Fashionista

Chapter 23

"How was your final exam?" Daisy asked happily, as soon as I got out of the Fashionista exam hall.

I smiled and winked at her, just as Leo came rushing forward encasing me in a hug. Uncomfortable, I wiggled out of his arms causing him to arch a brow slightly.

"It was great, the questions weren't so tough. I shouldn't have stressed myself so much for this one week of exams, though I'm glad it's finally over." I said, turning back to the grand hall.

"Congrats, you're finally done with high school. Late bloomer." Leo mischievously smiled, undeterred by my lack of emotion at his previous display of affection.

Daisy nodded, "You have serious eye bags, it's over at least. Now, you need rest, later we can plan for our presentation. I can't wait to be done with it, making clothes is tough."

"Then it's lucky we have serious talent and passion for it." I muttered, going to Daisy's side far from Leo and trying as much as possible to alienate him from our conversations.

I knew it was wrong for me to ignore him, and treat him badly but I still felt guilty for everything. His whole life turned around, and not for the better, when I got in it. Maybe if I stayed away, it would be better.

However I was confused as to why I felt this way all of a sudden, I wasn't feeling this way when we were paired off as roommates. Why now, I repeatedly asked myself.

I looked over at him, as he talked to Daisy about some lecturer all the while his eyes on me. Feeling suddenly small, I hastily averted my gaze and held my small hands at my back.

I and Leo got to our room alone, as Daisy had side tracked to get the celebratory brownies from her room. I trotted in silence until I got to my bed, intending to avoid communication until she got back.

Leo had other plans, as he held my hand and dragged me until he was pinning me against the wall. Tilting his head, he studied me curiously as he prodded, "What's wrong, Lia? You've been avoiding me like the plague, have I done something?"

I opened my mouth to say something, anything but against better judgement I closed my mouth back, lips tightly set in a thin line and stayed quiet, what would I say?

I opted for staring back at him, maybe my eyes and expression would say what I couldn't.

I could feel him searching my eyes and finding what he sought for as he slowly stepped back, realization coming to light.

"You're feeling guilty. Amelia, I've always told you what happened wasn't your fault. We all made a decision that day, and hers led to her death. I'm not going to let you use this to push me away a second time." He snapped, growling as he mashed his lips onto mine.

As I opened my mouth in shock,  Leo took the chance to delve deeper into my mouth helping me with a slight taste of cinnamon. Slowly, I regained my senses and pushed him away from me. He succumbed as he pulled away looking at me with intense, heated green eyes, his hands still trapping me.

"What was that for?" I inquired breathlessly, involuntarily glancing down to his swollen lips. Had we really kissed for that long?

Mine also felt heavy and as I started to touch them, Daisy walked in. Thankfully, she didn't notice the huge elephant in the room when she and Camille walked in with a bowl of cookies.
Releasing me, Leo gave me a 'We'll continue this later' look and smugly walked towards the cookies. Even as we all chatted and worked on our projects, I couldn't stop staring daggers at the back of Leo's head for the kiss he forcefully gave me...and I liked. I didn't miss the look that Daisy gave me when I looked away from Leo's head one time, it effectively got me to work the rest of the day.

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Thanks to the stolen kiss I was able to further avoid Leo, somehow I didn't think he had that in mind when he did it. At least, it helped me to complete my part of the project before time.

As I, Daisy and Leo walked to class, carrying our projects along, Daisy whispered, "After this presentation, you both will tell me what's happening." Shocked, I halted my steps and side eyed Leo who looked just as surprised.

A few steps ahead of us Daisy turned, "What? I saw the both of you that day, I know you both kissed." If I and Leo could manage a more shocked expression, I'm sure it happened there. More confident she continued, "I was right, I've heard you both whisper to each other when you think I'm not listening and oh, don't think I missed the look you both shared." She finished, directing her look to Leo.

"No worries, we'll talk about it later." Daisy finished, flashing her pearly teeth and dragging me to class while Leo walked forward to enter another class.

Class couldn't have been anymore faster. Everyone was given five minutes to present their work and at the last minute Daisy pushed me to the front of the class to represent us.

I walked forward packing my slightly brushed hair before wringing my hands together, fighting the urge to bite them. I paused to look at everyone, including Daisy as I started, "Hey everyone, good morning. So we've been given five minutes to present a two week project," This earned some laughs from my classmates and a glare from Ms. Morena. Camille gave a thumbs up, she had casually suggested the sentence that morning like she knew Daisy would push me to this.

My initial shyness gone, I started the presentation with Daisy by my side showing off the ensemble we had created. The cadet blue floral pattern suit trousers, a pair of matching blue pump heels and striking crimson red jewelry complete with anklets.  I noticed the looks of approval and wonder at the dresses we had created, even hearing sentences 'I would so buy those dresses', 'Cute stitches', and 'Talented designs'. Happily, I continued until our time was up. Before I got down from the slightly elevated podium used for presentations like this, I turned to see our teacher smiling and I knew I did well.

Even Camille and her partner had done well, using the little time to create an baby pink coloured extravagant dinner wear, along with a matching set of jewelry and underwear. I smiled, no doubt Camille's idea. Her partner seemed too uptight for that.

Lily came up and it was quite obvious she was trying to belittle our designs, she loved being the cynosure. She was thriving at it until Helene, an eccentric girl from Australia, pointed out a seamless side of her black button up skirt just as the bell rang. Agitated she walked off, insulting her partner as the class laughed right in their faces.

Happily, we walked out of the last class of the day all expecting high marks.

But the day wasn't over, as Daisy started demanding for Room 38's story. After a lot of back and forth, I relented. "I and Leo knew each other four years ago. We grew up together and started dating." I paused, plenty uncomfortable with the next part.  "A girl killed herself trying to put an end to us. In my guilt and fear, I convinced my parents to move away severing all ties with Leo. Now we meet again, and the memories I tried to forget are coming back." I recalled, all in one breath as Daisy looked in amazement.

"And I still love you, Lia." Leo whispered, suddenly at the door.

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