Chapter 8

• AUDREY
• Second day at school, and I was looking forward to the classes I had today. But what I wasn't looking forward to was the stares that appraised Liam and me as we alighted from his vehicle together and headed to the school building.
• Liam didn't seem to notice, as he was trying to bring out his phone from his bag.
• I tapped him and he looked up, meeting my gaze.
• "Is it just me or is the whole school staring at us?" I asked, glancing around and noticing different clusters of students _ in two, three, or four groups _ all directing their attention at us.
• He followed my gaze, his eyes scanning the school environment. "It's not just you, bestie. They are all staring at us."
• "But why?" I had never been the object of attention, right from high school. Invisibility was always my watchword; probably one of the reasons I loved unisex clothing _ so I wouldn't stand out. But these stares...
• It probably wasn't because of my outfit. If I was dressing too masculine, I would have attributed it as the reason. I was simply dressed in black joggers and a white tank top _ just like every other girl who loves unisex clothing. There were tons of them here. So, my dress wasn't the problem. What could it be then?
• I glanced up at Liam for clues, but the look on his face showed he was just as clueless.
• "I wish I knew.." He replied and shrugged. "Well, let them keep staring." Then he turned sharply, giving me a sweeping glance.
• "You look astoundingly beautiful this morning." Holy crap! What! "Maybe the person that is being stared at is you..."
• My heart did several backflips hearing him say that. Despite how lovely it sounded, I tried not to get swooned by it_ just a normal friendly compliment.
• "As if. Aren't you the most dashing and handsome guy in the building? I bet you are the one that all of them are staring at _ mostly the ladies." I replied, wriggling my eyebrows suggestively.
• He halted in his tracks, causing me to halt too. He turned, staring fixedly at me. "Do you see me as dashing and handsome?"
• Okay, if I was holding a glass of water or juice, I would have probably choked on it following Liam's question. It sounded as if my perception of him was special. Well, it should because I was his best friend. But, that wasn't what it was feeling like now unless I was in over my head.
• Despite my flipping heart, I did the best that could be done in the situation. I laughed nervously.
• "The way all these girls are chasing after you already should have given you a clue, yeah?" I asked, one of my hands spread in the air, and the other placed on my waist.
• Trying so hard to ignore the urge to hold him closer and tell him in a whisper how dashing and handsome he was. I had been deliberately trying to resist the urge to give me a once over, because I didn't trust myself not to continue staring. He was such a work of art. And I wondered why I was just noticing now. He had been my best friend for like... Forever! Well, I guess my feelings surfaced at its convenient time.
• He shook his head and came closer, staring pointedly at me, making me gulp. "I am asking what you think?" He asked, placing extra emphasis on 'You'
• I blinked severally, totally dumbfounded. There was no way I could answer this question without revealing my true feelings for Liam, and I wouldn't want that. I scratched my head and after a few seconds, I decided to say it in the most honest but simple way.
• My mouth was already hanging midair, about to form a speech, when a liquid substance was splashed on my face.
• What the fuck! The liquid substance temporarily blinded my eyes and even flew into my mouth _ it tasted like... Shit! Vodka!
• Who in the well was raving mad to the extent of pouring vodka on me?
• I wiped my eyes with the handkerchief I was holding and I saw the idiot holding a glass while staring at me disdainfully.
• It was no other person but Liam's fuck mate _ Winnie.
• "Are you sick!! Why would you pour vodka on me?"
• She chuckled, tossing the glass around heightening my irritation. My teeth dug into my lips furiously, as I tried to get a hold of myself from pouncing on this whore.
• "Because you are a slut..." Holy crap! Look at slut central, calling another person a slut.
• "What are you doing with my boyfriend? So, you are the reason he didn't come to take me to school today, you this classless whore."
• As she advanced towards me, Liam stepped in and pushed her away. "Are you crazy, Winnie? Why would you call my best friend a slut and a whore or even pour vodka on her? Are you nuts?"
• She gaped at him. "Your best friend?"
• No, his mistress! Stupid bitch. I exhaled, trying my best to keep my anger in check, staring down at my white tank top that she had just messed up.
• "And what makes you think I am your boyfriend? Have I asked you out?"
• She blinked severally, biting her lips. "But we have slept together and.."
• "That doesn't make us lovers. We are just fuck mates, I thought I made that clear to you. Don't you ever pull this type of stunt again, unless you will forget about seeing me again!"
• Wait, would he continue seeing her after what just happened? Are you freaking serious, Liam?
• The idiotic bitch nodded slowly, then she looked up at me.
• "I'm sorry, I had no idea that you are his best friend."
• I rolled my eyes. "After all the embarrassment and staining my top?"
• I scoffed. "Fucking keep your apologies to yourself!"
• Liam edged closer and held me. "Bestie, I am sorry about this. Please forgive her." I stared hard at him for a few seconds. Anger building up inside of me. It was hard to believe that he was begging on her behalf, instead of ending things with her. Anger, and jealousy _ both fought their way inside of me.
• "Take this slut out of here before I pounce on her. I'm damn serious." I said through clenched teeth.
• Liam gave me a pleading look which I ignored. I was too angry to be pacified by that. "I mean now!" I thundered and he grabbed her hand, dragging her away.
• My eyes became blurry, and my heart was aching. He chose to remain with her even after what she did to me. It just felt like I had been really rejected. Do you see why I had to keep my feelings to myself?
• I might slump out of heartache if I confess to him and get rejected.
• I heard footsteps approaching me. But I couldn't make out the person, though the figure was familiar _ a girly figure. She got some inches closer and that's when I realized it was Lislie.
• She gasped at seeing the stain on my tank top. "What the fuck!"