Chapter 3

Dilemma

I couldn't say another word; I just stared at him.

He snapped, "Hey, will you answer me or not? Also, I came to tell you this: don't hang out much with Edwin."

"But why not?" I asked. "He seems like a nice guy and helps me with my school stuff."

His eyes stared at me, and in a commanding voice, he said, "Just listen to me, and that's it," before he left.

I stood in the corridor, confused. "What was that all about? Edwin seems like a nice guy; then what's the issue? And what was that spark between us?"

A flood of questions began to pop up in my mind. Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Amaya.

"Hey, Jeni," she said. "Do you know what's up with Austin? He seems off lately. I can't figure out why. I saw him grabbing your hand and pulling you out of class, so I thought it might have something to do with you."

"I have no idea, Amaya. He's been acting weird with me, too."

"Can I ask you something, Jeni?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied.

"Do you like Austin as a friend or more than that?" Amaya asked.

Good question. I'm trying to figure it out myself, but can I really tell her? Should I?

"No, Amaya, he's just a good friend. Nothing more than that."

"But it seems..." Amaya was cut off by someone else.

"Hey, Jeni, Mr. Stephan is calling you to the staff room," Rachel interrupted. The relief I felt at that moment was overwhelming. I sighed and said, "Yes, in a moment."

I fled the area.

All these questions were really bugging me. "What just happened?" I started walking home.

"What's with your face?" Edwin asked. "Something bothering you?"

Should I ask him? "Um, nothing, just random stuff. How was your day?"

"Good. We were all planning the school trip. It's going to be fun and awesome."

"Yeah, sure," I said, offering a faint smile.

Chapter 4

Desires

Everyone got on the bus except Austin and Amaya.

Rachel said, "I bet they're making out somewhere," and giggled.

Sradha, one of my classmates, added, "Yeah, I saw both of them walking towards the locker room. Isn't it so romantic?"

"Yes, it is," said the crowd. I couldn't listen to them. It was like a thorn piercing directly into my heart.

I stared out the window, trying to ignore the pain. Soon, I saw the cute couple approaching. I closed my eyes to calm down.

Someone tapped my shoulder. "Hey."

I opened my eyes, and my heart started pounding harder. It was Geo. Oh yes, he's one of the most handsome and popular guys in school, and he's sitting right next to me. He's smart, handsome, with silky smooth hair, flawless skin, and those brown eyes staring at me. It made butterflies flutter in my stomach.

With a stuttering voice, I said, "Hey."

He smiled and looked forward. When I mirrored his movement, I saw Austin glaring at me.

What now? Thoughts started to flood my mind.

The trip started, and everyone was dancing, singing, and having fun. I just watched them. After lunch, everyone settled into their seats.

Geo broke the silence and said, "I've seen you at the church choir. You really sing well."

"Thanks, and you're handsome," I said without even thinking. Oh my God, what did I just do? That was supposed to stay in my head! Dammit.

He stared at me with those brown eyes and started laughing out loud. I was so embarrassed, and my cheeks turned red.

He gently cupped my cheek and said, "Sheesh, Jeni, you're turning red, and your temperature is rising."

I could feel my heart pounding so hard, like it was trying to catch its breath.

I looked into his eyes - chocolate brown with a tint of gold. His hand was still gently caressing my cheek. I'm sure we stayed like that for a good two minutes, but it felt like hours. We broke the tension and looked forward. To avoid the awkwardness, I offered him an earpiece. I played one of my calm playlists, and we listened together.