Obvious Outcast

Chapter 16: Cement the deal

Hey.

So Obvious Outcast reached 1.8k readers! That's insane. I haven't checked my wattpad account for ages because of school but when I did I was like, this cannot be happening. So thank you for everything. Feel free to leave comments!! I believe in constructive criticism!

Really hope you enjoy this special chapter.

x Megan

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Why would she do this me? I have never once been a bitch to her.

What is her problem? I hate girl drama more than anything in the world, and if I have something to say, I shouldn't be saying it to North or anyone else. I should be saying it directly to her face and asking if she has a problem with me. Another option was telling a teacher, because Constance Lennox takes 'cyber bullying' very seriously.

But I think I'm capable of taking this to a mature level.

And that's unfortunately what I have to do. One way or another. See, me and Madison are in the same  art class, and the acrylic paint stains your clothes for a lifetime and it never comes off even with bleach. I don't want her to make me look like a Monet painting, and I obviously don't want her insulting me publicly online as well.

I get out of the car and walk towards the entrance of school. The scenery of different trees and freshly mowed grass never fail to impress me. I walk directly at where Madison's posse usually hangs out before school starts. I remember my 'keys of confidence' my mother taught me:

1. Posture and body language. Stand straight, chin up, head up.

2. Facial expression. Straight face. Strong eyes. Mild smile. But not too much.

3. Deep breaths. In and out, 3 times.

But I'm thinking too much.

Things spin around my brain, unanswered questions. I've never really confronted anyone before. Maybe I just just turn around and ignore it. But then I'll be the weakling. Look, if this disturbs me that much, I should just be fearless and ask her about it.

Madison and her friends do not realize me walking toward them.

5 steps to Madison.

4...

3...

2...

"Harper! Wait up." Damn it. Who is interrupting me being on game on mode?

I roll my eyes and turn around to face the person. My confidence immediately collapses when I'm eye to eye with the one and only Austin Bridges. I figured he might be gay a few weeks ago but now I'm not so sure. He is so good looking and sweet. He opens the door for me in class and walks in front of me in crowded hallways. I've gotten to know him a little from study hall time, but nothing else.

"Harper, can we talk?" Austin asks urgently. I nod and he pulls me near a tree.

"What's up?" I say and smile. How is it not possible to smile when you're starring straight into Austin's eyes? Snap out of it, Harper. You won't have a chance with Bridges.

"Okay, Harper..." He pauses and takes a deep breathe/sigh.

"I need you tell you something and please don't freak out. I trust you alright! You cannot speak to anyone about this." He assures me. I nod and pay attention to his words.

Oh no what could this be? Did he murder someone or something?

"I'm- I'm..." He stutters

"Bisexual." Austin whispers and exhales.

Okay I knew something was up, but it still means he might see me as someone he could like. I'm glad he told me.

"Austin, I'm happy for you. Really. I'm never going to judge you." I tell him calmly and rush for a hug.

He hugs me back for a good 10 seconds, his arms wrapped around my neck and my head pressed against his chest, my arms wrapped around his muscular back.

"Thank you. And there's something else." He trails off...

Uh oh this is my moment, he's going to admit that he likes me since day one when I ran into him while he was putting stuff in my locker. I'm ready for this.

"I need you to be my fake girlfriend." He says.

Um what? Why can't I be your real girlfriend? Does he not see me like that?

"See, the other guys think I'm gay, but I'm bisexual. And they just aren't the type of people who would accept someone like me in the football team, or as a friend."

"Look, you're pretty, smart, and you play football. The guys love you. You being with me would change their mind about me really being gay." He pleads.

I don't have time to think. I'm completely speechless. But at the same time, he's my friend, and he knows I could trust him.

"Uh sure." I reply.

"Shit, the guys are coming this way. Flirt with me." He commands.

Um I don't know what to do, but I'll try.

"Sup, Bridges. Oh hey Harper. Looking good today." Matt Bradford says. He was the one that winked at me once. I smile and mouth a 'thanks'.

Austin clears his throat and I look back at him and realized I forgot that I was suppose to act like I was attracted to him in front of his buddies.

Austin snakes his arm around my waist and grips it tightly. I feel his muscles. The feeling of dominance overwhelms me. I just feel protected and like somebody actually wants me. But I'm afraid it's not true. It's just acting. The guys look very confused though. I really hope it's working.

"I didn't know you guys were an item!" Matt half shouts half talks.

Austin and I say nothing and just smile at each other. He's still holding me around the waist. His arm gets slightly firmer, waiting for me to work my magic.

"Gosh, Austin. I could stare into your blue eyes any day." I say. And I really could.

I ruffle his golden-brown hair back up to its original position because the breeze messed it up.

Yes! They're convinced we have a thing. But me and Austin continue to smile and make eye contact at each other, until he slowly loosens his grip and pulls his hand back to himself. Nooo! My inner person shouts.

The bell rings and we start to head to our classes. His friends walk behind him. Austin comes from behind and whispers in my ear. His front pressed to my back. His hot air is blowing on my neck.

"Thank you so much, Harper. I owe you." Austin whispers.

"See you... whenever!" I say to Austin and his guy friends. And I head to my locker to get my Math textbook.

When suddenly, I run into Madison Maddox and her evil grin plastered on her face that has way too much concealer.

"We need to talk, Beckham." She says.