Beauty and the Geek

Chapter 7.

Unashamedly, I found myself kissing Will back. I should have been reminding myself what a bad girlfriend I was but the only thing that seemed to be racing through my mind was how much more I was beginning to like Will with each passing day.

Will's eyes sparkled in the moonlight as his hands moved to the small of my back; his much taller body pressed against my own in a tight embrace. I felt relieved and stifled all at the same time; elated that the tension between us was finally broken but knowing deep down that an illicit kiss with my tutor could head nowhere good.

---

I rummaged in my locker, stray assignments and debris flying in different directions, whilst attempting to snack on a sandwich at the same time. Life had been manic lately; between trying to fit in tutoring sessions with class and cheerleading practise, I couldn't even pencil in time for a proper meal.

"Careful," Zeke leaned against the locker next to me. "If you keep wolfing down your lunch like that you might choke."
"I'm sure you'd love that to happen," I replied, sarcastically. "What do you want?"

I wasn't in the mood for Zeke and his newfound confidence around me.

"Can't friends chat?" He replied, innocently. "I'm offended you think I want something."
"Firstly, we're not friends. Secondly, I have to be at cheer practise in 5 minutes so you'll have to chat quickly."

"Okay, since you clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, I'll cut straight to the point. I know about you...and you know who."

Most of the time, I tried to avoid any conversation with Zeke; something was so off about him and he had a habit of creeping up on you, usually with bad news in tow. He looked around, surveying the rest of the passing students along with me, as I felt a stab of panic. I could see the challenge from behind his eyes as I clutched the edge of his jacket and dragged him into the closest empty classroom.

Truthfully, I had been avoiding both Will and Brett since the incident at the gazebo. I didn't have the ability to choose between either of them, even though my heart said Will was the right answer. It was a big risk; Will was about to go off to college and would probably find a girl a hell of a lot smarter than me. He would actually have a chance at doing something worthwhile and right now, it was likely I had better chance being the wife of someone like Brett and popping out a few kids.
Will deserved better than me – that was for sure. He didn't deserve a cheater and a phony and as soon as he saw that there was more out there in the world to offer he would realise it. Sure, Will had been brave enough to lay himself out there, but I refused to do the same. Life was already way too much hassle.

"You can't tell anyone," I said, frantically. "It was a mistake –"
"Maybe you should tell Will that," Zeke said, casually leaning against the desk. "It's all he talks about since the other night – he seems to think you like him back."
"Brett would kill Will if he found out," I urged.
"That didn't seem to stop you smooching him –"
"Look, how much money do you want? I'll pay you to keep quiet."
"Ouch! I'm sure Will would be happy to know you're paying people to keep quiet about your little make out session."
"We didn't make out! It was one kiss!" My eyes flared angrily. "And you're not going to tell him either!"
"Okay, okay – relax. I won't say a single world - but only if you can give me something in return...

He challenged me further, pushing each button, until he knew I would break. Smart people were manipulative and I was learning fast they were no better than any of the Jocks.

"Fine" I snapped. "What do you want?"
"Nothing major," He examined his fingernails, coolly. "I just want a date to prom."
"Okay...with who?"
"Lauren Price."

I paused and erupted into laughter as Zeke looked on in irritation; I didn't mean to be so harsh but they were total opposites.

"You're kidding, right?" I chuckled.
"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Zeke replied, seriously.
"But she's just...so...not your type –"
"She's hot and I'm a teenage boy – what else is there to know? Can you imagine what all of my friends would say if I turned up to prom with her?!"
"Fine! Chill out. I can't promise anything but I'll try. If I get you a date with Lauren to prom, you keep quiet about Will - deal?"
"Deal."

We shook hands and he gave me one last smug wink before disappearing down the corridor.

"It's been nice doing business with you, Emily," He was so arrogant it made me sick. "I think this could be very beneficial for us both."

The stone cold truth hit me - Zeke had me exactly where he wanted me, and there was nothing I could about it.

---

Flicking through the pages of English homework and jotting down quotes in broken bursts of writing, I was interrupted by a shadow appearing over my shoulder.

"I thought you were too sick to study today?" Will questioned, a hurt edge to his voice.
"I felt better, I guess," I mumbled. "Anyway, you should be happy – you get the day off."
"How can I be happy when I know you're avoiding me?"
"I'm not avoiding anyone. I wouldn't be speaking to you right now if we weren't still friends."
"Friends? Yeah, I guess so," He sat down gently next to me, looking miserable over the use of the term 'friends'.

Will's arm rested close to mine, goose bumps prickling my skin, as I noticed the hairs on both of our arms stand up straight. He reached out his hand, laying it softly on top of my own and entwining our fingers individually. I couldn't avoid the obvious realisation that I wanted to stay like that forever. He leaned closer and whispered noiselessly:

"When are you going to realise that I'm not giving up?"