{COMPLETED} ✔ December Bloom

twenty

I moved to go after Norah but Ella's grip on my arm tightened. I was forced to smile down at her.

"God. Anyway, Dante. Before I was so rudely interrupted by that little slut, I wanted to ask you something. Will you come with me to the party tonight? At Harry's dorm?" she widened her aquamarine blue eyes a little as if to be more innocent.

I was distracted though, not really caring at the moment.

All I was concentrating on was what Norah had said and her behaviour towards Ella.

To be honest, I don't even really like Ella, I never have. She was just an easy lay and girl I could make-out with to pass the time. But even if I didn't value her much, I never cheated on her. All the girls I've dated, even if they mean absolutely squat to me, I have never cheated on any one of them.

Of course, I disliked her even more when she had started cheating on me.

Now, she was back and I hadn't the faintest idea what she wanted. I just wanted to get away from her, find Norah and make her explain what had just happened.

God, was I ever naïve.

I wrestled myself out of Ella's grip and nodded absentmindedly to her.

"Sure thing, Ella. I have to go now, alright? I have…stuff to do. Okay, see you tonight!" I gave her a small wave before jogging off to find Norah.

I missed the dark cloud passing over Ella's face.

"Hey! Parker! Wait!" I ran quickly towards her still walking form, ignoring me. I felt confused, what's up with her?

I ran in front of her, forcing her to halt her tracks. She stared stonily at me.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked her, ignoring the way she was looking at me now.

"Nothing." she said primly before sidestepping to try and get around me.

Only, I sidestepped with her.

She went to the left and I followed.

Right. Follow.

Left. Follow.

She blew out an exasperated breath.

"Will you move already?"

I shook my head.

"No. Not until you tell me what's bugging you. Hang on…," I faked realization. "You aren't jealous are you?" my tone turning sly like my facial expressions.

She rolled her eyes.

"Please. Don't even begin to flatter yourself. It ain't going to work on me. If you want flattery, why not run to Ella? I'm sure she'd be more than happy." Norah spat angrily at me and walked off, leaving me standing.

My eyes narrowed as I spun around and jogged to catch up with her, slowing my jog to a walk to match her slightly quick pace.

She ignored me so I just stared at her, waiting until she finally noticed.

She had tied her hair up into a high ponytail which was now swishing from side to side as she walked at a quick and angry pace.

She was sweating, proven by the state of her face and her clothes, shirt especially though.

There was a small sweat patch around the chest area. I was a little surprised, I didn't think she was so unfit after all, she has a body most girls would love to have. I only made her do 10 laps, Coach makes the team do way more…15 actually.

Then again, she probably isn't used to it because the running track is quite big anyway. She probably doesn't run almost ritually around that track so…

"You just won't give up, will you?" she whirled around, surprising me. Whilst I had been thinking, she had walked just the littlest bit quicker, putting me behind so I was following her.

"No." I smirked, shaking my head as I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my shorts.

Before Norah could say anything, though, Braden had strolled up and flung his arm around her, drawing her in and kissing her lightly on the lips which was immediately deepened into a fully-fledged French.

I pulled a face and at that moment, the two of them pulled apart. Braden caught me and sent a death glare my way which I only returned with a sweet smile. He looked away from me and down at Norah who looked incredibly happy.

I've never seen someone as happy as her, ever before.

"What's up, Nors?" he asked her, smiling.

They started to walk into the school building, me trailing along behind them.

"Nothing really. Except for the fact that the evil creep behind us, so-called your 'best friend' has tortured me into running and I am absolutely exhausted."

Remind me again of the proper reason why she has a body a lot of girls would die for and she is utterly unfit?

Oh yeah, I have none.

Apart from the 'not used to it' one but that doesn't count.

At least, in my book, it doesn't.

Braden glanced behind him, Norah swivelling her head around too.

He pretended to give me the evil eye which I responded by sticking out my tongue at him.

Yes, I know.

So very mature.

But, what the heck.

"Are you trying to break my girlfriend?" he demanded loudly. This caused a lot of people around to stare at him and Norah before breaking down into whispers once the two of them had passed. Braden's arm was still slung casually around her shoulder.

Yes, everyone now knows that Braden and Norah are officially together. Like, couple, together. I've seen a lot of girls shooting 'looks' at Norah, filled with jealousy and annoyance. Even anger and occasionally hatred. They all love Braden, that much.

"No. I don't even get what you see in that little demon anyway!" I retorted.

Norah glared at me and I returned the favour.

"Dickwad."

"Geek."

"Ass."

"Nerd."

"God. Why is it that every time you guys see each other, you always fight? It's so annoying! I wish my best girl and best friend would at least try and be courteous and considerate to each other for once." he sighed heavily in mock-annoyance.

At least, I think it was mock-annoyance.

"Are you going to Ella's party tonight, by the way?" I asked, changing the topic.

We were almost at mine and Braden's dorm.

Norah's face clouded over, dark anger passing quickly in her eyes before it disappeared just as unexpectedly as it came.

Braden shrugged.

"Depends on what Nors wants to do tonight…isn't that right?" he smiles down at Norah before burying his face into the crook of her neck and leaning most of his weight on her.

She staggers to one side, laughing a little and trying to swat Braden away with her towel.

"Get off me you ugly no-good monster." she says to him. I heard him sniff before wrenching his arms away from her and crossing them against his chest.

He sulked like a little boy.

"My girlfriend doesn't like me." he mumbled, causing Norah to laugh.

"I don't like you either." she replies, string straight ahead with a blank look on her face.

"Go away."

"Okay."

Norah speeds up her pace whilst Braden gasped and began to jog quickly after her.

"Wait, no! Nors!"

I laughed.