Study Date (#2)

Chapter Four

The next day, Liam hadn't really seen anyone except Edward and Niall until lunch rolled around. 

Lily and Talia were sitting together at a table near the back, Lily seeming to try to find Edward and Talia doing her best to ignore everyone in general

Jamie sat down at her empty table again, she didn’t want to just assume that she was invited again today. As she munched on her sandwich she pulled out her social studies book and tried to use some of the tricks Liam had taught her for remembering stuff last night.

Liam tapped her shoulder lightly, "You coming?”

Jamie looked up with a small smile, “I thought I would try to use some of the tricks you taught me last night.”

He glanced over at the books, "Good. So, are you going to come and sit with us?”

Jamie chuckled, “No offense, but you guys can get pretty loud…which in turn makes it hard to concentrate.”

"Then don't study right now. Wait until tonight." He Said with a small smile.

“Do I detect a hint of caring in that tone, Mr. Haven’t-shown-any-form-of-emotion-in-school-since-the-ninth-grade?” Jamie smirked playfully.

Liam ran his fingers through his hair, looking off to the side, "Maybe.”

Jamie’s cheeks turned a soft shade of red as she put her book back in her bag and grabbed her food, “Come on slow poke.” She chuckled as she made her way over to the table. As soon as she approached it her shyness kicked in and she sat down quietly.

"Lily, relax, Eddie Boy will be here soon." Talia mumbled as she took a bite of her food.

Liam sat down next to Jamie receiving a dirty look from Talia, "oh look. LiLi is here.”

"It's nice to see you too, Lia.” 

"Shut up.”

Jamie tensed as she listened to them, it sounded like they….no, it…it can’t. Jamie bolted up and grabbed her bag, “I have to go,” She said quickly before rushing out of the room and to the nearest restroom.

Liam went to stand, but was pulled down by Talia, "She went into the girls restroom.”

Lily stood and sighed lightly, "I'll go get her."

“Hey babe,” Edward smiled as he approached the table and gave Lily a quick kiss, “Sorry I’m late, was helping a new kid find his English class.”

Lily smiled brightly and waved it off, "It's fine! I'll be right back. I have to go get Jamie." She hugged his arm lightly before rushing to the bathroom.

“What exactly upset Jamie?” Edward asked as he sat down, “I saw her bolt out of here with the same look she had in the fourth grade when that Jeremy kid stole her lunch. It was that look that said ‘complete and utter despair with a hint of rejection’…..so what happened?”

Liam shrugged, "I really don't know…"

Lily opened the door to the bathroom and stepped inside, "Jamie?”

“Go away,” Jamie said from one of the stalls as she clutched her stomach and leaned over one of the toilets.

"Jamie, what happened?" Lily asked quietly.

“N-Nothing,” Jamie said as she dry heaved again over the toilet, having nothing left in her stomach to empty out.

"Please tell me…"

Jamie let out a shaky breath as she sat down on the bathroom floor, her back against the wall of the stall, “I’ve liked Liam since the sixth grade….a-and seeing he and Talia….like that….and….it just….I don’t know.” Jamie tried to explain as the tears started falling down her cheeks.

Would could Lily even say to that? It really seemed like Liam and Talia liked each other, "I'm sure they were just joking around with each other…”

Jamie buried her face in her knees and cried until she couldn’t breathe out of her nose and her face was red and puffy.

~”What exactly is going on with you two?” Niall asked as he looked up from his food, “Something just seems….different today?”

Liam raised an eyebrow, looking over at Niall, "What do you mean?”

“It almost seems like….” Niall’s eyes widened as he trailed off, sharing a look with Edward that caused his eyes to widen as well.

“Like you guys like each other,” Edward finished for Niall as they both turned to look at Talia and Liam.

Talia covered her mouth to suppress the laughter that was building up, "Me?? Like him??? You're joking, right??”

Liam shook his head, "Me like her? No way.”

“You guys may know that,” Niall sighed, “But think about how something like this looks to someone who’s not used to your guys’ relationship?” Niall looked pointedly at Liam.

Talia glanced over at Liam, running her fingers through her thick hair, "…"

"... It's not like I can go explain it to her..." Liam sighed.

“And why not?” Niall asked with a roll of the eyes, “You act as if you haven’t liked her since forever. What could be the harm in telling her how you feel?”

"She doesn't like me that way.”

Talia huffed and stood, "If you don't tell the poor girl, I will.”

"Nonono!" Liam exclaimed, pushing himself up, "No.”

“Even I agree that’s a terrible idea,” Niall sighed, “If she’s going to hear it it needs to come from his mouth.”

At that moment the bell rang, signaling that lunch was over and that if they didn’t move they would be late.

“Just….tell her, Liam,” Niall said before he and Edward walked off to class.