Clockwork Daisy

Chapter 10

Author's Note: Wow. I've been gone a long time. But coming back onto Wattpad and seeing the support from all of the readers of this story has made me really emotional (I'm a total cryer, in a good way!) and I'm so excited to start writing about Deacon and Ellie again. I hope I don't let you down!

A special shout out to TheBelletrist, who is the creator of the new "Clockwork Daisy" cover . You are a lovely girl and I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the story so much. It warms my heart!

Okay, I know you're antsy. I'll get back to the book now. :)

P.S Sorry it's so short! I'm easing back into this!

-H

Deacon

Chapter 10

I had been spotted. Ellie's face crinkled at the sight of me as Beth whispered something into her ear. Ellie flicked a piece of hair out of her face as her nose piercing reflected in the fluorescent light. Her lips, coated in a berry color, turned up suddenly. A connection was being made in her brain. The last puzzle piece had been found. I was caught red handed. I shuffled as she began moving toward me, a look of determination in her eyes. My Adam's apple bobbed as I swallowed, unsure of what she was going to say, unsure of how I would respond....

Ding! Ding!

The bell rang and my heart sank. "Into your seats, please!" Mr. Bow straightened his checkerboard bow tie and Ellie sank backwards, her face sinking. I felt deflated as I slid into my desk. I flipped open a spiral bound notebook as the announcements sounded, trying to distract myself from thoughts of Ellie. I had forgotten about Trevor.

"Dude." Trevor crushed an Altoid mint in his mouth as he spoke, casting the air around him in a thick, spicy scent. "Dude." He said again, smoothing some over gelled hair pieces.

"What?" I hissed, clicking my ball point pen with the tip of my thumb.

"Ellie just acted like a fricken' lioness! I mean, she was practically licking her lips in your direction, man!" Trevor's furry eyebrows were perched high on his forehead, framing his bulging eyes. "Is there something going on that I don't know about?"

I rolled my eyes and was about to spit a sarcastic comment when the announcements ended and Mr. Bow cleared his throat. I pushed my back against the plastic chair. "Good morning pupils." Mr. Bow's face was especially red and jolly. "Today, we go on a field trip."

The entire class perked up. A field trip on the second day of school was unheard of. But where would we go? To the surrounding wine vineyards? No thank you. "Don't get to excited." Mr. Bow chuckled. "We're going to the library. Each of you gets a copy of The Great Gatsby." Mr. Bow pointed to the door, a silent command for us to follow, and slowly we stood up. Some of us stretched, some checked their phones, and the eager ones zipped out the door. Not wanting to get caught in a Beth-Ellie sandwich, I followed the latter, leaving Trevor in my dust.

The library was always and intriguing place to be. It was a spacious room tucked in the back corner of the school. Crystal clear windows provided for much light amongst the dark wood book shelves. And while the roomy area was quiet welcoming, I was more fond of the spiral staircase which held its own in the middle of the room. It led up to a small coven used for studying. There was a skylight on the ceiling up there, making the small space feel like heaven. I resisted the urge to run frantically up the stairs and bury myself in the corner. Instead, I decided to be studious. The stacks of Fitzgerald's classic were set in a large, sprawling pile in front of the small check out desk. I grabbed the first one I saw and threw it under the scanner. After the stuffy librarian thanked me, I strolled over to the stair case, rolling my hand over the railing.

"Looks like fun." I could smell her sweet fruity scent before I saw her. I could feel her soft breath on my back. She came around from behind me, her hair catching in the light, a smile dancing on her lips. "Ever slid down a railing before?"

"Uh," I chocked out the word, sounding like a teething toddler. I wanted to say more. I needed to say more.

"Ellie!" Beth loomed at the library door, The Great Gatsby balanced in her crossed arms. "C'mon!" Ellie's hazel eyes shifted from me to Beth, and in less than a second she was gone.

"What was that about?" Madge was twirling a curl of hair around her pointer finger, a look of annoyance on her face.

"Aren't you supposed to be in art?" I felt uncomfortable around Madge after was Dirk had said. Every look she cast in my direction filled my stomach with guilt.

"I'm picking up a book about Van Gough for Mrs. Callahan." Madge explained quickly. "So are you going to tell me why you were making googly eyes at Ellie Wells?"

"No reason." I said, casting my eyes to the ground. "We were just talking." Just thinking about the girl put a grin on my face. Not wanting to tick Madge off further, I put my hand in front of my mouth before looking up again.

"Okay, puppy dog." Madge clicked her tongue. "I'll see you at lunch." Madge turned on her heel and left the library in a huff. I couldn't help but notice there was no book in her hand.