Heart as hard as a rock. (A Tanner and Cora love story)

Chapter Nineteen

Tanner's POV

Was this really a coincidence that Maria is a student from our school now or is she doing this to punish me because of what happened the last time saw each other? When I saw her earlier with Tyler, she hugged him. It was shown on his face that he was not expecting her either. She might have changed her hair but I still recognize her. I know her. Still the old Maria Fabiana I know. This is one of her old tricks and I'm not gonna fall for it. My only goal for now is to avoid her. I noticed Tyler has been checking on me but doesn't say anything. He looked like he was worried about me. I didn't wanna talk to him because he'll only feel sorry and I don't want that. And so I looked around to check if Maria was around. I noticed that Cora just got here and was just getting her food. So I came up to her since I didn't feel like talking to people in my group and I also wanted to apologize to her.

"Hey." I greeted awkwardly.

She looked at me and smiled. "What's up?"

"Oh not much. Look, I want to apologize because of what happened yesterday. I know we were supposed to be pretending that we were 'engaged' but then someone ruined it. I can make it up to you today if you want."

"And how'd it end up? You and the girl? Was she your ex?"

We started walking towards her table.

"Hell nah. But I used to like her tho. And now she wants me." I ran my fingers through my hair jokingly.

She snorted. "Wow your so cool."

"Do you mind if I sit in your table for a while?" I looked at her table she was all alone but no one took her table. She probably got rid of all of them. "Looks like you need a company." I said.

She looked at me eagerly trying to get more answers. "And?"

I rolled my eyes. "And because I don't like the pitty look my friends are giving me."

"Hmmm... sure." She said as she takes a bite of her apple.

I sat next to her and tried to ignore all the eyes that were staring at us. Especially the ones in my table.

"Uhmmm. So can I make it up to you tonight?" I asked.

"Can't. I have something goin on." She said.

"Hmmm. What exactly is Coraleen Waddell doing tonight? I mean you look like the 'I don't fuck with people' type of gal."

"Surprisingly, I do like some people." She pointed out.

I gasped, jokingly. "Cora has friends?!"

"Is mocking me the only entertainment you have in your life? Because it seems like it."

I didn't say anything.

"Relax, I was kidding." She shoves her spoon into her mouth.

"So you're hanging out with friend huh?" I asked.

"No, not tonight. My cousin is coming and her parents want her to stay here in the Philippines for a while so she's gonna live with me."

"And you're okay with that?"

"Oh you have no idea. She's like a little sister to me."

"How old is she?"

"She's younger than me by a year or two. In fact, she'll be going to school here. And no, none of you boys can date her."

"Hey, I have a cousin that's her age too! And he goes to school here too. Looks like she's gonna have to stay out watch out for my cousin. "

"Does cockiness really run in your family's genes?"

"Hmmm not really, we're more of being realistic."

"Ha-ha." Her laugh was fake but then real at the same time.

"Hey there, hottie." Daniel hugs Cora from behind.

"Oh hey!" She hugs back.

"Aye, Tanner!" He greeted.

"Hey man, what's up?"

"Oh you know just chillin." He then turns to Cora. "Hey there's this sushi place I wanna try. Care to join me tonight?"

"Kisses, I want — "

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

The bell rang. Cora and Daniel have the same class so they walked together. I, on the other hand, walked by myself. Today's been a blur. As I got home I saw Tyler on the couch.

"Yo." I said.

He didn't answer. I threw a tissue box at him.

"Are you dead? Why don't you talk to me?" I asked.

"Why don't you talk to me? It's so unusual seeing you running to Cora like a little bitch."

"And what? Y'all feel bad for me? If this is you being jealous, I told you already we're just friends."

"It's not even that—"

"Woah, hold your horses ladies!" Edward walks in.

Edward Barber Mata. Typical playboy who met a girl who calls him out for all the stupid shit he does, Marydale Entrata. This guy won't be here if he doesn't need us.

"Little cousin, what brings you here?" Tyler asked.

"Well you see, me and Maymay are on hiatus right now and I don't want that. I want her to take me back."

"And?"

"God damn it ,y'all are slow. I need tips!!!"

"So you're asking help from me, who can't even talk to the girl I like, and Tanner, who doesn't even have a girlfriend?"

"Hey! Maria is after me!" I defended myself.

"Oh yeah, I saw her today. Pretty hot chic, but she seems bitchy. And what about you Tyler?"

"Cora. Waddell." I said.

"I hear people talk about her all the time but we've never crossed paths. They say she's hot but scary."

"Well, you'll meet her, eventually."