Diary Of A Davison

Chapter 3

His smile slipped into a chuckle after I said his name.
“Yeah, Kyla, it’s me. Or have you already forgotten me?” He pressed a hand dramatically to his chest, faking hurt.

I giggled at his act. “How could I forget Deveon Moore — the most wanted boy in this school?”
The words tumbled out louder than I meant, and my stomach dropped. Oh God. Did I just say that out loud?
I scrambled. “I mean—I’m just surprised to see you, you know.”

Smooth, Kyla. Real smooth.

We share both Math and Science. Honestly, I was disappointed he hadn’t visited or even texted after my parents… especially since we always ended up partnered for projects. I thought we were at least friends. Maybe I was wrong. Everyone else in class had shown up.

“Uhh, sorry to interrupt this weird reunion,” Hannah muttered, shooting me a knowing look before sliding into the seat beside Alec. Not her best choice. They were already whisper-arguing, and their sharp voices made me giggle.

“So, how are you doing, princess?” Deveon’s tone was smooth, practiced. The same line he probably used on every girl he kissed. Poor them.

“I’m not sure about the princess part, but I’m okay,” I answered honestly. Seeing familiar faces again… it helped.

“Good. I’m glad the princess is okay now.” There it was again — that P word.

I narrowed my eyes. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

He smirked, leaning back. “Because you live lavishly like one, you’re treated like one in this school, and everyone knows your name. Not to mention your par—” He stopped, his face tightening.

“Right.” My eyes slid to the window, watching trees blur past.

“Kyla, I—”

“Don’t. Don’t say sorry.” My voice was sharper than I intended. “I’ve had enough of those for today.”

Silence settled, heavy, until he spoke again.
“I wanted to apologize… for not checking on you. After Mrs. Thompson told us… I thought about calling, but I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to hurt you worse. So I stayed away.”

His honesty tugged something in me.
“It’s okay. Thank you.” I hesitated, then added quietly, “I’m just surprised you thought of me. We’re not even friends.”

He chuckled nervously. “Then let’s call it what it is — we’re teammates.” His grin cracked us both into laughter. “Still, I should’ve checked in. I wasn’t a good teammate.”

I smiled despite myself. “You’re forgiven. And… I don’t hate you. I couldn’t, even if I tried.”

His brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Well… we share classes, projects. Imagine how awkward it’d be if I hated you. And honestly? You’re not a bad person.”

“Really?” His chuckle was soft, disbelieving.

“Yeah. Aren’t you?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Not according to the school. Apparently I’m the resident man-whore. So hearing you call me nice? Especially from someone as beautiful as you—”

Beautiful.

My heart stuttered. He had to be playing.

I bit my lip hard.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Making sure I’m not dreaming,” I teased.

We both laughed. I caught the whispers around us, curious glances darting my way. I ignored them.

“Why would you think this is a dream?” I asked.

“You called me nice. Then beautiful. If this isn’t a dream, it’s a weird day.”

I smiled, but then he added, “Oh—and my mom asked me to send condolences. And…” He scratched the back of his neck.

“Aaaaand?”

“She wants to invite you to dinner. Formally, this time.”

My brows shot up. “Formally?”

“Yeah. First time was when I pointed you out at parent-teacher meetings as my partner in projects. She was like, ‘That’s thee Kyla Davison. Oh my God, Kyla Davison is your partner?’” His cheeks flamed red.

I burst out laughing, too loud, making half the bus look. “You—blushing? No way.”

He stared into my eyes then, intense, like he could read everything I was hiding. I looked away fast.

“So… you’ll come?” he asked quietly.

“I’ll think about it.”

His smile widened. “Good enough."

"But how did she know me? I mean Before you pointed me out?”

He laughed. “Kyla, people in other countries know you. Of course my mom does.”

“Great. I’m basically international tabloid material.”

We laughed again, and for a moment it felt easy. Light.

When his stop came, he stood, then suddenly leaned down and hugged me. His cologne filled my lungs — strong, intoxicating. Before I could react, he pressed his lips to my forehead.

I froze. What the hell?!

“Take care of yourself, okay?” he murmured, and winked. “I’ll tell Mom you said yes.”

And then he was gone.

I exhaled only after the bus lurched forward again.

Want my advice? Em, my inner voice, chimed in.
No.
Too bad. Spend more time with Deveon. He’s not what you think.
Yeah, and you’d know?
Kyla, I always know.

I giggled under my breath.

“You blushed so hard,” Alec’s voice snapped me back. He was suddenly beside me, jaw tight.

“What are you talking about?” I tried to play dumb.

“Don’t. I saw the kiss. From the seat behind you.”

I sighed. “What kiss?”

“Ky, stop. He kissed you. I’m not stupid.” His anger burned in his tone.

We reached our stop. I waved to classmates as I got off, Jerry already waiting by the black SUV.

“Afternoon, ma’am. Ready to go?” he asked softly.

“Two minutes, Jerry.”

He nodded and stepped back.

Alec was still glaring. “So? You two together now?”

“What—no. Alec, why are you so angry?”

“Because he’s an idiot. Stay away from him, Ky.”

I crossed my arms. “I’m not dropping someone just because you hate him. He was being nice. That’s all.”

“Right. Nice enough to kiss you. Ky, I’m not stupid!” His voice rose, sharp enough to make me flinch.

I stopped walking, staring at him. He turned his back, storming off toward his gate.

I climbed into the SUV, sinking into the cool leather. Alec was still watching as we pulled away.

Maybe today wasn’t the best day after all.

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