The Art of Persuasion

Chapter 19 : The Art of Persuasion

Adrenaline flushed my face as I ran down the street, thoughts racing in my mind. I had assumed that Wickett had kissed Evelyn before but I didn't want to see it, really. It bothers me enough that he touches her.

Well, Evelyn cannot say that I'm being unclear with my intentions now and if she wants to sulk by snogging Wickett, she can for all I care...just not in front of me for Merlin's sake. But, I know Evelyn and she couldn't avoid this for the rest of her life; she'd end up blurting something.

I suppose what I am really hoping for is to turn around and to spot her chasing after me, just as Moony had proposed but she's a bit stubborn when it comes to these sorts of things. I think she will address things to me tomorrow in Potions, as she has done in the past. Of course, she also acts on the spur of the moment...God, is she confusing.

Finally, I grew tired of sprinting down one street after another and stopped running. I bent over as I rested my hands against my knees and caught my breath. That was a mistake for I heard that sickeningly familiar voice that I used to adore.

"Sirius! Sirius! Wait a moment!" Clara's voice called from a nearby shop. I pretended I didn't hear her and started walking down the street. That was mistake number two for I should have started running again.

"Sirius, please!" Clara's voice was closer this time and I tried to fasten my pace but I was too fatigued. I cursed myself as she grabbed my elbow and tugged my sleeve.

"Please, just listen to me..." she pleaded as I looked away from her. Anger rumbled all over my body, as I remained silent. She took this as an initiative to continue.

"It was a mistake to break up with you. I just...well...my friends told me how hard it is for you to stay in a relationship since you tire of girls quickly and they insisted that I break up with you. They also said that you and me were coming between all my other friendships and I should just cool down things before they get too heated-" I felt irritated as she started to talk faster so I finally turned towards.

"Either you stop rambling and get to the point or I'm done." I snapped at her to which she looked slightly shocked. She nodded slightly and tried to think of something to say.

"I broke up with you as a test to see if you would chase after me..." Oh, this had to be a bloody lie. I mocked a grin to which she smiled at, proving that she believed it to be real.

"Really?" I asked in an eager voice to which she nodded excitedly. I immediately replaced my grin with the dirtiest look I could muster; perhaps I learned something from all those times Evelyn glared at me.

"I find that to be bullshit, love." I spat the mock nickname and looked away from her. I was about to leave when she bloody started talking again! I never thought she could speak so much.

"It's true!" she insisted as I rolled my eyes and faced her again.

"Then why the hell did you run off with a smug little smirk? If you wanted me to chase after you, you should have at least cried instead of insulting me! Face it, Clara, you're just angry since you always want something you can't have." she glared at me now, proving my little speech to be correct. I just smiled at her and waved farewell as I turned around. However, this thought struck me: if it weren't for Clara, I wouldn't have fallen in love with Evelyn.

"Actually, Clara," I faced towards for the final time and smiled slightly at her. She took this as forgiveness and batted her eyelashes like the little slut she was.

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have started dating Evelyn." Clara rolled her eyes at this and gave me yet another glare.

"Oh, I'm not stupid. I know that relationship of yours with her is bullshit. She's with Wickett now." I was surprised to learn that she figured it out but then again, Evelyn and I did somewhat stalk her. I was about to respond when I heard my name.