Stuck In The Middle

Chapter Eighteen

I stand there staring, mouth wide open. After a moment, I shut my mouth, quickly turning around. I walk back the way I came before either of them notice me standing there. 

  How could I be so foolish?  

Of course he wouldn't like me as anything more then a friend. Not when he has girls like Amber throwing themselves at him. I thought something might have changed between us, but I guess not. I'm practically nothing compared to Amber.

  She's beautiful, confident, and funny. And I'm... Not. I'm just the boring best friend. Nothing more. How could I even think he liked me that way?

  I'm so stupid! 

I blink back tears as I turn down another hallway. This hallway's empty since it only has classrooms. I stop, leaning against a wall. I feel crushed. I didn't even realize how much I do like him before I saw him with Amber.  

I mean, lately I have had more than friend-like feelings for him but I was hoping they would pass with time. Instead, they just become slowly stronger.   

What about Cody? I know I like him. More than a friend. But I liked Trey more that way. Well, I guess there really isn't a choice. Trey likes Amber.   

I sigh, pushing myself away from the wall. I keep walking down the hallway, but I pause in front of one door. What have I got to lose? I set my hand on the knob, turning it, I push the door open. I look around the art room.   It's a mess. New's paper is spread out all around the floor, paint brushes and can are spread out around the room. In the middle of all this, was Cody standing in front of a blank canvas. I shut the door behind me softly.

  "Hey," I say, relieved my voice isn't shaky. He turns, grinning when he sees it's me.   

"Hey," he sets down the paint brush he is holding. I take in his appearance. He's wearing a white v-neck t-shirt, dark jeans with a pair of high top Vans. I'll admit, he looks good. I walk further into the room. I push myself up onto the ledge of the table closest to him.   

"Don't know what to paint?" I ask him, nodding toward the blank canvas.   

"No. I have like no inspiration today," he chuckles. I smile, swinging my feet.   

"You'll think of something, you always do," I say, only half paying attention to him. I wonder what Trey's doing right now? Is he still with Amber? Is he waiting for me? Is he wondering why I'm not there?  

"Are you okay?" Cody asks, interrupting my thoughts.   

"Yeah, why do you ask?" he shrugs, picking up a brush and twirling it.   

"You just seem...off. I don't know."   "Sorry, I've just been a little distracted," I sigh. I'm not going to tell him that I just saw Trey and Amber kissing. Maybe he already knows.   

I dip two of my fingers into the can on green paint beside me. I pull them out slowly, watching the paint drip from my fingers, back into the can. I glance up at Cody, a smile forming on my lips. Without hesitation I flick my fingers at Cody. The paint lands on his face.  

"You did not just do that," he says, closing his eyes for a second. I quickly flick more paint at him. His eyes snap open, a smirk on his lips.   

"I did."   "You asked for it," he warns.  

"Ooh, I'm so scared," I giggle and splash some yellow paint at him.   

And that's what stared our paint war.  

I slide off the table, turning around to grab some paint. I don't hear Cody walk up behind me but I feel all the paint he pours over my head. The paint slides down my back, face and my hair. I grab the first can of paint I see and quickly spin around, throwing it at him.  

We run around the room, throwing paint back and forth until we're completely covered from head to toe. I laugh the whole time unless I was hit with paint, them I would scream for a bit. Our fight only lasts about ten minutes.  

"Oh my gosh, you look so funny!" I giggle.  

"I can say the same to you," he laughs.   I walk up to him, reaching up with my hands I place them on his cheeks, trying to wipe some of the paint off his face. It does nothing except smear the paint more.   

"I'm sorry," I whisper, leaving my hands on his face.   

"It's fine, as long as you help clean up," he smirks.   "Yeah right," I smile, falling silent. He watches me, then his gaze moves down to my lips. Is he going to kiss me?   

Do I want him to kiss me?  

My answer?   

Yes.  

He hooks a arm around my waist, pulling my even closer. I wrap my hands around his neck. It's like everything is happening in slow motion. He lowers his head toward, bringing his lips closer to mine. Oh my gosh, this is going to be my first kiss.   

His lips press against mine. Slowly at first but it turns more urgent. I'm kissing my best friend. Like, actually kissing him. I stand on my tip toes, making the kiss deeper. I can't believe I'm doing this.   

"What the hell are you doing?" an angry voice come from the doorway. Cody and I break away. I look at the door to find a very mad Trey. Why is he mad?  

"Why him? Why not me?" Trey asks me with a hurt look.  

"Why the hell are you even asking me that? You have Amber. It shouldn't matter if I like Cody or not!" I shout at him.  

"Why would you think I like Amber?" he exclaims.   

"Well you did kiss her," I remind him in a cold tone. I push past him, leaving the room. As soon as I get out, I run. I run home as fast as I can with tears racing down my face. 

Long time no see my lovely readers! I'm SO sorry about the wait.  I do have reasonable excuse but I won't bore you with them ;)

So? What did you think of the chapter? Let me know! :)