Chapter 9 - Keep smiling, keep blushing
1180 Words
Bexley’s P.O.V.
I’m trying.
I’m trying really hard not to pry, but I really wish she’d tell me what’s on her mind. What made her so worried and so guarded?
Every little bit and piece I gather here and there, makes me think someone hurt her. And badly at that.
The rest of the school day went by without a hitch.
Oliver still gives me dirty looks once in a while. I really don’t understand why. We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. We’ve never fought like this. Ever.
For him to accuse me of hurting Janelle was a low blow. It was so unexpected.
I mean, I know I wasn’t the nicest to her, but to actually hurt her voluntarily, I would never!
I asked Janelle to meet me in front of the school after our last period, since we are not in the same class.
After I grab everything I need, I quickly walk out.
To my surprise, Janelle is talking to Oliver.
Why is he blushing and acting like an i***t?
As soon as he sees me, his smile and carefree attitude disappear.
He says something to her before walking off.
“What did Oliver want?” I ask, trying not to sound too angry.
“He just wanted to know if I was OK. He saw my crying this morning,” She says, her cheeks a light pink, and her eyes not meeting mine.
“I didn’t know you two had gotten so close since yesterday,” I mumble, rolling my eyes,
“I’m allowed to have friends. I don’t need your permission for that!” She scolds, placing her uninjured hand on her hip.
“You’re right. Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know you didn’t. Why are the two of you fighting anyway? I thought you two were best friends.” She says, her features softening.
“We are. At least, I think we still are. I really don't know what’s gotten into him since you got here. He’s a totally different person.”
She looks at me funnily for a moment.
“What?”
“It’s funny,”
“What is?” I ask with furrowed brows.
“He said the same thing about you.”
“Whatever. I don’t think I have.” I pout, bent down and grabbed her bag from beside her feet, and placed a hand on her lower back, ushering her forward.
“I can carry my bag myself, you know.”
“I know you can. I just wanted to do it for you,”
I can help but notice the light blush that creeps up on her cheeks. For some odd reason, it warms my heart.
She takes out her phone and sighs when she closes it back.
“Is everything alright?” I ask, opening the car door for her.
Since we’re going to the ice rink together, I offered to drive.
“Yeah. It’s just my mother behind herself.” She says, sighing again.
“Can I ask what’s going on, or should I get out the lemon juice?”
She burst out laughing, making me smile too.
“No, you can ask. She's just worried since my arm is broken. But my uncle reassured her that I wouldn’t be allowed to skate much. And that he’d throw me out if he saw me even attempt to do any of my stunts, or push myself too hard.”
She buckles her seat belt with a little difficulty. I almost offered to help, but as soon as I opened my mouth to offer, she shut me down, lifting her hand up.
“She and your uncle are right though, You can’t risk injuring yourself worse than this.”
“I know. It just sucks!” She huffs loudly.
“I can understand that. But think of it this way, you’ll have more time to think about what you really want to do.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you said before you weren’t sure if you wanted to compete professionally again or not. I know you have the talent, and so does your family. But it all comes down to what you want to do. Do you want to take your skills to the next level? Or do you only want to skate for fun?”
She turns her head and looks out the window silently.
Did I overstep?
“You just might be right,” She finally mumbles after a while, leaning her head against the window.
“I tend to be once in a while,” I tease.
“Aren’t you too full of yourself?” She laughs, looking back at me.
“Sometimes, but that's just part of my charm,” I wink, making her blush again.
I think I’m really gonna love doing that.
Making her blush, I mean.
She seems more relaxed and carefree afterward.
“So, what age group are we teaching tonight?
“We are going to be teaching our junior beginners. They range from four to eight years old. They’ve only had a few sessions so far, but they are progressing really well. About five out of eleven still use the stability bar, but I think with a little encouragement tonight, they could skate without it,” I say, unable to stop the smile from spreading wide on my face.
Do you think they can skate without the bar?”
“Yeah, I think they do. They just need to be confident in themselves.”
“Sounds like we’ll be cheering a lot tonight.”
Arriving at the rink, I rush out and open Janelle’s door for her.
“Seriously?” She asks, shaking her head, but keeping a wide grin.
“Yup! We can leave our bookbags in the car for now, and I’ll drive you home afterward if that's alright with you?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind,”
“Not at all.”
We make our way in, and yes, I open the front door for her.
“You are such a cheezy gentleman,” She laughs, walking ahead.
“Hey, Sam,” I call out, walking past the front desk.
“Well, hello there you two,” he says, looking at me with a s**t-ass grin.
“Hi, Sam.” She greets. “I’m just going o say hi to my uncle for a minute. I’ll join you on the ice in a few minutes, okay?”
“See you in a few,”
As soon as she’s out of earshot, Sam chuckles.
“What?” I ask, letting out a loud huff.
“I thought you didn’t like the girl,” he smirked.
“Whatever Sam. I’m heading on the ice.” I say, rolling my eyes and walking away. But I can’t help the light blush that creeps on my face.
I should hurry up and get my skates on. Then I’ll be able to help Janelle with hers. I have a feeling tonight’s going to be a great night.
- Writer
