Trying Not To Like You

Chapter 3: Caught Off Guard

Jade

"I'm listening." Alistair was waiting curiously on what I was about to say next.

"Be my pretend boyfriend." I declared immediately before doubt crept in.

"Care to elaborate?"

"Trevor, one of the teacher's assistant here is my ex-boyfriend. We broke up because he implied that I was too predictable. I want to show him that I can be the opposite."

"Why me?"

"You're the perfect candidate for the part. You're fun, exciting and the frontman of a popular band. He will not expect that I will choose you to move on from him. This will affect his ego."

"What's in it for me?"

"I'll make sure Prism gets to play at Spotlight."

"Really?"

"You're the top choice according to our online poll. Majority of the Student Council members agree. They are just waiting for my final decision."

Alistair remained silent for a while contemplating on my offer. "You've got yourself a deal, Prez. When do we start?"

***

When the thought of the interaction and the kiss from Alistair were playing on repeat inside my head, I couldn't help but get flushed. What have I done? His lips are soft.

"Jade, I can't believe you did that." Kara's outburst made me snapped out of it.

"I panicked. Seeing Trevor so excited in chatting with the new assistant, my irritation got me. The second I knew, I was kissing Alistair and proposing to him that we start dating," I told her in a rush.

She sighed, "To be honest, that is good thinking. Make Trevor see the new you who has moved on with the hot vocalist of Prism. Next time, double the action with an ultimate PDA." My best friend could get fired up so easily.

I asked her goofing aside, "What's that?"

She rolled her eyes and flipped her silky, straight brunette hair. "It's called public display of affection, duh!" We both burst out laughing.

"Let's go get something to eat. Talking about this makes me hungry." I dragged her away from our favorite spot in school but she protested.

"You're always hungry! Oh well, I can think of many ways to make Trevor go nuts when he sees you two together with my stomach full," she declared.

Lunch break was over and we went to our homeroom. I had music which meant meeting Alistair for the first time after sealing the deal. I entered the room straight ahead to my seat. I could feel his stare but I tried to ignore him. I was the only one getting nervous about our arragement. He was sure of himself.

Mrs. Montgomery, our professor who looked much younger than her age of fifty, came in and told the class in a commanding manner to settle down.

"Class, we're going to have a school project for this term. I'm going to assign each one a partner. You're going to come up with a musical presentation of your choice. This will be your examination. The concept will be called Retrospect. Your presentation must be in line with the said concept. Guidelines will be given to everyone so that one will not get confused." Our teacher began calling out names.

Beca turned towards me while her wavy, coffee-brown locks partly covered her oval face. She said in a low voice, "I wish we could be partners, Jade. I really want to ace this."

I responded, "I hope so. What you did for me on my first performance for this class was great."

It felt like eternity for Mrs. Montgomery to finish. Beca and I weren't called yet. We were keeping our fingers crossed.

"We're getting to a close. Beca is pairing up with Carter. Jade's partner will be Alistair." The announcement from our teacher made me groan inwardly. I'm supposed to be with Beca. Why?

"We will get lucky next time, Jade." Beca couldn't hide her disappointment. "Carter?"

"It's going to be fine. I really wish we could be partners but Mrs. Montgomery has another thing in mind," I consoled her.

We were about to meet with our partners when the teacher announced, "You can talk about the project after class. I have to discuss the guidelines to keep you on track. It is better that you students understand the guidelines." Everyone listened carefully. The bell rung and we left the class.

My phone beeped and it was Kara. She left a message that her mom will be picking her up and will be doing some shopping with her. School was over but I decided not to leave yet and went for a walk around the campus.

Every time Alistair's words echoed in my head, "You've got yourself a deal. When do we start, Prez?" I got nervous and anxious at the same time.

"Is there something that's been bugging you lately?" Someone muttered that I almost jumped. It was Alistair.

"You scared me! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" I placed a hand on my chest.

He just laughed, "I don't. I've been meaning to make your heart do somersaults."

I countered, "You wish!"

He chuckled at my comeback. "So, where's Loverboy?"

"I haven't seen him yet. Have you?"

"Nah, what's your next move in the plan?"

"I'll let you know. I've been waiting for Kara's creative ideas."

"Ah, Kara Thompson. You have two cunning accomplices. Good." He made a point. Without them, I couldn't pull this off.

"By the way, what are we doing for our music class project?" I reminded him.

"I want to write an original song. What do you think?" He stated in a whim.

It had never occurred to me that he was planning to compose his own song. Cool! I thought.

"That would be great! Have you written some before?" I was curious.

"Sadly, no. I've always wanted to. It's just that I can't write anything no matter how hard I try." He explained in all seriousness.

"Sorry to hear that. What about your band?" This made me wonder.

"We do song covers mostly. It's frustrating because everyone aspires to release an original. Nobody is interested in writing it but me. They just want to play the song when it's done," he responded.

"You need an inspiration," I suggested casually, smiling at him.

"I think I do. I have to find one." He smiled in return and quickly looked away.

The conversation faded and we walked together in silence. It was not awkward at all. It felt like we had mutual understanding that everything will work out in the future.

Alistair unexpectedly pulled me closer to him in a full embrace. His cologne smelled heavenly. He whispered in my ear. "Loverboy is around. Better stay still."

I craned my neck and caught sight of Trevor. I really wanted him to witness this display. We were like this for a while.

"I guess we can let go now. His car is gone. I hope he saw everything." He mentioned while making sure that Trevor is no longer in the area.

I wanted us to stay like this. I was getting warm fuzzies. My reaction was unbelievable. "I'm hoping he did or else our effort will be wasted," I answered in return.

We were about to go when a familiar figure made us stop. She was utterly dumbfounded. "Seriously, are you two dating?"

We both faced the slim girl carrying a large guitar case. It was Beca Anderson. We were caught off guard. We only stood still.

A/N

What? Did you guys see that one coming? I would like to hear your thoughts.

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Bye for now! 😊

Beca Anderson will be played by Anna Kendrick.