On Tuesday morning the autumn came with a gentle breeze that shook the blonde hair. The sweet smell of an omega was spread everywhere, because he was happy not hiding from anyone. Even with all eyes on him, Theodore entered the school with his shoulders raised.
Out to his favourite place, the lawn below the Tabebuia where he used to read book or listen to music while waiting for the arrival of Nicolas. Although his friend had called the day before warning that would miss, since his fever did not lower.
Should visit him after school?
Opening his backpack to get his book, Theodore had felt the weight of looks on him. He arched his eyebrow looking around, shrugging his shoulders at seeing everyone in the courtyard watching him and whispering.
What was that all about?
Would his face be dirty? Lisa had played with the jam for breakfast. Theodore even checked his white shirt without finding any stains. Leaning against the trunk of the tree, the boy sighs annoyed with so much attention.
It was hard to stay there any longer.
Even reading the book trying to concentrate, those who passed by him always stared and mumbled something. Abruptly closing the book, Theodore took his purse and stood up.
The last days were a real dream. Nothing would shake him, because he had had a great start to the week.
Passing through the hallway trying to escape the cold of that morning, the omega was surprised when pairs of hands pulled his arm forcing him to enter a full room. The blush had taken care of his ears when he realized that he was the center of attention in that room, recognizing only a few faces present there.
― Ahn...
― Target successfully captured! ― Said a tall boy saluting Lilian, who was in front of the students.
― Good job, shooting! ― Praised the girl, laughing then. ― Good morning cherub.
― Good morning, I think...
― Class, this is our representative, Theodore. Code nome cherubim. Cherub, this is the class you're representing in the contest.
Agreeing with his head, the boy raised his hand waving to the dozens of heads that surrounded him. He had never been surrounded by his schoolmates, especially when they looked at him anxiously, filling him with questions he could hardly discern. He was lost with the voices and smells around him, giving up trying to ask for calm.
― Guys! Calm down, we have a subject to define before.
Theodore had moved his lips thanking Lilian, who had just nodded.
― You must have noticed that general is staring at you, right?
― Since yesterday, but it was your intention not?
― Today is different. ― Smile Lilian standing in front of Theodore with arms behind. ― Did you notice something?
― No... should I?
― Now you're in the spotlight, so you have to be aware. I figured you wouldn't have seen it since you've been busy daydreaming.
― Is that a complaint?
― Pointing out facts.
― Ok, go on. ― Theodore leans against a table, crossing his arms.
― Since Sunday a topic has emerged in the school community, on Orkut.
― I did not enter these days, what topic appeared?
Lilian's clear eyes sparkled in insight, bringing a shiver to Theodore's spine. When the girl had that look, the blonde understood that it was a cunning plan emerging on the horizon.
― A story. A novel, precisely. ― Lilian had been walking around in front of Theodore. ― A romance between Theodore and Gabriel.
― What?! I think I heard wrong... Wait...
― An anonymous account published a novel about you and Gabriel.
― An anonymous account? That's...
― A plan of our own, of course. But no one should know that. We're publishing this novel to see how the students will react.
― This is dangerous! ― Warned Theodore, feeling his head hurt suddenly. ― And if the teachers know about it? Me and Gabriel can be screwed.
— Why would they? Teachers have no right to meddle in your personal life. If that's the case, you should probably talk about that photo with Sadie.
Theodore swallowed it in a nervous state.
The whole school knew your secret, they shouldn't even call it that. A story being published on the internet could turn your sweet dreams into hell once again. Everything would be happening again, just like a year ago.
Gabriel would be put in a complicated position, probably his colleagues would make fun of him and walk away. Just what so much alerted Gabriel would be about to happen and your fault.
Lilian had approached touching Theodore's shoulder, awakening him from his own thoughts.
― How about reading what we write?
― Are you sure this is a good thing? I mean, that could screw things up, Lilian.
― I'm aiming for something much bigger than the contest. Our class is willing to take the risk for you. Trust me.
Holding the boy's hand, Lilian guided him among the students to the notebook connected over a wallet. Sitting down, Theodore realized the supposed open topic in Orkut that contained the story.
He had taken a deep breath before he started reading. He should have known what was being said about him, right? Even with fear, the omega had begun its reading, without outlining reactions.
The story was well written, showing the narration of a girl who suspected two classmates having a secret relationship. The way the story was narrated was soft and sweet, showing the fanciful imagination of a teenage girl.
Theodore was surprised when his name finally came up with Gabriel. The moments when the two were together during training, in the classroom or in the gym last weekend were all narrated in detail.
It did not quite match reality, dialogues and some situations were created for that story. Yet Theodore was delighted when he had finished reading.
Turning to the student cluster, he had pointed to the notebook.
― Who wrote it?
The students looked at each other nervous, afraid to say who was responsible. However, Lilian elbowed a shy brown-haired girl, pushing her to stand out.
― Was it you? ― Theodore asked, seeing the girl agree without having any courage to face him. ― You write well. You should think about it seriously.
― Hm?
The surprise was not only of the shy girl, but of everyone in the room. Theodore had a nasal laugh.
― I'm saying that I enjoyed your story. You made me cool, and I'm not even cool.
— Of course it is! ― Hurried to say the shy girl. ― At first I was in doubt when Lilian said to choose you to represent us in the contest. But now I understand her... you're cool.
― Thanks. But are you sure to continue with this story?
― Why are you so against it, man? ― Asked another student, with hands in his pocket.
Theodore stood up crossing his arms in front of the others. They were a year younger than him, but seemed to have more courage. Theodore considered himself a coward in distrusting the plan of that entire class.
— The guys on the second and third already know about my class and sexual orientation. Although I hate it, I'm used to the whispers about me, but Gabriel doesn't. Wouldn't it be natural for me to try to protect him?
— And you intend to protect him until when? ― The question of the same boy had left Theodore speechless. ― If he likes you, he'll face the world, won't he?
Didn't Nicolas say something like that? Theodore laughed at such a coincidence. Should he consider some kind of sign of the universe? He rather do it. He would accept humility in that sign.
― Are you testing his feelings for me?
― It will be one less competitor in the competition.
Theodore was scratching his neck still fearful of the class plan. Lilian was sitting idly smiling as she watched him interact with his colleagues. Realizing her silence, the omega knew she would be keen to plan something else if he continued to deny that plan.
Where have he been?
― I'll cover for you. Don't let them find Miss Writer.
The students smiled happily embracing each other. Lilian ran up to Theodore hugging him tight.
― You won't regret it, cherub. It'll all be worth it.