Irish Oxytocin

Riley | 3

                            ❁ Chapter 3 ❁

I let my anxiety build up during the last two periods of the day. Just the thought of being around him for longer than ten minutes made an inner eruption bubble in the pit of my stomach.
Jamie and Ella tried to dispel it for my own good. They made it a learning lesson. More for them than me. The more time I spent with Gallagher, the more we could all learn about him. Yet, I couldn't even describe it. It was like being partnered with someone you absolutely hate. That wasn't necessarily the case, though. I didn't hate Nolan, and I knew what needed to be done. I just didn't like it, nor could I change it.
The real question was, did I want to change it? The magnetic pull was undeniable; I can't pretend it's not there. In which, I was letting myself feed into the pull without a fight.

The last bell rang finally dismissing us all to go home. It echoed loudly as the sonorous metal clanged amongst itself.
I eagerly scooped up my things, not daring to wait for Chase and Jamie to catch up. I heard them whisper to each other quietly as I stormed out of the class. My movements weren't from excitement, though.

I made my way over to my locker as quickly as I could. The students filled up the hallways attempting to quickly grab their things, and leave the building. The constant swing of the heavy exit doors welcomed a much warmer breeze from this morning. Spring was approaching as I had originally hoped, and it was clear. The trees would start to bloom in bright greens and buds, and blossoms would split to welcome the season of new beginnings.

My free hand pushed people gently out of my way. They clung to their friends bags and their lockers as I scurried through each hallway. The warmer weather also welcomed end of year plans that we had been waiting for since last November.
When I got to my locker, I anxiously packed my books and notes before slamming my locker door closed. I was sure I forgot a couple of assignments, but my mind was distracted by other things to remember what I needed. I probably looked like a toddler having a temper tantrum, and I almost felt like it too. I didn't bother to wait for the group, even when I heard their loud, mellowed voices echo from down the hall.
I went to put my bag over my shoulder when I heard a new, but familiar voice.

"Hey," Nolan said, appearing out of nowhere.
I jumped at the sound of his voice, dropping my bag out of my hands. It hit the floor with a hammered clap.
I huffed in frustration.
"Jesus, Nolan! You freaking startled me," I snapped frantically.
"Maybe put the straps to use, and you wouldn't drop things," he challenged.
I rolled my eyes and turned away from him, bending down to grab my bag. I let out a soft sigh as I heard him chuckle.
I shifted my head just a bit as I pulled my bag up from the floor.
"What?" I snapped.
He chuckled again.
"Uh, sorry. It's just, the soft pink underwear you have on looks lovely," he huffed quietly, so only I would hear.

I quickly stood to my feet as my cheeks flushed red. My bag was wrapped in my arms tightly as I closed my eyes in embarrassment. I was still facing away from him.
"Maybe avoid flashing the whole world while you're at it though, love. I don't think the rest of our peers can control themselves from the thoughts of you in those as I can," he whispered in my ear cockily.
I turned around as I wrapped my bra strap around my shoulder.

"What the hell...but If you didn't-"
Nolan interrupted me by gently placing his finger on my lips in a desperate hush. I paused, looking down as his finger quickly slid off my bottom lip. His hands were soft and gentle. It startled me again.
I could feel his smirk wilt against my hair as I shut up immediately from his touch. His expression was almost smug as if my reaction pleased him.
"You talk too much," he groaned.
My stomach churned as I pushed him away from me.

"Do you think you're cool, or something?" I questioned with annoyance, swiping off non-existent dust off my shoulders.
He rolled his eyes and put his hands in his pockets. It was clear his failed attempt to affect me annoyed him right back.