Chapter 5 Fake dating

Chapter Five.

Fake Dating.

She woke up the next morning feeling so much better.

The thought that Michael would be acting as her boyfriend made her heart skip a bit.

Her stomach fluttered with excitement as she twirled around her room, unable to hide the joy bubbling inside.

She stopped in front of her wardrobe, determined to look beautiful if she was going to be seen beside a rugby star.

Clothes flew everywhere as she tossed aside outfit after outfit, nothing felt good enough anymore. She needed something new.

Thankfully, she had managed to save some money from her monthly allowance. It was time to break open the piggyvest.

She slipped into a dark red bodycon dress, modest but figure-hugging, paired with white sneakers to keep it casual. Her hair was straightened to perfection.

She checked her reflection twice, and her lips curled into a satisfied smile.

Would Michael even notice? She wondered, her heart skipping rapidly at the thought of it.

She might only be his fake girlfriend, but she wanted everyone to believe it was real.

And for a moment, even she almost did.

Her mom froze in the doorway, blinking as if she needed a second look. Lydia's heart fluttered, that one look said more than words ever could.

"You look... different today," she said slowly.

There was pride in her tone, but also the faint ache of realising she wasn't a little girl anymore.

Her mom raised an eyebrow. "Mhm. Just don't let that boy distract you from your studies."

Lydia grabbed her backpack, pretending not to hear the last part.

"Bye mom".

She headed to meet her dad. He was already in the living room waiting to drive her to school.

When he saw her walk out of the room. For a moment, he said nothing. He just stared at her his eyes soft with surprise.

"My little girl isn't so little anymore". Her dad exclaimed.

She blushed.

"It's just a dress, dad".

He chuckled.

"Let's go". She announced.

He stood up and walked to the door. She followed him and entered the front seat of the car.

In less than an hour he arrived at Sherman Oaks Center. When the car came to a halt. He advised. "I want you to remember who you are. Don't let any boy decide that for you".

"Thanks dad". She nodded, as she got down.

When Lydia entered the classroom, the air shifted. Heads turned one by one. Michael's lips curled into a slow grin when Lydia entered. He nearly dropped his phone in awe.

"She looks different". He murmured.

Jude raised his head to stare at her.

"In a good way". He confessed.

Lydia barely had time to adjust the strap of her bag before Eleanor appeared beside her.

"You changed Lydia, why did you straighten your hair?". She asked.

"I hope it looks good on me, so I decided to try something new". She answered.

"You look so ravishingly beautiful, didn't you see the way he was staring at you".

Lydia smiled deeply pleased. "I didn't notice". She responded, unable to contain her excitement.

"Why would he be interested in me?. When everyone seemed to either want to be friends with him, date him or simply be him". She asked in a barely audible voice.

Eleanor chuckled. "Everyone except me?".

"You are weird, you know right?".

She spotted Michael heading in their direction. "I guess I need to go, he is coming over here to talk to you". She said packing her books and leaving.

He didn't say a word at first, just reached out and gently took her hand. He leaned close enough for her to hear.

Her heart skipped. This is part of the act, she reminded herself, but his hand was warm, firm, steady in a way that made it hard to breathe.

He cleared his throat sitting straight.

"I haven't heard anything concerning the science project". He said coldly.

"Yeah, I am still working on it. I need a little more time to finalise my work". She swallowed hard.

"Maybe you could use the time you wasted in making sure you have been noticed to good use, Mr. Liam deadline is this week and you are still working on it". He snapped.

"I am sorry if I offended you", she whispered

Her fingers trembled as she fidgeted with her bag strap.

"You better hurry up", he murmured, his tone casual but his thumb brushing against her knuckles. A shiver ran down her spin.

Whispers follow them like a soft trail in the classroom.

"Why is Michael sitting close to Lydia, are they a couple now" Maya whispered.

"No way that's Lydia and Michael!" another gasped.

"That's impossible".

He ignored the voices. "Don't mess with me Lydia, I don't mind telling the whole school that you asked me to be your fake boyfriend for the whole sophomore year".

Lydia froze in disbelief evident in her face. "You dare not".

"Watch me!!". He said standing up and leaving the class.