A War of Guns and Roses

Chapter 25

The exams passed and we were nearing our Easter holidays. I was anticipating it eagerly as I would be visiting my grandmother from my mom's side.

I hadn't seen her in ages but finally, Dad decided to allow me to visit her. He had set someone up to keep an eye on me and make sure I was not in danger while I was staying there.

Today was the last day of the exams and the corridors were buzzing with live chatter as everybody waited for the torture to finally end.

My friends and I were gathered in the cafeteria as it was currently, the lunch period. Nowadays, Xavier never came to the cafeteria. The only times I ever saw him was in my classes or the hallways or just when school had ended.

He was always there, either leaning against his car or speaking with Blake and his eyes would always hold mine captive till I wrenched myself away from his hypnotizing and burning gaze and forced myself to walk away.

"So, ready for the holidays?" Rebecca asked everyone, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Heck yah," Blake said before pulling Rebecca closer to him. She giggled lightly and flicked his ear playfully. He whined and buried his face in her hair.

I looked away from them, a tiny part of me longing to have that connection with someone.
Eva caught my eye and smiled sympathetically at me. I just shook my head.

Then someone I was not expecting to visit our table, came over.

Daniel Williams.

The star quarterback of Blackshades High.

"Hey Evangelina. I was wondering whether I could have a word with you?" he asked, stopping right behind Eva's chair. Eva turned over and almost immediately, a blush enhanced her features.

What's with everyone having crushes and getting together these days?

"Uh...yeah. Sure, I guess," she said, sliding out of her seat and following him.

Ivan watched them intently and was about to follow when I held him back.

"Ivan, don't. Let her be. She'll be fine."

He frowned and said nothing.

A little while later, Eva returned to her seat, looking thoroughly flushed.

"What did he want?" Ivan asked tersely, the overprotective brotherly instinct taking over.

"Oh, nothing. Just some help with his studies," she said and everyone could tell that she was lying. Ivan narrowed his eyes at her but didn't probe further.

I sent her a wink, having a plausible idea of what might have gone down. But I was slightly worried because Daniel was a certified player and treated girls like toys, using them and then throwing them out once he was bored with them.

I silently promised to myself to have a talk with Eva about this later.

Lunch break finished and we scurried to the exam hall, not wanting to be late. The last subject of the day was the chemistry practical test. Since I had chosen French this year, I also had to sit for that paper after chemistry.

We were led to the chemistry lab in pairs and each had a table to themselves. Taking a deep breath, I looked around me.

Almost immediately, my eyes flew to the person two seats away from me. His face was impassive, no emotions displayed at all. He was just staring at his lab table. I hadn't done many chemical practicals with Xavier but I had gone through what he was supposed to do, back when we were...fine.