Deception

Chapter 2

91 days before

I guess I had never noticed anyone except my friends in my classes so I was surprised when a short blonde with glasses walked into Calculus III. He smiled and took a seat next to me in the back.

“So how did your plan work out?” I asked.

He sighed and looked over at me. “He somehow got his way out of it. I don’t know how but our parents might be the stupidest people on Earth. I’m guessing you’re coming to this party too?” he raised an eyebrow.

I thought for a while. “Only if you come with me.” I replied, grinning. He shook his head just as Ms. Clarke walked in. As she started scribbling equations I already knew on the chalkboard, I wrote out a note to Niall.

*So is that a yes?*

*Of course not. Louis doesn’t like me.*

*He’s your brother.*

*Stepbrother, which means nothing to him except his dad left his mom for mine. He’s not too happy about that.*

*Just come please.*

*Or you could come and stay in my room and we could talk.*

I looked up at him, shocked. He blushed and shrugged.

“Or not.” He whispered. I laughed, folding the paper and turning to the chalkboard. Maybe I would.

As usual, Calculus III wasn’t any different than II and lunch came quickly. I took a tray of food back to my table where my friends were waiting. They looked at me as if they were expecting something.

“What?” I asked, biting into my cheeseburger. One thing my friends didn’t like was my constant eating. I just didn’t do “thin”.

“Did he invite you yet? I heard his brother is in your class.” Alisha, a tall blonde, asked.  I shook my head.

“Well, yes, Niall is in my class but he’s not exactly…close with Louis.” I said, covering my mouth so I wouldn’t spit.

“Niall? You mean that dork that holes himself up in his room during the parties? Don’t tell me you’re his friend.” laughed Vanessa. She was probably the prettiest but most annoying of all my friends.

I considered telling them I wasn’t but I liked Niall. I shrugged. “He’s pretty cool.” They all burst into laughter. I rolled my eyes. I was taking the second bite of my burger just as Louis walked up behind me and slung his arm over my shoulder. Oh no.

“Hey babe. You promised you would come to this week’s party.” He pulled his lip ring between his teeth. How was I supposed to answer with a mouthful of food?

“She would love that!” Alisha beamed. She’s a life saver.

“Well, you can come too.” Louis winked at Alisha, looking her up and down. She paled and nodded. I rolled my eyes. At least he didn’t call her “babe”. Where was this ‘Chloe’ girl anyway?

“I’ll see you two there, ten tomorrow night. Wear something nice.” I nodded and Alisha let out something similar to a squeal. I was tempted to ask him if I could bring Niall but he had already gotten lost in another conversation with the girls at the next table. I didn’t notice I was staring again until someone tapped me on the shoulder. I could already hear the chorus of “Oooh”s and I knew exactly who it was.

“Hi Niall.” I smiled up at him. Louis turned around.

“So what do you say to staying in my room tomorrow night?” he said, a hint of smugness in his voice. Oh no. I could hear the thud of Louis’ boots as he made his way over to the table.