I Should Be Studying

17: I Shouldn't Be Telltale-ing

Word count: 1,692

Niall's POV

Just as I begin my calculus midterm, my phone buzzes in my pocket, causing a vibrating sound throughout the quiet classroom. A few heads turn to me but I give them a look as to say 'fuck off'.

I jot down the last answer on my sheet then gather my things to leave. I hand in my test then out the door I am, making my way to Sean's class to grab some lunch as soon as he gets out.
I pull my mobile out of my pocket, seeing a text from Sean as the notification I received at the start of lesson.

You really NEED to tell Evelyn! Just seen her chatting with Darragh. He's probably slabbering.

I look up from my phone to coincidentally see Evelyn walking out of a classroom up the hall with her backpack strapped onto her shoulders.

"Hey," I call out.

Evelyn turns around and a smile forms on her face.

"Are you following me, Jamie?"

"No," I chuckle, loving the way the name sounds coming from her mouth. "I just finished an exam."

"And how do you think you did?" she asks, standing ahead of me.

"Good. Didn't study much but Calculus is easy, doncha think?" I jibe, making her smile. "So what are you doing here?"

"Same. Exam. English," she says in a smile, pointing her thumb behind her shoulder.

"You're with Sean?" She nods and turns, signalling me to walk with her. "Well, I was about to take Sean out for some lunch. Would you like to come?"

"Oh, no," she mutters. "I wouldn't want to be in the way of you two."

I lift an eyebrow at her and she explains Sean's behaviour towards her before lesson.

"It's not what you think," I insist. "he does like you, there's just something I need to speak to you about." She turns to me with a puzzled look as she pulls the sleeves of her sweater to cover her hands.

"What is it?" she mumbles.

"Well-"

"You know what, never mind. I'm in a good mood right now. Tell me later, ok?"

I nod, smiling down at her cute little smile which make her cheeks puffy. I can't help but wonder why she's in such a great mood. Could it be because of Darragh? I definitely need to have this talk soon.

"Over lunch," I bribe. She huffs and grips onto her backpack straps. "C'mon, it beats the food here."

"Fine," she cracks. "But the second I feel like I'm being a burden, I'm leaving."

"Deal."

I watch as Evelyn takes a bite of her burger as if she hadn't eaten in days. She catches my eye and looks down as she chews.

"Sorry," she murmurs through the food in her mouth.

"For what?" I chuckle taking a chip from my basket.

"I don't know, you're looking at me funny."

"Don't apologise unless you know you're at fault," I tell her.

"True," Sean agrees. "People will assume they can get away with a lot of things. They'll think you're easy to walk over."

"Sorry," she mutters again, making Sean laugh in disappointment as he shakes his head. "I just haven't eaten something that tastes this much like American food in 4 months. All this Italian food and fish and chips were getting to me. Do you know how long it's been since I've had Hot Cheetos?" She looks at me, eyes wide, taking a chip. "Too long."