The Popularity Project

Chapter Thirty Three - Never Have I Ever

Perry's POV

"So, basically, you're absolutely no help?" I state in a monotone voice.

"Well," the girl drawls.

"I need your help, Faye, can you help me or not? I know things between us got screwy, and I shouldn't be asking this of you, but you're my only lead." I sigh.

"Perry, the last time I saw Naomi, she was fine. It was a normal day: we were heading to our after school volunteering job at Art-zy, but she told me she got an urgent text message from her mom, and that she needed me to cover her shift. I haven't heard from her since," Faye rubs her temples, a gesture I have seen countless times whenever she is frustrated.

"Thanks for the help," I sigh, then turn my back to her. She's different now then I remember her being. A wall has been put up to protect herself, and detach herself from the rest of the painful world. I wish she hasn't done such a emotionless thing, pain demands to be felt, locking your feelings inside will only prolong the inescapable hurt.

"Wait-" she calls to me once I start retreating to me car. I went to her house this Saturday morning with one intention, to help Vivian track down Damien and save Naomi's life. If it wasn't necessary, I wouldn't be here.

"Perry, can I ask you a question? You don't have to answer it, but I need to know.." Faye looks at the ground.

"Sure," I sigh.

"Are you and Tessa- do you love her?"

"No-" I surprise myself with my sudden answer. I blurted it out without a single doubt in my mind. "I don't love her."

"But, you love someone?" She pushes.

"I-I don't know," I stammer, then abruptly turn away from my ex girlfriend again, although this time I did not turn when she calls my name.

***

This song is amazing...

Undressed by Kim Cesarion

"I'm so sorry about those whorish text messages," Vivian apologizes the minute she opens the door. She's wearing a worried expression, obviously worrying that I think less of her in some way. Which could never happen. She also looks radiant, her skin glows, her eyes shine with determination, and her red hair blazes as though it has been ignited.

"It's fine," I shrug away the whole incident that for some reason hurt my feelings. The thought of Ryder and Vivian sleeping together... am I jealous? I hope not, that would complicate things.

"Okay, good." She sighs a deep breath of relief, then pulls a radiant smile onto her pretty face. "C'mon in."

I step through the threshold, my eyes instantly come across Ryder sitting on a stool in the kitchen eating something from a bowl. Did he stay the night? Do I care? Yes. Yes you do. My consciousness remarks. Why would I possibly care? Vivian is only a girl, unlike any girl I have ever known, but a girl nonetheless. My friend, she's my friend. Her story is painful, and I can't help but fall for her bravery and strength. But I can't.

"Perry? Did you hear me?" Vivian pulls me from my daydream. I look into her beautiful eyes, letting my distance from her decrease. She doesn't lean away am inch when I involuntarily lean toward her. I hear Ryder grunt from across the room, the annoyed noise snaps me from my trance.

"Yeah sorry," I cough lightly.

"Ryder and I are going to a party tonight, I heard a rumor from Magnolia that Damien's puppet Tyler goes to the party regularly. I was thinking, if we corner him while he is drunk, there's a chance he will spill some crucial information." Vivian's voice sounds both sweet and sexy while she explains the plan.