Love's Rebellion

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

"Can we talk? " I squinted through droplets of sweat that ran down from my forehead. Being bullied for the past weeks was a minor inconvenience that I could deal with, her ditching the project was another and one I was not willing to put up with.

"You can say it here we don't bite...hard"

She earned a few chuckles across the table. I rolled my eyes in exasperation "Concerning the project, we ..."

I halted as she interrupted with her index up. "Let's start with you sitting. Alfred stands" she said to a brunette jock by her side. All attempts to protest were swept away as the brunette pushed me into the seat.

I adjusted to regain my composure. "The project has been ongoing for a week, and we haven't been able to make much progress, I think..." I said.

"Have you eaten?" she asked.

"What?"

"Have you had anything to eat today?" she asked, looking at me with her blue beady eyes. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat at her question, feeling the blood rush to my ears and across my face.

"Not yet, but I can handle it later. What's really on my mind is the project..." I replied.

"I think you should try the Noodles; it has a mix of seafood," she said as she pulled the plate of Noodles towards me.

"You are deflecting," I said.

"Am I?"

"Yes, and I understand that you might not care about these kinds of things, but this means a lot to me," I sighed.

We sat staring at each other. "Woah. Let's calm down. There is nothing a bowl of food can't solve," an American Asian who sat four chairs away interjected.

"I can't stand this," I thought to myself as I threw my bag over my shoulder and stood to take my leave.

"I take this project seriously too. I will give my time so we can sort it out today. But you have to eat first," her voice cut through.

I curled my fist in exasperation. Was it worth it? I could get it done myself and I did not need it, my brain yelled. But the more rational side fought back. This was Jess Stance we were talking about. First, her family was damn rich, which made her get away with almost everything she wanted. She was notorious for trying to get things done her way, not to mention a time she caused Fletcher to redo a year because he removed her from the Acknowledgement team. In the end, the more rational part won.

I managed a mock smile. "Fine. Whatever Her Majesty pleases," I said sarcastically.

Her lips turned up in a smirk as she patted the seat beside hers. I moved my limbs despite their unwilling motion. I eyed the plate of Noodles,

"Scared of poisoning?" She mocked. Grabbing a fork she brought it to her mouth. Cautiously I mirrored the same action. I nodded slowly In Appreciation

" Not so bad after all" her eyes dancing with fulfillment and pride.

Putting all my attention on the food, ignoring the side chats and snide remarks.

Ignore

Focus on what you will achieve when you are done.

" The hell Jess" a voice bellowed from behind

"Exactly what is he doing here?"

A furious Jack appeared in view to Jess's left. " You have a lot of nerve, nerd. Coming to sit here"

"I asked him to" Jess injected as she flippantly examined her nails. He crinkled(creased)his brow in obvious confusion. " Why would..."

"He is my project partner so I asked him to eat with me. That shouldn't be a problem "

" But what if it is? How can ..." he struggled to name me better " For f**k sake, he is not meant to be here "

"He will be where I want him to be and I want him here."

They shared eye contact for what seemed like forever. He straightened in defeat and he left of course not without throwing a killer stare in my direction. I knew I was in for more at that moment.