Miss Clumsy And The Hottie

I slowly walked down the hallways, my arms clutching two textbooks that my past classes had given me as I made my way through the talking students who were all headed towards lunch.

Everyone looked so at ease, so used to being in a lifestyle of riches and happiness, but me? I was freaking out.

So far, I've managed to trip over the stairs (twice), hit my head against my locker ( four times ), and smack my teacher by accident with the whiteboard eraser as I went to turn around (thank God, only once for that ). I was beyond embarrassed but I was just glad that now I could eat in peace and not worry about choking on my food in front of others since I would go to the library and do so alone.

Deciding to stop by my locker, I made a turn and counted down the numbers that labeled the lockers before I found mine, doing its combination quickly before shoving my books inside and slamming it shut. I then proceeded to brush the imaginary dust off of my plaid skirt that all the girls were required to wear and straightened my white, collared shirt before taking a deep breath and heading into the cafeteria.

As soon as I entered, it was chaos. Loud laughter filled the air, and I watched with wide eyes as girls chatted together and boys shoved each other's shoulders, goofing off about stupid stuff that probably were significant to them.

Students were getting into the rather large line and buying their lunch while the ones that weren't were unpacking whatever their maids had made for them. I stood there, wondering for a moment if I would ever be able to fit in. After all, I wasn't a billionaire's daughter or son like they were. Sighing, I strolled towards the line and grabbed a tray, making sure not to slip on any of the food that had dropped to the floor before flashing a bright smile to the lunch lady who was plopping some pasta onto my plate.

I went through the rest of the line with no trouble and found myself feeling proud. This was one of the first times in history where I'd managed not to do something stupid. With a satisfactory grin, I turned, making my way towards the exit doors when someone stuck their foot out and caused me to fall face-forward. - Into my pasta.

For a moment, I laid there, stunned. And then mortification settled in and I hurriedly sat up, wiping my chin of the tomato sauce before I blinked my lashes upward to see a laughing table full of boys and girls, the one girl at the corner with her phone out as she took a video. I could only gape at her.

"What? Have no words, newbie?" she challenged, and I found my cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

I knew I'd spoken too soon. Deciding not to respond, I scrambled to my feet but as I did so, I managed to slip on some of the sauce that was on the floor and the next thing I knew, I was falling face-forward again. Except this time, I landed on a boy who'd been standing in front of me. I felt my hands connect to a muscular chest before I felt my lips press against something soft and warm... Oh my God.🙆

I was kissing the boy underneath me.

Horrified, I jerked away and crawled off the poor guy, my hand flying up to cover my mouth in shock while the guy blinked furiously before sitting up, his gaze locking with mine. There, sitting on the floor next to me with sauce remnants from my shirt now smeared on him was a gorgeous Adonis, with deep blue eyes and thick, dark brown hair that held bits of pasta in it.

He looked stunned before he shook himself out of his daze, glancing up at the table to see the girl who'd been recording glaring at me. "Did you just kiss him?" she snarled, while everyone else behind her laughed.

"I-I didn't do it on purpose!" I blurted, my cheeks so red by now that I knew I looked like a fire hydrant.

"That's my fucking boyfriend, bitch!"

"How the fuck was I supposed to know that?!" My eyes widened and I clamped my mouth shut.

I usually didn't curse unless I was extremely embarrassed or angry, which made sense right now since I was feeling both.

The girl continued to glare at me, her phone now on the table as she stood up but before she could try anything, the boy who I'd tripped on and accidentally kissed scrambled to his feet and stood between us.

"Leave it, Layla," he stated. "She didn't do it on purpose."

"Yes, she did! I embarrassed her so now she's trying to get back at me!"

"Excuse me?" Now, I was on my feet too, shoving the boy aside so I could be in front of her. "I'm not that revengeful that I'd deliberately kiss your boyfriend! This is my first fucking day! I don't know anyone."

"Just get out of my sight," she snapped, and I opened my mouth to retort when a warm hand wrapped around my forearm and yanked me away from the scene, dragging me out of the cafeteria before I could get myself suspended.

"Let go of me," I snarled, my cheeks burning bright red as I tried to make the boy drop his grip but he wouldn't budge. Instead, he led me into the girls' bathroom and stopped in front of the mirror, making me watch my pasta-covered reflection while he grabbed napkins and wet them before handing them to me to wipe my hair and shirt.

"I don't need your help," I muttered, taking the napkins and rubbing them against my shirt anyway.

He crossed his arms, "I know. I just thought I'd be polite."

"Your girlfriend lacks that category." Despite the situation, a smile twitched the corner of his lips, "She's not my girlfriend." My head snapped to the side, " What? " "Layla's...an interesting case. She's a bit protective over me."

"Great. So, I have a psycho bitch to hate me for eternity."

He grinned, "You also have a handsome, hot Greek god to call you Clumsy."

I cocked a brow, "I thought you said you weren't egotistical."

"It's okay to be a little self-confident, right?"

A small laugh escaped my lips and I glanced at my reflection, glad that most of the damage was gone except for the large red stain that was on the middle of my shirt.

"Well, I guess, everyone will think I came back from murdering someone," I stated, sighing as I threw the napkins into the trash.

"You can say I was your partner-in-crime," the boy added, and I felt a smile form on my lips.

"Sure thing, bub. But what exactly does my partner-in-crime go by?"

A sly smile curved his lips as he headed towards the door, his hand wrapping around the handle as his striking blue eyes met mine. "Connor. Connor Blake."

I gave a wave of my fingers, "See you whenever, Connor."

He gifted me a small salute. "Later, Clumsy."

The next morning, I didn't feel like going to school. It was like my confidence had faded and in its place, my true embarrassment had settled in because suddenly I didn't want to get out of my bed and face what would be millions of people laughing at me. All because a girl had tripped me so that I ended up kissing someone.

A knock knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts and I quickly started coughing, covering my forehead with my hand, trying to act as dramatically sick as possible when my dad opened the door, poking his head in as his warm brown eyes glanced at me. "Hey, sweetie, you up?"

"Yeah," I croaked out, "but I'm not feeling well."

"Aw, that sucks." A pause. "You're still going to school."

"But, Dad!" "No buts, young lady, let's go."

Groaning, I rolled out of bed and pointed an accusing finger at my father as I headed towards my ensuite bathroom, "I hope you know that if I die of embarrassment today, it'll be your fault."

"My sincerest apologies," he stated sarcastically, before closing my bedroom door behind him and walking away. Well, at least I know where I get my sarcasm from. Sighing, I quickly used the bathroom and brushed my teeth, hurriedly throwing on my uniform before deciding that I'll braid my hair into a Dutch braid and frame my face with a few loose strands.

Once I was sure I looked presentable, I grabbed my backpack from the floor and jogged out of my room, heading down the stairs to where my dad was in the kitchen making waffles. He looked up when he saw me come in and slid a plate full with delicious-looking breakfast across the counter, pushing a glass of orange juice forward, too.

I grinned, "Thanks." He nodded before he grabbed his own bag and slung it over his own shoulder, turning to look at me as he grabbed his coffee, "Remember, I'll be home late tonight so don't freak out if I don't get back at my usual time. And if you get hungry, order some pizza but don't eat it all. You know I'm a sucker for cheese."

"Got it. Anything else?" He tapped his chin with his finger for a moment before he shook his head and kissed my forehead, "That's all. Love you."

"Love you, too, Dad." I watched him leave before I quickly finished my own breakfast and headed to school, my steps faltering when I reached the freshly-grazed lawn that belonged to my academy.

A few people were already starting to stare at me but I quickly swallowed my embarrassment and held my head up, walking forward with confident strides.

Never let anyone see that they get to you. The words rung inside my head as I ignored the whispers of the students, only continuing to make my way to my locker, where – you guessed it – Queen Bitch was waiting for me.

What do you want?" I sighed, cutting straight to the point.

"Just came to see if you saw the video yet," she stated, a smirk twitching at the corner of her lips that I rolled my eyes to.

"No, I didn't, but thank you for letting me know it's up. Now, move." She didn't, only widening her smirk even more, "You know, my favorite part was when you got pasta all over your face."

I gave her a sweet smile, "Really? Mine was when I kissed the guy you're obsessed with." A chorus of ' oohs' went through the crowd that had gathered again, and I found myself grinning when Layla's face flushed red, whether in embarrassment or anger, I don't know.

"I'm not obsessed with him," she protested, but the way her voice wavered told me otherwise.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Whatever you say." Obviously realizing that no one was going to believe her, Layla stomped her foot in a childish manner and shot me a glare before shoving her way through the people who were laughing at her.

I watched her go before shaking my head with a chuckle, and turned towards my locker, my hand reaching out to do the combo when a voice spoke up. Girly, teach me your ways." My gaze snapped to the side where a beautiful girl was leaning against the lockers next to mine, her dark curly hair down to her waist and large, almond eyes watching me with amusement.

There was an aura around her that demanded attention and respect, and I knew within a heartbeat that she was the type of girl guys would pine over but would never get.

"My what?" I questioned, finally snapping out of my daze to register her words.

She laughed, her pearly white teeth flashing as she did, "Your ways. You know, to have such great responses to girls like Layla."

"Oh," I chuckled. "There's really no way to teach. All you have to do is use your brain – which is something she doesn't have."

The girl's grin widened as she held out her hand, "My name's Yasmin, and I have a feeling that we'll be great friends." I gave her a smile of my own as I shook her hand back with a nod, "Neat name. I'm Kiara."

"Thanks. It's Egyptian."

" That explains that damn gorgeousness. Where you headed?" she questioned, and I cocked my head to the direction that I needed to go. "Physics. You?"

"AP Chem. They're in the same hallway, though, so do you want to walk together to our next classes afterwards?"

I nodded, "Sure. See you, then." She gave a wave of her fingers before she walked down the hall, disappearing around the corner just as I slung my backpack over my shoulder and started to do the same.

That is, until I slammed into someone. A groan escaped my lips and I tilted my head up to see an unfamiliar boy rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly while a very familiar guy next to him was laughing loudly.

"I believe as my partner-in-crime, you're supposed to support me and not make fun of me, thank you very much," I muttered, grabbing the book that had fallen out of my hands from the floor before shooting a cool glare towards Connor, who grinned.

"Sorry, Clumsy, but I just find it funny that you can go from being bold and telling Layla off to being a total klutz and stumbling into everyone."

Then he smirked, "But at least you didn't end up kissing him." The unfamiliar boy's eyebrows rose up in surprise, " This is the girl? Holy shit, I thought River was just making that up when he said that."

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment, "Didn't you see the video?"

He shook his head, "I don't bother checking my social media. Too many notifications." Popular people, am I right?

"Anyway, sorry for bumping into you," he apologized, but I waved it off. "It's all good. My fault, anyway. Where are you two headed?"

"Skipping," Connor replied. "Want to join?"

"And deal with your comments on my clumsiness? No thanks. Have fun, though." He pouted, his bright blue eyes shimmering with amusement as he held a hand over his heart, "But I thought we were partners in crime!"

"This criminal's taking a break from trouble right now."

The unfamiliar dude laughed, "Some other time then. See you." I shot him a smile before walking around him, about to enter my classroom when Connor called out. "Try not to walk into the door, Clumsy!"

I rolled my eyes and flipped him the bird. Not today, Satan. And as I thought that, I smacked straight into the wooden door of my classroom. •-•-•

"What happened to your face?"

I shot a glare at Yasmin as I slid into my seat at our lunch table, my hand automatically going up to the huge red mark that had formed on the corner of my forehead as I muttered incoherent words under my breath, wincing when I applied too much pressure.

"Nothing," I grumbled, and watched as she raised a brow but then shook her head.

"Whatever you say. Anyway, you hear about the party?"

I nodded. I had, in fact, heard about the party the class president was throwing, and as far as I knew, everyone in our grade was invited. Many girls had been talking about what they were going to wear while most of the guys had been boasting about the alcohol they would consume (although I had no idea why someone would brag about that).

I hadn't been planning on going but now that Yasmin had brought it up, I'd realized that I was free for the night and really had nothing else to do. So, why not? "Yeah, I'm going. Are you?"

Yasmin shook her head with a pout, "Can't. Parents watch me like a hawk."

I laughed, "Trust me, I've dealt with that before. Maybe next time then?" She chuckled, "Maybe."

We settled back into a peaceful silence when a familiar voice broke through the air and rang in my ears, causing me to look up and groan when I saw that it was Connor and his friend that I'd bumped into. "Wassup, my dudes?" Connor greeted, and plopped down in the seat next to me.

"What are you doing here?" Yasmin questioned, just as his friend slid into the seat opposite of Connor. "Can't I visit my partner-in-crime when I miss her?"

I rolled my eyes at the cute smile he sent my way before my gaze landed on his friend, "Hey, I didn't catch your name when I bumped into you earlier. I'm Kiara You are...?"

He grinned, "Noah. Nice to meet you." A grin twitched on my own lips and I was about to respond when someone cleared their throat, and all of us looked up to see none other than Ms. Queen Bitch Layla herself.

She had a sardonic smile on her face but the way her eyes were glittering menacingly told me I was in for a long ass speech. So, I decided to be the mature person and speak up. "Sup, bitch?"

Ah, but I could never be mature. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she crossed her arms, "I thought I told you Connor was my boyfriend."

"I thought I told you I didn't care," I mocked, and watched as her jaw set.

"I warned you."

"Yeah, I know, I'm still shaking in my boots. Can't you see?"

The fumes were practically blowing out of her ears from the way her face was turning a bright shade of red, all while I sat there with a shit-eating grin on my face. I was not dealing with Satan twice in one day.

"Now, if you'd kindly excuse me, I'd like to eat my food now. Thank you and goodbye." She looked like she wanted to punch me in the face but at the last moment, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before flashing me a cool smirk and sauntering away.

I watched her go with narrowed eyes. If she didn't argue with me on that, then clearly she was up to something. But before I could think more into it, Yasmin spoke up. "Oh my God, that was amazing," she gushed, her dark eyes filled with amusement as she excitedly clapped her hands.

Noah nodded, a grin forming on his own lips, "Yeah, that was pretty awesome. Layla doesn't take shit from anybody." His gaze flickered towards Connor, who'd gone unexpectedly quiet.

"Well, except from Connor but he doesn't last long." Connor snapped out of whatever trance he was in and rolled his eyes, "Shut up, Noah."

"What? It's true." Shaking his head, Connor muttered something under his breath before he lazily started playing with his salad, causing me to blink in surprise.

Him not having a response was a bit unexpected but I didn't press it. After all, I didn't even know the guy.

"Hey, that reminds me! Are you two going to Hunter Anderson's party?" Noah asked, eagerly. I cracked a small smile, "Yasmin's not, but I am."

Connor perked up, his dark brows shooting upwards in surprise, "You are?"

"Why? Aren't you?" He shook his head, a strand of his wavy hair falling onto his forehead as he did so. "I wasn't planning on it." Now, it was my turn to look surprised.

"Seriously? You're one of the first people I'd expect to go." "Let's just say I don't have a good relationship with Hunter," he muttered, and pushed his chair back, rising to his feet as he avoided my eyes.

"Anyway, I have to go visit Mrs. Bane. She requested to meet me. See you, guys." He then flashed me a tiny smile, "Later, Clumsy."

I watched him leave the cafeteria, his bag slung over his shoulder before I turned towards Noah, my brow cocked up as I asked, "Good relationship? What does that mean?"

He shrugged, "It's not really my place to tell." I sighed, but then nodded, "Alright. You're still going to the party though, right?"

He gave me a thumbs-up. "Expect to see me near the snacks table." I laughed as the bell rang, indicating the lunch period was over us and stood up, along with the rest of the students as we all started to file towards the cafeteria's exit doors.

"See you tonight then, Kiara!" I gave a wave of agreement to Noah before following Yasmin through the crowd, my mind reeling with what the reason for hate was between Hunter and River before a bigger problem registered inside me. How was I going to convince my dad to let me go??

I stared at my reflection as I brushed my unruly hair, watching it curl immediately as soon as each strand was out of my comb. I never liked my hair. I thought it always made me stand out among others, since it was a weird mix of brown and blonde but lately I'd come to adore it.

Probably because it was the one thing that my mother would always compliment. My mother had been a beautiful woman of Irish descent, with large, playful green eyes and fiery red hair that always managed to look attractive, even when it was a mess.

She had sprinkles of freckles across the bridge of her nose, one of my father's favorite characteristics about her. He had always praised her about her beauty, and I could still remember the times when he would stop by her office with a bouquet of flowers and an ' I love you,' immediately winning the hearts of her co-workers. But he didn't care about them. He only had eyes for my mom.

Tears had formed in my eyes and I gave a watery smile to my reflection, when a knock on my door broke me out of my thoughts. I hurriedly wiped my face before calling to my dad that he could come in.

"Hey, sweetheart, you ready to go?" I nodded, avoiding his gaze as I grabbed my phone, my eyes still stinging from the memory of my mother. But of course, he could figure out that I wasn't okay "What's wrong?"

I looked up when he gently tilted my chin up, his warm brown eyes gazing into my similar ones. "Nothing," I said, softly.

"I was just thinking about Mom." The worry in his eyes faded into tenderness and I could see the tiny bits of pain he tried so hard to keep hidden from me. But he couldn't always hide it. After all, he was the one who always cried on Christmas, when my mother wasn't there to decorate the house.

"You're missing her, aren't you?" he questioned, quietly.

I nodded, lowering my gaze to the ground. My father wrapped me into a fierce hug, his arms holding me against him as he kissed my hair, "I'm sorry, sweetheart."

Fresh tears sprang to my eyes but I buried my face into his chest, not wanting to cry to hurt my dad even more. He had already dealt with so much heartache. I didn't want to be the cause of more. "It's okay, Dad," I mumbled. "It's not your fault."

He pulled back, his hands cradling my face as he kissed my forehead, "I know, kiddo. But I just wish...I just wish things weren't like this." I knew what he meant. But I didn't want to create any more problems for him so I inhaled a deep breath and plastered on a smile. "Me, too. But we can't change the past, Dad. Mom would have wanted us to be happy."

He nodded in agreement, "You're right. Now, let's go drop you off at that party." My smile widened.

"Let's."

•-•-•

I pushed through the dancing students, my head spinning with all the smells of alcohol, sweat, and puke. It had been an hour since I'd arrived and to say I was dying of boredom was an understatement.

I had been searching for Noah for a long time, but hadn't seen him anywhere so I had just gone to get a few drinks when the host of the party had come along, joining me for an unwanted chat.