The HOE Code

Chapter Eight

"I swear, I didn't do it on purpose!" Sam huffed, as I chased him down the hallway.

"Then why don't you slow down and we get it settled?" I screamed, as my lungs felt needy of air.

Just how long have I been chasing the jerk in the dorm? Jesus gave that asshole legs, and he sure knows how to use them well. But I am no quitter. I love the score settled, and well, this one's not going to be one-love. Ah! If you still can't figure out, all it takes is one game of badminton to know that love means nothing. Nothing at all.

"I am sorry, honey. I don't want to die in your arms!" Sam said slowing down, half a metre away from me as he ran all the way to the dorm grounds.

"Ain't it too late to regret it? You asshole!" I kicked him on the butt, and he landed on the grass with a thud.

"Come on! Don't beat my ass on the school grass. No girl would ever date me!" He whined.

"And whose fault is that?" I crossed my arms. Seriously, it's ten seconds till I strangle him and leave. Let's just hear the last words before the poor man dies. I let out a sigh.

"See, Sherry wanted you to be with the other HOEs. I had to help her!" Sam wiped the dirt off his face.

He pulled at the hem of his jersey, and a moment later, he laid waist naked on the grass. The setting sun showered his cheeks with crimson kisses, and what felt like the glint of an orange gem, his blue eyes sparkled as the evening cascades.

His hands rested on either of his sides, and then he stared up at the sky. His neck forming a graceful arc as the crimson beamline looked down on us. Or maybe just him. I wasn't worth looking at, but Sam... was breathtaking.

"See, I really didn't want to mess with you. You're scary as fuck. But, I really had no say in this!" Sam sat straight, his eyes meeting mine and I found my lips curling at the ends. Don't smile. Don't. Smile. Please. He saw you naked.

"Oh really? What else?" I grinned out of control as my self control gets jabbed in the back by the momentary crush on Sam's bare body. Oh. Fuck. Did I just say crush? Don't go there. Stupid hormones!

"Chances are that these might be my last words, so let me tell the truth- Your Barley-ness!

Sherry is not my girlfriend. I am not her chauffeur either. But it's complicated between us. Nothing that concerns you. But I don't want to hurt you. Or anyone else. We cool?" Sam huffed as he extends his arm.

"Okay. Maybe I forgive you. One last time." I took his arm, holding it firmly as we shook hands. I could feel them a little moist. Was it really that hot?

"Friends?" He said, pulling me all the way down so my front lays pressed against his. The hint of his sweat, fused with the setting evening dew on the grass, and my favorite vanilla perfume were giving me a scentgasm. There's definitely something wrong with the air!

"I thought you were done being cocky!" I elbowed him when he dodged the blow and rolled over. What the fuck dude?

"Sam, this isn't funny!" I complained.

"Because it's not supposed to be, Marley."

I felt my breath hitched.

"You kicked my ass. How can I let that slip by?" He smirked.

"Are you kidding me? We talked it a second ago!" I said hysterically, completely aware of the warmth on my cheek. The feel of his fingers on my arm, as he kept me pressed.

"You are one to talk!" I gasped when his fingers brushed my forehead.

"Pfft." Sam laughed. Letting me go as he sits back, and then laughs loud enough for everyone to hear him. His cheeks sink in to give away the dimples, his freckles lay blazed under the sunlight, and his eyes, so lively and blue. But, what the fuck?

"You should have seen your face!" Sam snorted, getting a hold of his jersey as he stands on his feet and I laid covered in grass. Jeez. How did the tables turn? Because you were acting horny, Dumbo! My brain recollected and I could feel my cheeks flushed. Were they red? Did he notice? This can't be happening!

"You!" I gritted my teeth, trying to get up when Sam jogs away.

"Don't be late. The car to the Frat party leaves in five minutes. Hello from the driver!" He winked back. I swear I am going to kick him in his cojones the next time we meet.

"You better watch out for me, asshole!" I yelled as loud as I could.

So, in a matter of five minutes, I was alone. In the middle of the grass patch of probably the most esteemed school in the States, after being fooled by a guy? Where does that leave me? A two-love score? Oh fuck. I have never felt so violated in my life. Like ever. Accepting Timotheé and Zendaya make a good pair was tolerable. But this? Not in seven lives. I have to say this again, but I am not settling for Sam making a fool out of me.

"Ugh! How do I get all this grass out of my dress! They are leaving!" I cried, standing on my feet, when I saw someone's gaze afixed on me. A boy. With raven black hair. His lip ring gleamed in the sunlight, and his eyes were too dark to give away any secrets. Was he watching the whole damn time? Was I worth a good laugh? Had he wished he had popcorn? Fuck. He must think I am a loser too! But where's the lie?

"How long have you been there?" I asked, and his eyes met mine.

"As long as I was supposed to be." He said. Turning around. What's his deal? This is the second time I have seen him stalk me!

"Stop. You are that boy from yesterday!" I recalled, catching upto him in no time as he walked slowly along the pavements.

"I thought you were not interested!" He said, and I took my time gawking at how long he actually was. I- Um. Fuck. Was he a six feet eight? Or maybe a seven?

"I said I didn't want friends!" I walked along, straightening my dress as he stopped in his stance and turned to me.

"Why are you hanging out with them then?" He asked, moving his fingers across my hair as stubs of grass fell off. He bit his lip ring, his eyes too concentrated on his fingers, and then there was the black-all shirt and pants, enough for him to look like be didn't fit in the scene. Certainly not where there was supposed to be birds cornering in their nests, the sun weeping goodbyes to the sky, and the night walking in its splendour, then how did it all not matter. The realisation hit me.

"Are you stalking me? Is my mom paying you for this?" I asked, wide eyed and he snorted a laugh.

"You're funny!" He kept walking, and I rolled my eyes.

"Hey, wait!" I said, as he walked past the gate.

"I wait for none. Not when I am not welcomed!" He said, not turning back at all.

"Let's talk. Let's be friends. Whatever. Just stop." I blurted, and he freezed.

Thank God!

"I have a feeling things are going to get interesting!" He said, and I couldn't help but notice the uneasiness in my heart. Who the hell is he?