The Hushed Hazel Eyes {SS}

2. A Cookie for the Hazel-Eyed Boy!

The next day when I walked inside the school campus, all eyes were centred on me. I could hear them whispering about something related to me sitting with Neil. My heart started beating faster. What had I done? Was it something bad? I ascended the stairs, avoiding eye contact.

A girl came up to me, "I heard you were sitting with Neil." She had light green eyes and straight brown hair. I smiled at her, "Hi." I said out of courtesy. She scowled at me making my grin waver."Uh Yes, I was sitting with him."

"Listen new girl." She said taking a step towards me."Stay away from him. He's bad news."

I frowned at her words."I'm sorry but he looked alone."

"There's a reason, he's alone. So, stop being the attention seeker and get away from him," she snapped at me and sashayed away.

"Excuse me, pretty girl," I called out for her.

"What?" She replied in a sharp tone.

"Thank you for your concern." I smiled at her genuinely, she rolled her eyes and walked away. She's nice, I guess.

I glanced at Neil, he was dressed in a black t-shirt, dark blue washed jeans and black converse and his black leather jacket. I waved at him, he just looked at me blankly and turned to leave. I quickly sprinted after him. As I got closer, I smiled at him, "Good morning."

When he didn't say anything, I continued."Remember me, Avni Mae Shaye. We share AP Calculus, yesterday I disturbed you at lunch as well as in the library. Then I told you how beautiful you are and later you told me your name, Neil Ares Ray." He stopped walking as he turned to me.

"Aren't you happy to see me?", I asked, but much to my dismay he turned back and started walking again. I sighed as I walked inside the class and settled in my allotted place.

The class began filling and soon Professor Snape started taking attendance."Ray?" I looked at Neil and he nodded making him scowl.

He was busy explaining the concept of differential equations to the class when the bell rang.

I sighed as Neil left the class before anyone else. As much as I wanted to follow him, I fought the urge and went to my next class. Once again, I could hear the kids whispering when I entered the room. I shrugged them off.

When I sat in my place, I could feel the sadness in my heart. Maybe Neil has got a short memory. It's okay if he forgot me, I'll talk to him again.

As I mentally prepared to write my next essay, a voice from the back halted my thoughts."Oi New girl."

The boy from the back, a tall slim boy with medium brown hair, dark brown eyes and an intimidating set of muscles stopped by me. "What's your name?" He asked in a deep voice. I stood and turned, "Avni." I said quietly with a small smile.

He hummed as the others watched us intently."So Avni you've been seen with Ray, a lot lately."

He nodded to himself as he spoke."Stay away from him if you don't want yourself in trouble." He seriously stated.

"Why is everyone telling me that?", I frowned.

"Just do what I say.", he seethed as he turned to leave.

"And what if I don't." I countered back. No way in hell was I listening to them unless they give me some solid reason. He turned back to me as he smirked."Then you will get into trouble as well."

"I care less," I stated boldly. He sneered as he left giving me a last glance.

The class began and soon it was lunch again. Once again, I was excited to meet Neil. As I walked inside the cafeteria, I spotted him sitting in his usual place.

Alone again.

It means no one talks or befriends him. What kind of people are they?

"Hi, Neil." The hazel-eyed boy glanced at me and then back down at his book. He looked like he was really into it.

"I won't waste your time like yesterday but here-" I forwarded the other lunch box I brought for him, something in me knew he won't be having lunch today as well, so I'd asked Mumma to pack another one,"- A half sandwich is no meal. I got you a full meal today and an additional choco-chip cookie, enjoy." I placed the lunch box in front of him as I turned to go back to Mrs Zara.

Once again I felt him grab my bag and pull me back to where he was sitting."What are you doing?" I asked.

He pointed to the chair in front of me and nodded.

Once again, I heard everyone gasping and before I knew it, I'd snapped at everyone to shut the hell up and mind their own damn business.

Turning back, I beamed with pride as I sat down before him. I unwrapped my food and began to stuff my mouth. He was staring at me making me embarrassed. I quickly wiped my face, he must be thinking how much of a hungry soul I was, but to my utmost surprise, I saw his lips twitch.

I couldn't know what he was thinking, because as soon as I blinked, the slightest of emotions got replaced by his usual bored look.

"Why aren't you eating?" I asked him glancing at the food that was kept in front of him untouched.

Slowly, he took a bite of the burrito and began to eat. His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed and looked at me again. I was done with my burrito as well as my cookie till the time he completed his.

But one cookie was never enough. I wanted more. I caught the sight of his lunch box where the chocolate goody was kept untouched.

I must have waited for him to finish first.

As I repacked the lunch boxes, he slid the cookie to my side.

"No. No, it's yours." I shook my head feeling utterly embarrassed.

"Clearly you love it more." His words were followed by silence. Utter, deafening silence. The students were staring at him as if they'd never heard his voice before. Eventually, when the silence didn't subside, he looked up and I swear I saw the fear flash in the kids' eyes as they looked away and pretended to continue their conversation.

"Eat.", he ordered in his baritone voice.

I frowned as things didn't seem to weave in my head but nevertheless I concentrated on the more important matter in my hands which was the cookie. I divided it into two pieces and handed him one, while the other went straight in my mouth.

The bell rang and once again we departed. I was walking behind him, feeling rather happy when he suddenly stopped and gave me a look to which I calculated him asking why I was following him."I'm skipping."

He looked at me blankly as he started walking in the direction of my class. I followed him. "Really?

"Go.", he said quietly.

"I'll see you after school?", I asked hoping and praying he'd say yes.

He gave me a curt nod and just before I could enter the class, I heard him."I'll see you Avni Mae Shaye."

My heart swelled with happiness, he was pretending.

He remembered me well.

And I made him talk as well.

And I ate lunch with him.

That's a lot of progress.

Tomorrow's mission: Make the silent boy smile.

***