REFLECTION

3. Another Day

   This was the first school day when Tal actually noticed me in the morning. Noticed me follow him to class and sneak into my seat before him. Noticed me writing down random notes during class. It was the best feeling to have, knowing not only that you have a date with your biggest crush in the entire world, but also the fact that your date now constantly looks at you.

I never cared that he was almost three years older than me, and I never cared that multiple girls were head over heels for that lovely man.

Having physical contact with him happened at lunch again, but this time Tatum saw it. I haven't heard Tate screech that loud as she did in such a long time. She even told me that Tal gave her a smirk once he touched me.

I felt Dillon's atmosphere approach, my stomach then dropped to my toes. I watched Tatum's eyes slowly turn to Dillon, who had his hand on a girl's waist, just like Tal.

Tal turned over to Dillon and gave a nod. Dillon glared at him in return for his friendly nod. I turned over to Dillon and complimented him,

"Looks like you're happy with a girl, I'm proud of you."

I watched Dillon as his eyes were hooked onto Tal's deep eyes. Not to be clingy, but I felt a little jealous that Tal had been looking into someone else's eyes.

"And you look happy with a guy." Dillon finally responded. I heard his rough voice at an angry tone, making me flinch and lean back against Tal, who then made a tighter hold on my waist.

I could see Tate stand up in the corner of my eye, making a 'don't say a word' expression across her face towards Dillon. Dillon saw and slowly walked away with the girl. I watched them as the girl watched me. She seemed upset with Dillon, but she didn't say a word.

I could feel Tal's other arm wrap around my waist, holding onto my small body with a tight hold. I felt sad but happy at the same time. How does that even work?

Tate sat back down and looked at Tal and I, sighing happily at the view she had.

"Would you like to stay, Tal?" Tatum asked, tapping the table with one of her nails. You could almost see the sly look in her eyes past her short blonde hair. I knew exactly what she was up to.

Tal put his head against my neck before nodding, sitting down next to the chair I was about to sit in. I sat down next to him and felt his arm go back around my waist. He was definitely protective.

"So Tal," Tate began to speak with a harmony in her voice, the sly look still in her eyes as she began to smirk. I could feel my stomach drop as she sat down back in her seat, her eyes locking on Tal.

I had a feeling she was going to ask multiple questions. Maybe she was going to ask why he seemed interested in me, or she would ask why he asked me to meet up with him, or maybe... I think you get it.

"What made you feel interested in my friend?" She asked. Dammit I knew she would ask that.

"And what do you mean?" Tal asked. I could feel his arm tense around my waist. My stomach dropped again and my face grew cold.

"Is there anything in particular that stood out to you?" She rephrased her words, giving Tal a confused look at his response.

"Well..." Tal spoke before his tongue got caught in his words. He was completely speechless and shy, I could just tell. He stayed silent and locked his eyes on Tatum, her eyes locked back once again.

"Okay! Let's change the subject. Is that fine with you guys!? It's fine with me, most definitely." I broke the silence and staring. Tal looked back at me with a relieved smile as he rubbed his thumb on my hip. I could feel chills grow up my spine as I blushed at the feeling.

"I like that idea! So Tal how's your home life?" Tatum smiled brightly. She really wanted to learn about this boy and approve of him.

"Aren't you a curious tiger?" Tal mumbled so only I could hear. He really only seemed comfortable with me in that moment. I can't tell if that's a good or bad thing.

"What's that?" Tatum seemed aggravated that Tal isn't responding to her questions. I can't really blame her, but I can't blame Tal for wanting a personal life for only a few people to learn about. Tal turned his head and looked at me.

"How about we talk about you, huh?" He teasingly shook my body and smirked. I couldn't help but blush and look back at him. I could feel a glare hit me from across the table, it was most definitely Tate wanting her questions answered.

Struggle

   The bell then rang and chairs screeched across the floor as people tried to leave. I could hear the voices echo the hallways as people rammed into each other, their cursing loud and clear as they hit again the walls and lockers.

I felt Tal's eyesight hit me as I grabbed my black and white bag. I slowly turned to Tal and looked at his lips. Not now... Not yet at least.

"Common people! We'll be late to class." Dillon spoke loudly as he hit my shoulder.

"I'll be there in a moment, be patient..." I responded quietly, feeling pain flush my arm as I stood up.

"I'll walk you to class." Tal spoke as he stood up. I looked up at him and stared at him. God he was tall. No wonder everyone always avoided him, especially up close to him.

"You don't have to! I mean... You can if you want to." I spoke quickly, turning red in embarrassment afterwards.

He chuckled as he put his backpack in before locking his fingers with mine. I felt my entire body become cold at his touch.

"Okay people walk to class," Tate spoke loudly as she pulled on my arm, trying to get me to walk with her. "You slow pokes!" She then continued.

"Just be patient!"

"You're only focused on him now!"

"I thought you were proud of me!"

"I am but you don't seem to care anymore!"

"I care it's just weird now, okay!?"

"Just walk." Tal interrupted our fast argument before starting to walk. I felt grief overflow my body as I turned and looked at Tatum. She looked upset and destressed about everything. I'm starting to question what had happened to me over the past two days. Was falling in love worth it?

"Do I have to go to class?" I asked and looked up at Tal with big eyes. He looked back down at me and shook his head.

"We could always ditch school." He answered and stopped walking. I heard my heartbeat as if it were in my neck and growing up to my ear.

"Ditch school..?" I asked slowly and stopped walking as well. I looked up at his expressions as he smiled to himself. What was he thinking about? "Tal?" I continued as he smirked.

"Let's go to my house." Tal quickly spoke and turned back around, heading for the exit next to the lunchroom. I didn't want to go to his house, but I also didn't want to stop him.

"I'll go anywhere you want to go." I responded as I started to panic slightly. What if she wants to try something? Is he the type of person to even try that?

Tal turned around and peered across the hallway and lunchroom before quickly leaving the building, bringing me with him.

"You're sure this is a good idea?" I asked in panic, looking up at Tal in shock.

"You'll be okay, I promise. No one will hurt you." He looked deeply into my eyes, assuring me everything is fine. I nodded slowly and put my hands on the other's chest as I felt Tal's hands go onto my lower back.

"You're getting less shy." Tal spoke and looked at my lips. I felt my back slightly arch as he pushed his hands against my back.

"You've changed me, Tal." I responded and looked back at his lips. Tal brought me closer to his body and leaned his head near mine. I slightly pulled away before putting my face in his neck, shaking my head. I could hear Tal's quiet sigh as he tensed up.

"You're not ready?" Tal mumbled as he rubbed my back, trying to comfort me. I shook my head in return and sighed.

Why am I acting so weird now? It was my dream to kiss Tal... But I rejected him.