*Beauty*
Will.
His face, the tormented expression that had stole into his features, had haunted me all night. I'd warred with myself over texting him all through last night. I'd finally decided not to, realising that he wouldn't want me nosing into his life.
But still...
William Johnson had an older brother.
I'd crushed on the same guy for seven years and I didn't even know that.
Somehow, every detail I'd noted about him for the past seven years seemed minuscule now that I found out more about him. In reality, I knew nearly nothing about his familyâabout him.
I sighed.
My gaze returned to the mirror, examining my appearance. I wore a red cropped sweater over a black vest and a red skater skirt. It had taken me hours to pick out this outfit. My make up was thicker than usual, glossing over every single imperfection. I'd hefted my hair up into an intricate bun, allowing a few ringlets to cascade down my neck.
I needed to look perfect.
I applied another layer of dark pink gloss to my lips.
Oh, goodness, I can't wait to see him.
Were we together now?
Would he smile at me at school, allowing me to glimpse that facet of his personality he always hid?
Oh, Will.
Finally, I hefted up my bagâdecorated with the words 'Tiger Cheerleaders,'âand left the room.
Downstairs, Tessa, Amelia and my Dad were eating breakfast. Amelia periodically glanced at a large book in her hand between bites of fruit, earning repeated glares from Mom.
Mom flipped through a fashion magazine. Even in the morning, she looked perfect, hair tied up neatly, face made up flawlessly, and already dressed in a silky blue blouse and slimming black jeans.
Hurriedly, I pulled out my breakfast from the fridgeâfruit salad. My eyes flickered to the clock as I stuffed the food down my throat as quickly as I could.
Soon I would see Will.
Oh, goodness.
"Ellie," my mother chided, "eat like a lady."
I nodded and slowed down, but my eyes didn't leave the clock.
Amelia snorted.
"Anyway," my mother declared, shutting her magazine with dainty fingers. "Your father and I will not be at home this Saturday. We both need to attend a doctor's appointment." She cleared her throat. "You all must make sure you take your Perfectil pills, attend cheer practice and sleep at least eight hours. You may invite your friends over," input mischievous smirk, "but try to be responsible."
Amelia rolled her eyes from across the table. "You're practically inviting them to throw a party."
I peeled my eyes away from the clock. "Party?"
Tessa's eyebrows were furrowed. "Can't," she mumbled around her food. "My friend's having a party that day."
"I think I'll just study," I mused, staring at my last cucumber.
With Will.
Giggle.
Silence.
I looked up at the table.
They were all staring at me, eyes wide. Tessa looked completely confused, her glossed lips pushed out in a pout. Amelia simply gaped. Dad was a little more controlled, but was still staring at me as if I'd grown a second head. Mom's face was a twist of disgust and shock.
I frowned. Was there something on my face?
"What is it?" I asked.
"Oh my," my mother breathed, touching a hand to her head as her eyelashes fluttered, "what is happening to my children?"
My Dad blinked out of his daze and rubbed a comforting hand over her shoulder. "Don't stress, sweetie, it's just a phase."
Tessa wrinkled her nose. "What is this...studying?"
Amelia said nothing, just stared at me.
What is wrong with these guys?
I heard the sound of a doorbell, signalling that Madison and the others had arrived to pick me up.
I leaped off my seat, waving at my family over my shoulder. "Later!"
I jogged the few steps to the door, each footfall bringing me closer to Will.
*
"I wonder what coach is going to announce today," Madison mused as she turned into the school parking lot.
Gemma, leaning out the window, snorted. "Probably something annoying, like school stuff or something." She imitated coach's voice, "Your grades are disgusting, fix them up or you're all off the team."
Madison and Layla giggled.
"Or maybe she'll want to go through drills," Layla mused. "You know, for tomorrow."
"Oh, please no. That would be painful," Madison groaned.
"Tomorrow!" Gemma squealed. "I can't wait!"
I was too busy scanning the parking lot to pay attention to the conversation. My eyes fell on Will's car across the parking lot. He was already here.
My heartbeat picked up.
Madison parked in our usual spot close to the school building.
I stumbled out of the car, then hopped on the pavement impatiently as the others followed.
It's almost as if I could feel Will's presence, tugging at me, calling me.
I'm coming my prince.
Gemma continued to mock coach as we headed into the school. Immediately, I was scanning the halls, my eyes barely touching each figure that wasn't him.
"What do you think, Ellie?" Gemma asked suddenly.
I frowned. What were they talking about? "What do I..."
My voice abruptly trailed off.
Almost like he appeared out of thin air, he was there.
The crowd split before him, parting to reveal utter perfection.
My eyes locked on him, tracing his features. His hair was slightly more dishevelled than usual as he ran a hand through the inky black locks. His expression was composed, indifferent in that way that intimidated bystanders. His eyes were briefly shadowed, until, almost by instinct, he looked upâright into my eyes.
I felt my heart slow as his gaze locked with mine. All I could hear was the pulse of my heart, sloshing in my chest.
Help, I can't breathe.
What he did next stopped my heart beat altogether.
His eyes, those perfect emerald jewels, softened and his indifferent façade dropped. His lipsâthose perfectly glorious kissable scarlet lipsâstretched into a smile.
Oh. My. Goodness.
Who said I was getting used to his beauty?
Too quickly, his frame disappeared into a classroom.
"Ellie! Are you ok?"
The sound of a concerned voice broke through my daze.
"Perfect," I breathed. "I'm perfect."
I could barely concentrate. The only image in my brain was William Johnson's beautiful face, blazed permanently into my thoughts.
Just, breathe, Ellie, breathe.
My friends flurried over me, concerned, as Iâcompletely dazedâmade my way to my locker. I plucked at random books before shutting the door.
"Ellie, are you sure you're OK?" Madison quizzed.
"Yeah, yeah," I breathed. "Just perfect, flawless, magnificent, excellent..." All words to describe Will.
And his lips...
My face blushed a billion shades of red.
What was my next lesson again...? Oh, wait, calculus! With...
My face was going to catch fire.
I think I was finally realising it. The fact that Will and I ki....
Oh, goodness, I can't breathe again.
"I've got to go," I stuttered, pushing past the girls. "Got to get to class..." My face started burning again.
Too soon, I was at the door. It was as if it was pulsing, promising that if I went through it, Will would be there, with his perfect face and perfect lips...
Sheesh, Ellie, stop already!
I felt a shove at my shoulder.
I blinked out of my daze, noting that Catherine had pushed past me. She scowled, glaring at me, before striding into the classroom.
I bit my lip, worry forming a knot in my stomach.
I hadn't seen her since the festival. Impossibly, her glares had become more derisive.
She absolutely hated me.
I took a deep breath and returned to staring down the classroom door.
You can do this Ellie. You can do this. Forget that Will is there, with his perfect lips, and his perfect hair, and his perfect being, completely intimidating you out of existence...
Great pep talk! I snapped at myself.
OK, I can do this.
I can do this.
Without reconsidering, I shoved the door open and walked into the almost emptyâthe bell had yet to ringâclassroom.
My breath caught the moment my eyes took in the room.
Will was staring down at his pen, twirling it between his fingers. His eyebrows were furrowed, as if he was considering something important. Catherine was across the room, as far as she could get from him, glaring out the window. I bit my lip as my eyes slid back to Will.
I frowned.
If I wasn't mistaken, the skin beneath his eyes was slightly purple, as if he was missing sleep. And he was paler than usual.
Concern pricked my chest. Was he ok?
Will looked up, catching my gaze.
His lips twitched into a small smile, lightening his entire face.
And then the weirdest thing happened.
Red dusted his cheeks.
The most perfect person on the planet blushed.
If I was planning to live through the rest of the day, I was failing epically.
Why oh why was he so perfect?
I really needed a new word to describe Will.
I ducked my head, hiding the blush that was burning my face off, before shuffling to my seat.
I sunk into my chair as my gaze devoured Will's back. Correction, Will's perfect back. Which I'd touched just three days ago....
This was going to be a long, very painful, lesson.
The classroom filled slowly. The entire time, my eyes flickered between the wall, Will, the door, Will, the front, Will... It was as if Will had this magnetic pull, dragging my gaze back to him, until I couldn't peel my eyes away.
Suddenly, he shifted, dragging a hand through his hair. The movement made the muscles on his back flex, sending a ripple through the dark blue fabric of his shirt. That shirt was so lucky.
"Hey."
I ripped my gaze off of Will to note that Katie Richards, fellow cheerleader, had taken a seat next to me. Her gaze fell on me and she gave me a small nod of acknowledgement. Her hair fell in kinky blond curls, capturing the I-just-got-out-of-bed-but-I-still-look-amazing look.
She gave me an odd look, her brows slightly furrowed, before she glanced over at Will.
My entire body burnt from the blush.
Was I that obvious?
She gave me a small smile, almost reassuring, before she pulled a calculus book out of her bag.
The bell rang before I could respond. Mr Meyer shuffled in, his typical irritated expression on his face. In fact, he looked slightly more irritated than usual.
The classroom was full now, a low chatter running through it.
Mr Meyer glared at everyone as he pulled a sheet out of his desk. "Everyone, to the back of the classroom. Change in the seating plan."
I sighed as I stood up, swinging my bag up with me.
Mr Meyer muttered angrily to himself, confirming that he was in an extraordinarily bad mood. The students chattered to each other as they shuffled to the back of the classroom.
My eyes gravitated to Will as I joined the mass of bodies at the back. He leaned beside a window, his eyes focused on something I couldn't see.
Then he looked up, catching my gaze.
I looked away quickly. I didn't want him to see me blushing.
Breathe, Ellie, breathe!
Mr Meyer began reading names quickly, pointing to desks. The students shuffled at first, until Meyer threatened to give them fails for being too slow. After that, everyone practically sprinted to their seats, trying to get there before he moved on to the next name.
Eventually my eyes simply slid over to Will's vacant seat. I'd probably be able to smell that wonderful apple citrus smell if I sat there...
"William Johnson."
I blinked out of my daze as Will strode calmly to his new chair near the centre of the room. Meyer even paused, not irritated that he didn't sprint like the rest of the students. It was like that with almost all the teachers: they respected Will. It probably had something to do with the fact that he already had a high school degree and was currently working on a university degree. Of course, the various education competitions he won also contributed to that. He was like the school's trophy, something to show off and parade to other schools.
Even the teachers knew he was perfect.
"Ellie Kent."
I jumped. "Huh?"
Mr Meyer glared at me. He pointed to the seat directly behind Will. "Ellie Kent. Your new seat."
My eyes widened.
My new seat was directly behind Will, just inches from his.
Say what?
Mr Meyer was still glaring. "Well?" he snapped.
Will was now looking at me, an undecipherable expression on his face.
Ducking my head, I nodded, and scrambled to my seat.
Oh, goodness, I can smell him.
His scent drifted over the few inches, giving me a drool worthy dose of apple and citrus. I could simply reach over and touch those silky onyx black strandsâwhich I knew from experience were even softer than they looked.
This class was going to kill me.
Soon, not that I really noticed considering I was staring at Will, Meyer had finished calling out names and was droning on about some equation. The entire time, my gaze was locked on Will's back, taking in every shift in his movements, the way he pushed back his hair, the slight movement of his hands when he took notes.
Suddenly, I noticed something. Red crept up his neck, permeating his flawless skin. As if he were blushing...
"Miss Kent!"
I snapped out of my daze, my wide eyes focusing on Meyer, whose face was red with annoyance.
The entire class was looking at me, some amused, others confused.
"Y-yes?"
"Good to see you're back with us," Meyer drawled sarcastically. "Now, would you mind answering the question on the board?"
I blinked out of my daze, taking in the nearly unintelligible scribbles on the board.
"Well?" He snapped.
I knew from working with Will that this was a particularly difficult sum.
Will shifted in his seat and, for a second, I thought I saw his hand twitch.
But that wasn't what shocked me.
That sum.
I knew the answer.
To a mathematics question.
It was as if the world burst into billions of iridescent sparks.
I, Ellie Kent, knew the answer.
Mr Meyer smirked. "I see, so you don't knâ"
"2,548," I replied.
Silence. The entire class was silent. I could physically feel the shock reverberating through the classroom.
Mr Meyer's smirk slipped off his face, and I wanted to dance in victory.
"The answer is 2, 548," I repeated.
Mr Meyer glanced down, flipping desperately through a book on his desk. He cleared his throat, growing pale. "Correct."
I couldn't hide my triumphant grin.
I heard quiet surprised chatter float through the classroom.
Breaking News! Dumb Cheerleader Ellie Kent Answered A Maths Question Correctly!
And then Will turned around, just slightly, and smiled at me. His eyes glittered as those cupid bow lips stretched into a blinding visage. This smile was dangerously beautiful, almost as if he was proud of me.
I grinned back, red burning my cheeks.
"I guess Mr Johnson's tutoring is having an effect," Meyer muttered. "Anyway, let's move on."
I continued to grin as Will turned away.
He'd been impressed.
William Johnson had been impressed with me.
"Turn to page 258," Mr Meyer ordered.
Still grinning, I reached out to my pile of books, then frowned. English, French, Biology, History... Where was calculus?
No, Ellie, calm down.
I reached into my bag, still attempting to maintain my smile.
Nothing. No calculus book.
Okay, Ellie, you may now panic.
Didn't I get it out from my locker? Oh, wait, I was distracted by a certain intelligent and good-looking William Johnson...
Panic slowly set in as I searched through my books. Mr Meyerâwho absolutely hated meâwould notice in a heartbeat, then he would humiliate me in front of the entire class. In front of Will.
Just great, Ellie.
Then, before I could enter full-on panic mode, a book slid onto my desk. My eyes widened as Will, not looking at me, passed me his calculus book, turned open on page 258.
I was about to protest, but then his fingers shifted from where they held the book, revealing a note. In Will's neat cursive script were the words:
I've already studied this unit.
Please take it.
My eyes honed in on the back of his head as his hand slipped away and he returned to writing notes.
Hesitantly, I glanced at the book. Finally, I quickly tore a piece of paper from the notebook and scribbled down quickly:
Thank you - Ellie :)
I glanced up. Meyer was looking away. The majority of the class were focusing on the task.
I leaned forward and slipped the note onto his desk. My fingers brushed the side of his arm as I did so, making me jump from the electric current that blasted up my arm.
Woah.
I ducked my head and got back to the task.
I looked up for just a moment, to see Will read the note. His fingers held it delicately as he scanned it, before slipping it carefully into a textbook.
I really wish I could see his expression.
The rest of the class sped by too quickly.
When the bell rang, I stood hesitantly. My fingers clasped Will's book delicately, careful not to injure the new looking object. Just being owned by Will made it perfect.
I should give it to him.
I bit my lip as I watched him stand fluidly, his hands deftly packing books into his bag.
Oh, goodness.
You can do this Ellie!
Just as I was about to part my lips to call him, Mr Meyer spoke.
"William Johnson and Catherine Wilson, at my desk please."
Will hesitated, and for a second I thought he turned slightly, his eyes flitting to me. Wait, they definitely did. I could tell from the way my heart wouldn't stop pounding.
Katie suddenly appeared at my side. "Hey, you've got Spanish next, right?"
I nodded absent-mindedly, my gaze still pasted on Will.
"Quickly," Mr Meyer said, his gaze flickering to the door.
Giving an almost imperceptible sigh, Will turned and walked toward Mr Meyer's desk.
Catherine shuffled after him.
I clutched Will's book to my chest and sighed internally. Even his books smelt like him.
"Yeah," I said absent-mindedly, replying to Katie.
I still couldn't peel my eyes off Will's back.
Finally, I sighed, turning to Katie, who was watching me with an odd look.
She inclined her head to the door. "Should we go?"
I nodded as we stepped out of the class.
Katie didn't talk much, but she had a wonderful voice. It was nothing like my annoyingly squeaky voice. It was closer to Layla's: mature and slightly raspy.
"Do you know what coach is going to announce today?" she asked as we walked towards Spanish.
I shook my head. My mind was unfocused, my thoughts still on Will. "No. You?"
She shook her head. "No. I think it might be about a trip though. It makes sense that she would announce it today. There probably wouldn't be any time later, given what tomorrow is."
I frowned. "Tomorrow?" I echoed.
Now that I thought about it, the girls had mentioned something about tomorrow.
Katie raised her eyebrows. "You know, tomorrow? The Activity's day? The Pep Rally?"
"Oh!" I blinked in surprise. I slapped a hand over my forehead. How could I forget? I'd been planning the cheer routines for months!
It probably had something to do with what happened three days ago. Input blush here.
The Activity's day and pep rally were an annual event at East High, led by the cheerleaders. Since I was a Junior I'd only experienced it twice, as a freshman and a sophomore. Unfortunately, Will hadn't been there either yearâhe always skipped that day.
Katie laughed. "I can't believe you forgot."
I shook my head. "Neither can I."
I'm supposed to be Head Cheerleader for goodness' sake!
Then I sighed. That meant another day I couldn't see Will.
Katie paused. "Is that his book?"
I nearly jumped. I glanced down, realising I was squeezing the life out of Will's maths book. I blushed.
Katie's expression was amused.
We had reached the door to the Spanish classroom.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." She smiled. Then, just as she was about to enter the room, she paused, winking. "He's cute though."
Then she disappeared into the class, leaving me blushing like a fire hydrant.
The rest of school up to lunch passed too slowly. Gemma, Layla and Madison were in my third and fourth period class and kept joking back and forth until lunch rolled by. Our group headed to the gym, in search of the coach.
The room was partially filled when we entered. A group of jocks sat across the room, perched on desks. They laughed raucously with each other. A few cheerleaders were already here, leaning over them and giggling. They looked up, waving in our direction and calling out greetings.
I grinned back, waving as I made my way to the opposite side of the room.
"I want to kill him," Gemma snarled as we sat down.
"I want to bury the body," Layla growled.
"Who are we trying to kill?" I asked, confused.
They all gave me an exasperated look.
"Ellie, you're so..." Gemma sighed, deflated.
Layla and Madison sighed.
"What?" I frowned. "Who?" I repeated.
These guys were so confusing.
"Justin Markson," Gemma replied. She gave me a duh look. "You know, the quarterback?"
I blinked in surprise. "Oh!" Then I frowned. "Why?"
They all groaned simultaneously.
"I don't even know why I try," Gemma grunted.
"Clueless," Layla chipped in.
"Yep," Madison sighed.
I shrugged, rolling my eyes. "You guys are so confusing."
Gemma just shook her head, muttering under her breath.
I watched as a steady flow of people entered the room. Chelsea Simmons came in slightly later than the others, flanked by her trio. A blasé indifferent look was painted on her face.
In minutes, the classroom was filled with jocks and cheerleaders.
Finally, the cheer coach appeared, her face set into her habitual stony expression. The football coach followed behind her, his face granite hard, as usual.
Her entry dissipated the last of the chatter in the room.
"I have an announcement to make." She glanced down at a jock. "Hey, you," she snapped. "Hand this out." She shoved a stack of paper into his hands.
He promptly jumped to his feet and began handing out a sheet to each person.
"In two weeks time, we'll be going on a trip to join the cheer leading convention." Her eyes flickered to the jocks. "As well as some other sports event," she said dismissively. "Both West and East high will be attending this event, and it will be taking place atâ"
"Harvard." A footballer whistled, scanning the sheet in his hand.
The glare the coach gave him could kill.
The footballer abruptly paled.
I frowned as a letter was passed to me. A skim read confirmed it. A trip to Harvard in just two weeks.
"As I was saying," coach snapped. "I want reply slips in two days."
"Can weâ" a footballer interrupted.
She glared at him. "It's compulsory," she snapped.
Huffing in exasperation, she turned to leave the room.
I stared at the letter. Something was nudging at my thoughts. Harvard...
"Hey, Layla, isn't your sister going that week with the other mathematicians?" Madison asked.
"Yeah," Layla replied.
Wait... Will was going on a Harvard trip with Layla's sister, Nerissa Chang.
Maths Trip. Cheer trip. Harvard. Will.
Nope, it couldn't be true.
*
Hi wonderful people :) Thank you for reading :) I hope you enjoyed the chapter ;)
Also, I know you guys want to see more development in the Wellie department, so don't worry, it's getting there ;) This is a slow paced romance so it does take a little time for them to get to the point where they can be fully honest with each other about their feelings :)
Anyway, this chapter is dedicated to my ama-zing-a little sister who also reads this book ;) She's absolutely adorable and also posts stories on here (I'm currently reading The Boyfriend Factory) so check out her profile :D
See you next time my beauties ;)
God bless
xxx
Yemi Everest