The Duet

Chapter Twenty Four

“Are you excited for the masquerade ball?” Evan asked loudly so he could be heard over the hundreds of voices that filled the halls.

 “I guess. Only because I’m going with Austin.” I shrugged.

“You must be one lucky girl.” He nudged me playfully.

“What do you mean?” I asked. I know that I am lucky to have Austin as my boyfriend but the way Evan said it made me curious.

“Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position?” Evan stated like it was the most obvious thing. “Almost 75% of the girl population of juniors are either hinting at him to go with them to the dance or they’re asking him out themselves.”

My stomach dropped as well as my smile. I knew that Austin was the most liked guy in our grade and that he was many females chasing after him. Austin has so many choices; he could get any girl he wanted. What if he doesn’t want me anymore?

Evan noticed my sudden change of mood and wrapped an arm around me.

“Don’t worry Kat.” Evan comforted. “Austin is definitely crazy for you; everyone can see that. But there are so some idiots who think it’s okay to go after a guy who’s already taken. So don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah I guess.” I closed my locker.

“Well I’ll meet you in class. I have to go find Aliah.”

I nodded and watched him disappear through the crowds of students. I began walking to homeroom. I irritably pushed my way through the crowds of students who decided to stand and socialize in the middle of the hallway. As my eyes roamed around my surroundings, I found Austin. He was at his locker retrieving his textbooks. I smile made its way onto my face but instantly fell when I saw some cheerleader approached him.

I slowed down my pace and kept a sharp eye on her. I didn’t recognize the cheerleader. I wasn’t even sure if she was in our grade. She was wearing her red and black cheerleader uniform, her blonde hair tied into a high ponytail. She was leaning against the locker beside Austin’s and was twirling her hair. From her hand gestures and facial expression I could tell she was flirting with Austin.

Anger and insecurity boiled in me I could feel my patience running low and I was about to explode like a volcano in Hawaii. Is this what jealousy feels like? I don’t like it. But I can’t help but feel this way. Screw the green-eyed monster. As if things couldn’t get worst, I saw the cheerleader plant a kiss on Austin.

My eyes were glued to Austin waiting for his reaction. I watched him push her away instantly without hesitation. I heard him yell at her to go away and then he threw a punch at the locker she was leaning against earlier. He ran a hand through brown hair, scanning his surroundings. His warm brown eyes found mine. His angry expression morphed into a concern one. That’s when I realized I was crying.

With my breathing shallow, I began walking. I pushed through the people without saying excuse me. I got a few glares and what the hells but I didn’t care. I needed to find Sophia or Evan. Just as I rounded a corner, a hand grasped my wrist and pulled me back. It was Austin.

 “Let me explain please,” he said breathlessly. “She was the-“

“I saw what happened.” My voice cracked. “I saw her flirting with you. She’s the one who kissed you. I saw you push her away instantly without hesitating. I saw how angry you got. You punched Paul’s locker.”

“Then why are you crying?” he put a hand to my cheek, and wiped away a stray tear with his thumb. His touch felt nice.

“I-it doesn’t matter.” I mumbled, stepping away from him. “I have to go.”