A Classic Teenage Romance

Chapter 23: The Aftermath of a Kiss

UNEDITED

Thursday morning rolled around, having the same effect on my mood as a Monday morning would. As I prepped myself for the day, throwing on my freshly ironed uniform, running a hand through tight waves that made up my hair due to the humidity of the season. I studied my tanned face in the mirror my grey eyes were framed by long curled lashes coated in a thin layer of mascara, my cheeks held a healthy glow and a light natural blush was evident on my high cheekbones. I grabbed my pink lip gloss and expertly swiped my full lips before smiling at my reflection and hopping up. I grabbed my bag, woke Chris up and made my way to the bus stop placing my headphones in my ears. Whilst walking I mulled over the events of the weekend. I hadn't told any one about what happened between Dane and I. I couldn't ignore the fact that whenever I thought about 'the kiss' a fluttery feeling would fill my stomach, the same feeling I got before taking a maths test. Like i was going to be sick. That couldn't be a good thing, could it? I frowned, drawing closer to the bus shelter. I sat down and waited, my mind floating to Christians confession of having a thing for me. AS i thought about it, I had to admit that whilst Christian was hot and sweet, I didn't see us going any further then friendship. My reverie was interrupted by the rumble of the school bus. I stood up hastily and repositioned my bag as the bus came to a jerky halt in front of me. After greeting the bus driver I made my way to where Hayley was seated, only to find that she wasn't there. Dane however had filled our usual seat. He turned his head after hearing me approach him. "Belle!" he said eyes glinting happily "Come sit" he reached out and tugged my arm gently and i less then gracefully fell into the seat next to him, bumping him slightly. I let out a sigh and leant my head back closing my eyes, ignoring Danes gaze on me. "Hey" he nudged my shoulder and I turned my head to look at him. "Hey" I replied half heartedly "Whats up?" he asked concern filling his voice. I smiled at him thoughtfully, my eyes roaming over his face. "Nothing really, Im just tired ya' know, big weekend" my grin faltering slightly at the guilty feeling that came with the small white lie, but also knowing that I couldn't let him know that the kiss had affected me as much as it seems to have. I felt something warm and smooth enclose around my hand that was resting on my leg, looking down i realise that Dane had laced his own hand with mine and was squeezing it reassuringly. I felt my face heat up and turned to meet his dark eyes, only to find him already studying my expression. I smiled and his warm chocolatey eyes crinkled as he grinned back our eyes exchanging the unspoken message of 'I got you'. After stepping off the bus I began walking towards our usual seat, Dane talking animatedly to Christian with an arm wrapped securely around my shoulders sending what felt like sparks up my arm. I was zoning out slightly thinking about the strange mix of emotions that had settled in the pit of my stomach. It was a sickening mix of realisation, shock, doubt with a twinge of excitement thrown in. I had shockingly realised that my feelings towards Dane were not singularly feelings of friendship, but of something more. I shook my head slightly snapping out of my thoughts. Zoning back in I realised that the three of us had reached our seat. I sat down as gracefully as I was capable of. Dane and I sitting on one side the table separating us from Christian who was sitting directly opposite. I smiled at Christian before engaging in some idle chatter whilst the three of us awaited the arrival of the others. "So Isabelle, are you doing anything this weekend?" Christian asked me with an almost shy curiousity, I felt as though he still wasn't used to the new school and the people. I propped my hand on the table and leant my cheek on the heel of my hand before replying, "No, not that I know of," I said noticing how his lips twitched upwards as though containing a smile and his fingers began tapping away at the table somewhat nervously, "What about you?" I questioned shooting him a smile. "Uh, well nothing yet," he stated a blush tainting his amazingly well shaped cheek bones, "I was wondering if maybe you'd like to see a movie or something?" His eyes shot cautiously towards Dane who had stiffened considerably in his seat next to me. I rolled my eyes at him and his protectiveness, before considering Christians question. I was conflicted for two reasons. One, I knew Christian held some sort of feelings for me and I wasn't sure if I could reciprocate his feelings seeing as I still didn't know him very well and two, I had just begun to realise that my feelings for Dane were changing from friend only, into maybe something more. A gentle kick snapped me out of my internal turmoil and i turned my head looking at Dane who pointedly shot a look at Christian as if telling me to hurry up and answer. I turned back to face Christian and smiled nervously, "Sure Christian, I'd love to" I replied enthusiastically. I heard Dane let out a breath and Christian broke out into a happy grin. After that the rest of our friends conveniently began arriving and chatting to us, giving me time to collect my thoughts.

Authors Note//

MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!

Hope you all have a happy Christmas, sorry for the late update! I wrote this chapter and then decided I wasn't happy with it...I'm still not 100% sure and it is sort of just a filler but I hope you enjoy it anyway!

I'm going to try and update more frequently and would love it if you guys told me what you think so far, of the characters and the plot.

Much love and Merry Christmas!

-B xxx