The Popularity Project

Chapter Thirty Seven - Babe

Ryder's POV

"Yes, I understand that," I grunt. "But where is she?"

"Ryder, I don't know. You shouldn't even be talking to me right now, if you knew-"

"Perry, I don't care about whatever you're worrying about. All I want is to find Vivian and explain-"

"Don't apologize to her," Perry paces the classroom. It's lunch, Vivian wasn't in class today, I'm worried. I can't be sure if Charlotte has told her about my mistake yet. If she has, I know it's too late for an explanation.

"Why the hell wouldn't I apologize? I cheated on her with Charlotte," I raise a threatening eyebrow. Perry looks at the ground and leans against the teachers' desk, avoiding my eyes.

"Perry, what happened?"

"She-"

"Well, isn't it my two favorite boys," Tessa saunters into the room wearing the most revealing clothing that the school would allow. I have to actively restrain my eyes from gravitating to her impressive cleavage, thin tan and exposed legs.

"Tessa what do you want?" Perry bites out. She pouts and strokes his arm seductively before turning her attention to me. I watch her eyes comb up and down my body with aggression and lust. To my utter surprise, it makes me feel almost self conscious.

"I want you, silly," she smiles at Perry. Then she turns her chocolate brown eyes to look at me. "But, I am here now on Charlotte's behalf. She wants you to know something before the whole school finds out."

"Sorry, Tessa was it?" She nods her head and squints her brown eyes. "You can tell Charlotte I'm happily taken."

"Really? Are you sure you don't want to rethink that? Because, maybe this is only my personal preference, but I usually don't date cheaters and sluts," Tessa shrugs, then sighs and walks away.

"Wait," I call out. She slowly turns around, a sly smile spreading on her tanned face, her brilliant, pearly white teeth glimmering in contrast. "What did you say?"

"Vivian, she's a cheater and a slut," Tessa informs me innocently. I contract my hands into strong fists and raise an eyebrow. No one will talk about Vivian that way.

"You had better watch your mouth," I warn her. "Besides, I don't like or believe gossip."

"Well..." Tessa bites her lip and taps her head in a thinking pose. "See, Perry, I thought I saw you and Vivian having sex at that party, but maybe I was mistaken. Perhaps it was someone else making your precious, innocent Vivian scream."

What?

Vivian's POV

"Vivian, I've missed you so much. So much," Bennett hugs me tightly. I close my eyes and let his arms attempt to mend the thousand pieces of my broken heart.

"Oh Bennett," I smile.

"I need to talk to you about something important, and it may not be the optimal time, but-"

"Ben, can I speak first. I cannot allow another relationship in my life be destroyed because I am selfish," I lick my lips and back away from my best friend in the whole world.

"I love you," I state and watch the hopeful look in Bennett's eyes ignite.

"Vivian, you have no idea-"

"However, I love someone else in a way that I could never forget. And, Ben, someone loves you more than I ever could. I want you to be with her, I really want the best for you Bennett, and I know I cannot give you my best, not when I still love him," my voice shakes and I wait for Bennett to yell and become violent in the way everyone else has. I wait for him to explode in a raging fire, only to be surprised at his soft finger tips wiping away the tears that flow freely down my face.