Obsessed

Chapter 9

"Do I have to walk home tomorrow?"

"No, you can let your boyfriend drop you off as long as he doesn't come inside."

"Ok," I say, not even bothering to correct her.

When I get back to bed, I fall asleep instantly.

.

.

.

The next day, I tell Bridgette about everything. She was sympathetic about Lewis, but mostly she wanted to hear about Kyle. "I've started shipping you guys. Sorry."

"Shut up," I say and punch her playfully on the arm. A group of guys, including Chase, pass us. One of them calls out to Bridgette. "What are you waiting for?" I say and she leaves.

About two minutes later she comes back. "He was asking about my friend. He said she left her jacket at the game yesterday." She hands me a jacket I've seen Harmony wear millions of times.

"Are we going to talk about her? I mean, we've ignored the fact that she barely hangs out with us anymore."

"I know," she sighs. Her reddy brown hair is in plaits today. "There isn't much we can do about it though. It's not like she's being mean to us."

"I guess." I start, "Since when did Harmony watch games?"

"Since never. They must have dragged her. There is NO way she would EVER watch anything sport related."

I'm about to ask why she was hanging out with those guys but realise Bridgette wouldn't have the answers.

I rock up to detention about five minutes late and am not surprised when I see Kyle waiting in the classroom. "Did you get detention again?"

"No. I tried but Mr. Graw likes me too much."

"Then why are you here?"

"Aren't you glad I am? Wait, I already know the answer," he says and wriggles his eyebrows suggestively.

"Alright," I finish.

I take out my homework and repeat what I did yesterday. I finish English and Music pretty quickly and start on Maths. "Hey, how do you answer those questions? I never know whether you subtract first or...?"

"I thought you never did this sh*t?"

"Hey! Don't swear," he says, which earns him a smile from me. "But seriously, can you help me?"

I think I'm actually grinning now.

I start drawing diagrams and lines and lines of working out. He just watches mesmerized. I don't know if any of this is sinking in...

"I get it now," he says.

"You do?"

"I'm not stupid. If I paid attention in class I'd be just as smart as you."

"Wanna bet?" I ask daringly.

"How much?"

"Not money. How about..."

"If you win, I'll do whatever you want for a day. If I win, you'll do whatever I want for a week."

"How come I only get you for a day?"

"Because. Is it a bet?" I reluctantly give him my hand and we shake on it.

Now all I have to do is win.

I turn to face my books again and start on my maths. It doesn't take too long, but a lot of mental power. Ow, my neck still hurts from last night. I slide my arm up and rub it sub-consciously. "Does your neck hurt?" Kyle says.

"Yeah. Yesterday-"

"Did Lewis hurt you?"

"No, it was an accident. I really hurt myself last night." Mr. Von Gogh's timer goes off and he finally lets us leave. I pick up all my books and shove them into my bag. "Oh, I forgot to ask. Can you drop me home?"

"Don't even bother asking."

The time flies by when I'm on his bike. I can understand what Dad meant by being able to relax and think clearer.

I'm entirely aware of how close I am with Kyle, but I've gotten used to it. I've been riding home with him for a while and I don't even hesitate to hold him tightly. He doesn't complain.

I tell him to stop about a street away from my house so that Lewis doesn't see him. "Can you text me when you get inside?"

"Ok."

"Kristen!" He calls out just as I am about ten feet away, "Be prepared to lose the bet."