The Fake Nerd

Chapter 14

Mason pov

I watch as Ava as almost in a trance makes her way to the back of the class. Her hands wavering. An alarm shoots through me as i watch her. She sits three seats away from me her eyes almost empty. Her eyes only hold one emotion which rocks me to my core. Fear. I swallow the lump in my throat as the lesson starts her trance never ending through the class. What scared her? Was it James? I turn my attention to the clock at the front. My foot taps furiously on the ground as i stare ahead. Come on, come on. I take a peek at Ava who has her attention on her desk frozen as if time had just stopped for her. I look back at the clock my whole body on edge. Why is she so scared? Trevor nudges me and i turn toward him. He nods toward Ava obviously noticing something is wrong. I shrug and look back at the time. I close my eyes trying to calm myself. Ava pops into my head and i snap my eyes open. I'm just thinking about her because something is wrong i say to myself. I drum my finger now hating my thoughts drumming around. I hear the magical sound of the bell. I grab my bag and watch as Ava rises slowly from her seat moving behind the crowd of students trying to get out. I get out my chair and walk slowly over to her trying not to spook her. I wait until we are out of the classroom and grab her arm. I feel her whole arm tense and her head snap toward me. Her eyes were wide with a small glimmer of helplessness in them until she it was me. She almost seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. It only make me more worried. I start to drag her as she follows behind me avoiding the eyes of students. I throw open the door to the outside and take her over to the bleachers were i saw her with a unlit cigarette. I plop her down on the bleachers and sit across from her. She looks wary and stares down at her hands. "Ava" I say she looks up making me hold my breath. Her green eyes are glazed with pain and fear. "Ava what happened" I ask keeping my voice even. She shakes her head and grabs her sweater clenching it in her fist. "Ava" I say again my voice rising slightly. Her eyes meet mine as she clears her throat "James left me a note" she says. I feel a small fire ring through my chest as i stare at her. "It's nothing big" She says lowering her head back to her lap. "What did it say" I ask my voice coming out gruff. "Be ready" She says shrugging as she plays with her fingers. I nod and clear my throat. She looks up at me and tucks a string of her hair behind her ear. "He's serious" I ask. She nods and looks past my shoulder her eyes leaving mine. I sigh and run a hand through my hair. A small breeze riffles through the air brushing her hair in front of her. Her scent hits my nose and i feel a strange calm pass through me. My mind snaps to alert as i realize she just calmed me. My throat starts to close as i feel my whole body shake. It can't be. I can't like Ava. Her eyes turn back onto me before i can even think i say "Come by my house today." Her eyes widen and she looks at me suspicious. "To meet everybody so you know your protected" I cover up quickly. She looks at me her piercing gaze stirring nervousness in me. "Okay, but not in nerd clothes" She says with a smile. I chuckle at her and she lets the small smile stay on her face before it disappears into a frown. I nod at her and pat her knee. Nice job Mason way to be awkward my mind says to me sarcastically. I stand quickly and jump off the bleachers feeling her eyes watching me. I turn toward her looking up. "Do you smoke" I ask my curiosity about her getting the best of me. She smile and shakes her head "Use to" She says shyly. In that moment i admit to myself i like Ava, but i will never let her know.  She deserves better than me as much as that hurts it's the truth. I wave at her and walk away feeling my heart strain toward her as i tug myself toward the school doors silencing my feelings.