Wishing For Something More

Chapter 13: Truce

*Hunter's POV*
      Yesterday, Sydney was gone by the time I awoke. I did homework by myself for most of the afternoon and went to bed early.

       I woke up early for school with an angry Leila hanging over my bed. I forgot to wake her up. I mutter a tiny apology as I rush to Tyler's car in the drive way. We are buddies again obviously. Right when I enter, he growls, "Listen. If you like Sydney, that's fine. But she's mine, so don't steal her from me, bro." I am shocked at his instant hostility towards me. "Tyler, I would never steal her from you. I am not that kind of guy," I pause, "Also, I don't even like her."

     Okay, I realize that I said I might like her two nights ago, but I am not going to admit that to Tyler, who seems very fragile right now. "Good," he mutter, his jaw unclenching. His figure returns to his goofy self. "Now that's out of the way, who do you like?" I decide to throw out a random name, "Um-Chelsey Halsey."
     Chelsea Halsey is head cheerleader and super popular. Tyler always thought I had a crush on her, when in reality, I hate her guts. She is stuck up and always trying to flirt with me.

    "FINALLY! You finally admit it!" He yells. He bought it. "Dude, you have to let me hook you guys up. I have it on good authority that she likes you back." Well duh. I simply nod. As we park, I see Sydney with Jack. "If you'll excuse me." Tyler says, jumping out of the car towards her. I walk out too. I see Jack shoot daggers towards Tyler's back ash he hugs Sydney. I raise my eyebrows, questioning him, and he immediately stops. I guess they made up. Jack whispers, "I see the way you look at her. What do you say we team up and get rid of the arrogant jerk." Well that is surprising coming from him seeing as he has barely ever spoken to me. I decide to be a jerk first before agreeing to it, "I also see the way you look at my sister... Well there's no guy to get rid of, so why not just go for it?" His face shutters. He regains his composure, "Are we on or not?" I nod. Sydney and Tyler pull away from their hug and she spots me. "Hey, Hunter!" She says, enthusiastically.
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       Latin goes by super fast and Sydney sits by Tyler instead of me. I basically pay no attention in any of my classes leading up to lunch. I assume Sydney will be joining us at the "Popular" table. And I am correct. She sits between Jack and Tyler. I take a seat beside Jack. Sydney smiles at me, oblivious that anything she does towards me will make Tyler very very angry. I can already spot his jaw clenching. "I am sorry Hunter.. And Sydney. I overreacted at the party. Besides, clearly, you are the prettiest girl." He turns his head to kiss her and she turns in the other direction so he only kisses her on the cheek. I KNEW SHE DIDN'T LIKE HIS KISS AT THE PARTY!

    Then I notice Chelsea is also seated next to me, staring at my arms. Creepy. "Hey Hunter." She purrs. GROSS. I can't do this! I can't pretend to like her! It's too much work. She gets closer to me and I see Jack shoot me a glare, while Sydney pretends to be interested in her food. I scoot away from Chelsea and say, "Chelsea, I don't like you. Please back off. I like someone else." Sydney's eyes shoot up. Just what I wanted. Chelsea stomps away with her purse in hand. Tyler gives me the dirtiest look. Jack asks, "Um.. So who do you like?" "Yeah, who?" Sydney pipes up. Nice job, Jack. He knew that if he asked, Sydney wouldn't be scared to ask. "Well, you see, Flower, I can't tell you that. You could go off and tell her or something." I say. Sydney looks back at her plate, picking at her food, as Tyler places his arm around her.
      "In other news, I found out my test score in Calculus. A solid B." I blurt out, feeling accomplished. Sydney jumps up and runs over to hug me. "Oh my god! That's AMAZING!" Sydney barely hugs anyone and especially not in public. Her face turns red and I wink at her.

      CRAP! I almost forgot! Tonight is Winter Formal. It's the last day before our week long break. My family decided to go out of town and I didn't want to go with them. So I'll just stay here. I'm used to Christmas alone.
       
      "Hunter! Snap out of it. I asked if you had asked out that girl you like to Formal." Tyler says. "Can't. She has a boyfriend and that's where I draw the line." Tyler only asked to see if I actually like Sydney. He knows for sure that I do now. I see Jack smile out of the corner of my eye. He knows for sure that I like his best friend too, but Sydney seems to be oblivious.
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        The day passes on rather quickly and I find myself on the couch when Leila and Sydney burst into the house giggling with bags in their hands. I guess Sydney is getting ready over here. I am already dressed in my tuxedo, eating popcorn. "Jesus, Hunter, could you be anymore disgusting?" Leila mutters. I shrug. And Sydney smiles at me. My god, she is always beautiful. "Come on, Syd. Let's go get ready in my room." Leila says, dragging my Flower with her.