LAW OF ATTRACTION

CHAPTER 7 : BIRTHDAY BOY

Alex and I are greeted by the library closed door on Monday afternoon. 'Closed: meeting in progress' we can read on the sign taped on the door. We both let out a sigh at the same time.

"Guess we'll have to go to the study hall. Good thing that we've borrowed the books we needed."

I hate the study hall. The atmosphere there is oppressive. Most people don't go to study, and if you want to work, you have to deal with a babel of noises, spitballs flying more than bullets on a battlefield, and all of this with barely a few inches of desk.

"The study hall is full. I've walked past it on my way up," Alex turns down my idea, shaking his head, though it doesn't really bother me.

The problem now is that we have to find a quiet place work.

I glance outside through the windows. The beautiful blue sky has been replaced by dark clouds and relentless rain since yesterday.

"We can go to my house, my parents aren't there... I mean..." All the blood rushes to my face as I realize what I've said and what it could mean. That's why I avoid talking too much!

"Yeah, okay. We'll take my motorbike, like last time. I know the way, now." He smirks and takes my bag on the floor.

"I guess you still don't have two helmets!" I smile and shake my head, following him.

After a quick, soaking ride, we arrive at my house, and I struggle with my keys, trying to open the front door. The rain is still pouring, and it's not the gutter that is helping to protect us from getting drenched. But my shaking hands are not efficient as I realize it's the first time I will be alone with a guy at home, and the more I try to hurry, the more the bundle of nerves I'm growing into is battling with the keys and the lock. I know this is stupid because we're just working on a school project, yet feeling his unnerving presence behind me doesn't help to steady my hands.

By some miracle, I finally manage to open the door, and we both get in. As soon as he closes the door, the continuous sound of the rain sloshing on the road is muted, and we're left standing in an awkward silence, him, looking around, and me, nibbling on my lip.

"Er... we should go in the kitchen? We'll be better to work," I suggest, showing him the way.

"Make yourself at ease." I point to the table.

Suddenly the familiar surroundings of the kitchen seem different. I can't decide if it looks smaller or wider, but the pearly walls and the slate gray table and chairs appear under a new light around his dark aura.

The silence is still sharply there, prickling my nerves, as Alex is just studying me with his piercing gaze.

"Do you want something to drink or eat?" I ask, wringing my hands.

"Um, yes, some water please." He finally speaks, his voice slightly hoarse from the cold rain that has wet our hair. "And if you have some cookies..." he adds, his eyes twinkling.

A smile stretches my lips at the compliment, which may be implied and unusual, but since he keeps asking for them, I take it that he finds them as 'delicious' as he's told me. "No, sorry. But do you want something else sweet like chocolates, candies..."

"No, I'm fine. I'm not hungry for that kind of sweet." He looks me in the eyes, the dark intensity there sending a shiver down my spine and a rush of heat to my cheeks.

I quickly turn around and grab two glasses, trying to hide my red cheeks and busy my shaky hands.