I didn't talk and continued walking. His reaction is still a big puzzle to me. Or maybe he just grew tired of my nonsense observations that he thought it was sickening. Or maybe he's thinking that I'm going crazy.
"If you would give me a ride, then you can't attend the ball. I think that's unfair in your part."
"How would that be unfair? I offered, Eve. I wasn't forced. It's my own will."
"But I'd feel guilty for it."
"Why would you? As what I've said, it's my own will. Besides, I had plans on buying some stuffs too."
I turned to him, giving him a smug look.
"And you would make me ride that big bike of yours? You saw what happened yesterday. I was almost smashed by a huge truck while I was on a cab. The percentage of risk is far greater when riding a motorcycle. Don't you know that?"
He smirked like what I'm worrying about was very laughable. He even bit his lower lip to suppress a chuckle. My forehead creased. I don't know what's funny about what I said. It was like he was enjoying a private joke.
"What's funny? I had never ride on a motorcycle, especially the huge kind. Not even once in my whole life. You think it's not something I should be worried of?"
"Not when I'm the driver," he retorted, half-smiling. The certainty was there.
"How can you guarantee?"
He shrugged. "Why don't you try?"
"Not when I don't want to die in a road accident."
The smile vanished. His face turned serious and unreadable again. I tensed. I waited for him to speak something harsh for the offense I meant.
"Putting you in danger is the least thing I'd want to do, Everleigh." The tone he used was speaking in sincerity but also in utmost dominance. My mouth remained shut, unable to counter. I only stared at his bright-sea green eyes, glimmering againts the ceiling lights nearby. Those were blank, almost distant, yet showing my clear reflection.
I can't fight the right word for a retort. I was lost in his sea-like orbs. Vast, wonderful, yet dangerous.
"A-alright," I stammered and blinked for a few times, forgetting the dignity I should be fighting for. "I'll let you come with me. But make sure it won't bring me any trouble," I said hoarsely, almost helpless.
I saw him smile a little before I turned around and walked away, quickening my pace towards the the library's entrance.
That night, Mom didn't go home. She only called and told me she was at the municipal hall. Instead of Tessa cooking for the dinner, I volunteered to cook. I'm not really good at cooking but Dad always encourages me to learn. He taught me at times when he was at home and some tutorials really help.
He always says that a man prefers a woman who cooks well. That I should learn it because I will cook for my husband and family when the time comes. I'd only laugh at him for the idea seems ridiculous to me. I only started practicing when Theo became my boyfriend because he told me he likes girls who knows how to cook. I took it as a challenge and practiced more on the kitchen stuffs. But looking back now, I realized that my efforts for that cheater were only wasted, worthless.
"Yum! This is very delicious, Miss!" Tessa chirped after she took a bite of my special adobo. I smiled even though I don't know if it's the truth or she's just being kind. I don't trust the dishes I make sometimes.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded indulgently.
"Should I get a husband already?" I joked. Good thing Tessa is here because if she's also treating me indifferently, I don't know what I would do. I'd probably on my way now back to Philippines. At least I have her, Mom and... Carter.
"You'd pass as a good wife! Surely, if you have a boyfriend, he won't think of leaving you. Ever."
I laughed. Theo didn't leave me, he cheated. But I just kept it to myself and started eating. Felix arrived late and Tessa told him excitedly that I cooked something. A creepy smile touched his tired face. I immediately went upstairs so we didn't have a chance to talk. Not that I want to talk to him, though. I'm not against with him, but maybe liking someone for your mother really takes time. At least I'm civil.
The whole week in school was tiring, especially the group activities. Even the groups are randomly selected, it's still difficult for me because I always feel unwelcome. They are too aloof that I always feel out of place even I'm part of the group. It annoys me sometimes when they don't listen to my opinion but at the end, all I can do is to shut. I feel like a mute, no voice at all. Not holding any power. Not even receiving respect.
Carter's class is like a breathe of fresh air to me. His presence is like a bright star to me, it would lighten my mood and spread positivity to my day. Sometimes, he'd talk to me for a while after his class. Most of the time, he'd ask me what part of the discussion is hard or I didn't get, so that he can give me some help.
I was still embarrassed of how I got a low score the last week, so I'd always answer that I can handle it. Maybe I'll just use my free time at home to review my notes. How would I spend my free time, anyway? I don't have friends to accompany me outside, anyway.
"Hi, Eve."
I was shocked when Irish, Savanna's half sister took the seat next to mine. It was Jason's before but he transferred to another seat a weak ago. It was vacant the whole week since none of them wants to sit beside me. That's why I was stunned why Irish approached me.
"Irish..."
She smiled, her brown curls danced because of the large electric fan. She didn't look much of Savanna. In fact, with his loose sweater, braces, she looked out of place in her sister's group. I can really say that her fashion sense was outdated. In spite of that, her face looks angelic. Like a daughter of a church minister who wants to read bibles rather than romance novels. She looks pretty without any touch of make up on her innocent face.
"Why..." I blinked. "I mean, why are you sitting next to me?" I suddenly felt alive for a glimpse of hope.
She frowned, a bitter smile plastered on her lips. "I got sick of Savanna and her group. They'd always treat me like a slave. I wanted to be on her group before, because I think they were cool and they're so pretty. But those days were done. I realized that she don't see me as a sister nor a friend but an ugly slave. Could you imagine how that feels?" She pouted, trying to earn my sympathy.
"That really feels bad," I agreed.
"And I realized you're hated by many too. I think that maybe we would... you know, click and be friends. Just by looking at you, I can say that you're a good person." She smiled widely.
"You're not a good judge, then." I grinned, overwhelmed of the idea that I'll have my first ever girl friend in Edmonds.
"I don't think so." She chuckled.
"I heard you live in the Philippines not until three weeks ago. Never been on that place. Never been on any place outside Washington, actually. So can you tell me about the place?"
"It's a lot warmer than this place. It only has two seasons, no winters."
"Oh. That's a good place, then. How did you learn to adjust anyway? I bet Lynnwood feels colder to you. It must be uncomfortable." She frowned and slightly turned her head to see if the teacher already arrived. When she saw that there wasn't any teacher yet, her eyes drifted back to me.
"It's fine. Bearable."
"How about the school?"
"Fine," I said dryly. I don't want to talk more of it. But I guess she got the idea right away, probably she saw it on my expression. Besides, I suppose everyone knows how everyone here is treating me like a freak.
We talked till the next class. We also had lunch together. Though I was a little dismayed for not seeing Carter the whole morning, it was hushed by my new friend's presence. We don't have class in Anatomy during Tuesday and Friday and it's Tuesday, so I don't stand a chance to meet him.
"I heard you're close with Carter Rellis," Irish suddenly opened up a new topic.
I gave her a faint smile. "No. Not actually. He's just good to me because I probably look pitiful. But we're not so close..."
Reluctance reflected on her face as she sipped on her iced tea. "I never heard Carter walked someone to her room, talked to her privately nor ask her for lunch," she said casually like everyone in Edmonds knew it.
"Never heard of him dating anyone before. He even rejected Maddison, the campus queen, the so-called most beautiful girl here in EdC. Well, not until Emery and Venus came. And you know what's worst? Maddison confessed to him during the festival days, at the center field with half of the students' population as witnesses. Imagine that?"
Wow. How could he be that heartless? I've seen Maddison. Like everyone's opinion, she's very beautiful. The modern type of beauty. Tall, about five feet and seven or eight inches. Brunette, has gorgeous features and perfect body. I wonder why he didn't like her. Such a waste.
"That's really bad."
"And now, he's looking at you." Irish giggled as she looked at the cafeteria's entrance. The Rellis just arrive, including Carter. I looked at them too. But when he found my eyes like he was seeking for it since the moment he stepped in, I immediately looked away.
"Never seen him stared at a girl except his sisters before. And you know what that means?"
"No. I don't."