Magicals

Chapter 5

Arabella

Standing there in front of the class I was suddenly aware of the staring contest going on between Garrett and I. Making myself break the stare I looked him over to see what had changed. He was definitely taller than before, at least 6' 4" and all muscle. The sandy blonde hair that had always been buzz cut before had been traded for a longer version, long enough for a pony tail. He reminds me more of his dad now. I had to admit it suited him well. His skin was tan from the summer sun still. Full, beautiful lips, the kind girls dream about kissing, covered his normally crooked smile. I felt myself getting light headed again and then I realized I wasn't breathing.

Taking a deep breath through my nose I found myself begin to relax. At least, until I saw Garrett's eyes run from my toes to my head and back again. Suddenly, heat flooded my cheeks. I knew they had to be ten shades of red. Trying my best not to look at him and hide behind my hair I adjusted my eyes to the seat next to him. Big mistake! Of course, Lydia was sitting next to him and of course she had just seen everything happen and she was not happy. The glare she directed at me could burn holes into my skull. The scowl on her face made her look like an angry raccoon thanks to the overkill of eye makeup she wore.

Finally, Mr. Carter allowed me to take my seat next to Erika and he began his lesson for the day. As I opened my book and got my things out I got the feeling someone was staring. You can always sense someone staring. As nonchalantly as I could I looked over my shoulder and once again I was met by those ocean blue eyes. Only this time instead of disbelief and shock they shined with awe and something else that I couldn't put my finger on. Turning back around I tried to figure out what exactly his eyes did show but I was stumped. Since I couldn't figure it out I tried to get a sense of what he was feeling but he had always been better at hiding what he was feeling so I got nothing from the connection either. Giving up I decided to take the notes I needed to take.

After sitting in class feeling like I was being watched the whole time the bell rang dismissing us. Erika told me she would show me to my next class but she didn't take French so she wouldn't be in it.

"Oh, well I should be fine, French has been my second language for a while" I said laughing.

"I suppose that is true. So, hey can I ask you something?"

"Sure" I replied.

"What was that back there with Garrett and you? I don't mean to be nosy but Garrett is one of the most popular and best looking guys in school but he also dates the spawn of Satan" Erika said.

"Oh that was....nothing?" it came out sounding like a question but I didn't know how to explain it.

"Nothing? It didn't seem like nothing. It seemed like one of two things. Either y'all have a history or he is completely smitten with you" She said winking in my direction.

"We were best friends since we were kids or at least up until I left for Paris. And Garrett Freeman is not smitten with me" dismissing the idea with a shake of my head.

"Well, I'm pretty sure you're not blind but I do think you're in denial. Garrett is completely and totally smitten with you. The way he looked at you was like he had just seen an angel. I love my boyfriend and he loves me but even we don't look at each other like that. It was kind of how Fitzgerald describes Gatsby looking at Daisy. Like you two were long lost lovers or soulmates or meant to be or something. It was kind of romantic." she said.

"You know Fitzgerald's work?" I asked.

"Yes but don't change the subject Arabella" she said giving me a look, it seemed like we had been friends all of our lives instead of just meeting this morning.