Unexpected Love [GXG]

Chapter 11: Hold Me?

An early update because you guys are so AWESOME!! Thank you so much for 100k!

POV: OLIVIA

I entered the same classroom the brunette disappeared into, and immediately, my eyes went on a search mission for a certain amber-eyed girl. A smirk tugged at my lips as soon as I spotted her, sitting at the back of the class. Quickly, I made my way over and took the seat next to her.

She was so focused on whatever she was reading that she didn’t even notice me.

Her simple, thigh-length navy-blue plaid skirt was hiked up further on her upper thigh as she sat with one smooth, milky, shapely leg crossed over the other. She leaned back in her seat with a book open on her lap. One hand mindlessly flipped the page while the other rested on the table, fingers fumbling with her bag strap.

Why the hell am I staring?!
I don’t do the staring — it’s supposed to be the other way around!

"Hey, partner," I said with a cheeky smile, snapping myself out of it.

The brunette jumped, like I’d yanked her out of her thoughts. She took a deep breath, like she was trying to steady herself. My grin grew wider at the effect I had on her. I was about to comment on it when the teacher cut in.

"Okay, class, you know the drill. Sit with your partners and discuss your projects," Mr. Tisdale said, retreating behind his desk to grade papers.

"So, what are we going to be doing today, partner?" I teased, my tone laced with playfulness.

She said nothing. Just stared at me with those big golden eyes before whispering, "Can we please work on the project later?" Her voice was so quiet, I instantly sensed something was wrong.

My blue eyes locked with hers, and I saw it right away — sadness, pooled deep in those amber orbs.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly.

"I’m fine," she snapped.

"Calm down, tiger. I was only trying to be nice, seeing as you’re not yourself today." My voice came out softer than I expected.

"I’m fine," she repeated, quieter this time.

"We can work after school, if you don’t mind dropping by mine?" I suggested, knowing something was clearly bothering her.

"Okay," she mumbled, eyes already falling back to her book. I decided to give her space for the rest of class.

Hours later, the bell rang, signaling the end of school.

"Want a ride?" I asked, standing from my seat. She raised her head and met my eyes, giving me a small nod.

"Okay. Meet me at the field when you’re done. I’ve got soccer practice, but it won’t take long." Another nod.

Something was definitely wrong. The Enid I’d come to know was never this quiet.

I left the room, glancing back one last time at the sad brunette before heading out.

๑

"Hey, captain," Callie, my teammate, greeted with a grin. She was already in her training clothes, sitting on the bench in the locker room and tying her shoelaces.

Callie had always been cool with me. She didn’t act intimidated, and she didn’t pretend to like me just because I was captain or one of the popular kids. She had short, light-brown hair and sparkling eyes that always seemed to smile. Short and spunky, that’s Cal.

"Hey, Cal. Is Coach here already?" I asked, digging into my duffel bag for practice clothes.

"No, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon," she said, standing and pulling her hair into a ponytail.