With A Cherry On Top

Chapter Five: This isn't a cat fight

Song: Someone To You by BANNERS

Chapter Five: This isn't a cat fight

"This doesn't make me feel better." I whined.

I met Zane in the kitchen like I had promised. He was pressing a frozen bottle of water on my wrist.

"It would later."

I tried grabbing the bottle from his hand, but he wouldn't budge. "I can do it myself."

"I know."

I jumped from where I was sitting on the kitchen counter. "So let me."

He didn't reply. I yanked my hand away. "I'm going home."

I walked towards the door before I could leave, he asked:

"Should I walk you?"

I gave him an incredulous look. "Who are you and what have you done with The Pompous Zane Rivers?"

"I'm serious, Cherry."

"You kinda mentioned that before. Plus, I can walk myself. I live next door, remember? I can handle myself."

"It didn't seem like it when Noah was all over you."

"He wasn't all over me." I scoffed.

He raised his brows.

"It was a one-time thing, and I don't go to a lot of parties so it's not my fault."

"Then why did you come to this one?"

"My friend needed my help. I had to come."

He was quiet for a second, then nodded. "So how about I walk you?"

"It's fine, Zane. Thanks." I tried to step around him, but he but he stepped in my front.

I scanned his face and then it clicked. For someone who hadn't talked to me all week, he was real chatty this night. "Are you drunk?"

He seemed taken aback by the question, but then replied with a chuckle. "Maybe a little. And by the way, what are you wearing?"

"Haven't you heard? It's the latest trend." I touched his leather jacket. "That's a little out of date."

"Is it?"

"Like totally." I joked.

Silence hit us as his green eyes pierced through mine.

"Look, I've had a bad night and you male species are the cause. I'm tired and I just want to go home."

I walked around him and this time, he let me. "Good night, Cherry." I heard him mutter as I walked away.

Good. I'm drained. I'm never stepping foot into a party again.

*********

By Monday, I was so over Leyla's cold shoulder. I had to find out what's going on. So during lunch, I asked. It didn't turn out well. They were all sitting at the table when I got there.

I sat down at my usual spot. "Leyla, I can tell you're ignoring me. I'd like to know why."

It's either she didn't hear me or she was continuing the practice of silence she started with me recently.

"Leyla!" I exclaimed. Not loud enough for other tables in the cafeteria to hear though. I didn't want to cause a scene.

She continued eating as if I wasn't practically yelling her name.

"Leyla, come on." Zahra spoke. Leyla looked at her, raised her brows and asked, "Oh, so you're taking her side?"

"I'm not taking anyone's side because I don't even know the problem." She replied.