Her Given (Editing)

Chapter 6 - Spilling Secrets

Avelyn's POV

I've never been one for having any friends, and I can honestly say that I never thought I'd have any, either. But, these guys are managing to weasel their way into my heart. And, somehow, Cole's question retaining to his new nickname has kind of shaken me up a little. Never in a million years did I think anyone would even want to talk to me, let alone care enough to ask me for a nickname. It's stupid, I know, but I can't help it.

Now I'm left contemplating a new nickname for my new friend, buddy, mate, pal . . . chum.

Okay, I really need to get used to this.

How do you even come up with a nickname for someone named Cole? Isn't their name short enough? Well, I guess it doesn't have to shorten it, considering they have their own pet names for me that don't exactly shorten mine. I guess it could be something funny. So, I decide to speak my thoughts.

"Um... Cole, I don't know how to give you a nickname. Your name's already short enough. I could call you something funny. Hey, what about Coca Cola or Coly Poly or Coleslaw, maybe Coco? Or maybe even Colgate, you know, like the toothpaste." I'm firing off suggestions before I can even process them myself. Though, once I've had enough time to process my suggestions, I come to the conclusion that I'm a genius. Those names are freaking dope. My face is expressionless. Because, frankly, those are the best damn nicknames I've ever heard.

They don't seem to think the same, though. Because I'm pretty sure they all bust a nut laughing their asses off. Their cackling can be heard throughout the cafeteria. And if people weren't staring at us before, they sure as hell are now. They go on like this, practically wheezing, for what feels like hours. Though they all seem to stop as soon as they take one look at my face and realize I'm completely serious. Their faces go impossibly red.

That's right. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

"Wait, you were serious?" Cole asks, suprised.

"Did you think I was joking? Those names are genius," I answer honestly.

"Holy shit, dude! Coly Poly, that's fucking hilarious!" Xavier starts to chuckle once again. I send him a small glare, to which he chuckles and winks at. I roll my eyes.

You can never win with these kids, can you?

I suppose not.

"You do realize you look like an adorable little kitten when you glare, right?" Ash questions me mockingly. I look down and blush in response. These idiots can make me blush at anything can't they?

"Hell yeah she does. Why do you think I call her kitten?" Cole responds to him with another question, completely disregarding the fact that I look like a tomato, and Xavier just made fun of my genius nicknames.

"Ugh. You guys suck! That's better than you could come up with. Either way, those are the only choices you get, so take or leave it. And since I'm feeling generous, even after you guys made fun of me, I'll let you pick out of my amazing selection," I say.

"Fine, fine. I guess out of those," he fake coughs, "amazing choices, I'll have to choose Coco. It seems like the least painful to endure being called," Cole decides. I choose to disregard the fact that he just insulted my genius, again, and put on my best smile.

"Well, Coco, I'd say that's a wonderful choice," I respond.

It's at that moment the bell decides to ring. Somehow, throughout our conversation, we managed to make time to actually eat. We throw away our trash and make our way to sixth period. We don't have to split up and can all walk to this class together because we all share this period.