Define Normal

Chapter Twelve (Duplicate)

“What?” I asked, confused.

“Tally, you idiot. Because you said no to him, he went to a party with some girl from a different school! You should’ve jumped on that when you had the chance. Now it’s too la─” her gaze landed on the two newcomers and she stopped suddenly, giving them a puzzled look. “Who the hell are you?” she asked, her gaze on Char. “Do you know this girl?” she asked Grant who was looking longingly at the window like he wanted to jump through it.

“No,” he replied.

“Then why is she in your apartment?” Elle growled, her green eyes flashing.

“I’m in.” My gaze swung to Dave who’d said the words. His eyes were locked on Elle and he was staring at her as if he’d never seen her before. “Which school do you go to?” he asked her.

“Why, are you going to stalk me?” she asked, scowling at him.

“Yes,” he said simply, his chocolate brown eyes melting as he looked at her.

“Who is this guy?” she asked, giving me a disgusted look.

“That’s Dave,” I said, shrugging.

“No. My name is Chris Burns. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He took two quick steps towards Elle with his hand held out. She looked down at his hand and glared at him.

“Don’t bother. You’re shorter than me.” She stuck her nose in the air and dismissed him.

I winced as his eyes showed an incredible sadness before he straightened his shoulders, determination lighting his chocolate gaze.

“I’ll have lots of time to convince you. I’m going to enrol in your school soon.”

“You don’t’ even know where I go,” she said dismissively.

He turned to me resolutely. “Tell me or I won’t help you.”

“Hawkland High,” I said automatically.

“Hey! You’re enabling my stalker.”

“He’s not so bad,” I said but my voice lacked conviction as a wide smile broke across his face, his eyes clinging onto Elle.

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” She turned to me with her hands on her hips. “Are you going to come to the party or not?”

“Not,” I replied firmly.

“Why not?”

“I have to go away for the weekend,” I said, looking over at Char who took a deep breath and nodded.

“I’m in,” she said, wincing a little as the words left her mouth but her gaze was resolute.

A broad smile stretched my lips. “Thank you,” I said with feeling.

A slight smile curved her pierced lips and she gave me a little nod. “This better be worth it.”

“Why do I feel like I’m missing something here?” Elle asked, her hands on her hips as she looked between me and the two newcomers before launching herself at Grant, wrapping her hands around his bicep and pouting up at him. “Tell me, Grant.”

A low growl came from Chris and he took a threatening step forward. I moved quickly, applying a pinch to the back of his neck, sending him crashing to the floor.

“Oh my god, is he okay?” Elle asked, her widened eyes on Chris who was groaning and squirming on the carpet.

“He’ll be fine. Listen, Elle, we have some um, packing to do for our trip so can I call you when I get back?” If I get back, I silently amended.