Dodging Disasters ✔

Chapter Nine

9. Mr. Guy-Who-Has-A-Gigantic-Ego Can Smile Too

Kevin and I are seated at Karl's café, waiting for Anna and Kay, as they stand at the counter, placing their orders.

Nothing much happened last night. Tyler fortunately chose to ignore me the entire car ride and spoke to Jason instead. I was relieved because I was in no mood to pick another fight with him.

I'd come back to my room and found Anna and Kay waiting for me, eagerly. I'd told them everything, leaving aside the conversation that I had had with Kevin.

They'd listened to me intently and Kay was just so excited that my Uncle was a friend of the high-class Watsons. Brianna had in turn been fascinated by the books that Kevin had given me. Apparently, she loved 'The Son Of The River Lord' as much as I did. Both of my roommates were complete opposites.

I watch as Kevin stops tapping his fingers on the table and takes a deep breath. I look up at him and find him staring at someone behind me.

I turn around and see a black haired girl, around the same age as ours, enter through the door along with a boy.

I look at Kevin and he has a small smile on his face, as he continues staring.

I clear my throat but it has absolutely no effect on Kevin.

A smile plays on my lips as I tease him."Looks like Kevin has a crush!" I laugh as Kevin instantly drops his gaze.

"I know she's really pretty but if you continue staring like this," I give a cheeky grin and jab my thumb in her direction, "She will surely find you creepy, my friend."

I expect him to blush but he looks at me with his teeth clenched, "I don't have a crush on her."

My laugh falters as I realise how angry he seems to be and I have absolutely no idea why.

I don't know why I feel nervous, all of a sudden. "I - I'm sorry." I say to him, playing with The Deathly Hallows pendant around my neck. "I didn't mean to...offend you in any way."

He sighs and looks away, his anger disappearing. Finally, he says, "It isn't your fault, Mads." He pauses and looks back at me, "I-I just...never mind."

I frown but before I can ask him what's wrong, Kay and Anna come up to us, their drinks in their hands.

"Don't you think we should leave for class right now? It starts in fifteen minutes," Kay says, sipping her latte.

We nod and quickly get up, making our way out of the café. I make a mental note of asking Kevin what's wrong, later, but I'm too scared that it'll anger him, again.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts as Anna tugs at my arm and raises an eyebrow at me, as we climb the stairs. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head. "Nothing."

Anna looks unconvinced but before she can ask me anything, a red haired guy comes running down the stairs and bumps into Kevin. As he recognises him, he shouts out, "Tryouts in the evening! See you there!"

Kevin gives him a curt nod and the boy continues his sprint down the stairs.

I look at Kevin. "Football tryouts on the first day of college?" I ask him, trying to avoid any questions that Anna might ask me. I still don't know if I should tell her about Kevin's weird behaviour or keep it to myself. I'm not used to having friends, much less, sharing secrets or gossip and it's just so difficult for me to make up my mind.

"RubyWoods is hosting the football tournament, this year," Kevin says and snaps me out of my thoughts. "We can't afford to lose."

After a few minutes of climbing, we finally reach the classroom on the third floor,all of us short of breath, only to find it empty.