Like falling off a cliff.

Chapter Nine

I woke the next morning surprisingly with a smile on my face. I couldn't help it. Just remembering the walk home with Tristan last night made me happy. Then my mind travelled back to the disastrous party and the fact that Tess had soaked me with her drink. On top of that, I was babysitting at the Prince's so had to face Mr Popular. Instantly my mood shifted. 

I shook the thoughts out of my head and jumped out of bed and into my bathroom to have a warm, relaxing shower - since I felt sticky and smelt like beer. Just as I got out of the shower my phone rang, it was Chelsea.

"AHHHHHHH" she screamed down the phone.

I started panicking, "are you okay, breathe, tell me what happened!"

"I MADE OUT WITH CARTER!" she screamed

"You literally gave me a heart attack, I thought you were being mauled by wild wolves"

"Can you just let me be excited?"

"I am letting you! You just scared me is all! Go on then, I'm dying to hear all the details"

"Well, so, it was basically perfect. We made out, a lot. Then we sat on top of the stairs and talked literally all night and we have so many things in common, I tried so hard not to gush and stay calm and collected but my god, Bella, this boy gives me such a weird tingly feeling whenever I'm around him and I just.." she took a huge breath of air

"Chelsea, breathe!"

"Oh, I'm breathing. Bella, I'm just so freaking happy! I've been crushing on him for like ever!"

Honestly, I was gushing inside for her. Carter is one of the nice popular's and they make the most beautiful couple and will have the most beautiful babies. Ok, so maybe I'm actually more excited than her. 

"Bella, do you think this all like meant nothing to him? Will he forget me?"

"No freaking way! No chance!" I reassured her. Carter can obviously see how lucky he is that Chelsea is even giving him the time of day and I know he'll be so happy that he decided to make a move last night.

"Hey, listen. I need to get ready to go to James's to babysit but I'll call you later!"

"Oh god, how are you feeling about going over after last night?" Chels asked, I could hear worry in her voice.

"Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it but I'm also planning on ignoring his presence and I've been praying that he's not even home" I sighed

"Yeah, don't worry about it. Stay strong, my love! Will call you later!"

After saying our goodbye's and hanging up, I quickly changed my clothes and applied minimal makeup. I grabbed my phone and a jacket and ran downstairs to make some breakfast and made my way to what felt like hell at this very moment in time.

James was one of the last people I wanted to see and I was genuinely embarrassed after him girlfriend humiliated me in front of a huge population of the school. I guess the score was 1-1 now and I was not happy about that.

I sighed as I made my way through the front gate of his house and knocked on the door. I prayed that he wasn't home and wouldn't open the door and I guess God was on my side today because a smiling Ashley slapped the door open and dragged me inside. I threw my bags on the coach while Lynn hugged her daughter goodbye and waved at me while she left for work.

"So, sweety, what do you want to do today?" I asked Ashley.

"Erm, can I watch TV please!"

I smiled and turned it on and we both lay on the coach watching Moana.

We were half way through the movie when I heard the front door open and close, "Ashley, I'm home" shouted James from the top of the stairs. I sighed. Crap. I did not move my gaze away from the TV as he came into the living room and Ashley jumped up to give him a hug.

Ashley jumped back onto the coach but James didn't move. It felt like he was standing there for ever and I couldn't breathe. I could hear the silence over the movie if that was even possible until suddenly he started walking towards us.

"Hey, Bella. Can I speak to you for a minute in the kitchen?" James asked. My heart was racing so fast and it felt like it was beating so hard that it would shoot outside my chest. I slowly got up and made my way to kitchen, avoiding eye contact.

We awkwardly stood infront of eachother, refusing to look at eachother in the eye and silence continued.

James sighed. "Look, I just wanted to apologise for what Tess done yesterday, it was uncalled for and really quite pathetic". I thought my eyes were going to pop out of the sockets, I was so surprised that I was hearing this. This time, I did end up looking at him in the eyes to see if he was just joking or what because I was sure as hell confused and wanted to laugh.

"Why are you apologising on behalf of her, surely she'll be pissed if she found this out"

"Yes, Tess will be pissed, but I gave her shit for it afterwards anyways, and I'm not apologising on behalf of her, I'm just sorry that it happened because it shouldn't have."

I didn't say anything so James continued talking.

"I'm sorry if it ruined your night"

He seemed so genuine but it was just so hard for me to accept it. I kept opening my mouth to respond but couldn't find the right words to say. 

"Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?" I asked, curiosity taking over.

"No matter what you think of me, you don't actually know anything about me and I can be a nice person, it just takes a second more me to get there, you know?"

I scoffed, "a second? Yeah, more like a freaking month or so"

"I'm a douche, I know, but that's not going to change anytime soon so you're just going to have to get used to it" he laughed. A nice laugh. A genuine laugh that didn't seem forced. 

I smiled back at him and nodded in response just as Ashley called.

I quickly turned back to him while walking out the kitchen, "James" I said.

He looked up from his phone.

"Thank you"

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I AM LITERALLY THE WORST I'M SORRY

I abandoned wattpad for what felt like forever but I'm back and I'm gonna try so hard to update regularly but I'm currently at University and it's such a stress and the last couple of years have been so stressful and hectic so I haven't had time to write anything.

It's a short chapter but please give it a comment and vote and let me know what you think about how to improve!