Chapter 29: : Chapter 29

My body goes as stiff as a board as soon as Joe’s lips meet mine. I want to push her away but my brain is still trying to catch up.

A moment ago, I was staring at Florence, mentally preparing myself to finally kiss her. I made a promise to myself to finally do it. If she had rejected me, I could have just brushed it off and told her that it was all the emotions running high after my win. Besides, she looked so pretty as she waited for me, I don’t think I could have stopped myself if I tried.

But here I am now, kissing a different girl. When she finally pulls back, probably realizing she’s not getting the reaction she wants, I turn back to Florence without giving her a second look. I’ll deal with her later. Honestly, why would she do this after I told her all about Florence? I thought she was my friend.

Florence is standing where she stood a moment ago, her smile slowly fading but when her eyes meet mine, I can tell she tries her best to hide it.

Does that mean she’s disappointed? Did she know I was about to kiss her? Did she want me to?

Hands start pulling at me and more people gather around me to say congrats. In no time, the only person I want to see is blocked from my view and I am unable to get to her.

Damn it! Maybe I’m wrong but if this thing between Florence and I isn’t one-sided, she’ll probably feel bad right now. I know I’d snap if I saw her kiss someone else. I need to get to her.

From somewhere in the crowd I hear her say, ‘I knew you’d win.’ I’m sure it’s her and she would have to be nearby but I can’t see her.

‘Good job, dude. You just won me fifty bucks,’ Orion tells me, clapping me on the back.

‘Great,’ I say absently. Trying to push past him with the intent to get some air. I’ve never hated people more, no matter if they did nothing wrong.

When I’m finally able to rid myself of my fellow students, I’m met with angry eyes. Figures, Benji would glare at me. I don’t pay him much mind though since the girl to his right is who I’m looking for. She’s smiling convincingly, making me think I might’ve imagined her reaction. Maybe I was wrong? Was it just wishful thinking?

‘Hey,’ I say. For some reason, I feel weirdly awkward.

‘Hi. Good job with the race,’ Florence tells me. Then she elbows Benji.

‘Yeah. Congrats.’ Wow, who peed in his cereal?

‘Thanks.’ As I contemplate saying something about the kiss, a group of girls passes us. They’re whispering something while looking at me before they start giggling obnoxiously. Oh, the world’s really playing with me now. Never have I gotten this much attention before but now everyone seems to be attracted to me. This is what Marcus must feel like.

My heart goes out to him.

‘So, I heard there’ll be a party tonight since we go back tomorrow. I think I’ll go and get ready,’ Florence tells me.

‘You’re going?’ I ask. She doesn’t seem the type to go to actual parties.

‘Oh, well. You won the competition so I figured I’d go with you guys.’ As the girl’s cheeks burn up I realize my question probably came out wrong.

‘I didn’t know we were going but if you’re there then so will I,’ I tell her, trying to clear things up. It would be nice if there won’t be any further miscommunication between us today. To my relief, Florence laughs.

‘Good to know. I’ll see you later.’ Then she’s gone and I turn to Benji.

‘What are you playing at?’ he asks me, his expression grim.

‘Excuse me?’

‘You’re toying with Flo. First, you act all nice and mysterious, then possessive then you almost kiss her before ignoring her completely. Today, I saw you two at the docks, almost kissing again only for you to shove your tongue down that other chick’s throat. Now you tell her you’ll be wherever she is!’

‘Shove my- It’s not my fault Joe attacked me like that. Besides, I certainly did not shove my tongue down her throat! I didn’t even kiss her back! And I don’t mean to toy with Florence, I’m just having the worst luck!’ I snap back.

‘Either way, you’re confusing her. She deserves better than that!’

‘Better, is that right? Someone like you maybe? Is that why you’re so pressed?’ I challenge him only for him to laugh at me.

‘Me? You’re delusional, Elija. She is my friend and I don’t want her to get hurt!’ he argues.

‘Neither do I!’

‘Then stay away from her!’ He tells me, causing my jaw to clench.

‘I can’t do that,’ I say.

‘Why not? Honestly, Eli, what are your intentions here?’ My friend’s eyes soften before he goes on. ‘Is this because of Ricky? I know the two girls might have a few things in common but you can’t use her as a rebound.’ Oh, here we go again. Poor Elija got himself cheated on and even a year later he’s desperate to replace the girl. Heavens forbid he moves on and actually wants someone else. Least of all, a really awesome girl he’s been mooning over for months.

‘I’m saying this one last time so listen carefully. I am over Ricky. She is not what I think about or see when I’m with Florence. I have no bad intentions for Florence, I just can’t seem to do anything right with her. Now please, get your nose out of my business and stop trying to turn my attraction to this girl into something ugly.’

After studying me for a beat, Benji chuckles and raises his hands in surrender. ‘You’re serious, aren’t you? You really have it bad,’ he says.

‘Shut up. Let’s get ready for the party.’

‘Why sure. Loverboy needs to make himself pretty for his girl, doesn’t he,’ he teases me so I punch him. Just softly. For now.

‘You’re annoying when your mouth isn’t busy taking drags. Besides, I’m always pretty.’ Both chuckling, we go to our tent.