1: don't judge by appearances (m a x i m i l i a n)
I missed u bby
Meet me behind school
Need a kiss from u ;)
I’m w8n for u @ school babes!
Yo man, where r u? Gemma’s been lookin all over for u
I let out a heavy sigh as I scrolled through some of my text messages. Fifty were from Gemma Meyer, one of my holiday flings. Apparently she thought we were serious, and that the relationship would continue for the new year. The last text was from my best friend Nate Walsh.
Guess she was pulling some desperate measures and digging her claws into my friends now. I shouldn’t be surprised. She’s been texting me since seven a.m., one every. Single. Minute. I really should be more careful about what girl I get together with.
I ran a hand through my hair as I left the safety of my Mercedes and headed up to the school. A group of my friends were outside, and sure enough, Gemma had her hands wrapped tight around Nate’s arm. She caught sight of me fast, and let go with a bright smile. She ran up to me (or maybe “barreled into me” is a more accurate description) and threw her arms around me.
“Maximilian! You didn’t reply to my texts at all!” she said with a pout. “I missed you!”
I met Nate’s eyes. He smirked at me and mouthed ‘good luck.’ Luck. I’ll definitely need that to detach this crazy girl.
I looked down at her again. “Let’s go somewhere, uh, private.”
Her eyes lit up. “Okay!”
I detached myself from her as gently and inconspicuously as possible. I led her into the school, walking slightly ahead of her so I didn’t have to hold her hand or anything. I entered an empty classroom, and she quickly tried to kiss me. I pushed her gently but firmly, and she got the hint. Her green eyes widened.
“What’s wrong?” I could hear some fear in her voice. I swallowed.
“I liked spending time with you,” I said slowly. “But I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“Why?” her voice went up an octave. Crap.
“I don’t want to tie myself down. I think we both want different things. We can’t work. You want a relationship. I don’t.”
“I don’t need one!” she said desperately. “I’m fine with being one of your girls!”
“I’m sorry,” I said. I patted her awkwardly on the shoulder and attempted to leave the classroom, but she stepped into my path, and I had to stop or else I would have bumped into her.
“I won’t accept this!” she said fiercely. “I can be a fling! Why can’t we do that?”
“It’s time to move on, Gemma,” I said, trying not lose my temper. I hated clingy girls the most. “Find a boyfriend. He’ll treat you better than I do.”
“I don’t care how you treat me!” she insisted.
I finally let out a frustrated sigh. “Let me go, Gemma. I need to get to class.” The warning bell rang right as I finished my sentence.
“Please!” she begged. “I can be the girl you want! Just don’t—”
The door to the classroom banged open, revealing Nate. He took one look at the hysterical state that Gemma was in, shook his head, and walked over, seizing her arms in a firm grip.
“Go,” he told me. “You’re the one she wants. I’ll see you in class.”
“Thanks, man, I owe you one!” I called over my shoulder as I made a hasty getaway.
I dashed to class. The seats were mostly empty already. There were two open seats at the end of the row. I sank down, banging my book bag on the desk. The teacher strode in. Nate was going to be marked late at this rate.
“Looks like you had quite the morning,” an amused voice said from beside me.
“Doesn’t even begin to describe what I just dealt with,” I said warily, turning to the speaker. My jaw dropped in shock.
It was Lisa Reds. She had changed a lot during the winter break. Gone was the painfully shy, practically nonexistent girl with her long white blonde hair hanging in front of her face, always in plain, baggy clothing. She was only known because of Wanda and Tiara Hordes, the popular twins that got along with everybody. They were always with Lisa, making them known as the Odd Trio. If it weren’t for Lisa’s friendship with them, she wouldn’t be known at all.
She had gotten a haircut, for one. She had bangs now, and her hair was slightly wavy. With her hair out of the way, her light blue eyes made their startling appearance. Her skin was flawless, but pale, with only a faint pink in her cheeks, probably with the help of blush. She no longer had on sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt with lame sayings on it. She had on tight black jeans, a white ribbed tank top, and a black leather jacket. And so help me, she had a chest. It was hard to keep my eyes off of it.
She looked good, and she had an aura of confidence radiating off of her, making her more appealing. My face must have betrayed my feelings, because a smirk appeared on her face. “Like what you see?”
I wasn’t the only one who had a sudden attraction to her. Glancing around the classroom, I could see most of the guys had their eyes on her, including the nerdy guy beside her.
I made my face carefully blank. “I’m not the only one.”
She looked around, seeing what I meant. A smile tugged at her lips. They were so full, so kissable . . . Snap out of it! I ordered myself.
Nate burst into the classroom then, dragging my attention away from her. This is the second time that Nate saved me, not that this time was intentional. He mumbled a hasty apology to the teacher as he looked around the class. He found me and made his way towards me, plopping heavily into the seat like I did.
I leaned towards him. “Look at the girl beside me,” I muttered into his ear.
He complied, and his eyes bugged out. “Is that Lisa Reds?” I couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction.
“I know. I was shocked too.”
He shook his head in exasperation. “Is she your next target now?”
“She would be my greatest conquest.” I turned back to look at her. She was now busy having a conservation with Nerd Boy. His face was glowing with happiness. He looked like he would be willing to do anything for her at that moment.
It made me irritated for a moment. Why wasn’t she talking to me? I was better looking and way more charming than that tool.
I frowned. What was wrong with me? Why should I care? I hastily turned around, finding Kelly Peters. I began flirting with her with a vengeance, turning my charm on.
There were other girls I could have. I didn’t need a difficult girl right now. Not ever. Especially after Gemma.
