Run

Chapter 9

I stare at my ex best friend in complete disbelief.

"Well go on then. Answer the poor boy's question." She says still playing the innocent little child. "Do you think. He's. Cute?"

My heart beats faster, at the sudden realisation that this could all be over. The confusion of feelings in the last couple of days could possibly be explained because lord knows I have no explanation as to what has suddenly changed. I have no idea why I am suddenly attracted to Jack of all people, who I have seen my whole secondary school life. Whatever it is about him, I keep struggling to pinpoint it. But I know he is different; the mirage of a lifestyle he has created for himself is only that- a mirage. Somehow, I know there is a lot more to this boy, and I plan to find out what it is.

I suddenly mentally hit myself, realising I was actually considering confession of the last few days. As if I thought this was some kind of love story, where he would suddenly fall into my arms, screaming that he wanted me more than anything else.

Get a grip of yourself Anderson.

"No. No I do not think Jack is cute, nor do I like Jack in any way possible." I say strongly. "I mean the thought itself just makes me want to laugh out loud" Reina nods her head repeatedly, obviously not believing a word I say. I pretend to laugh hard, bending down and clutching my stomach. "Oh it hurts! It hurts so bad! I could never, EVER, EVER have feelings for Jack." I finish pleased with my performance.

Reina takes a step closer to me, her smirk widening "Then why are you not telling him this? I see no reason for you to be saying this to me, after all; one does not tell the dream to fly but flies within the dream."

I stare at Reina with a look of what can only be described as 'What the Fuck'. "So let me get this straight." I pause. "We're talking about dreams and insects now? What does that even mean?" She stops and takes a step back, looking into my eyes and folding her arms.

"Just tell him"

I bite the insides of my bottom lip, confused as to how this girl with a crush on a guy for 7 years, is somehow now forcing me to tell a guy who I only recently started crushing on that I like him. "Fine!" I turn to Jack and am about to start confessing when Mr Roberts speaks up. "Rebecca you're wanted in the reception"

I look at Reina and shrug, secretly glad for the interruption. I get my things together and head for the door and only look back once to wink at Reina. She shakes her head and grins at my signal for her to make a move on him. I close the door then take a short cut through the hall to get to the reception area.

"Rebecca, just the girl I was looking for" Sarah says beckoning me over. "I apologise but your mum is unable to make it"

Why am I not surprised?

"I'm sorry but you're going to have to make your way home yourself"

"It's fine Miss." I laugh jokingly. "I've gone home by myself for about 7 years now. I just have to grab the bus 188 to-"

"No!" she interrupts. "Do not take the bus."

"Why not?" I ask confused.

"I can't explain now. Don't worry, when you get home your parents w-"

"Mother" I correct her.

"Oh right, Sorry. Your mother will explain everything to you. Just get home as quickly as you can without taking the bus and try to go through quiet, empty routes, where people can hardly see you." she whispers quickly.

I look at her suspiciously. Since when did adults urge others to go through dark alleyways "Alright?" I reply hesitantly.

"I've asked Mr Roberts if you could be accompanied by Reina and Jack as their parents are not able to make it either. Is that alright?" she asks her voice still low.