Unbreakable

Chapter 5: Can't Fight This Feeling

Chapter 5: Can’t Fight This Feeling

KEENE

A week passed. Then two, three, four. Kamie and I are still just friends. I’m so afraid of things moving to fast for her.  They certainly aren’t for me. A month seemed like a long enough time. I already have learned everything about her.

Maybe I could make her  fall in love with me. I’ll be subtle.

I took my first chance during English class on Friday.   

Jillian stops me in the hallway.

“You like her don’t you?” She asks me.

“What?”

“Kamie, you love her. Right?”

“Jill I… yeah, I do.” I blush.

“Well, she really likes guys who have manners. And make sure you flirt.”

“Well, how do I flirt with her without it being obvious?”

“Be subtle. Tell her you like something she’s wearing. Playfully touch her arm. Laugh at her jokes. Oh, and be funny. And make sure she knows that you’re listening and that you care. And smolder her.” She says quickly.

“I don’t think I can remember all of that.”

The bell rings and I run into class and take the seat next to Kamie.

“Hey.” She says.

“Hi.” I reply. “How was your day?”

“Uh, not good. My mom yelled at me for being a dissapointment. So, yeah.”

“Oh my god that’s so sad. Do you need a hug? Are you good? Are you fine? Are you depressed? It’s ok.” My voice started to become nervous and I talked quickly.

She laughs. “Are you high?”

I laugh loudly.

“Um, are you ok? “

“Kamie! Keene! Are you finished?” Our teacher, Mrs. James, shouts.

“It’s my fault Mrs. James. I’m sorry.” I tell her.

“Do you care to share with the class?”

“Um, we were discussing…” I search her room for an excuse and see a book lying on her desk.

“‘A Retrieved Reformation’.”

“You like that book?” She says, smiling.

“Oh yeah, I like when people… retrieve reformations.”

“Tell me Keene, who is the author of the book?” She crosses her arms.

Kamie slides me a piece of paper.

“O. Henry.” The paper reads.

“O. Henry.” I say.

“Well, don’t let it happen again.” She says, defeated.

“Thanks.” I whisper to Kamie.

She nods.

Kamie

I brushed off Keene’s weird spectacle in English class. I wanted to ask him about it at lunch, though.

I sit next to Keene and across from Jillian, just like we had always done. I always thought back to the first day of school, when I walked in with thick glasses and barely any makeup on. Things certainly had changed. The glasses were gone, but the makeup was on, and more of it too.

And I had 2 best friends. Except, the only thing was, I had a crush, a heart throb. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I want Keene to notice me, so taking the advice of Jill, I’m gonna flirt with him.

“So, what are you guys gonna do this weekend?” Jill asks us.

“Probably nothing.” Keene says.

I think of what Jill had told me. “Break the touch barrier. Be cute.” She’d said.

I playfully tap his hand “That’s funny I’m doing the same thing.” I say, twirling a piece of my hair around my finger.

“Compliment him, but lower your voice and smile so it’s intimate.”

“Really? That’s cool.” Keene says.

Jill watched me with pride.

I lean into whisper to him.

“I really like you’re shirt.” I say in a sexy voice.

He smiles- I think he was happy- and looks at the floor.

“Let him catch you staring at him, and when he does... smile.”

Dreamily, I stare at him. He looks up and I sheepishly grin at him. Then bite my lip and look away, as if I was embarrased by it.

Jill flashes me a smug smile.

“Drive him crazy with a fake secret.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” I ask, leaning next to him.

“Yeah.” He smiles brightly.

I act like I’m thinking about it, but then say “Never mind, it’s stupid… really stupid.”

“What is it?” He beams.

“It’s nothing!” I insist.

“Look into his eyes.”

I really don’t even need to do the last step; he was already putty in my hands.

“Do you believe in destiny?” I ask, tracing a circle on the table with my finger. While biting my lip, I slowly look in to his eyes.

Their warm copper brown makes me shiver. “Don’t loose your cool.” Jill had said.

He stares at me for a second. “Yeah. I do.” He says slowly.

Out of fear that I’d mess this up, I look down with a chuckle.

“I’m gonna go get some lunch, I’ll be right back.” Keene says.

As he gets up, Jill squeals with excitement.

“Oh my god! Kamie! He’s totally into you, he was dying right there!”

“Are you sure I didn’t freak him out?” This was definetly a weird state to be in: talking sexy

“Positive.” She smiles pridefully.