𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 10

Ariana

The following day, we gathered in the cafeteria for lunch. My appetite vanished the moment I pondered how to handle Tristan.

I wasn't about to let him off the hook easily. I needed a better plan than just chasing after him.

My gaze lifted, and my heart skipped a beat upon seeing him enter. However, it narrowed as I noticed the person beside him.

Jenny Tuazon.

I urgently needed a plan. Although I hadn't seen any signs from Tristan or heard any rumors about him stumbling upon me doing a silly dance in the theater room, I had to ensure he forgot about it and moved on.

"You want me to handle the nerd?" Joanna asked from my side, and I frowned, shaking my head.

"No, thanks. I'll take care of it."

Even though part of me wasn't so sure. I had no idea how to handle things if Tristan decided to tell somebody.

Damn it! This was bothering me more than I anticipated.

"Really? It's been over a week. You and Tristan still haven't made any progress," she remarked, and I suppressed a groan.

I hadn't even realized a week had gone by, and Tristan and I were still far from becoming friends.

"Yeah, and guess what? Tuazon made more progress than you. Look at them over there. They're practically a couple," Shay added, glaring at Tristan and Jenny who were sitting together, alone. Reluctantly, my gaze followed theirs.

"You know, you could just ask him out in front of everyone. He'd probably say yes," Joanna suggested. I raised an eyebrow, giving her a sideways glance.

"What makes you think asking him out in front of everyone would make him say yes?" I countered, to which she shrugged, sipping her smoothie.

"Come on, you're head cheerleader, and he's the hot quarterback. Everyone's waiting for you two to be the golden couple. Do everyone a favor and make the first move. Nobody cares who asks first; they just want to witness the moment."

She had a point. I had to take the initiative, and there was no more waiting. Plus, it was my chance to divert him if he brought up the theater incident.

I flashed Joanna a thankful smile, then stood up, adjusting my cheerleading skirt.

"Thanks for the advice, Jo. Watch me go over there and make Tristan mine," I exclaimed, and Joanna let out a cheer.

Shay joined in, encouraging me. I started walking toward Tristan and Jenny's table.

As I crossed the cafeteria, I felt everyone's eyes on me, waiting for a show.

A show that Tristan would have to be a part of.

I stood in front of their table, flipping my hair and smiling down at Tristan.

"Hey, Tristan!" I called out, making sure my voice carried across the cafeteria.

Instantly, the room grew quiet, everyone waiting to see what would unfold, as if this were a movie and I was about to do something daring.

Both of them looked up. Tristan seemed bored, and Jenny appeared uneasy.

Good. She better feel threatened by me.

"Hey, Ariana. What's up?" Tristan asked, standing up to meet my gaze.

I put on a flirty smile, making sure my dimple showed, since it was part of my charm.

"Can we talk? I've got something to ask you."

"If you don't mind," I said to Jenny, who glanced between me and Tristan before hesitantly shaking her head.

I smirked at her, then turned my attention back to Tristan.

"Whatever you want to ask, just shoot. I'm discussing something with Jenny, so make it quick."

He responded quickly, and I scanned the room, catching the surprised looks on some faces due to Tristan's unusual behavior.

"Uh, well, I was wondering if you'd like to hang out after school today? Maybe hit Gigi's or grab dinner sometime, like a date?" I finally asked.

Time seemed to stand still as he locked his intense brown eyes on me, making my heart race.

Nervously, I tugged on my cheerleading skirt, a gesture I hadn't done before, and waited for his response.

Realizing the entire cafeteria was waiting for him to speak, I silently prayed he'd say yes.

"Sorry, no. I'm already going out with Jenny."

What?!

That was not the response I expected.

A chorus of "oohs" filled the air, and I stood frozen, jaw dropped and shock plastered on my face.

What just happened?

Tristan grabbed Jenny's hand, pulling her with him as they left the cafeteria. I stared after them, feeling utterly humiliated. I had just made a complete fool of myself.

Laughter, gasps, and whispers swarmed around me, and I felt like throwing up.

Never before had I been so embarrassed, regretting my actions so intensely. Now I understood why some girls preferred guys to make the first move; they handled rejection better.

What I couldn't handle was having my first rejection, especially in front of everyone, from the very person I was starting to develop feelings for, even though I shouldn't have.