Some Things You Can't Control

07: Rumours

<<<< Mikaela Campbell

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Chapter 7

Rumours

- EDEN GARCIA -

The only thing that's worse than a Monday is a Tuesday that feels like a Monday.

But unlike other Monday-resembling Tuesdays, this one feels different. It isn't just the usual torture of dragging myself out of bed way too early to go to a place I don't want to be- it's dragging myself out of bed way too early to go to a place I want to be.

I must be going crazy.

Lets get this straight- my one and only interest in going to school today is to see Lewis. Even moreso than normal, he's been on replay in my head. I can't help it. I still feel like I'm trying to comprehend the fact that we kissed and he actually likes me.

That's enough to send anyone crazy.

"Morning princess," Aiden greets in the parking lot, locking his car and falling into step beside me just as I walk past.

"Morning back," I respond.

"That was way too enthusiastic," he states, stifling a yawn. Normally, that'd be me.

As we walk into school together, I see people's eyes following us. Occasionally, someone is actually brave enough to turn to their friend and whisper something when I'm looking their way.

In the hype of everything else, I'd completely forgotten that everyone at school is under the false impression Aiden and I are a thing.

"For fuck's sake," I grumble, more than happy to turn the corner to escape their numerous gazes. My momentary reprieve is short-lived; the moment I turn the corner new sets of eyes fix on Aiden and I.

"It bothers you that much?" He asks.

"How doesn't it bother you?"

Aiden shrugs. "I guess you sorta get used to it after a while."

I experience a touch of sympathy at his words; for years, people have judged him for his ways, fitting him into stereotypes that don't necessarily belong. The rumours flying around the school are often about the smallest things he does- once, I heard he almost tripped over in the hallway.

As though I don't do that on a regular basis.

"You shouldn't have to get used to it," I tell him, holding one of my textbooks to my chest.

"It's a lot easier than trying to fight it."

Despite holding a different opinion, I decide to let the conversation slide, knowing one thing:

I can't put up with people's shit for much longer.

"So I heard that you're coming to ours again tonight," I say conversationally, changing the subject.

Aiden smiles cheekily. "Sounds good."

"I'm definitely not falling asleep this time," I assure him. "That was so embarrassing."

His laugh is a smooth, melodic sound and I find myself wondering why he doesn't do it more often. Aiden is practically always smirking. But laughing? This is one of the few times I've heard him genuinely laugh.

Our legs carries us towards my locker as the conversation drifts onto random topics, not one awkward moment arising between us. Talking to Aiden takes my mind off of everyone around us and for a moment I find myself forgetting about everything. The occasional look directed at us goes unnoticed.