“What are you doing here?” I asked incredulously and threw another scratch of paper in the trash bin, but the poor thing didn't make it and landed on the floor along with the other crumpled papers. It's a Monday, but I'm stuck at home and extremely dead-crazy-bored. I was discharged from the hospital early this morning and all I did was sleep since my mom told me not go to school today and just have one more day of rest. Now I was trying to sketch some new designs of shoes to entertain myself, but my right hand seemed to coordinate with my injured left wrist. I tried sketching, but all I did was scribbled something indescribable. Cole walked toward the wad of mess on the floor and bent down to pick them up and threw them in the trash bin. In spite of it, I'm thankful that I didn't get my right hand injured or I'll most definitely freak out since I have an art class as my elective subject and art is my passion.
“What are you doing?” He asked me, emphasizing each word while ignoring my question.
“Are you blind?” I asked sarcastically.
“You're not supposed to—”
“What, you're my mother now? Who let you in, anyway?” I'm pretty irritated since I woke up this morning and the cast on my left wrist is getting really itchy. I'm just glad the bothersome bandage on my head had been removed already and was replaced with a tiny plaster.
“So you can pick on the poor girl?” He asked amused.
“So I can fire her!” I hissed. I'm guessing it's Rita. She's the only one who is dumb enough not to know my so-called rules until now.
“I harassed her to let me in. It's not her fault.”
“Harassed or flirted with?” I sat straight on my bed and dropped my sketch pad with a thud on the side table. I could imagine him flirting his ass on Rita and the stupid girl batting her lashes at him naively in return. The thought is making me more irritated like a pregnant woman with a hormonal imbalance. Cole chuckled charmingly and sat down on the blue velvet tufted cushion ottoman just beside my bed.
“Baby, do you know how damn cute you look right now?” His words got me flustered and made my face flushed. I owe it to my wavy dark curls which is covering my deep red face or Cole will laugh at me if he sees it.
“So, why are you here?” I asked, to change the topic.
“Well, about what you said the other day—He raised one of his hands, a gesture to let him speak first---You said not tell your mom and not even the police. I understand you don't want to raise a panic from your mom and we're not sure that someone really wants to kill you, but those threatening emails could mean something so I decided to be your bodyguard.” He declared with a serious look.
“What?! No! That's insane!” I burst out my protest.
“No. You're insane. You might be in danger and you're not even reporting that to the police. Why'd you tell me in the first place? Cole shot me an annoyed glance.
“W-well... I.. I'm--” I was caught off guard. I was surprised with his question. I don't even know why I told him. I just felt scared at that time and I don't have anyone to confide and he was there. C'mon Sydney... You want him to protect you, just admit it you, silly girl. My subconscious taunted me and I frowned. That's just not true. I will never believe that.
“If you don't want me around to protect you, then I'll tell the police and your mom---”
“Sydney, ma chére---Oh! Cole, darling, I didn't know you're here and tell me what?” Jacque eyed us warily.
“Ms. Babineaux, Syd---”
“Tell you that he wants to hang around here...” ...like an insect. I wanted to add but stopped myself. Jacque's ears perked up after hearing that.
“Really? That sounds great, Cole. Sydney, is very bored---oh! Speaking... Your friends are downstairs. This is great, ma chére. I'll tell Constance---our new family chef and a patisserie. I could say the best patisserie in town---to prepare something delicious. Jacque ranted and went out before I can even say anything. I raised my hand with a cast---forgetting that it's injured because of frustration—to my forehead and winced as the pain was registered by my sensory neuron.
“Hey. I said be careful.” Cole warned me again, but I shot him my deadly stare. “Waah..Scary-ish..” He chuckled and went to ruffle my hair. This matter is so far out of my hands. What will my friends gonna say about this? About Cole being here? They've already bombarded me with annoying questions since yesterday when the news article circulated and the tweets on twitter might be trending already. I didn't check my phone since yesterday, afraid to see what's in it. My friends have been texting me probably and came here to check me out since I was missing in action.
“You.” I pointed my forefinger at him. “Stay here.” I warned him before I went out of my room.
====####====
The girls are in the living room, chatting noisily as usual like there's no end to their senseless gibberish when I reached the living room area on the second floor.
“Girls tuned down, will you? You're giving me one hell of a headache.” I complained as soon as I entered the spacious living room. The girls stood up automatically and darted toward me. Lucy gave me a bear hug. I rolled my eyes, but was a bit touched, I should admit. Lucy is the closest to me among the girls and the least mean among us. I could say, I like her the most in spite of her loud, gossipy mouth. The others gave me a peck on the cheek.
“We're glad you're OK, Syd.” Lucy said and the other girls were in accord.
“That was terrifying!” Carol squeaked.
“Yeah. We thought a bomb exploded or something.” Samantha said and the other girls commented in agreements.
“Well, thanked God it wasn't or I might be in hell now.” I said without humor. I'm still a bit sensitive talking about the unfortunate incident.
“So... Anyway, about the headlines, I'm pretty sure you've heard or read about it...” My brow creased as Lucy started. I'm kinda guessing where's this conversation is heading to. This is the thing I just don't certainly like about Lucy, her love for a good gossip. “About you and Cole---”
“Not true.” I interrupted and glared at her darkly.
“Oh.” Is all she said and the girls looked a bit disappointed. I stood there and glowered at them. Are they hoping that it was true so they can gossip about it? The thought is just making me more aggravated.
“Girls, I brought you some refreshments and these delicious macaroons were made by our new and wonderful patisserie.” Jacque went in with the snacks and behind her is Rita, carrying another tray of lemonade. I glared at her menacingly and the dumb girl cowered behind my mom. I'll deal with her later. I mentally reminded myself.
“Thanks Ms. Babineaux!” The girls chorused.
“Love the munchies!” Audrey clapped and dive in.
“Where's Cole?” Jacque asked innocently which made the room quiet. Lucy's macaroon froze just a few centimeters from her opened mouth after hearing Jacque's question and shot me a curious look. I slapped my forehead out of frustration. Sometimes my mom just does things that put me in an awkward situation. “What? Did he go home?” She continued, looking innocent.
“Where's Patty?” I asked all of a sudden when I noticed she's not around. She couldn't have gone home without telling me. Everyone seemed to just noticed now that I mentioned it.
“She went looking for the restroom, I guess.” Lisa said with a shrugged, then a scream came from the third floor, particularly near my room!
“What was that?” Almost everyone blurted out. I ran toward the stairs to my room, my mom and friends are following behind me.
“Slow down, Sydney. You might hurt yourself more.” Jacque called out from behind me, but I was not listening.
“What the hell is going on here?!” I asked angrily as we came just in time to see Cole on top of Patty while holding both of her hands over her head. I don't know why, but I can't rein the anger I felt upon seeing them in that intimate and awkward position. Cole let her go and stood up, looking cool as ever, like the situation is just as normal as it is. “I said what is going on here?!” I screamed. Cole stared at me, surprised to see the fury registering on my pale face then the bastard smiled smugly. He glided toward me and casually wrapped his left arm around my shoulders like it's a normal thing to do.
“Are you jealous, babe?” He whispered softly which had sent sparks through my whole being. I felt infuriated and embarrassed at the same time for the awkwardness turned the table on me. I pushed away from him.
“Of course not! You conceited jerk!” I hissed, then suddenly I realized, all eyes are on me. My face turned crimson as the situation sunk in. The girls just found out that Cole is in my house and not only that, he's in my goddamn room! That's when my mom interjected, but I'm not sure if I'll either be happy or will dread it.
“Come now, ladies, let's leave the two lovebirds to solve their quarrel and make up, shall we?” My eyes widen at my mom but she just winked at me. Waaahhh! This couldn't get more embarrassing, could it?! Patty also got up and ran toward the door when she finally had her wits back. I glowered at Cole when I noticed that he's not going out as well.
“Why are you still here?” I raised my eyebrow at him, but he just smirked at me.
“Didn't you hear your mom? She said to make up, so let's make up.” He said and was about to hug me when I glared at him. He chuckled and went to sit on my bed. “Your friend came in here and attacked me like I'm some kind of a thief, so I grabbed her hands and since she struggled a lot, I lost my balance and voila, we ended up on this bed when you came in.” He explained with an amused smile.
“Whatever. I don't need your shitty explanation.” I snapped, but deep inside I was relieved to hear his explanation and that is bugging me. He chuckled again and pulled my uninjured arm. I lost my balance and landed on his lap. I gasped and tried to stand up, but he tightened his grip on my waist.
“Your language, babe. Does your mom know?” He teased and pinched my nose.
“Shut up!” I lashed at him and hit his hand, but the bastard seemed to be enjoying the situation.
Let's make up?” He leaned forward to kiss me, but was disrupted when Lucy popped her head behind the door.
“Syd---OMG!---Lucy blushed when she saw us, but smiled wickedly at me---sorry to disturb you guys but, your mom said to check if both of you are still alive or are killing each other.” She giggled and continued. “Anyway, go down and eat if you're done.” She blurted and disappeared. I heard Cole laugh and surprised me again with a peck on my lips.
“You bastard!---”
“Let's go.” He ignored my complaints and dark stare. He pulled me up and grabbed my left wrist out of the room. I tried to wriggle free from him, but to no avail. I was dragged downstairs like a toddler afraid to see the dentist.
=====####====
“So, are you two dating?” Carol asked as soon as we're seated in the dining area, beating Lucy out in asking the question first. My mom insisted that they should stay and have dinner since it's already past six in the evening. I'm glad she went out to meet another so-called client so I can act whatever I want and not worry about her scolding me in front of my friends and Cole.
“Yeah.” Cole answered with a smug.
“No!” I yelled, mostly at him.
“Syd, about earlier, it was an accident---”
“Shut the hell up! I don't care what you two did!” I snapped at Patty, who looked like she'll cry. I wonder how can a cry baby like her be a mean bitch at school.
“Hey, Syd. It's OK if you're dating you know. It's not like you're prohibited to date or something.” Lucy mumbled and I shot her an annoyed glare.
“I don't appreciate you talking nonsense crap, Lucy.” She just shrugged. What's wrong with them?Have they forgotten that I hate men?!
“Excuse me, miss... We will now serve your asparagus soup---” Rita stopped talking when she saw my angry stare. The two other maids, pushing a gueridon trolley with brimming hot soup, disappeared as soon as they saw my expression, leaving the trolleys behind. I guess they're smart except for this stupid girl who is still beside me waiting for my wrath.
“Get the frigging hell out of my sight, you imbecile!” I yelled at her and finally she scrammed from my sight crying like a baby. I heard Lisa giggled. She likes it the most when my mean streak is switched on. I saw Audrey jabbed her fingers into her ribs while Samantha is busy typing something on her Blackberry. I'm guessing she's texting her boyfriend, Luke.
“Dang! I love asparagus soup!” Samantha blurted after she finished her texting and realized the situation.
“So, I guess we'll have to serve ourselves, our own soup since the ladies that were supposed to serve us ran like a scaredy-cat.” Cole muttered in amusement.
“You!” I pointed my finger at Cole. “Why don't you get out of my house?!” I hissed and walked off. I was in front of the stairs when my phone vibrated in the front pocket of my personalized denim tattered shorts. I pulled it out and paled after reading the email.
From: Someone hating Miss Popular
Subject: Mean slut
T0: Sydney Wood
I WANT TO SCRATCH YOUR EYES OUT BITCH!
JUST YOU WAIT...
“Shit.” I whispered and sat on the first step of the staircase.
“Hey. Are you OK?” Cole knelt down in front of me and took my phone from my hand when I didn't answer. I didn't notice that he followed me. His dark brows creased as he read the email. “Damn it, Sydney. We have to report this. Can't you see? This is a death threat!” Cole stared at me with an angry look.
“No. I can't. I just can't... My mom... No please...” I begged and cried. I just can't burden Jacque with another problem as I did last two years ago... I shook my head violently to get rid of the horrible memory of that rainy night.
“I don't understand why, but fine. Just—He raised his voice to emphasize his next words---on one condition...”
“What?”
“I'll stay by your side to protect you.”
======####======
“Don't you have a place to go home to?” I asked still a bit irritated. He made me or rather forced me to agree on his silly condition so that he'll not spill about the threats I've been receiving, to my mom. The girls went home already half an hour ago. They knew not to bug me when I'm not in the mood, but this Cole is just insensibly dumb or trying to be dumb not to notice that I don't like him being around me. He even followed me to my room like a sick puppy trying to catch his owner's attention.
“Can't I sleep here?” He gave me a boyish grin that is so damn cute that I almost pinched his cheeks.
“In your wildest dream.” I answered in a clipped tone.
“You are in my wildest dream.” He teased.
“Oh, shut up.” He chuckled and laid down on my bed. I automatically kicked him in the gut.
“Aww! Are you a soccer player or something?”
“What?” I asked, confused. He grabbed my ankle and examined it.
“I wonder how can this slender leg kick like a pro...” He said, grinning and kissed the side of my ankle. I furiously kick him again in the face.
“What the fuck---” He muttered and grabbed his nose. “I think you broke my nose.” I crawled on the bed to check on him when he didn't move while covering his face.
“Hey. I'm sorry. You were so annoying so---Hey! Are you OK? I asked kinda worried and touched his arm when he didn't move. “Cole! C'mon, don't be an ass and answer me. I'm frigging getting worried!” I yelled and to my surprise, Cole moved so fast. In split seconds, he is now on top of me, pinning me down on my bed with a big grin on his face. Honestly, what's with this situation where I usually get pinned down lately? The lying bastard tricked me! Now I just want to really break his nose.
“So... Miss Popular is worried for a nobody like me?” He grinned bigger when he saw my flushed face.
“N-no. Of course not, stupid.” Nobody?! He thinks he's nobody when he acts like somebody who doesn't give a damn about my tantrums and that I'm the most popular girl in school whom most kids fear, and that he's messing with! I screamed in my head.
“Liar.” He ran his slender fingers on my cheek.” I jerked at his touch as it feels like a volt of electricity sparked my inner being as it usually does every time he touches me or our skin make contact. I drew deep breaths to calm myself only to inhale his pleasant male cologne. I cleared my fuzzy mind to compose myself and looked him in the eye.
“It's late. I wanna take a rest now. Buzz off already.” I said firmly and pushed him, but he leaned more closer.
“Don't wanna.” He mumbled, still grinning. I really want to smack his face to wipe off that stupid grin.
“Get lost moron!” I hissed.
“We have a deal. I'll not tell your mom or the police if---”
“Oh, C'mon! It doesn't mean you have to stick your ass on me 24/7!”
“But it's not safe. That psycho might come here---”
“Ha! Are you kidding me? If you don't know, we have the best and highly advance security system in this house. So, I don't need your annoying ass hanging around here all the time!” He stared at me bemused for a second then he sighed.
“Fine. I'll pick you up tomorrow.”
“What? No!” He kissed the tip of my nose and got up, leaving me jaded.
This moron is trying to boss me around! Me? Sydney Wood?! Ugh!
=====####=====
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xoxo,
Kenzhie A.