Hiding In Plain Sight

Then

 The mountain of books I borrowed bounce painfully against my back. In hindsight checking-out that many books probably wasn't one of my smartest ideas, but I get through them so quickly there's no point only getting a few. Mum suggested I get an Ereader- so I can store as many as I like. But there’s just something beautiful about holding a book in your hands. It makes you feel more connected to the story, makes it magical almost- I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Because of all the books, my cardigan won't fit in my bag, so now I'm left suffering through the sudden heat. To finish off my amazing look my pants are, well they're comfortably baggy. Now before you get carried away, no I'm not a nerd. Well, not completely. But enjoying books and not feeling the urge to show as much skin as possible (like all the other girls) doesn't classify someone as a nerd, does it?

"Rosie?" Snapping out of my daydream, I notice someone waving their hand in front of my face. The haze clears as I blink my eyes, revealing Jace. Of course. He's got the reputation of the hot, sporty, fun guy that all the girls admire. But he is also the best (and only) friend of the school's nerdiest girl. Who's that? Me. I know; so cliché. "What?"

"Are you sure you don't want to come and sit at my table, or I could stay here if you want?" His cool blue eyes are concerned…captivatingly so.

"No, don't worry- go and sit with your friends."

"You are my friend; in fact you happen to be my best friend," he counters, dragging a hand through his already ruffled dark hair.

"I know." A smile touches my lips. "But don't worry. I want to read one of my new books anyway." It’s a sweet gesture, but I can't picture myself sitting at his table. Cool and Rose just don't belong in the same sentence.

"Alright…catcha later?" He surrenders.

"Sure." I nod smiling; I’d hold him to that.

Eventually the bell rings and I stand with my book (which is actually better than I expected.) The cheerleaders rise gracefully from Jace's table simultaneously- how do they do that? Do they time it somehow? They play with their hair and flutter their eyelashes at him flirtatiously. Stabs of jealousy I didn't used to feel rock through me when he smiles and winks back at them. I never used to like Jace this way. Never. I know some of you will find that hard to believe. How can you be best friends with the hottest guy in school and not have the hots for him?

I just never thought of him this way. I mean we've always been there for each other; we're each others 2am. You know; the person you call at 2am to pick you up or just talk to. We've been friends since I moved onto his street nine years ago. I'd been a shy six year old (and fresh off the plane from Australia) and nothing's changed there, except my age of course! But Jace had introduced himself, insisting I talk to him if I needed anything.

At first I ignored him...if I was shy of girls, I was absolutely petrified of boys. But then, while I was still new, a boy in my class started giving me a hard time. I ignored him for the most part...until he decided to step things up. He began small; calling me names, tripping me up. Then it happened- the day I still haven't forgotten and neither has anyone else.

I was walking from the canteen with a tray full of food and he tripped me. The food went everywhere, sticky pudding dripping from my hair. As if I needed another reason for people to dislike me. All he did was laugh and all I did was cry. I couldn't help it and I still hate myself for it; I’m really not the crying type. I remember someone helping me up, yelling at him, calling a teacher. It was Jace.

Our friendship kind of took off from there.

Some of the cheerleaders catch me looking at their group and start whispering about me. Like that hasn’t happened before- note sarcasm. I turn my head quickly- just because I envy them doesn’t mean I want them to know that. But I'm not looking where I'm going at all and trip over the bin. All its contents spill onto the floor and in a cruel sense of deja vu, I slip into all the rubbish.

Luckily nothing sticky gets on me (this time round) but as laughter erupts through the onlookers my cheeks redden. What have I ever done to deserve this sort of stuff? I don’t ask for it, for Pete’s sake! Pulling some lettuce from one of my blonde ringlets I stand up, shake myself off. These things always happen to me. The only good thing about this situation? Jace wasn't here to witness it. Thank God for small mercies.

***

The bell has gone, signaling the end of school and the beginning of the summer holidays. I follow the obviously happy crowd towards the school exit, passing the courtyard. They’re all making plans; when they’ll catch up, what they’ll do. And then there’s me. Silent, forgotten me. Where is Jace? Turning, I find him. He’s flirting with Kirsty- the head cheerleader; the queen bee.

She’s always had her sights set on him. And who am I compared to her? I’m nothing. Just a nerd. I’m not pretty like she is- I don’t have as many friends as she does. But…I’m Jace’s best friend. I'm always there helping him get over undeserving girl after undeserving girl. I know him better than anyone; Kirsty included.

Jace might go through a lot of girls but I don’t think that makes him a player. Treating girls like dirt makes you one of those and Jace would never do that. Maybe the reason he keeps going through them is because he hasn’t found the right one yet. Am I ready to be that girl? You bet I am.

Before I know it I’ve reached the pair. I realize Kirsty isn’t that pretty after all. That flawless skin is really just the latest foundation, her eyelashes stick-ons, her honey coloured hair dyed. So I push her aside, oblivious to her shocked glare and turn to Jace. He only manages to get out a confused "Rosie?" before I take a deep breath and start talking before I realise I'm insane. "I like you, okay? More than a friend, more than I even realised. You’ve always been there for me and I, I just…” Oh great, you’re losing it, you’re losing it; “Want you to know…I…oh goodbye!" Yep, you lost it. I don’t bother waiting for his reply; I know he’ll think I’m an idiot. God knows I do. Turning on my heel, I run to the crowd, consumed by the moving shield it provides.

***

That was a week ago and I sit alone in my house now, finally coming to terms with the fact I've lost the best friend I'll ever have. He hasn't talked to me at all and I've ruined everything. So many thoughts have been going through my head. Maybe he never liked me at all, but then, maybe he does Iike me; but wait no he doesn't- who could? He'll end up with Kirsty, or someone like her. Guys prefer those girls.

I really miss him- God I sound wimpy don’t I? But I can’t help it- what am I supposed to do? Normally if I was upset I could just call Jace and he'd talk to me; make it better. But that can't happen now. It won't happen ever again.

I pull my knees up to my chest, the material of my track pants soft. I don't cry; I've cried enough tears to last a lifetime. And tears aren't usually my thing- I think I told you that already. Ugh, how could I have been so stupid? I just feel so inferior compared to him. He's, well; Jace. Popular, hot, funny, sporty...need I go on? We're complete opposites. And before you mention it, I've long since given up on the opposites' attract stuff. Through my self pity, I hear the ring of the doorbell. Great; yep I really want to be talking to people right now. 

But I get up anyway, walking down the hall in my socked feet and opening the large door to...no one. There's no one there. I frown, suspicious, but as I go to close the door I look down. I notice a piece of paper fluttering from under the mat. That wasn't there before...it twists against my fingers as I lift it, and a smile spreads across my face as I read its message.

So what do u think the message said? Tell me your ideas and what you thought of the rest of the chapter:) This is dedicated to @readergal21 because of her amazing stories!!! Please click that vote button for me- it would mean a lot:)