The Wrong Valentine (on hold)

Thirteen

Just like what I did with Seb before, I avoided Alex. I thought it would be difficult; seeing I shared half of my classes with him. But fate was on my side. We were all so busy with the upcoming exams we barely acknowledged each other's presence.

Until Friday came.

Operation: Avoid Alexander Griffin was at its peak of success - since it was working yesterday for the whole day. By Friday, while I was walking towards school, someone tapped my shoulder.

"Good morning, sunshine." Alex greeted me while smiling genuinely which I returned by smiling back, staring intently at those hazel eyes.

No, you should be the one to be called sunshine. You're like a ray of sunshine, giving me warmth and joy to my life.

I hope I didn't say that out loud.

"But you just did," he chuckled beside me, giving me a playful grin.

That was so not going well for me. I couldn't help it. It was easy to avoid him yesterday when he didn't even notice me to begin with. But when he looks at me, smiles at me, or simply talks to me about random stuff, I can't seem to stay away from him.

He was that irresistible.

But... he heard me fantasize about him. I just want to run away from him, go straight home and rot in my room out of embarrassment.

I wanted to do those things, but I didn't; I couldn't. Believe me. Operation: Avoid Alexander Griffin was now at its downfall.

He cleared his throat when he realized I was being silent the whole time. "Ivory, about that text I sent you the other night..."

That was my cue to leave. I wasn't ready to hear anything about that text. Not yet.

Before he started talking some more, I kind of rudely interrupted him. "Alex, sorry but I'm in a hurry. Catch you later!"

I immediately sprinted away; leaving a confused Alex behind.

I practically ran away from him and pretty sure he would be suspecting that something was wrong with me. I wasn't thinking straight; the only thing I concentrated was staying away from him. That only resulted from me bumping into someone.

I fell flat down on my butt. Books scattered all over the floor. Cliché, I know.

"Here, let me help you. I'm really sorry."

I glanced up at the person who bumped at me. How come I've never seen him before? He was undeniably quite the sight. Those green eyes stared at me with guilt and amusement. He smiled at me sheepishly as he extended his hand. I willfully took his hand and he pulled me up. I just stared at him when he picked up my books from the floor with ease and he gave it to me.

"Thank you..." I said with a tone like I was waiting for him to introduce himself.

He winced. "Nick. We actually share English together."

What the. "Really?" My eyes widened.

He cleared his throat before he said, "Yeah, really. I'll... uh... see you around, Ivory." He gave me a smile before he left.

I was dumbfounded. How come I never noticed him before? Maybe it's because I spent a lot of time staring at Alex or listening to the teacher. But still... it made me feel guilty. The fact that he knew me but I didn't know him until now. I should really know who my classmates are. I feel awful.

* * *

"Did you know we have a classmate named Nick in English?" I asked Violet as we were eating together at our usual lunch table. It felt good that things were back to normal between us.

She chewed on her mac and cheese before she replied, "Yeah, why?"

I mentally face-palmed myself. "I bumped into him earlier. I looked like a complete fool because I didn't know him. He eventually introduced himself and told me we shared English together." I explained.

"Poor kid, but to be honest Ivory, this isn't the first time."

"Really?" I gasped.

"Remember Ethan in fifth grade? You sat next to each other in every class for the whole year and if our teacher didn't mistakenly put his test paper on your desk, you wouldn't have known him." She giggled, "You were like, 'Who's Ethan?' raising your voice so that everyone could hear. He just tapped you on the shoulder and said, 'I'm Ethan.' Taking his test paper away from dumbstruck Ivory. Ah, good times."

I cringed at the thought. That was so humiliating.

"I should really know who my classmates are," I chuckled and scratched my head.

"What did I miss?" Seb said as he approached us while carrying his tray. He plopped down next to Violet and now I was starting to feel like a third-wheel.

"Oh, just some classmate Ivory didn't know until now." Violet looked at him with dreamy eyes.

"Again?" Seb asked in disbelief.

"What do you mean?" Violet and I asked him in unison.

"Remember Megan in freshman year? You guys were lab partners. Freaking lab partners. All you've ever called her while she wasn't around was, 'my lab partner who wears nerdy glasses'. Every time you talked to her you just called her, 'hey'."

Her name was Megan? Well she certainly wasn't wearing glasses now.

"I should work on this." I replied.

By that point they just ignored me. They were acting as if I wasn't even there in the first place. But I didn't mind; I'm happy for them. But I have to admit, it's really bothering to be a third-wheel. I would much rather be alone and just let them be.

As if the bell heard my prayers for them to stop being all lovey-dovey while I was there with them, it rang.

"Thank the heavens!" I exclaimed.

I practically dragged Violet away from Seb while yelling, "See you later, Seb!" Violet did the same but gave him a flying-kiss after.

We arrived at our English class before the teacher came. And there he really was, Nick, sitting at the far end of the classroom. No wonder I didn't notice him.

Vi and I sat in our assigned seats and did some chit chat while waiting for our teacher. A little later, Alex went inside our classroom and immediately flashed me a grin. While I returned with a goofy smile.

* * *

All was well. Classes went on smoothly. Students were going home and yet there I was, approaching my locker. I kind of hoped that because prom is almost coming, S.A might send me clues about who he is.

I was partly right. S.A did send me a note, but no clues were written.

Ivory, just a week left until prom! Are you excited? Cuz I surely am! I truly can't wait! - S.A

Damn it. Just man up and tell me who you are right now.

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