𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕋𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕣

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟞

"So who's the hottie?"

At those words I was pulled out of my trance and into the familiar hallway of Eastwood High. It was before school, but already the hallways were crowded with bunches of groggy teens. All who had never completely learned the fact that standing in the middle of the hallway is a bit annoying.

I blinked.

What?

My eyes focused on James standing in front of me, a smile tugging on his lips and a playful look dancing in the green hue of his eyes. His hands were in his pocket as he leaned his back against the blue lockers, backpack out of sight.

It was a mystery to me how James had survived the last three years of high school without a backpack. I had no doubt in my mind that he would manage our senior year without it too. Glancing back at Jame's face I saw a look of expecting resting upon it. And it was then that I had comprehended just what he had said.

The hottie.

I followed his gaze, slowly turning to see who it was that had caught his attention this time. There were lots of girls at the school that liked him, sure. But after James heard the words "I love you" from them it was like the charming spell wore off and what was real became revealed.

So I felt pity for whatever girl it was this time that had caught his attention. Whatever sheep that would have the wolf prying upon them. But at the sight of June's crimson hair I felt my body stiffen. You've got to be kidding.

Katie had told me this morning that Juniper was going to school with me, that it would be good for her to hang out with kids her age and move on from what had happened.  I had tried to compromise with Katie, but with one look at June's face I had melted.

And that was why I was here, in this scenario.

"Nobody" my voice was strained, rushed as I turn away from Juniper. I knew if I looked at her enough my facade would crack. My focus turned back on James, who had curiosity evident on his face. Quickly I added, "let's just go."

I took a few steps away from June and towards the overly crowded hallway. James stood there for a moment, watching me before shrugging his shoulders, "okay."

Guilt tugged at me with each step I took further away from her. But it was for the best....right? James would break her heart, I'm sure of it. He's already had plenty of girls, and the last thing June needed was him.

"You sure she was just 'nobody,'" James spoke out skeptically as the two of us walked through the hallway, weaving our way through the groups of students. The way he spoke made me tense up, why was he asking this? Could he see through me?

I didn't know what to say. I was worried about her capturing his attention, of the two of them becoming anything more then strangers, or people close enough to say 'hi' in class but ignore each other once in the world. But the thought of me admitting to anything, to liking her was just what the curse wanted.