Steal My Heart ♥

13. Challenge Accepted

Medley Stryder's POV

Ever felt so helpless that even though you know that you're being crushed, you just sit and watch and do nothing to fight back? I feel just that. It's been a week since Sofia Bailey's transfer here in college and I haven't seen Ken since then.

Ken stopped texting me as well. That feels so.... Painful. Lis and Ayla are pissed off. I feel pathetic and 'unpolished' in front of Sofia.

                          ******

"Don't tell me you're giving up." That's Robert sitting comfortably in his couch and looking devastatingly handsome as he gives me a stern look.

"I'm no match for her! Let alone anyone." I sigh in defeat.

The next moment, I feel a pair of strong arms grab my shoulders. I look into his beautiful blue orbs as he speaks.

" Listen, you've come this far and no, I won't allow you to give up this easily! You will win lover boy's heart and also give your best shot at the competition." His voice had a strong determination and also sounded soothing. I felt my heart warm up and decided to give it a try..... At the least..

I don't know why.. But Robert has this effect on me... Which makes me feel more confident and motivates me to move on when I fear that I can't do it.

"Of course you'll need my help." He states as a matter-of-fact. He lets go of me and heads into the kitchen. Just then, Robert's phone starts ringing with the name "Mom". I take it to him and he seemed to be consumed with an expression that read 'anger' and 'hurt'. He cuts the call and shoves the phone in his pocket.

I was mad at him for rejecting the call. It's his mom after all.
"Why didn't you answer the call?"

"That's none of your business! So stay out of it!" Right now, he looked so angry. I was scared seeing him like that. So I left the kitchen not before giving him a long look.

I continue with my assignment while typing furiously whilst blowing off the loose strands of hair falling on my face. It's so annoying! Why's he so rude?

He comes in after some time with a tray full of food. I continue typing furiously.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you." That came out as a surprise.

I reply "It's okay. It wasn't my business." I saw that his eyes were showing emotions that looked like he was lost and lonely.

He starts speaking as he sat beside me. "They abandoned me." I was at lost for words as he continued "They were always too busy earning money and going for business trips. I was left at the care of a nanny. I was consumed by anger and loneliness that I shut everybody out. After I entered high school, I moved here. Since then, I haven't talked to them. And I don't intend on doing so."

He seemed so vulnerable right now. I don't know what came over me but the next moment I hugged him trying to convey that he's not alone. He stiffened at first but loosened up and hugged me back. We stayed like that for some time before he pulled back. The air was awkward.

"Let's eat. The food is getting cold."
I reply with the same awkwardness "S-Sure."
I can't believe it. I hugged him!

                        *****

Today I'm not giving up! I see Ken in the same class as mine so I head out straight for him.
"Ken! Hey.. How are you?" He looked dazed but replied nonetheless "I'm quite okay. You? And I'm sorry I haven't been able to talk to you or to Lis and Ayla." He did look guilty.

" I understand...Sofia needs you." I remember when he introduced us to her. She said that they were high school sweethearts but were separated because of college. He brushed it off and said that they were now good friends. But she stuck to him like a chewing gum.

He was about to say something when the professor came in and put a halt to our conversation.

                        *****

"Stephen told me that the contestants are having their first appearance the next Friday. The theme is 'Beauty with a Purpose'." Lis states as she munches on her burger.

Ayla starts " There's a twist. You're gonna be judged by your dress and make up of course! But the students are the judges. They will vote for the contestants."

Lis butts in "And... There's a charity auction right after the contestants have been selected for the next stage. So the contestants are going to be bidded off for a date."

This came as a shock. I bet I won't even make it in the first round let alone getting bidded off for a date.

     
                       *******

"No! Again!" I pull my hair in frustration. The reason? Robert asked me to help him with his act in a drama which is due on Thursday. He's playing the lead role. Who assigned him this role? His acting sucks. Probably because of his good looks. He's even bad at memorising the lines! Let alone act out the emotions.

"You have no idea how much I crave you" His face looks strained.
"Each moment I spend away from you, feels like ages." Now he looks constipated. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Come on! That was awesome!" He says as if I was stupid for laughing at his 'great' skills.

"The worst actor I've ever come across."

"Shut up!" He pouts like a 5 year old. Awwww....

                        *******

The next day Tina wanted to 'see' me. So here I am waiting for her. She comes in all her diva elegance. She eyes me from head to toe "Well.. You've upgraded." Mockery evident in her tone. She continues "This is war Medley Stryder!" Then in one sweep, she leaves me thinking about the contest.

This is war huh?

A/N:

Hey lovelies! That's it! I hope you enjoyed reading!
Corrections are most welcome!
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