Something Unexpected

Chapter 3- So we meet again

I’ve just made a complete ass of myself, in front of the very person who put me in one of the most uncomfortable situations of my life, Luke. What a wonderful start to the day. 

Here I am, standing in a class room in front of people I barely know. All of their eyes were focused on me and I could see a few of them exchanging whispers to one another. Honestly, why do girls feel the need to share their opinions all the time? “Good morning class. As you may have noticed by now, we have a new student. Bella. Please ensure that her stay is welcome," announced our homeroom teacher. I just smiled, trying to hide the fact that I was nervous. “Take a seat, Bella,” says the teacher sweetly. I nodded, and searched for a free seat. As I walked through the gap in between  the tables, I knew everyone was staring at me, thankfully, there were a few friendly faces, so I didn’t feel completely out of place. I took a seat between two girls, the girl to my left had straight, jet black hair, whose complexion was quite fair and the girl to my right had an olive complexion, whom was a brunette, with a hint of orange. Further into the period, I befriended these girls. The jet black haired girl whose name I learnt to be Yanina, and the Brunette is named Holly. They were sweet and outgoing, and I was just relieved that I wouldn’t be spending my first day alone. 

These girls taught me everything I needed to know about Penola. Where to find certain places, students I should avoid, basically the entire geographic. They gave me a tour around the whole school- the school pitch being our last stop, it was quite a popular location too. Straight away, I recognised the boys who were in my front yard. How could I ever forget their faces? I thought to myself.

All of them were on the courts, in the middle of what appears to be an intense game of basketball. Once again, there were students congregating around them, just like this morning. “What’s the deal with those boys?” I asked aggressively. The two girls looked at me, then looked out into the basketball courts where my eyes were fixed. The two smiled at each other. “I thought you would’ve heard of those boys by now. You know, the Janoskians? Their names are Daniel “Skip”, James, Beau, Luke and Jai,” answered Yanina. “I’m sorry, the what?” I asked in a puzzled tone. “The Janoskians!” Exclaimed Holly. “They’re considered legends around here, because of their popular Youtube channel, where they film themselves doing the most retarded things. Oh, and of course, their oh-so good looks,” Holly said mockingly. I scoffed at this description of the ‘Janoskians’, “retarted” being the only word I agreed with to describe them. Although, I must admit, they're an undeniably attractive group of boys, athletic too. “You’ll warm up to them,” said Yanina, nudging my arm. I replied, “one can only hope”. 

It’s been a week since my first day here at Penola and surprisingly, I adjusted well to my new school. Day by day, I became closer with Yanina and Holly and the sight of the Janoskians were becoming more frequent. Everywhere I went, there they were. If I’m not mistaken, all of them would look at me every time I was near. I spent most of my lunch breaks at the school pitch, as I like to keep up with my fitness, and of course, there they are, on the other side of the courts. Occasionally, people would tell me the same repetitive gossip about these boys, and I couldn’t care less. 

~Following day~

Yanina, Holly, a few other students and I, were 30 minutes into an intense game of basketball, and a game I was really getting into. “Yanina, I’m open pass the ball here!” I yelled. My hair was fixed in a ponytail, and sweat was trickling down my face. In the last 10 minutes of lunch, the Janoskians casually decide to enter our game, uninvited. There wasn’t much I could do, so I just let them. Heck, the more the merrier. 

We were all playing the game pretty seriously, and we had a few laughs along the way. With only two minutes left, I now had possession of the basketball- I dribbled and dribbled, getting closer to the net. I got into position, ready to shoot a basket, until, out of nowhere, Luke came charging towards me and crashed right into me. As we violently hit the floor together, I felt his arms wrap around my waist for support. I was now lying on the ground underneath a sweaty Luke, who was on top of me. “Oh shit, sorry!” Exclaimed Luke. “Ow!" I shrieked. "You know, for a skinny person you’re awfully dangerous.” I said jokingly. Luke let out a chuckle and helped me get back on my feet. “Sorry about that," said Luke, “didn’t think I would crash into you so hard”. I replied in a chuckle, “it’s fine, as long as you didn’t break any bones of mine.” He laughed at my comment, then started to look at me strangely. “Wait, you look familiar. Aren’t you that girl from the front yard and the locker?” Asked Luke. Crap! I thought to myself. I didn’t think he would still remember me, after all, its already been a week! 

I finally replied, “yes. Nice to meet you, I’m Bella, aka the girl from the locker as well as the girl whose front yard you threw up on.” Luke blushed in embarrassment, unprepared for my answer. “Oh...so you are," he began, "look, that was just my brothers and a few friends of mine fooling around. It’s what we do, nothing personal,” answered Luke solemnly. I wasn't completely convinced, but I knew he was sincere to his words and so I loosened up a bit. “Look, I appreciate that. Even though you did cost me a shirt”. Luke's cheeks went into a brighter shade of red, breaking a smile to hide his embarrassment. “I admit, that wasn’t one of my best days. So... Allow me to make it up to you, why don’t we play a game of Tennis on Saturday, considering we share the same passion for sports?” Asked Luke sweetly, his head slightly facing the ground. I had to think about this for a couple of seconds, then hastily accepted his invite. “Sure, why not? Just as long as the day doesn’t end the same way it did in my front yard," I replied jokingly. He smirked, “will do, I look forward to seeing you there," Luke said with a wink.

I gave him a half smile in return and watched him as he made his way out of the Basketball courts. Completely taken by surprise as to what just happened. Was I seriously asked out by Luke? On a date? I mean, that's what it was right, a date? My eyes scanned his entire body- finding myself a little attracted to his physique and charm. 

I looked around in confusion. As I turned around, Holly and Yanina were standing next to each other,   staring at me as they slightly moved their pelvis' back and forth, as a signal to say, "tap in". Clearly they've witnessed the entire thing. Did I mention that they're also childish?

Oh gosh... I hope I made the right decision.