Challenge Accepted

Chapter 11

I apologise for taking ages to post my next chapter, I won't go excusing but to be fair, I stayed up after midnight to write this and I will be sleep deprived tomorrow. What I do for you guys... Anyway, this story is the reason some people might not like Rory and maybe a budding relationship? Enjoy! Please remember to comment and vote, it would mean so much. 

There was a very subtle change that morning. I sat next to him less hesitantly and he intertwined our fingers without second thought. Rory gave me questioning looks all through the time by the table but I decided to tell him during break.

That night I had decided to break off the agreement. Rory only took part for personal reasons, football captainship, and if I was going to win Marek's heart, I was going to do it correctly.

I had considered the reason for this change several times, avoiding anything close to the real reason. I told myself that it was because now Marek was another person to me, not some machine tallying up the number of girls he'd been with.

Maybe that wasn't the real reason. Maybe it was.

Signally to Rory to meet me behind the school, I told Marek I had forgotten something outside. "What on earth happened?" Rory questioned in disbelief. "Did his parents pay out to go out with him? Is he that desperate?"

I gasped under my breath. I didn't think Rory would stoop so low to insult parents Marek didn't have anymore. Shaking my head forcefully, I replied, "No. He opened up to me, and I don't want to go behind his back any longer. I hope you accept my decision."

Standing up curtly, I left a gobsmacked Rory behind. Only, I was naïve enough to believe that Rory was a good enough person to leave it at that.

How much wronger could I have been?

During lunch Marek and I sat beside one another, my head resting on his shoulder comfortably. I asked Aiden whether or not Rory would be coming, as he was no where to be seen, and they told me he had to ask a teacher something.

He turned up mere minutes later, carrying his tray and sliding across from me. He grins at me before talking, "You're still keeping the slut around? I'm impressed you haven't jumped him yet, Alessia—Alessa, I mean."

That bastard. He had the damn nerve to insult me, my core morals and values before pretending he didn't know me at all. But, holding my head high, I stood up from the table, my face emotionless, and left.

I ended up in a bathroom stall, somewhere east in the building. I didn't cry, I prided myself on that aspect. Instead I chose to stare blankly at the door, reading all the offensive yet slightly humorous messages left behind. My name was written several times, most of the time cursing me for 'snatching' the incredibly 'hot' football captain.

If only they knew, I though helplessly. Now, at least, they didn't think I wanted Marek, like all the desperate girls throwing themselves at him.

I would be lying if I told myself it didn't hurt. I'm not quite sure why yet though. Maybe it was for a betrayal of someone I was starting to like. Maybe some part of me wanted a happy little fake relationship for at least more than a damn day. I cringed at the idea, and scrapped it before thinking too much about it.

"Alessa," I heard a call come from the bathroom door. My trembling fingers turned the lock slowly, as I peeked out, I saw Marek standing behind the half-open door.

Relieved, I ran towards him and threw myself into his arms, inhaling the sweet scent he carried around. I heard a muffled chuckle, as his face was buried in my hair, "I can't believe you didn't cry. You never cease to amaze me."

I withdrew myself from our clingy embrace to laugh righteously. That man really had no tenderness or concern in his voice, but that is what I loved about him. His actions spoke louder than his words, he made that crystal clear from the beginning. Not sending mixed signals like a wimp.

A loving gaze struck mine, "Are you sure you're alright though?"

I nodded firmly, telling the truth, "I'm fine. I just didn't want to make a scene. I'm not one for that type of drama."

His laugh rang around the women's toilet for the second time and I found myself smiling, but not before swatting him playfully.

"Rory's kind of a douche," I observed, sounding slightly dazed. Marek nodded along whole-heartedly, before turning around and sticking his bum out towards me.

I laughed and let him explain himself, "Come on, let me give you a piggyback." When I hesitated he added, "So we can humiliate Rory?"

Then I joined in, gallivanting across the school halls, laughter never really ceasing, passing confused classmates and an irritated Rory. This was a lot more fun than I anticipated.

Oh crap, I though suddenly. How can anyone NOT fall for this man.

Hello! How was that? Lived up to your expectations? I hope so, if it did, please comment and vote, it would mean so much. Anyway, the next chapter may be a bit fluffy, just to release some tension before I decide to throw a curveball :)