Rejection Hurts On Both Sides

Chapter 11: Welp, That Did Not Sound Creepy At All

Chapter 11: Welp, That Did Not Sound Creepy At All

[Recap: Nate reveals to Agatha (and Jared) that Evan is the ninety-first student of their batch.]

***

“Evan’s my classmate in Chemistry,” Jared informs me. “He seems nice.”

“That’s because he is nice. Anyway, Nate has to be joking,” I tell Jared. “There is no way Evan could be that important.”

“I don’t think he was messing around,” Jared says thoughtfully, discreetly popping a few chips into his mouth. “I mean, what does Nate gain from lying to us?”

I frown. “But still…”

Our last period of the day is study hall, meaning free time. Jared and I are currently in the school library, talking about what we learned from Nate.

Evan’s the ninety-first student of our batch.

To an outsider, that news wouldn’t mean much. But in CGA, that was huge. For decades, each batch only consisted of ninety students. That was tradition. That was the rule. And Headmistress Ruth was a stickler for rules.

So why was Evan the exception?

Jared looks around cautiously before eating a few more chips which he got from his bag. Although Miss Fisher was an angel to her admirers, she prohibited students from bringing food and drinks inside the library. And even her followers can’t ignore her angry side.

“Aggie, can I ask you something?” Jared looks at me, serious. “Why do you care so much about the new guy?”

I pause. Why did I care? “No reason,” I mumble, feeling uncomfortable. “It’s just weird, y’know?”

My friend looks dubious.

“Anyway, did you hear anything from Maria?” I ask, changing the subject. I was still avoiding her, and I knew it was going to backfire soon.

Jared’s brows rise at the subject change, but he still answers. “Maria’s caught on to your avoiding tactics. She’s stopped asking about you.”

“Good,” I say, relieved, but at the same time, I feel guilty. Should I have given Maria a chance of hearing her out? I have no idea. “Is she mad?”

Jared was basically my only link to Maria, as Jared was technically part of the in crowd.

He shrugs. “I don’t get girly feelings, Aggie. All I know is that she kept swearing under her breath and glaring at me whenever I brought up your name.”

That’s Maria, all right.

I try to hide my smile, but Jared notices.

“Aggie, I have no idea what happened between you two, but it’s obvious that you miss her.”

I raise a brow. “Hold up. I do not miss her.”

“Your expression says otherwise. Face it; you miss your best friend.” Jared pops another chip in his mouth. “I might not understand girls and their feelings, but I understand enough to know that you want to talk to her.”

Remember when I said I don’t really care for heartfelt stuff? Well… Exhibit A.

I abruptly stand up, grabbing my phone. “Would you look at that? My phone’s ringing! I have to go,” I grin widely.

Jared stares at me blankly. “Your phone’s powered off.”

I laugh nervously, turning it on. “Well, it’s on now, and my phone’s…” I trail off. “I gotta go!” I quickly exit the library, knowing Jared won’t follow me.