No Rules To Love

Chapter Three - Part One

Ashley noticed I’d abruptly stopped cheering. My silence was glaring - I’d been pretty boisterous before this point. Usually, raw enthusiasm surged through me without my wanting it to whenever we had a guest speaker, and I poured myself into supporting someone who came to help, so silence was rare for me. Ashley shot me a cutting glare and jabbed me with her elbow so hard that pain zipped through me. Ouch.

“Has someone got a little crush?” she asked. She inclined closer to my ear, making sure I heard her mocking tone. Her eyes lit up at the prospect of me having any feelings other than ambition. Oh, she’d gotten the wrong end of the stick. Completely. Of course, that would be the first thing she thought.

“Huh?” I asked, not at all articulately. I scarcely registered Ashley's words. Rage distorted my focus, painting everything in a bright scarlet. Blood thundered in my veins. My skin tingled and burned - I was sure any touch would be repelled by its heat. The source stood ahead: that insufferable oaf. I despised how Hunter seized control of the room instantly after being introduced. His smug grin, pompous swagger, and booming voice grated on me. He dominated every second. I resented how everyone hung on his words as if they were gospel. Fury surged as he barged in, disrupted my life, and I despised him for it.

“I’ve never seen you look at a boy like that,” Ashley said, chuckling, still set on assuming I harboured a crush. Amusement flickered across her face. Her eyes sparkled with glee. Excitement radiated from her. She bounced on her toes, unable to stop giggling.

No, admittedly, I’d never looked at a boy like that - because I’d never felt such instant dislike. My intent was the opposite of what Ashley assumed; it wasn’t a childish crush, but a genuine and strong irritation.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I hated to disappoint her, but - unfortunately for her - I had to set her straight.

“That is not the look of love you’re seeing. It’s the look of something entirely different.” I replied, folding my arms across my chest. My best friend’s puzzled eyes mirrored my own inner chaos, but there was no time to unravel my feelings. The room thrummed with Hunter’s presence as he strode to the podium. Annoyance prickled in my chest, vying with curiosity about his speech. He’d conquered Broadway - I couldn’t stop imagining slipping into his shoes, feeling that hot mix of fear and longing twist in my stomach. Beneath it all, a tight knot of doubt squeezed me, whispering I’d never measure up, that my dreams belonged to bolder souls. Maybe hearing him would flicker some hope or calm the storm raging inside me. There was no way Ashley and I could talk, so I shouted over the uproar, “I’ll explain everything later.”

Ashley couldn’t say much in the way of a reply. Which was good, since she didn’t have a chance. Now, Hunter addressed his adoring public over the cheers. He snickered as he raised his arms in a mock-humble surrender, as if he wanted the audience to stop cheering for him. Even after just meeting him, it was clear he basked in applause. He lapped it up, the shine in his eyes showing he was in his element. It took all my strength not to roll my eyes, not that anyone would notice. Hunter commanded all the attention in the room.

“Okay, that’s enough applause for now.” He snickered and ducked his head, as if he didn’t want the attention, which he clearly did. The look in his eyes told me he craved it. Although my instant dislike for him felt mean, I reminded myself that first impressions weren’t everything. “You can all clap for me later, after my inspirational speech.”

Okay, so I wasn’t too harsh. How did he know his speech would be so inspirational? He just assumed that. Again, the arrogant Hunter surfaced as he laughed. I had to refrain from making a snarky comment.

I scanned the audience, searching for a single sceptical face. Surely, no one was that gullible? He couldn’t have charmed every single person in the room. Yet everyone leaned forward, breathless, eyes misted with desire for the man before us. I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t good-looking. His confidence could draw anyone in. My first impression, before he spoke, was a pulse of attraction and a nervous flutter I hadn't felt before. But it quickly twisted into something else once he opened his mouth. His arrogance dulled any interest. Though I kept glancing at him out of curiosity and annoyance, all I felt was distaste. Still, something uncertain and tangled buzzed beneath it.

Remember your rules. My inner monologue was clearly more rational than the rest of my mind. Why waste time on some obnoxious i***t who needed a reality check? What was I even doing?

Groaning, I slithered lower into my seat. My heart thundered so violently I thought it might punch through my chest. My palms were damp with anxiety. I wished I could disappear into the floor. Shame seared my skin in hot, merciless waves. I was so screwed.

Everyone finally settled down. Hunter started his speech. It took him long enough. Were people really that shallow? I looked at all the red faces and fluttering eyelashes to confirm my suspicions.

“So, life after Mountview, eh?” Hunter began. He was a commanding speaker, which he credited to his training. The audience watched, spellbound by each word. He gripped the podium, the veins in his toned forearms standing out, and I caught myself staring. Stop! What are you doing? Hunter carried on. “It seems daunting, right? But trust me... It’s survivable. It turned out fine for me.”

I couldn’t listen to this. I sagged even further in my seat, wishing time would speed up. The less I heard from him, the better.