its how distressed he look. Maybe its how his face seemed like it would break into tears any second. Maybe its how vulnerable he looked at the moment combined with the statements made by his friends about him. Whatever that is, it served as a catalyst for me to arrive at a decision.

Composing myself and counting a few times before I approached the teen, I jumped out of my hiding place and cleared my throat to grab Nicholas’ attention.

Noticing my presence, he turned his back against me. It was probably to hide his face or vulnerability at the moment.

“ I was thinking you’d back out and never meet me. I looked for you and you weren’t at the school grounds.”

“ Your friend, Xavier, brought me to your headquarters.”

Nicholas grew silent for a minute and I thought that maybe he was upset that I went to the place reserved only for the NIXON members.

“Then we should have our talk at a different place since Xavier and Zion are still probably there.”

“ There’s no need for that because I already made up my decision.”

My answer caused Nicholas to turn around and face my direction this time.

“ I’m saying Yes. I accept your agreement.”

- Chapter End -