The next moment, I became oblivious on what Irish was talking about. Strange but I can feel his gaze on me. I don't want to assume but I just can feel it. I feel like he is watching my back. And it's damn making me tense for some unfathomable reason.
"Do you already have a dress for the ball? How about your date?"
I shook my head. "I won't go."
Her smile faded. "Why? That's one of the most awaited events every year! You should come, Eve. It's awesome. You can go without a date but it would be better if you have one. Jason already asked me." She giggled and her cheeks flushed.
"Good for you. I'm sure Jason would be a great partner," I glanced slightly at the west, heading to Carter's table. I found him staring at me. Right away, I knew he was staring at me for too long now. I raised a brow, silently mocking him. I was surprised he didn't bother to look away. In fact, he smirked at me.
"I wonder. Is it true that Carter asked you to be his date?" I almost jumped at my seat when Irish asked me that. I almost spilled my juice. Thank God my reflexes were fast enough to hold the glass quickly.
"Who told you that?" I muttered, almost silent.
"Rumors?" she sounded unsure. "I guess almost all of the students here knew that. You know, you can't hide a secret in Lynnwood." She grinned.
I sighed and pursed my lips. I am the town's freak and now I'm involved with the most famous man in Edmonds. Great.
"You didn't answer me yet. Was it true?"
"Wasn't my answer part of the rumor?"
She shrugged. "That's all I heard. Maybe the campus paparazzi failed to hear your response. So it's really true, huh?" She smiled widely, crazy about the intrigue.
I scorned. "As what I've told you, he found me pitiful. It was just out of concern, probably."
I didn't listen to Irish about the topic. I refused to answer her nonsense questions. She was too talkative that I couldn't cope up with her. As soon as the lunch time was done, we went out of the cafeteria for our next class. I didn't glance at Carter while going out, not even once. I shouldn't.
"Are you sure you won't attend the ball? I could buy you a nice dress and shoes. I'm telling you, acquaintance ball in Edmonds would be awesome," Mom tried to convince me a day before the ball. She was convincing me for the past days but I already made up my mind. I had enough of balls and parties. I'm not thirsty for it.
"Honestly, I can provide for that, Mom." With the help of Dad's money on my account, of course. "But I'd rather not go. I'm not interested. Besides, I'm planning to shop tomorrow. I'll tour around Alderwood."
"You sure?"
I nodded and continue drinking my glass of fresh milk while she was with her glass of red wine, showing off her long Aztec robe with oversized cuffs. Her long wavy hair was flowing down to her back. If we have something in common, that would be our hair. Pitch black and wavy. We also have the same eyes, brown. The rest of my features, I got it from Dad. Thanks to his Italian ancestry for the pointed nose and heart shaped lips. I also got from her my complexion. Though, I'm thankful that I'm didn't have Mom's porcelain skin. I'm fine with my not-so-white complexion. I don't want being too pale.
It was eight-thirty in the evening when I received a message from an unknown number. When I read it, I immediately knew who was the sender.
Unknown number:
I'll be in your front yard at 10 AM.
I still remember who will accompany me tomorrow. I thought he forgot about it. It has been one week since he said that. I even thought he'd want another partner and change his mind eventually.
But where did he got my number? I didn't remember giving it to him. More importantly, 9 AM? Isn't that too early?
Me:
9 AM is too early. I thought you won't attend the ball?
His response arrived right away.
Carter:
Did I say that I will? I won't, Eve. 9 AM is fine. I planned on spending longer time with you. I suppose that's not illegal?
I smirked.
Me:
I might woke up late.
Carter:
I won't mind a little delay. I'll wait.
I sighed, put my phone on the drawer and lay down on my bed, hoping that time would speed up. Though before I could close my eyes, my phone beeped again. It was a message.
Carter:
Good night, Everleigh.
That was enough to make me smile.
The next day was morbid, no sun on the horizon at all. All I can see was gray sky, solemn and almost dark. As if Lynnwood was only illuminated by a small bulb, spreading morosity in the whole place. If I was in the Philippines, I'd think that there is a storm coming because of consecutive rains. But I'm in Lynnwood, Washington. It's normal here during this month. And I found it very sickening.
Going out of the house on jeans and jacket, in no time, I saw Carter leaning on his black big bike wearing black leather jacket with a black shirt beneath and fitted jeans. But he didn't look like any other guy in town nor a handsome bad boy. Weird but he looked like a prince from medieval period trying to fit in the modern world. The way he stood there, watching me carefully with intense preciseness, I can sense the power and dominance in him like no other.
"You really brought your beast with you, huh." I glanced at his shining big bike and noticed it was from an expensive brand. Of course, why would a pagan god get a bike from a cheap brand? It should be like this. The luxurious Diavel of Ducati.
"It's not the beast, Eve..." he mumbled and left his mouth half opened like he was about to add some words but restrained himself from doing so. I raised a brow and he pursed his lips back.
"Why are we too early, anyway? I planned to shop later this noon and you suddenly broke my plans."
"I have my own plans. Give me this day." He gave me a pink helmet. I was sure it's not his. Too girly for him. He has another one, black. I reached for it and checked if it's reliable. I want to assure my safety.
He chuckled softly. "Don't worry, that's reliable. I just bought it yesterday. Besides, I can guarantee your safety even without a helmet. Trust me."
"You sounded so sure."
"I should be." He was serious.
He grabbed the helmet from me and put it on my head himself. He also fixed my hair a little. I was taken aback with our closeness but I remained still, inhaling his addictive scent that almost left me toxicated. After he locked the helmet, he then went to his Diavel. I leaped a bit when it roared to life. The side of his lips rose. I glared at him, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.
"Come here. Don't be scared," he said in a low voice, trying to hush my fears.
"Are you really sure about this?"
"Yes. You won't get hurt with me," he promised earnestly.
I sighed and nodded helplessly. He tapped his shoulder, gesturing to lay my hand on it so I could support myself when I climb up on his Diavel.
Nervously, almost unwilling, I put my hand on his shoulder as I lifted myself to fit at the space behind him. I sighed when I was finally done like the relief I feel every time I'm not called during oral recitations.
His shoulders trembled because of his almost muted laugh.
"Will you stop laughing? Nothing is funny, Carter. I'm scared."
"I told you, you'll be safe. Nothing bad will happen. So you have nothing to be scared of," he assured me with conviction.