Chapter 18- A Distraction

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My nerves are unusually jumpy today.
All because of a stupid date... I just have to hope college drags, so that the evening never comes. But, I've thought like this many times and still haven't learnt from the fact that time slows down for no one.

However, it felt weird coming back to college after such a long weekend.

Luke was back to normal, if not better than before. But, Caz didn't talk much; just kept his eyes fixed on his phone, occasionally smiling. So, I guess he's not at his worst.

Maths class was great. Miss Montana hadn't even turned up to teach us, so none of us got any work done.
To be honest, Vikkie and I conversed for the whole hour. I felt safe from any flirting, as rumour has it she's in a relationship.

However, during basketball, coach pushed us hard; making sure all of our efforts were fully exploited. Unsurprisingly, my stamina allowed my energy levels to remain the same throughout training, although I did fake running-out-of-breath, so that I could look as normal as possible.
Coach also pressed it into our minds like burning irons, that anyone who was picked for the team must attend the extra-curricular basketball practice on Thursdays. Anyone who doesn't, loses their spot on the team.

"It's nice to be back at school... (Signed)." Caspian smiled into the dreamy air.

When someone says anything like that, you know something's up.

"Are you okay Caz? You're acting a bit strange?  (Signed)."

"I feel fine. (Signed)." He would be skipping down this hill like a child if he wasn't in a wheelchair.

"What's up with him?" Luke cautiously examined Caz as he got in the taxi.

"I have no idea." I shrugged. "And it's probably for the best."

I was always used to Caspian being a happy, little bean with this smile stretching across the width of his face, and it was a shock when, for a while, I never saw that smile again. But, now it's different- he's deliriously happy... And it's scary.

"I can't believe you have a date tonight." Luke cackles.

This is what I've been dreading all day...

"And why can't you believe it?" I pulled on the ends of my bow-tie as Luke styled my hair into a middle parting and curled my fringe so that it framed my forehead, and Caz continued to encircle me and analyse my already 'fine' tuxedo.

"I mean, can't you arrange it for another time? The rugby match between France and Wales is on tonight! It won't be the same without you watching it with me and pretending you care."

"I don't think that's up to me." I huff, thinking over whether I should run away right now or meet with Francesca, asking if we could just cancel the date in secret and tell James and Mr Forelli that we never want to meet each other again.

Caz was still whizzing round me with bright, concerned eyes.

"Stop Caspian. You're making me dizzy! (Signed)."

He stopped, looking at me for a good ten seconds, as if I had something stupid written on the chest of my suit.

"That's it! A handkerchief! (Signed)." He whizzed off to the chest of drawers on the other side of the room, coming back with a silver cloth.

"Um... Why is he getting so excited over a tissue?" Luke leant over my shoulder.

"It's the perfect finishing touch! Hold on, I'll just fold it so that it'll fit in your breastpocket. (Signed)."

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