Beware of the B

Chapter Eight

Why do people willingly put themselves in situations knowing they can get hurt? To me, it is simple: They are just ignorant and naive. Personally, if I knew that something has the potential to cause me pain, I ignore it. That is why I ignored everyone and everything; I had to protect myself.

'You have to protect yourself', I said every time I caught myself wanting to or even thinking about apologizing to Jace. It's been almost two weeks since the incident that occurred in the library and ever since, he hasn't tried to speak to me. That was different.  I kind of felt bad? I don't know why though because I was not in the wrong. Seriously, I wasn't. I mean, ever since I got here, I made it clear that I was not a friendly person. Did he listen? No.

I wouldn't have yelled at him at all if he would've  just left me alone like I asked, so there is no need for me to apologize. This was all his fault...

Still, no matter how many times I told myself this, there was a tiny part of me that still felt guilty. I hated that part of me. Maybe I only felt like this because I basically haven't slept in three weeks. Yes, that must be it. Lack of sleep is known to make people act strangely.

This annoying feeling of guilt threatened to surface as I looked at the annoying, yet still attractive, boy that sat across from me in my room. Not only did I hate this feeling, I hated the fact that he was in my room on a Friday afternoon, which is the time I usually got to escape from everyone. But most though, I hated that I was not annoyed by his presence. I was actually... okay with it?

"Uh, did you read the assignment?" he asked, still looking at the assignment sheet trying to avoid my gaze. I was surprised he even said anything at all because since he came over, he hasn't said a word. Not even an hello.

"Nope," I said bluntly. I didn't even want to do the assignment because I knew that I would, once again, have to communicate with Jace. I especially didn't want to because of our last encounter.  When I found out we had to work on it, I went on a strike. I told myself I wouldn't do it under any circumstances, but of course, it did not work because here we were.

"Well, we are supposed to each choose one activity that we like doing, and then we're supposed to do it together and then write a paragraph about what we observed about the person and the activity."

I groaned. What on Earth was the point of this whole project again? I honestly think it's main goal was to annoy me, and it was doing a great job. "I don't like to do anything, so I guess we're done with my part."

"We have to both pick som-"

"Or we can both say we picked something, write the paragraphs for each other and we don't have to spend anymore time together than we have to. Don't know about you, but that sounds like a great plan."

"Listen," he actually looked over at me, "I know you don't want do this assignment or talk to me, but can we please just do it? Don't know about you, but I do want to pass."

I narrowed my eyes. "Who said I didn't want to pass? I think it's just better to work smarter than harder."

He scoffed. Well, somebody has an attitude. "Okay and then what? How are we going to present at the end of the semester when we haven't learned anything about each other? That's the whole point of the project."

"Well this whole project is stupid and I don't feel like doing it or communicating with you right now or ever actually. Don't let the door hit you on your way out," I shrugged, crossing my legs on my bed.

His jaw clenched showing his annoyance. "What the hell is your problem?" His hazel eyes bored into my brown ones. If looks could kill, I probably would be dead right now.

I shrugged though I was completely surprised by his little outburst. I think I have completely broken Ken. I must say, I have a gift. I don't know whether I should be proud or ashamed.

"I don't have a problem."

"Yes, you do."

Now it was my turn to return his deadly glare. "Please, do tell me what my problem is then, oh wise one," I said sarcastically.

"I wish I did know! Then maybe I would understand why you act like such a..." he stopped himself before he could finish his sentence. He closed his eyes and rubbed them with his hands, trying to calm down. But I was already riled up, so there was no stopping me now.

I eased my feet from under me and sat up straight. "Such a what?"

He sighed and opened his eyes, looking at me tiredly. "Let's just drop this and work on the assignment."

"No, I want to know what you were about to say," I said, "It sounded important like you've wanted to say it for a while, so say it."

"It's nothing. Just drop it," he picked up the assignment sheet, looking over it again for the thousandth time.

I got up and grabbed the paper out of his hand, "Come on Jace," I said loudly, "grow some balls and tell me how you really feel."

He looked up at me. "No, we're not doing this. It's like every time we talk, it turns into an argument. I am not arguing with you."

I scoffed. "That's what I thought. Pathetic."

I turned and was about to walk towards my bed when my hand was grabbed from behind. I suddenly spun around and tried to snatch my hand away, but his grip was too strong. I guess he also stood up because I was now face to face with his chest. He was also extremely close. A little bit too close for my liking, so I tried to push him away with my free hand, but he just caught it with his other hand. Now I was stuck.

"Let go of me," I said still trying to pull away.

He looked down into my eyes. "You know what's pathetic?" he asked gruffly, "The fact that you can't have a conversation without trying to start a fight." Damn, his voice sounded sexy in that moment. I did not just think that.

I opened my mouth to reply but couldn't even get a word out because he cut me off. "And no, I'm not making assumptions about you. You have proven it time after time after time. It's merely an observation," I rolled my eyes and looked away. Looking into his eyes while we were this close was making me feel things; things I did not like. Things I could not explain.

"I'm sorry I raised my voice earlier," he continued still looking down at me, "but I came over here to do our assignment and I am not leaving until we at least get started, so I guess you just have to tolerate my presence sweetheart."

I scowled as he let go of my hand, and put some space between us. I wanted to say something to retort, but I was still surprised at this new assertive behavior. Where did this energy come from?

"Don't call me that," I said though gritted teeth. Yes, I know, pathetic. I just didn't have anything else to say; I was still in shock here.

I glanced over at him, and saw that he was smirking at me. I narrowed my eyes. Who was this person?

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Heyyy guys! Thank you so much for reading my story. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to like and comment!!! Constructive criticism is always welcomed.
-Monique