Chasing Happiness (Rewritten Under My Other Story "It's Just Pretend")

Chapter 4

AN: Dina's above.

The next day, Anne marched into school in royal blue, button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to her elbows and her head held high. Black pumps adorned her feet, makeup was lightly applied on her face, and her usually tied up hair, fell down in soft, curly waves stretching to the small of her back. Gaping mouths greeted her at the gates. She straightened her pencil skirt and continued to find Claire.

"Where were you yesterday? I couldn't find y-" Claire couldn't find the words to finish her sentence. Should I ask about what happened to her arms, or compliment her attire? She should tell me what happened herself.

"Anne! You look fantastic!"

"Nah. I'm just average now."

"Don't be ridiculous! You look great." Anne chuckled quietly and shook her head. Claire's hazel eyes widened at the sight of Caleb stalking over like predator about to claim his prey. Pushing her to make her face him, he shoved a paper in her face.

"Look what I got in the mail! A transfer notice due to...... What was it? Oh yes. A police issued restraining order! It doesn't contain a name, but any guesses Anne?" he growled. She smirked smugly and took him by surprise.

"Hmmmmm.... This a hard," she feigned innocence and tapped her chin, "Oh yes! I remember! I did it. I wonder why though... Oh! I filled it out when you did this." She stuck out her arms, very faintly aware of a crowd gathering and the bell ringing, indicating that class started in six minutes.

"Some of these will heal, but see this extra deep one? That will scar and leave a permanent reminder of what you did to me."

"HE STOLE YOU FROM ME!" Caleb bellowed.

"I WAS NEVER YOURS TO STEAL! Now Caleb, I suggest you get to class or the teacher might mark you tardy." Taking a very stunned Claire's hand, she pivoted on her heel and walked away. The crowd made a hole for her to walk through before dispersing. Caleb stood there alone glowering. We will be together Anne. Even if it means being with you in the afterlife. Mark my words...

*break*

The first day of fourth grade, Jarod walked into class last. I was already seated with no one next to me. His buddies called him over, but he chose to sit by me. He smiled that dazzling smile, and just like that, I fell for him. Our mums met later on at some school assembly and have been the best of friends since. I can't wait to see him third hour! I gonna do it! I'm going to tell him how I feel. Anne's mind buzzed with delight. She was looking forward to seeing him in the one class they shared; it was always the highlight of her day. He made her feel safe and warm inside. He was there when she needed someone to catch her and hugged her close when she needed someone to comfort her. Anne heels clicked as she walked into her cooking class. Jarod sat there staring at her in awe. He had heard her yelling to Caleb this morning, but Dina pulled him away. In fact, her entire class gazed at her slack-jawed. She walked to her and Jarod's assigned kitchenette.

"Hey," he whispered breathlessly, "You look... gorgeous." She muttered an awkward thank you in reply. Over and over, she tried to tell him just how much she cared for him, but she couldn't find the words to describe it. The desire to tell him coursed through her. Oh how she wished she could cradle his beautiful face in her hands, look him in the eyes, and say that she loves him before allowing him to steal her first kiss. But she didn't. They worked silently together like the day in Ms. Jansen's class, barely aware of anyone else's presence besides each other's. They moved in perfect synchronization, not even needing to speak to know what the other required. Anne strained hot, penne pasta over the sink. Her mind wandered and she fantasied and planned how to make Jarod aware of her feelings for him. As she was distracted, she accidentally poured some of the scalding water onto her hand. Letting out a short, quiet yelp, she set down the pot and shook her hand wildly. Her small cry was only heard by Jarod. He rushed over, took her hand in his, and doted over her minor injury. Her face tinted a bright shade of scarlet and she looked up at him through her eyelashes. This proximity is killing me. He is so gentle and caring in his words and actions. Oh my... His eyes. His beautiful eyes. I could get lost in them forever. Her breath grew shallow and she bit her bottom lip subconsciously. His gaze lifted and met hers, his breathing matched that of the petite girl standing before him. Everything moved in slow motion. His thoughts jumbled as he fell head first into her grey eyes. How can she make feel like this just by looking at me and biting her lip? Oh Anne... The smell of her lavender shampoo wafted up to his nose as she inhaled the scent of his subtle cologne. Ever so slowly, their faces inched closer. RRRIIINNNNGGGG!!!! The bell interrupted them and they jumped apart, crimson heat crawled up their neck and threatened to give away their embarrassment. Book bags in hand, they parted ways.

*break*

"We were so close Claire! I almost got my first kiss. From Jarod!" Anne sighed in regret, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what happened with Caleb before. I was scared."

"Girl, you don't have to explain. I totally understand. I'm sorry about what happened... I should have been there for you!"

"You're here now Claire. I'm fine. Someone's at the door and no one is home again. My idiot twin brother's got a baseball game. Gotta go now, bye." Anne hit the "end call" button and slipped on her soft, black dressing gown. Peering through the peephole, she saw Jarod. She unlocked the door and opened it.

"Hey Jarod. Why are you-" He cut her off with a hug.

"I'm so sorry Anne I should have known. I just realized," he mumbled into her hair. The difference in height made her feel protected.

"I have something to do now. I need to go." Placing a tender kiss on her forehead, he left without another word. Anne stood, flabbergasted, in the doorway. She leaned on the doorframe.

"What just happened?"

*break*

"Hey babe." Dina threw her arms around his neck and tried to kiss him. He placed his entire hand on her face, holding her back.

"Yeah, no. It's over Dina. We've been together for only two weeks, and I realized that I don't love you. Or like you for that matter. All I know, is that we're through." He turned and walked away. Seething, she stomped to cut him off in the driveway. She pulled back her arm to slap him, but it made it just an inch from his face before he caught it.

"That's unkind Dina! I'm shocked!" His facial features contorted in mock surprise. Throwing down her hand he continued on his way.

"Oh he's gonna regret doing that. I'll make sure of it," she hissed under her breath.