Pleasure

Chapter Thirty-Three

I walk into school with a groggy feeling hanging over me. I have been gone for a week, but it feels like much less than that. Immediately, people are watching me. I don't care much for them though, so I make my way to the cafe to get something for breakfast. I haven't heard from Lucas or Natalie, but they're probably done with anyway. They probably think I'm a fool for being with Jacob. They don't know him like I do. I guess no one really does, though.

I grab a muffin, an apple, and some orange juice and stand in line, waiting to get checked out. Shortly after, I hear some girls giggling behind me.

"Must've been nice to have so many days off." I hear, then some giggling continues. I turn around to see Courtney with three other girls. She smiles and bounces, making her blonde hair bounce along with her.

"I surely was happy to get away from you." I respond in a bland tone. Her smile drops, and so does her friends. I turn back around and step up to check myself out. Once I'm done, I turn around. I take a bite of my apple and smile at her.

"Have a good day." I mock, and walk away. She murmurs profanities, but I don't mind it.

When I get to my locker, I start to grab my books and put the heavier things on my shelves.

"Hey," I hear a light voice sound from behind me. I turn around and see Natalie smiling softly.

"Hi," I reply, trying not to sound mean.

"How are you? I heard about the crash, I was so worried." You seem to worry a lot about me these days, I think to myself. Don't have children, your anxiety will go through the roof.

"I'm fine, just a few cuts and bruises." I note. "You don't have to worry about me all the time, you know."

She giggles and tilts her head. "I know. I guess I just do because you're my friend and I care about you." She smiles, seeming a little embarrassed. Although Lucas has managed to make me mad a few times, Natalie continues to be genuine and pure. She's the type of person that only cares about your happiness, and no matter what circumstance, she just wants you to be happy.

I shut my locker and smile at her. "Thanks, Natalie. I'm fine, really, you don't have to worry about me."

"Okay." She smiles and nudges me. "Everyone's been talking about you."

"Oh yeah? I bet." I roll my eyes. "Courtney was talking about me in line just now."

"She's so full of herself. She's been trying to talk to Jacob all week." She adds. I stop in my tracks and look at her.

"What?" I growl. How did I not know about this? Why hasn't Jacob said anything to me? I know he says don't worry about her, but people like her only want things for themselves. They don't want to see other people happy, especially if she herself isn't happy. I try not to let anger rise in me, but I want to know what she said. I remember when she told him he can't hide secrets from me. I remember the way she looked. Like she owned him by his secrets. I think about how he didn't want her near me at all. I start to wonder what she's planning. If she thinks she has the upper hand or something.

"Don't worry, Jacob is clearly ignoring her. She's kind of ruining her image with how desperately she wants his attention." She explains. "How are things with you and Jacob anyway?"

I want to talk more about the Courtney subject, but I don't push it. I trust Jacob, more than I trust Courtney, and we don't need to be arguing. I figured I would talk to him about it later.

"We're good." I smile, thinking about the good nights I've spent with him. "I really like him Natalie. He's so misunderstood. You probably think I'm crazy for being with him." I admit as we walk up to my first period class. She shrugs and moves her mouth to one side of her face.

"I don't judge, Aria. If you're happy, then that's what's important. I never thought he would be your type, though." She confesses. "I think he is misunderstood though."

I check the time and look into my classroom. Class is about to start, but I don't want the conversation to end.

"I should get going." She says. I tell her bye and she smiles lightly before walking off.

I get to lunch fairly early, since I left class before the bell. I grab my lunch and take a seat in a booth near the window. As I sit and wait for the cafe to fill up, I see Courtney and her goons walk in. She sees me in the corner and there's a glisten in her eye. She smirks at me before heading my way. I roll my eyes in annoyance and consider getting up to leave. I get the feeling she might follow. She's like that annoying small dog that barks all the time and makes you want to kick it over a fence.

She plops down across from me and smiles. "I think we got off on the wrong foot." She says. I stare at her blankly, chewing my food. If she expects a response, she won't be getting one.

"I don't want you to be intimidated that I'm your boyfriend's ex. We can all be friends, honestly. I just want to make it clear that you know his intentions with you." She says and tilts her head with a bitterly empathetic smile. I jerk my head at her and glare.

"It's crazy how you think you know my boyfriend better than me." I growl, trying to keep my cool. My patience can only be tested so much today.

"That's only because I do. See, I knew him way before you did. And what he hides from you can only stay secret for so long." Courtney responds. "But I mean, he's such a good liar, he could fool you for years." She smiles then pushes herself up from the table. With that, she saunters away confidently.

She thinks I'm sad but secretly I'm angry. I bend my fork in my hand, trying my best not to rip her hair from her scalp. Go full ape shit. Why can't people just leave relationships alone? If two people are happy, why do you have to mess with that? I trust Jacob, but Courtney seems so confident in her secrets. I hate her. She knows something, and I know she knows something. I want to find out what it is.

I'm going to find out what it is.