The Story of us

Chapter Four: Falling into their games

By the time Friday came around, my first week at Kensington College was over and Kevin Grey hadn't been to school for two days. I had only caught glimpses of 1D during the week, strutting around and not lifting a single finger while the rest of the school carried out their dirty work. The sight of Zayn Malik's self-satisfied smirk was unbelievably infuriating, leaving me in such a state that my mum commented she hadn't seen so much passion alight in my face and eyes apart from when I was playing the violin. Of course, she had no idea, just like the rest of the world outside of Kensington's walls, what was the true cause of my emotions.

Another week of classes, homework and violin practice eclipsed and, apart from the excessive lifestyles and disdainful attitudes of my peers, life at Kensington took on a familiar groove. I was even getting used to the crazy receptions that 1D received whenever they appeared in our midst, and as much as I hated to admit it, the fact that they were above all regular rules of common courtesy and decency was something I was starting to subconsciously accept. Such was the mentality of Kensington College.

"Layla! Did you do the trig homework due next period?" Danielle demanded as soon as she appeared at our usual table in the cafeteria. She looked a little wild and flustered. I chuckled.

"Only just realised again?" I said, taking out my book and handing it to her.

"Yes - thank you, LaylaBelle, I love you!" she called before rushing back out to go to the library, no doubt.

Contemplating a lunch alone, I took out Mum's sandwiches. People didn't bother too much with the "little commoner" anymore; even the triplets just cast scornful looks at me before going on their way. As long as I kept my head down and stayed quiet, I would survive the next two years at Kensington.

"1D ARE COMING!"

I stayed rigidly in my seat as girls flew out to greet the five boys. They had their own special lounge room upstairs which they frequented. Ugh. As if they needed to rub their wealth in our faces anymore.

I tried hard to ignore the girls' squeals and cooing. Perrie, of course, was up the front, with Taylor and Caroline right behind her.

"Oh, Zayn," she gushed. "Your hair looks so good today."

"Get out of the way," he ordered, and of course a path was cleared for Zayn Malik. His royal highness. I couldn't help looking up and glaring as he strode past, until I was conscious of another pair of eyes on me.

Niall Horan looked at me curiously, recognition dawning in his eyes. The memory of our last encounter immediately made me blush and avert my gaze back to my lunch. The look lasted for no longer than a second, but he smirked slightly as if he knew exactly what I'd been thinking when I was glaring at Zayn.

I'd been careful to avoid the stadium since my first and last visit.

Although, was I sending a bad message? I really shouldn't let Niall Horan and his smirk get to me. Sure it had been an embarrassing encounter, but I liked looking at the oval and playing my violin there, I shouldn't have to stay away just because one of 1D had marked it as theirs...

"Excuse me... can I sit with you?"

There was a girl standing in front of me with a tentative expression. I knew who she was; Jade Smith, Kensington's newest transfer student. Today was her first day. Unlike me, however, she belonged here. Her dark curly hair was perfectly groomed, not a strand out of place, and the faint apple blossom scent around her was definitely some brand of expensive perfume.

"Oh, sure," I said, caught unawares. "I'm Layla."

"Jade," she said meekly, taking her spot opposite me. "Thanks for letting me sit with you... it's a bit overwhelming." My heart stirred in sympathy. I'd only been here for two weeks and already I felt like her mentor.