The Third Wheel

The Third Wheel - Part 12

Jordan had on a hard face as he stared into Samuel's eyes. His dark green eyes meeting with the soft brown of Samuel's eyes. Peter, the vice-president of the student council, also the one who stopped Sophie and Samuel's conversation was there, too. "What did you mean that you were going to help her? Don't you already have a girlfriend?" asked Peter suspiciously, squinting at him. Samuel said nothing, instead he rewarded Peter a mysterious smile. While this was going on, Jordan had his attention fully towards Sophie. He cautiously stepped nearer to her and noticed that she was shaking. Jordan felt a flash of anger in his chest, and felt that he should chase after the captain of the football team if only Sophie wasn't looking up at him. Her expression remained calm, but he could see the student council president's beautiful eyes begging for help. She may not say it, but he knew he had to calm her. 

When he's an arm's distance from Sophie, he gently took her hand. He was expecting Sophie to push him away, but she let him touch her. "Hey, you alright?" Jordan asked, oblivious to the presence of Peter and Samuel, the lattter trying to avoid Peter's question by raising his eyebrows and pointing at Sophie. "Shouldn't you worry about our princess here?" Samuel asked with an amused tone. Before Peter could react, Jordan already pulled Sophie towards the direction of the infirmary, which was along the corridor. "Wait! Where are you bringing the president?" asked Peter, panicking. "I'll bring her to the infirmary to calm her. You go along, vice-president, Samuel! Oh, and Samuel, I'm going to talk to you personally during lunchtime" Jordan replied back, making Peter confused and Samuel shrugged his shoulders as Peter, with his jaw slightly dropping, took a look at Samuel, as if asking for an explanation. 

As they entered the infirmary, Jordan stopped in his tracks, Sophie behind him. He counted to three and turned back. He got a surprise when he did so. Sophie was sitting on the floor, her face blank. Jordan quickly pulled her up, and made her sit on a chair. They remained that way, Jordan standing in front of her, while Sophie sat on the chair. After what seemed an eternity of silence, Sophie looked up at Jordan. He studied her as she moved her red lips, "How...?". Even though she only said one word, Jordan understood her. "Sometimes I seek refuge here. Sometimes I skip class and hang out here, so Miss Suzy gave me the spare key, in case she hasn't arrived" Jordan replied, without considering that the person in front of him was the third powerful person in school, aside from the chairman and the members of PTA. Sophie smiled at this. "I bet you used your charm to do that" she said. Jordan blushed at this. There was a bit of truth in her statement. Sure, he did charm the single infirmary teacher who's famous for her beauty and sense of fashion, even though she had to wear the white coat. He pouted. It wasn't his fault that the teacher listened to his bidding. Sophie picked this up, and held up her hand. "Don't worry. I know her reputation. She's the most lenient teacher in this school, and I can't do anything with it. I won't report you, as long as you don't bring any of your friends into this" Sophie said in her serious tone, showing authority. She giggled by herself when Jordan made a serious face and gave a nod to her statement.

Jordan relaxed a bit as he could see a smile in Sophie's eyes. He wanted her to forget about what just happened before with Scott, even though he was curious of the relationship between Sophie and his captain, Scott. Ever since the time where he vowed to get Sophie's heart, he was apparently troubled by the look that Scott gave to Sophie. He wasn't proved wrong when he caught a glimpse of Scott trying to steal a kiss from Sophie earlier. His head was boiling with anger, and was about to step out when Peter, the vie-president put his hand on his shoulder. Before he could react, he understood why. He was frustrated, though. The fact that Samuel became Sophie's shining knight in armour at that time made him upset. Samuel already has a girlfriend. But the look that the vice-president gave him explained all: They didn't want to scare Scott. Jordan did not realise that as he thought of this, his expression became darker, alarming Sophie.

Jordan noticed Sophie's puzzled expression, and took a glance at this face at the mirror that Miss Suzy placed on her table. He softened his expression as soon as he saw his scary expression. He then took a chair and sat in front of Sophie. He didn't want to talk about it, but they can't run away from the issue. He will listen to her explanation, even if it the truth is too shocking. "I know you might be uncomfortable, but about Captain..." Jordan trailed off, referring to Scott. Sophie remained expressionless as she said, "He's my childhood friend". That made him surprised. Sophie gave him a tight smile as she saw his surprised face. They remained silent, as Jordan fiddle with his fingers. He then looked at Sophie. She saw her lips quivering as she said, "I'm scared of him, Jordan".

Jordan felt like he could protect her and wanted to hug her then and there. If Samantha was there, he bet that she would throw her shoe at his head and told him that he was sexist. But that feeling was there, he couldn't deny it. He hold himself back, he didn't want to startle Sophie after going through that. He decided to change the subject. "What's with Samuel's offer?" he tried his luck this time, as she looked at his face. Sophie's expression was unreadable. She kept quiet, indicating to Jordan to not pry any deeper. 

Jordan let out a sigh. He was tired of this. He had a limit to his patience, too. "Let's make a deal. If I catch you in the Golden Event, I want you to tell me everything about your relationship with Scott and Samuel" he said, his tone serious. Sophie gave him a cold expression. "Is it because of Kimberley that you're doing this?" her tone sarcastic, taunting him. Jordan stared back at her. "I would be lying if I said no. But, Kimberley is with Samuel, and that's that. I want to know you more, Sophie, but all you do is push me away. I won't ask you why, but how am I going to protect you from Scott? From other guys who has such intentions like Scott?" he asked her, his tone getting higher as he went on. Sophie suddenly stood up and Jordan followed suit. "What's my bargain, then?" she asked him. He gave her a tiny smile. "Anything, other than the key to the infirmary" he said in a teasing tone. Sophie kept quiet after he said that, making him squirm. "I'll think about it. I'll give you my answer after school" she then went out, and Jordan sat back on his seat, his heart beating. She just left but he was already nervous by her answer later.

Lunchtime...

Samuel remained at his seat as his classmates bustle around him to get out of the classroom after the school bell rang for lunchtime. He saw Jordan's figure at the entrance and took his things as he walked towards his best friend. Jordan brought him behind the school, where they could get some privacy. As they sat on the pavement, Samuel said cheerfully, "So, how did you convince Kimmy to not pursue us?". Jordan let out a mysterious smile. "I made her do some errands for me. I bet I'll get an earful from her after this" he said with a smirk. They then became silent for a while. "About you and Sophie..." Jordan suddenly spoke up, unable to contain his curiosity. "We kissed once" Samuel answered nonchalantly. "And I was already having a relationship with Kimmy at that time" he continued on, ignoring Jordan's shocked expression. Jordan then grabbed Samuel's shirt. "What do you mean? Are you trying to tell me you cheated on Kimmy with Sophie?" he said, his tone low. Samuel looked into Jordan's dark green eyes which was filled with anger. "If you want more details, I suggest you go ask the lady herself. It was a favour that she asked for" he replied back. Jordan let go of Samuel's shirt, glaring at Samuel. Samuel stared back at him, and let out a smirk. "Now it's my turn. Where does your heart lie, Jordan? Is it Sophie? Or is it still Kimberley?" Samuel asked Jordan. Jordan felt like his legs turn to goo. "How did you know?" he asked stupidly. "We go way back, Jordan. You know that. This means I know everything about you" Samuel said, his expression softening. 

"I don't mind about your feelings about Kimberley, Jordan. It was inevitable; she's always been there for you when you were in a slump. For Sophie, I can't explain any further, she had her reasons" Samuel continued on. Jordan remained quiet. "Now, back to my question. Where does your heart lie, Jordan?" Samuel asked Jordan. "I- I don't know" Jordan admitted. Samuel shook his head as Jordan said this. "What I said to Sophie wasn't a joke, Jordan. Think what you may, but Sophie's an important person to me, Jordan. I'll do anything for her, even if she didn't mean to make it that way" Samuel picked up his things and left. Jordan sat there, in lost of words. He was too confused by everything that he had to take in in their conversation. He stood up when he was suddenly greeted by someone. 

"Jordan"

TO BE CONTINUED