Thomas Sangster (a collection of short stories)

Look My Way

Your POV

I find it quite bothersome whenever I've accidentally attracted unwanted attention to myself. I was never that kind of person- an attention seeker. Therefore, I've always asked myself how I've gotten myself into my current situation. To my demise, Thomas Sangster, the last human being I want to associate myself with, is toying with me. He began pestering me a week ago when, Mr. Wainer, our homeroom teacher, announced that I had been voted as this year's valedictorian. I can't decide whether to express an excessive amount of euphoria or become irritated and envisage about murdering him. I don't understand him at all. I've done no wrongdoing towards him, in fact, I've never conversed with him, ever. Both of us are polar opposites; we both belong to each side of a spectrum. I get good grades while he often skipped his classes. I hope his childish games will come to an end soon, I just have to do my best and ignore him.

I sighed as I continued to read George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four." He's here again- sitting beside me with his legs placed on top of the table. Ill-mannered prick. I've decided to ignore his shenanigans until he gets bored and leaves. 

"What're you reading?" He asked, to which I ignored. "Ah, of course, the classic silent treatment," he continued. "You know, love, if you think that your strategy can make me give up on you, you're absolutely wrong. I won't stop until I've made you look my way." 

I flipped the page and continued to read. "So, you might as well drop this whole barrier that you've surrounded yourself with and make things easier for the both of us," Thomas leaned closer to the nape of my neck. His warm breath sent shivers down my body. "You've got nothing to lose, babe, so why won't you look me in the eye?" 

I calmed myself by exhaling and inhaling slowly. At the peripheral of my vision, I saw Thomas open his mouth as he gradually inclines towards my neck. Before he could achieve what he had in his mind, I stood up and calmly walked away. I went to ladies restroom and looked at myself in the mirror; I am completely flustered. My cheeks are covered with the tint of red. What was he thinking?

I recollected my thoughts and as soon as I was able to think straight, I exited the washroom. I tightly held on to my book as I made my way throughout the doors of the library. It's dark outside. Crap, how long have I been there? Regardless, I better get home soon. As I was walking down the sidewalk, a silver Prius pulled up along the curb. 

"You look like you could use a ride," a familiar voice offered. I ignored him and walked past by his vehicle. Thomas slowly drove along side of me as I walked. 

"It's past eight o'clock, {Y/n}, pretty girls aren't supposed to be walking alone at this time of hour," he said. "At least let me take you home, just this once and I'll never bother you again, ever. I promise." 

I stopped walking and contemplated for a moment. If he is saying the truth, he'll stop following me around and I'll get a ride home. However, if he's lying, he'll keep on pestering, but I'll still get a ride home. Then again, I don't know him that well, so might try to kidnap me and bring me some place else. If scenario three takes place, I'll just quickly call the police. Alright, it's settled. 

"{Your address}," I said. Thomas looked at me with a puzzled face. "It's my address," I added.

A smirk crept across his face pale face. Creep. He leaned in towards the passenger's door and opened it. I mumbled out a 'thanks' and went inside. The scent of lavender welcomed me as I fastened my seat belt. His car is surprisingly tidy and clean. 

"Still won't look my way," he mumbled. I pretended that I've heard nothing and titled my head towards the window on my side. City lights sure are pretty at night. Minutes later, Thomas stopped the car. Shit, I was too focused on the view that I wasn't paying attention to the road. It seems like we're on top of a cliff since I could the lights shinning from below. I swiftly fished out my phone from my back pocket, but before I could press 'call' Thomas grabbed the device. 

He got out from the car and walked over to my side to open the door. 

"Trust me," he assured. 

Left with no choice, I exited the vehicle and trailed behind him. Thomas walked towards the railing of the cliff and leaned towards it. 

"Beautiful aren't they?" He asked. I stood beside him , inches apart, and looked below. 

"Why me?" I began.

He chuckled softly, "asking me such an indefinite question."

Moments later silence filled the atmosphere. We both stood still as we gawked with was what underneath us. 

"Who else?" He spoke abruptly.

"Care to elaborate?" I replied, slightly annoyed.

"A vague question can only be answered with something vague as well," he smiled. 

I held onto the metal railing and gripped them tightly. "You're always messing with me and it has become troublesome for myself," I exhaled. "And I'm certain that you find it bothersome as well. If you could kindly stop I'd appreciate it." 

"What if I told you that I can't simply do that. And that I'm infatuated with you, and I can't stand the fact you are avoiding me," he turned around to face me, but I just couldn't bring myself to turn his way.

"Sorry, but I have no business with you," I replied. "I can't afford to have any distractions while studying, so please stop this nonsense." I looked towards him and a tear made its way down my cheek.

He widened his eyes and sprung towards me, and before I knew it, our lips were connected. His frigid hands cupped both of my cheeks as I stood still. All these years, I failed to become true to myself. I disregarded my own feelings in order to do well in all other areas. I wanted to be a daughter that my parents can be proud of, but it took a toll on my well-being. I've forgotten how being loved by another person felt like- it's been too long. Maybe, just maybe, with Thomas by my side, I'll be able to become true towards myself again.

"I'm trusting you, so please don't let go of me," I slowly wrapped my arms around.

"I don't think I have the strength to distance myself from you anymore," he replied. "So don't worry. I'll continue to walk alongside you until the day comes when you look me in the eyes and order me to leave."