The Hooded Figure

TWENTY SEVEN

The next morning, just before I got to school, Marco called me and asked to work after school. I agreed and entered my Social Studies class. I hadn't talked to Layla or Jade in a while, but they didn't seem to be seeking me out either. As a matter of fact, I didn't see Jade at her locker this morning - not that I ever do - so I took her seat in Social Studies and sat in front of Jamie.

"What's up?" I asked him, acting as if last night hadn't set me alight.

"Nothing," he said, disguising his voice. He coughed, repeating, "nothing. Sorry, habit." His hood was on and I could only see the lower half of his face now, as per usual.

"It's fine. I'm sorry if I pried last night, I was just curious," I said sheepishly.

"It's fine, no big deal," he replied, his face held a flat expression. Maybe he really didn't want that kiss? I was starting to feel self-conscious, but then I noticed something.

So I asked him, "yesterday, when I asked you to kiss me in your car, why'd you say no?"

His lips made him look slightly surprised, but if I hadn't been looking for that surprise, I wouldn't have seen it. It was almost as if he'd been taught how to hide or change his emotions. Like an actor.

"I wanted to stay chivalrous," he explained just as Mr. Bacinski entered. I turned around, torn between being satisfied or angry. Satisfied that I'd noticed, angry of what it meant.

As Mr. Bacinski started talking, I droned him out and started plotting something. I didn't usually skip class, but I wouldn't be there for second period.

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I got into my little grey Nissan and started to drive towards home, a clear goal in mind. As I pulled into my driveway, I entered my house and found an old, somewhat mouldy piece of apple pie. I grabbed it and exited the house. As I crossed the street, I knocked on the Marauder's door.

Lo and behold, Jamie Marauder opened the door. I knew it.

He looked surprised to see me, but I on the other hand, was not surprised to see him, only disappointed. I handed him the pie, just like I'd handed him the cake. "Hey, neighbour."

He looked vaguely shocked as I brushed past him and into his house. It wasn't exactly the house I thought a pop-star would be living in. Mostly because it was exactly the same as mine. Well, the structure was the same, the decor was different. Yes, different is the word. It looked like a pair of eighteen year olds chose the decor, which they did.

The colours of the furniture didn't match, things were misplaced, and the dining room was on the living room. I took off my shoes and walking into the dining room, which as I mentioned, was the living room. I sat on the sofa and laid down leisurely. Catching snakes was exhausting.

"How'd you know?" He asked after dumping the pie in the trash. He'd obviously realized that it was mouldy. Wow, I'm one hell of a salty bitch. Then again, I did it for the nostalgia.

Well, that's what I'll tell myself.

"Know what?" I questioned innocently, pretending to not know what he was talking about.

"That it was Alexander, not me," he clarified, sitting on the coffee table in front of me. I continued staring up at the ceiling. For some reason, after the kiss, his very presence stirred a weird feeling.