𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 23

Ariana

The next day at school was a complete rollercoaster for me. It seemed like every word I spoke turned into an insult or a swear.

My composure was slipping away. I found myself annoyed by the smallest things and snapping at people for no reason whatsoever.

I leaned against my locker, surrounded by Shay, Joanna, and the guys, Josh and Jacob. As people walked by, I couldn't help but judge their appearance from head to toe, sometimes throwing them a disapproving look or a teasing remark.

I was in dire need of divine intervention today, or I'd end up losing it completely.

"Nice pants, loser," I quipped at a girl passing by, who hurried away, clearly embarrassed.

"Hey, you! Yeah, you, the one who could pass for the next president of America! Come here a sec!" I called out to a nerdy guy with glasses. He looked around, pointed at himself, and then walked hesitantly toward us.

He stood before me, struggling to maintain a straight face while his glasses kept sliding down his nose.

"Um, yes?" he stuttered. Shay and the others chuckled, sizing him up.

I put on a sweet smile and handed him my incomplete history homework.

"Could you do me a favor, please?" I twirled a strand of hair around my finger, and he nervously eyed the book in my hand.

"Y-yeah, sure. What do you need, Ariana?"

"I could use a little help with this, and you're just the right person to finish it for me. Don't worry, I'll owe you one." I winked, and he eagerly took the book from me, clutching it to his chest.

Note to self: Sanitize my hand and that book when he gives it back.

"I'll take care of your homework, Ariana. Anything for you," he said, enthusiasm in his voice. I smiled at him.

I wasn't too thrilled about using people, but sometimes you have to do what you can to keep your reputation intact at school, right?

"Thanks. See ya." I waved him off, and he scurried down the hall. I let out a relieved sigh, flipping my hair to the side. Joanna was giving me a look.

"What?"

"Are you seriously going to keep this up? It's bad enough that you're acting out, but insulting and using others is crossing a line. What's up with you?"

Shaking my head, I pushed away from the lockers and adjusted my handbag.

"Nothing. Just being... myself."

I turned away and walked off, spotting a girl struggling to balance a pile of papers in her arms, heading straight for me. To prove some point to myself, I bumped into her, causing her to tumble to the ground, papers scattering.

With fake sympathy, I glanced back at her. "Sorry about that." 

I faked a smile and walked away, thinking I was in the clear. But a hand grabbed me, pulling me into a corner. I found myself face-to-face with Tristan.

"What the hell are you doing?" His voice sent shivers down my spine. I tried to step back, but he blocked me with his arm against the wall.

"Move," I demanded, feeling my heart race.

He looked at me and bit his lip, shaking his head slightly.

My gaze involuntarily followed his movement, and suddenly, the air felt hot, and my throat dry.

"You need to cut this out," he warned, his voice low. My whole body felt hot.

No, I couldn't let him affect me like this.

I pushed against him, but he didn't yield. Seriously, was he made of stone?

His grip loosened slightly, and I took the opportunity to step back, glaring at him.

"Get lost, Tristan. Stay out of my life."

He stepped back, studying me.

"You really need to quit being so difficult. This has gone way too far."

I scoffed. "Seriously? Too far? This is just me, in case you haven't noticed."

He backed off further, his expression shifting.

"Are you sure about that? Because it's starting to seem like this is the new you, not an act."

I shot him a glare.

"You don't know me that well, do you? What was I even thinking? Trying to show you who I really am. Just stay out of my way, Tristan. I mean it."

I walked away, feeling a twinge in my heart. His words and the way he looked at me left me feeling more miserable.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?

I had to stop thinking about him; it was over between us. The game was on Friday, and the homecoming dance was on Saturday. Focus, Ariana. Get a dress for the dance and make sure we win the game.

Ugh, that's a lot to juggle. My head felt like it was about to explode just from thinking about it all.

"Ow, watch it!" I snapped at someone who bumped into me, freezing when I recognized Jenny.

"Sorry, didn't mean to bump into you," she apologized, picking up her books.

"Look who it is, Tristan's side piece. The girl he suddenly took an interest in, just to make himself feel better. Did you think you were special when he kissed you that day? What a joke."

She looked at me challengingly, and I blinked in surprise.

"Tristan and I aren't even talking right now. Why are you asking me about that? Are you his girlfriend or something? From my perspective, getting his attention takes more than what you're doing."

"What did you just say? Look here you little midget, you don't need to know about Tristan and me. Keep your opinions to yourself."

Oh my fucking God, what is wrong with me? Why am I telling her this?

She smirked.

"I could say the same to you, except your life is even more pathetic and dramatic. No wonder Tristan doesn't want to be around you. You're such a drama queen."

Okay, now she's testing my patience. Who does she think she is?

"Bitch, say that again, and I swear I'll—"

"What's going on?" a voice interrupted from behind, and I froze.

Of course, perfect timing.

Slowly turning around, I found Tristan, looking puzzled as he shifted his gaze between me and Jenny.

"Nothing!" we both blurted out simultaneously, and I shot Jenny a venomous look.

"I need to go." I hurriedly said, escaping from the scene.

Why did I even say that to her? Seriously, what's wrong with me? Now she's probably going to tell Tristan what I said, just because I was jealous.

Yeah, maybe I was.

But come on, that wasn't like me at all.

Ugh, why did I do that?