When I'm with you

Chapter 9

The day was sunny but the weather was still chilly. I was freezing as I ran on my way to school. It had been a week since that shameful incident.

We would be participating again in a swimming competition next month so I had been running from house to school to enhance my endurance and stamina. We had also started our training after school.

As usual, Jane didn't come with me when I ran to school so I just went alone. And as usual, she was waiting for me at the entrance, holding my stuff and water. I excused myself to freshen up and ran into Chad, who was making his way to his class.

"Morning, Anne! How's your training?" He asked.

"It's great. It's a shame that I can't be with you again for the next couple of days." I said in a lonely tone.

"No, it's okay, I understand. By the way, you have the same class as Gabriel right?"

"Yes."

"Can you give this book to him? I forgot to lend it to him, so if it doesn't bother you.."

"Okay," I said as I took the book from him and went to the bathroom to change my attire.

When I went inside the classroom I easily spotted Gab who was sitting in his usual seat. I immediately went to him, greeted him and gave him the book.

"Morning, Gabriel! Chad asked me to give this to you." I said in a cheerful voice.

"Morning. Thanks, anyway. Sorry to bother you."

Right after that I made my way to my seat. I thought things between us would start to get better after that incident but it was still the same. I guess there was a little improvement  since he didn't ignore me anymore, with or without Chad.

I expected it, though, since we hadn't talked properly to each other yet. I was planning on talking to him once the swimming competition was over.

When the bell rang for lunch I went to the cafeteria at once and saw the three of them sitting at our usual table and joined them. I sat next to Jane who was busy talking about something but suddenly stopped when she saw me.

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked.

"We're talking about--" Chad answered but was interrupted by Jane. "We're talking about the party!"

"Party?"

"Yes, party. Michael invited us to come to his party this friday." Jane answered.

Michael Dartwood, the guy I rejected last year, was inviting us to come to his party. I knew it was weird but I figured he had already forgotten about me and him, because ever since I rejected him he had dated five girls. Yes, five different girls in just a year. That was the reason I rejected him: being the most popular guy around, he had dated almost every girl in school. What a douche.

"He told me that you should come too," Jane continued.

Nah, not interested. I'd rather lay in bed for the whole night than spend my time in a social gathering full of drunk, hormone-driven teenagers.

My memories went back to the time when Jane was so freaking annoying, pestering me constantly to date him. She kept saying that I should date him because he was popular and a lot of girls wanted to be in my position.

Michael was a nice and handsome guy. The problem was the fact that he couldn't stop flirting with girls. I disliked guys who could flirt with girls while they were dating someone.

"I'm sorry. I can't come," I answered.

"But why?" Jane asked. She was making a puppy face. She obviously really wanted to go.