Dabbling In Sweetness

Chapter 9

My pen tapped nervously on the desk as I stared at the assigned book for my English class. It was a weird feeling being aware of my surroundings; usually, I was focused on the class itself and never made myself known much. However, this time was different.

Abacus sat to my right while Grayson sat to my left. This in turn left me reading the same sentence repeatedly as my pen threatened to break, but I didn't want to risk any repercussions of looking up and signaling to them to speak to me. I could sense their hostility for one another through the pages as they shot daggers into each other with one stare, me being the only thing holding them back.

As if on cue, "Amelia," issues from both sides. I gulped and lowered my book down a bit as I looked over from Abacus to Grayson who were both staring menacingly at each other, mad that they had spoken at the same time and now wondering who would speak next. They narrow their eyes at each other and quickly say my name.

"Amelia-" it comes out rushed from both sides that I'm able to pretend I didn't hear anything and move my book up again. I stare at the center of the page before the book is forcefully pushed down onto my desk and Abacus speaks up.

"Don't push her book away from her-" he tells Grayson.

"Don't tell me what to do," Grayson says but adds, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised the golden boy wants to act like he has authority."

Abacus scoffs, "Well we can't all have a stellar reputation as a delinquent like you, Archer."

Grayson scoots back his chair and tows over Abacus while holding his collar as Abacus defensively stares back at him, ready at a moment's notice to strike back. I can't help but curse my luck at the absence of our teacher at this very pivotal moment. The once chattering-filled room is now dead silent as all lingering gazes are watching the show unfold in front of them as if in a theater production.

"What did you call me, Kennedy?"

Abacus smiles and stands up, Grayson's hand still grasping his collar. "I called you-" he elaborated each word that I found myself cringing as I thought of what to do or say, "a- delinquent."

I saw Grayson's fist bawl up and swing down as Abacus' fist goes up but before impact, I quickly yelled out, "you needed to talk to me." They both freeze in their paths and turn to look at me in befuddlement. Grayson scoffs as an amused smile plays at his lips, lowering his guard, his hand falls limp by his side. Abacus uses his hand to remove Graysons clutching hand from his collar and they both stare at me with raised eyebrows.

"Who did you want to talk to first?" Abacus adds level headly. I gulped again, a question I did not think I needed to answer.

"Umm- right," I hesitated as I looked from one boy to the other, afraid if I picked wrong it would start a fight again. Making my decision I point at Grayson, I would be less nervous around him.

Making me regret my choice a little, Grayson gives Abacus, who sits down sulkily like a deflated balloon, a wide grin as he grabs my hand and ushers us out the door.

I looked around the empty hallway, making sure no teachers were going to catch us outside of class. I look exasperated at him. "Why did we have to leave the room?"

He looks at me as if unaware and gives me a blank face, "because privacy is very important to me."

"Really?" I ask incredulously, "because I remember you lurking through windows and seeing me in-" I lower my voice, "my undergarments."

Grayson laughs a hearty laugh at me. "That- was unintentional and you can say the word- bra."

I wince at the words coming from his mouth and clear my throat. "By the way- what is the deal between Abacus and you." Grayson's laugh cuts off as his eyes turn darker.