Project Miss Popular

Chapter 5: Split Second

Maine's POV

We've been pretending for days now. It's really not that bad. What makes me nervous is, Marge is nowhere to be found. Her minions are saying she left for a quick vacation. Actually, it's her yearly ritual to go out of the country with her parents, usually it's christmas but this time it is much earlier. It is just the start of the semester.

I prepped up for my morning walk. Used the clothes we bought the other day. Usually Alden picks me up halfway. That's our deal.

I went downstairs, and..

"Good morning Princess." greeted by a guy sitting on the couch patiently waiting. It's Alden.

"What are you doing here?" I uttered while fixing my glasses.

"Relax. Just had a quick talk with your parents earlier. They are pretty cool, huh?" he grinned.

"Okay. The reasons why I am here now, first, I had to ask for your parents consent to tag you along with me on my Dad's birthday this weekend. I actually asked them to come too, but they said, they are a bit busy now since it's almost christmas season." he added.

I am still amazed to see him here.

"Hey! Are you okay?" he asked.

I snapped back to reality.

"Oh yes. I'm sorry. You just have asked me to do that. I can ask them myself." I said.

He came closer.

"C'mon. I just did the right thing. Besides, they said it's okay. As long as you'll be back by 12mn." he answered. He smiled.

Gosh! He is really a gentleman. I didn't expect him to be like this.

I turned my back on him.

"I'm blushing!" I told myself.

To distract him, I asked him..

"Okay. Just sit on the couch. Wait for me."

I ran back upstairs. Went to my room and breathe.

"What's happening?!?" I asked myself.
"Am I having a crush with this guy?"

"This cannot be happening!"

I shook my head. Breathe and went downstairs again.

"Alright. Let's go!" I said.

He smiled and opened the door for me.

We got in the car.

"Here."

He handed me over a small paper bag. Contact lenses.

"Why? Are my glasses really that bad?" I asked.

"Not really. It's just that, it's too big." he said.

I laughed. He's right. It's big. I asked the driver to stop for awhile and removed my glasses. Put the clear contact lenses on.

"Better?"

"Much better" he answered and smiled.

---

Alden's POV

Her eyes. They are really expressive.

I looked away and smiled.

"I know better. Boyfriend duties." I uttered and laughed a bit.

"Thank you fairy godmother." she said and laughed.

We were too busy talking to each other we didn't even notice we're already at the university.

The driver said

"Sir, Ma'am.. We're already here."

"Ready for another day?" I asked her.

She nodded.

I got off the car first and I assisted her. Held her soft hand.

We held hands down the halls while people are still looking.

Suddenly..

"Hi love birds!" a girl sarcastically approached us. Marge.

"What are you guys up to? Make me jealous? Haha!" she added.

I looked at Maine and she was really tensed. I held her hand tightly and we both faced Marge.

"C'mon. I'm not buying it. I know you still love me Alden. Stop doing this."

People are starting to build up.

"Why should we make you jealous, Marge? Are you out of your mind?!" I blurted out.

"Really now? So are you trying to tell me, you fell in love with this.. Trash?" she said.

Maine is about to cry. I have to do something.

"Don't you dare to talk to my girlfriend that way! Stay away from us!"

---

Maine's POV

I must not cry. I can do this.

I pulled Alden and kissed him.

"I don't care anymore." I told myself.

I wanted this. From the very beginning, I challenged myself.

We kissed. In front of many people. In front of Marge. He kissed me back. Intensely. Like he meant it.

We slowly stopped.

"I love you.." Alden said.

Now. I am shocked. I stayed in character. I MUST STAY IN CHARACTER.

"I love you too." I uttered.

Marge is really shocked. People are starting to take pictures. While Marge ran away because of shame.

Now, it's just me and Alden. My heart is pounding like it really does want to go out off my chest. I'm starting to like him and I'm not gonna deny it.

How am I supposed to go back to reality without being awkward to him?

---

Alden's POV

I just knew it. Right then and there. When we kissed. I felt it. It felt right. I kissed her back.

It is indeed true. Love just comes your way. Sometimes without you even knowing it. It'll suddenly slap you in the face.

After the kiss. I blurted it out.

"I love you."

"I love you too." I am really surprised to hear that from her. In almost 2 weeks time, these things are happening really quick.

I held her hand and smiled.

"I mean it." I said.

I hugged her. She hugged me back.

Everything was so perfect.

***

Intense happenings for a Chapter 5, right? This is just a short story anyways.. :)