Chapter 6 Six

Ruby

As I headed to my second class for the day, my friends' words about Bryan Lockwood continued to plague my mind. My memory of our conversation really didn't give off a terrible vibe.

So it made no sense. How could he be a psycho?

I scoffed. Abby needs to end her subscription with her gossip suppliers and Jake...

My thoughts fell apart like a deck of cards, and my head tilted to the side as it occurred to me again that Jake wasn't exactly very fond of gossip.

But still, it made no sense.

Just when I was about to give up the deliberations, my eyes fell on Bryan Lockwood, who was leaning against a locker, staring at... nothing.

I approached him, determined to prove my friends wrong.

When my small body stood in front of his muscular one, I said as quietly as possible, "Hey there."

His heavy gaze fell on me, his eyes barely filled with questions, but glazing with silent judgment.

"Do you remember me?" I continued. "We met the day you were released." Nothing. He said nothing. And it did not seem like he planned to say 'hi'. "Uh..." I scratched the back of my head. "It is good to see you decided to-" Bryan left his position and weaved past me. "Hey! I am talking to you," I called after him while trying so much not to show how disgusted a part of me was at his rudeness.

Without stopping or even glancing my way, his thick voice boomed with a fierce, "Get lost."

I halted.

I was Startled. And very annoyed.

And I was no doubt surprised at his level of coldness. He waved me off like I was some clingy fool he was trying to get rid of.

Man! I don't know!

It's not like I can exactly run after him, grab his hair and curse at him for ignoring me. I don't need more eyes on me.

But honestly, besides the anger and surprise I feel, a part of me is intrigued, and I wish to know what his deal is.

As I stamped my intention to figure him out, the bell rang, and I made my way to English class.

(break)

"Anything?" I mouthed to Jake, who shook his head. It had been thirty minutes already, and the substitute teacher hadn't come to our class yet.

But then, what could be more wonderful news if not a free period?

"Haha! I am first again," I happily said as Jake rushed back to his seat to focus more on the racing game we were playing in multiplayer mode. "You have gotten weak, Jake. I can easily outrun you now."

"That's what you think? I will show you, Ruby." He faced the phone in his hand, and I got extra serious. "Better watch out, Powers, I am coming for you," Jake playfully threatened.

"No, you are nooot." I sang and used my special feature to speed past his green car.

"What kind of sorcery is this? How are you winning?"

I would have loved to see the look on Jake's face, but I had a game to win.

Besides, the look on his face when I finally get the first position would make my day. I might even take a picture.

"Yes!" I danced in my seat as I finally raced past the finish line. "I win! Haha!"

"Yeah, yeah." Jake playfully dismissed my victory moves, a small smile on his lips. "I am sure you cheated or something." My tongue stuck out in reply, and he shook his head. Then, he said, "I don't think we will be having a class today."

"I hope we don't. I'd like to beat your ass again."

"You plan to rub that in my face, don't you?"

"You always did the same. So... Yes." I grinned at him, and he shook his head, a small chuckle coming from him. "Jake?" I instantly recalled the question that had been on my mind.

"Yes, Ruby?" He tossed his phone to the side. That is one thing I like about him: he is always attentive.

"Uh..." Dramatically, I scanned the noisy class as though someone might be watching. Then I motioned to him to move closer. After he did, I repeated the scanning thing before asking, "Is there... someone... you like?"

"Hmm..." His voice rang into my ears, and he kept his eyes fixed on mine. "Yes."

"Really?" Oh my! I hope it is Abby. "Do I know her?" I asked further with super interest in my voice.

"Maybe." That was all he said before he sat back, his arms crossed, a small smile on his face. Or better put, a somewhat dreamy smile on his lips.

Oh my! A maybe means yes!

He does like Abby!

But I needed to be sure. Shifting closer to him, with my eyes probably looking like those of a child who is about to get the ice cream promised to her.

"Jake? Who is she?" His eyes fell on mine again, and he left my question hanging. "Tell me..." I made my puppy face.

A small shift in his seat was followed by a small exhale before he said, "Hmm... Should I?" I nodded my head crazily. "Hmm." His hand went under his chin, and he rubbed slowly. "The girl I like..." God help me, I don't scream when he finally says her name. "Her name... is a secret. Ouch!" He rubbed the spot I just smacked. "Why did you do that?"

"You know why," I returned harshly. "I-"

"Is this English A?" a male voice asked almost sultrily from the entrance.

"Oh, great. Our teacher finally found his destination."

After shooting a grin at Jake because of his words, I looked towards the entrance, and my face wore a small frown.

The tall man whose scent took over the room looked familiar.

And, a quick scan of his outfit- a plain blue shirt which had two buttons open was tucked into his black jeans, making his legs look so long, and it was completed with a nice-looking long jacket which flowed well as he walked to the desk- was all it took to recall where I saw him.

He was the intriguing dude I saw at the spot the day Diane came.

And, man, does he look gorgeous. I am certain the female staff will have a blast sneaking glances at the young, good-looking new teacher.

As he dropped some items on his desk, murmurs filled the air. I glanced at the back seats and saw his fineness affected the students, too.

Well, that's something.

"Hi, guys." Everyone went quiet, and in return, he raced his eyes through the class. When his eyes fell on mine, I almost smiled. Like I noticed the other day, his eyes carried something interesting. "I-" The bell rang. "Well... Bye. See you in the next class."

And like that, he was gone. Leaving us nothing but his scent as evidence that he was in the room.

"That was the weirdest class ever," Jake said as he got up. "Are you going to the library now?" I nodded, pushing away the thoughts in my head about our new English teacher. "See you at lunch, then?"

"Yes. Bye."

Soon, I was on my way to my next destination. But that was when I caught a glimpse of Bryan Lockwood, who glided through the corridors as quietly as possible. And I did not miss the fact that he was pulling a girl after him; the pull didn't look gentle.

So, without giving it much thought, I decided to follow him.

Fortunately, they were both headed for the rarely-used library, and when they entered, they went to the science section, and what looked like a heated conversation began. But I could barely hear a thing. So I decided to move closer, but a voice stopped me.

"What are you doing?" A voice questioned from behind.

And my skilful peeping ended as I straightened my body.

"I... ouch!" A firm pair of hands instantly wrapped around my waist before I could jump away from what my head just hit.

Then I realised I was perceiving the scent that had just plagued English class. Quickly, my eyes snapped open, and I couldn't believe how close the substitute English teacher was.

"Uh... Could you let me go?" I fought his grip, but it was too firm, and that was... slightly disturbing yet thrilling.

"Hmm..." His beautiful eyes roamed my face, and I couldn't really ignore how his breath fanned my temple. "I have this thing-"

"You should really let me go. People will misunderstand if they see you holding me this way," I said as I tried to fight his hold again.

"There is this one thing I can't stop wondering about." He totally ignored my complaint and filled my ears with his softened voice.

"Let go of me, Sir," I hardened my voice, hoping that would be enough to make him remember that he's the teacher and I'm his student. And that he really shouldn't be holding me in such an... intimate way.

Still ignoring me, his hand lifted to cup my chin. He tilted my face a bit and observed it seriously.

"Do you want to know what I have been wondering?" he asked amidst his weird drama.

"Yes. But let me go before-"

"I wonder what it'll be like to kiss you."