Drawn to You

Chapter 6

I am putting my Physics research paper in my bag when I hear Nic ring the doorbell. I barge out of my bedroom immediately and run down the stairs to meet him. I open the door for him and frown.

“You shouldn’t use the doorbell this early.” I chide. “My mother is still asleep. Well, for most of the time at least.”

“Oh,” he smiles sheepishly. “Sorry, I didn’t… uhm… Well, should I knock next time?”

I raise an eyebrow at him. You think I’d hear you knock from here to my bedroom? I wanted to say.

“Right,” he read my mind, “like you would even hear me… I’ll just text you next time.”

I laugh at him and say, “What happened to your ‘I prefer taking the short-cut rather walking to the front door’ routine?”

“Well…” he nods to his bruised shoulder. “I thought of quitting that…for a while, at least.”

“Right,” I say.

“So,” he starts, “are you up for school or what?”

“Just let me get my bag.”

Nic and I arrive in Spring Leaf High shortly after I thank him for my book.

“No problem,” he replies. “Have you started reading it yet?”

“Well, I obviously can’t resist reading.” I smile mischievously. “How’s that for an answer?”

Nic shakes his head at me and laughs. “Not what I was expecting, but okay.” He wraps an arm around my shoulder. “So, how do you like it so far then?”

“It’s good.” I say while thinking about yesterday. I flush surreptitiously when I remember how Nathan recommended the book.

“Good to know.” Nic grins. “Maybe when you’re finish you can lend it to me.”

I am about to say “why not?” when I hear Mark calling my name. He pulls me to a back-hug before I get the chance to turn around. He gives my cheek a soft peck before pulling away.

“Hey Lena. ‘Sup Nic.” He greets.

“Hey Mark,” I grin at him and in the corner of my eye, I catch Nic frown. “How are you?”

“Great.” He beams. “It’s good to be home. How about you?”

“Oh, uhm… I’m good. I got a new book to read.” I smile at Nic who does the same.

Mark glances from me to him and again before saying, “…Really?”

“Yeah,” I nod. “Nic and I went to a bookstore after school yesterday.”

“Oh.” Mark frowns slightly. “Why didn’t you guys invite me?”

“I was going to but—“

“But we needed time alone. As best friends.” Nic disrupted. “Plus, you’re probably still unpacking.”

“Didn’t you have all the time in the world to be with Lena when I was still in Australia?”

“I did,” Nic retorts, “but you’re back now.”

I look between the two boys and my eyes focus on their jawlines; I know they are gritting their teeth. The both of them share a staring contest before Mark finally turns to me.

“Lena,” he says, “can Nic and I talk for a while?”

I glance at Nic and I see him nod his head. I nod back as a response before turning back to Mark to say, “Don’t do anything foolish.”