Promises

Chapter 4 - Embarrassment

I did it. I put this morning behind me.

But there are still eyes that follow me, wondering who I am.

I've been a quiet person with few friends on my social media accounts. No one really knows me here, and I've been okay with that. But these pictures going around, they've changed things. People see me, and I don't know how comfortable I am with it.

Whispers follow me and Felicity through the first and second period, but to my relief, they fade by the time the bell rings for third. And of course, that's when he chooses to approach me. I hear the word 'hey' behind me and my heart skips. As calmly as I can manage, I finish putting away my books and close my locker. "Hey", I say. "What's up?" Alex runs his fingers through his bangs. "Weeell, I was wondering if you'd want to eat lunch with me." I sling my bag over my shoulder.

"Sure. Where do you sit?" He chuckles.

"No, that's not what I meant."

"What did you mean?"

He leans forward, and I can smell his cologne. I do my best not to move as he moves a stray piece of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. "I meant", he says gently. "Lunch off campus." My heart feels like it's about to leap out of my chest. What is happening? I try to find something to say, but much to my embarrassment, all I can do is stammer. It feels like i've been tripping over my own words for a matter of minutes before Felicity walks up. She sees Alex standing close to me and raises an eyebrow, making me blush furiously.

"I just came to walk you to your next class", she drawls, "but it seems you found someone else to do that." She winks. "See ya later, Ash!" And with that, she's gone. Off to her next class.

"You still haven't given me an answer. You can say no if you really want to." I snap my head up. "No!" He raises an eyebrow and chuckles. "No, no. I meant I want to go. I'll go. Have lunch with you, I mean." He grins, seeming happy with my answer. "Okay. Great!" He looks at his watch. 

"Now, should I walk you to class? Or should I walk away before your cheeks get redder?" I blush even more, and he laughs. "I'll come find you after third. Meet me at the front?" I nod, then rush off, wondering if my face could feel any warmer.