The Boyfriend Factory

Chapter Fifteen

Awkward.

To cause or feel uneasy embarrassed or inconvenienced.

Yeah, a dictionary definition definitely didn't cover it.

Days seemed to pass by in a hazy blur. In the morning, like I robot, I'd ran through my usual – previous usual – routine. I threw on my clothes, checked myself in the mirror, and headed out of the house quickly so I didn't have to be intercepted by Jared or my Mum.

When I arrived at school, everything seemed perfectly normal, like it'd always been. No one would notice the little shifts or anything like that, because everything looked polished and glossy. For certain people more than others.

My mind drew a blank as I stalked through the lively hallways. Everyone seemed excited for the morning, like their moods had done a complete three-sixty in a handful of hours. I could guess why.

On the other hand, gossip seemed to fill the corridors like a shallow breeze. Girls, and Boys, whispered here and there. A handful of people seemed to look pretty distressed, or depressed, like their pet had just died or something.

I could also guess why about that too.

I shuffled towards my locker, heaving a large stack of folders in my left arm, the tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear. People rushed past me like excited five year olds, like they'd just heard the best new in their life.

Again, easy to guess what it was.

I turned the corner and headed for the long line of lockers, the area filled with chatter and excitement. A rich laugh swept down the corridor above all else. By habit, I stopped in my tracks and a chill went down my spine. My eyes wondered over to the two love birds loitering in the hall, surrounded by their usual squad.

Ethan and Brianna. Ethan had his arm slung round Brianna's shoulder, pulling her into a casual side hug. One of her hands were affectionately holding his as she chatted with her friends. A couple guys talked back and forth and with Ethan, who smiled and laughed to some extent.

As Ethan's fangirls walked past, they'd pout, or shoot Brianna a jealous glare. Of course, knowing Ethan's fangirls, they wouldn't back down easily.

As I cautiously headed down the hallway, I tried not to look at Ethan. Which proved a little difficult.

After all, I couldn't deny what I had felt for him. Neither could I deny the fact we hadn't talked to each other in a week.

The power couple were back together, and stronger than ever.

Something in my chest constricted. I chewed my upper lip and tried not to let my heart race as I passed them. I was having an emotional catastrophe just by being near him.

To some extent I was . . . jealous – totally puking. Then again, I was pretty furious with Ethan. I knew it. I knew Ethan would throw me aside like any other girl as soon as he and Brianna had hooked up again. I knew he only needed me around so he could get her back, but I still fell into his trap. Or maybe more accurately, I fell into my own trap.

I guess I just wasn't prepared for it to actually happen.

Thinking about it made my chest ache even more.

My fingers tightened round my folders as I scurried past them. I kept my head low and stared down at the gross marble floors, listening to the sound of their laughter and conversation grow louder as I approached.

When I was just past them, I risked a glance back, knowing I would regret it.

Ethan was staring back at me. My heart did a quick leap into my throat, till he looked away like it had been nothing but a fleeting glance. Like he hadn't seen anything. I pursed my lips and couldn't stop myself from scowling.