My Friend with Benefits Stole My Heart (COMPLETED)

My Friend with Benefits Stole My Heart - Chapter10

Gathering my emotions I plastered on a smile but a hazy bittersweet feeling knotted my stomach aching it to it's core. My physic couldn't be steady at this point but for the sake of us all I kept my shoulders squared with a slight smile.

''I'll take Kate and Amy,'' offered Charlie with an easy smile and not meeting my eyes when I glanced at him.

My world tilted at an uneven angle causing confusion to take root in my mind. Maybe I shouldn't have kissed him but....he urged me on. Then what could it be?

The pessimistic feeling coursing throughout my body wasn't welcomed in the least. I had to take charge. First Dad, then Mom, thankfully Daniel, sadly Axel and now Charlie? Nope not happening.

As the wheels in my head turned to try and conjure up a solution I was ushered to Axel's car. I headed for the back seat but Axel held the front door open as an invitation which I politely accepted. My jitters were going to reach the fever pitch today. I can tell.

The ride to Starbucks actually wasn't as nerve wracking as I had cracked it up to be. Mainly because we steered clear of any relationship drama that would inevitably cause a flare of tempers. Axel's, Charlie's and surely mine.

I still wasn't convinced that I should continue with the fake dating. It's doing more harm than good but Charlie would talk me back into it.

I swear he was a used car salesman in another life.

 We disembarked Axel's car as Char's pulled up. Our group reformed and this time Charlie's eyes caught mine.

Phew!

 I just needed to to clear my mind that's all. Stupid me and my cynical approach to life. Our friendship is secured that's all that matters. Just Charlie and I's friendship.....

A warm body was pressed behind me and this just solidified my theory. Coming around to my side to hold my hand I couldn't help but sniff his delicious aroma. He smelt of Axel mixed with his own scent. I willed myself to engrave the scent into my brain.

We were the first to order and sit giving us some time to just enjoy each other's company. My like for Charlie still burned red-hot but I would put it on the back burner for the sake of our friendship.

*

After an amazing breakfast Charlie said he has surprise for me. I pestered and jabbed but he wouldn't loosen his lips to give anymore information to appease my racing heart and curious mind. He only kissed my forehead as a parting gift.

 Now back to the present.

We all looked like chickens without heads as we ran into school looking for each of our respective lockers. The halls were empty and void of life making it easier on us.

Remembering I had art first I slowed my pace down to a light jog. I had everything I needed for class I just had to be in it before the bell. Turning, the final corner I breathed in a deep breath of air and calmly walked through the door.

The teacher sat with ease at her table. She looked like she knew a secret and took pleasure that no one else knew it. I found my seat and sat on the plastic chair as the bell rang.

 She stood and I had to admire her artistically messy yet professional attire.

"Okay, class take out your projects and you'll each have to present it to the class. State what emotions take hold of your soul and just express yourself,'' she said dramatically.

Only a few had gone before me and I was now cursing my last name for beginning with 'h'. I shook fervently. So much that I felt it to my bones. My body screaming ''No no no! You fool! You're going to embarrass yourself'' fought with my rational mind saying,''If I don't gone I'll embarrass myself even more!''

So I did what I had to. I cleared my throat and willed my jell-o legs to stop shaking involuntarily. I took a big breath and spoke.

''My portrait is of a really good friend by the name of Charlie."

''I thought he was your boyfriend,'' a girl in the front seat interrupted.

''Well yeah but I didn't know my personal business was broadcast so widely in 24 hours,'' I said feeling even more terrified but I continued.

''As I was saying, when I look at him I feel immense joy. He's like an ice-cream sundae on a hot summer day. It's just what you need, it brings a smile to your face you can't help and it's just an indescribable feeling that you can't seem to shake but that's alright because you don't want that feeling to leave.''

In my heart I felt it swell with my feelings for Charlie but I forced them down and remembered I had eyes for Axel. My heart was just looking for another to 'love' while it seeked the one which would tame it.

''That was beautiful,'' said the teacher as I handed my assignment up.

I gave her a curt nod and scurried to my seat. My anxiety gnawing at my nerves didn't help especially now that the entire class had it's eyes glued to me.

''She's got it bad.''

''I so have to tell my boyfriend!''

Oh give me a break!

Running late this morning had put off my press conference with the school's gossipers and paps but I had just intensified and very much verified what some had seen and spread like wild fire.

The class continued with me being the centre of attention. Even after the bell rang I could feel their heated stares burn a hole through my skull.

Walking through the halls proved more than I could handle. One after another I was pestered with the never ending questions about Charlie.

''Where's he from!?''

''What school does he go to?''

And...I was kind of glad they did in a way because this showed I didn't know squat about my fake boyfriend and real best friend. Huh, it's seems so strange for him to be my best friend even more than Jake, Amy and Kate combined.

I was half way to math class when I was pulled into the janitor's closet and pin against the door in one fluid motion.

Only mere inches separated the one person my mind had not be thinking of. His stare seemed so intense and maybe even intensified as he said,''I see you've got yourself another play toy.''

Daniel was lucky he had me pinned or else I would have smacked him.

Trying to show I was not bothered by his statement I replied coolly,''Yep. They get better each type I pick. Thanks for starting me off.''

He tightened his grip around my wrist that he currently held above my head. I squirmed but didn't make a sound.

''Meet me after school so I can change your mind.''

''Never in a million years even if dinosaurs came back to life and all monkeys could speak. It seems we're on our way though, as you seem to be able to make a sensible sentence.''

I then shrugged and had to hold back a mischievous smile when I saw his heaving chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm.

''Man, I remember when we used to date I would get a such an evil kick out of annoying you.''

''And you still do.''

I laughed a deep laugh and so did he. Then, as if remembering our provocative position, we laughed even harder. I know I did.

What a surprising day this is turning out to be.

Stay beautiful

~GU