The Love Trap

Day One (Bella POV)

***

Some pretended to be preoccupied in opening their locker or texting their latest love toy. While others did nothing of the sort, instead they openly watched my every step. 

Normally this would feel like an all too familiar routine, but not today. Instead today there was a little glisten of something else in the eyes of every bystander- something I couldn't describe. 

"Yo, B" Riley lazily slung her arm over my shoulder transferring her body weight partially onto me.

"Hey Riles," I half smiled taking the Monster out of her hand finishing the last of the drink in one chug as we approached our dented and overly faded lockers.

"Adam's throwing a party tonight with his frat brothers wanna crash?"  

Adam (n.) Riley's current heartthrob. His hobbies include; beer, parties, illegal drugs, and breaking hearts. He is the literal boy version of my best friend. 

"I can't think of a better way to waste my night." 

We slammed our lockers in unison as the warning bell rung signaling the beginning of first period. 

Four hours later: I found my butt firmly planted under my favorite tree, my mouth dissolving the individual Gold Fish one by one, and my ears enjoying the sound waves each drum produced through my head phones. Riley blabbed away to Adam over near the bathroom, my appetite fading with each overheard "baby" and "cutie." 

Word of advice; don't have feelings. 

A shadow suddenly blocked the sun from reaching my skin, still hearing the disturbing pet names from a distance I quickly ruled out Riley's body as the blockade. 

"Move." I didn't know who it was and considering I didn't concern myself with befriending any human from this washed up high school, I also didn't care. What else is new.

"B-b-ella, I um, I wanted to thank you for sticking up for me yesterday."pausing my music, I didn't need to open my eyes to see the expression on his face. 

"We aren't twelve anymore Ben, grow thicker skin or learn how to defend yourself." I breathed emotionless. 

"I heard you got detention. you don't deserve to be punished because of me-"

"Ben. In four months  the real world is going to chew you up and spit you out. Not Liam, if I were you Id focus on that a little more and me a little less." I snapped trying to cut this interaction short.

"Yeah well..." Que awkward pause,  "thank you, again"

And just like that the warm sun beamed down on my body once again. 

The rest of the day droned on, each teacher more boring then the one before. My eyes  started becoming heavy half way through sixth period.

"B." Riley knocked my hand out from under my chin. 

"Hmm?"

"Quarter back starring at you."

 I opened my eyes following her gaze until my eyes met Liam's. 

Ah yes Liam the antagonist of our current situation. I had been avoiding him all day. Ducking into bathrooms, skipping my locker pit-stops, pretending to pay attention in class. The whole nine yards. 

Meanwhile he had been trying harder then ever to actually get my attention. The bet we made yesterday was soon followed up with a sly little text from our sly little quarter back early this morning before school which read, "Day one. Don't bother playing hard to get. I already got you." 

Im not sure if he meant for that to be charming but he's lucky if i don't break his thumbs to avoid anymore creepy messages. 

It'd been a full two minutes of our starring contest, neither of us willing to lose by looking away, when Riley poked her head in front of mine to block our gazes. 

"explain." She leaned back and with one last glance I left the bad boy speechless with a final wink. 

I win.