Lost Hope

Chapter Two

When we reach Lola outside her art class, Ryan automatically engages in a hug. Beck stands behind Lola's back and makes a heart sign with his fingers that Ryan scowls at. The heart quickly disappears when Lola turns around.

"What are you grinning at?" she asks Beck, narrowing her eyes.

"Oh, nothing."

Lola scoffs and rolls her eyes before turning to me. "So weird." She links her arm with mine and leads us towards the sixth form common room where we're able to enjoy our break away from the rest of the school.

We take our usual spot on the sofas where Brains is sitting with his laptop, spread out and saving the seats for us.

"Took your time," he says.

I glance over his plain T-shirt and his plain jeans which never have any logos or personality to them. He presses his glasses further up his nose and then runs his fingers through his dirty blonde hair that has grown slightly over the holidays. His blue eyes meet mine, so I quickly force the eye contact to stop by looking at his laptop instead.

"It's Beck's fault. He wanted everything from the vending machine," Lola complains.

"Not everything. Only six things. Calm yourself."

"I am calm," she says, but her eyes suggest different.

"Where's Will and River?" I ask.

"Here," a voice calls out from behind us. We all look up and smile at the couple who head towards us, both holding hands and unable to part from the other.

Their relationship is adorable. However, I don't think I could ever be like that with someone. I like my space and I despise public affection. For me, that would be my worst nightmare.

"Hey, lovebirds," Ryan calls out, grinning at the both of them.

"What did you guys get up to over the holidays?" Beck asks.

"We went on a double date," Lola quickly speaks before anyone else can. Her and River exchange smiles. "We need to do it again!"

"Definitely," River agrees.

Will and Ryan allow them to gossip while exchanging certain looks and expressions, talking without actually speaking. It's actually quite creepy to witness, so I look elsewhere while everyone catches up.

I look ahead at Brains...who's already staring at me with half a smile on his face.

I'm not in the mood for one of his games or pranks, so I immediately sigh. "What?"

"Nothing," he says innocently.

"Well it's clearly something. You're staring at me."

"You stared at me first."

I narrow my eyes. "No I didn't."

"You did."

I blow out a deep breath to calm myself. "You're so annoying."

"That's not very nice."

I look up and check. He's still smiling.

"It's the truth."

Brains slacks his jaw open and lets out an over exaggerated gasp.

I shake my head out of annoyance and try to concentrate on what the others are saying.

"Hey," Brains whispers, nudging my foot with his in the process.

"What?" I hiss.

"Wanna see something cool?"