4

Nova's P.O.V

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Chapter Four: Back it up, back it up, back it up.

I watched the girl run around her room, pretending to fly a paper airplane, smiling. She hopped from her bed to the floor.

"Nova baby, it's time for bed." My mother patted my bed, calling me to come lay down. I didn't want to sleep. I continued watching her, a frown settled on my face. I heard my father shout for my mom in anger.

I glanced at my mom before looking back at the girl. She looks so happy... why can't mommy be happy like her?

"Mommy-"

"Tatum get down here now! Don't make me come up there!" dad shouted again, but louder.

"I'll be right back baby.. don't wait up for me." mom quickly gave me a kiss on the head. I sadly smiled at her.

"Okay mommy," and then, she left.

I heard her cry at night, but she didn't know. Sometimes... dad would get really angry and lock me in my room and yell at mom. I knew he would hit her.. because I would see the bruises on her face. My dad drank a lot, and always sat on the couch. He never bought anything for my mom on mothers day.. or even her birthday.

She worked two jobs, back to back, while my dad did nothing. I didn't like staying home with him, and that's why I never left my room. He wouldn't even let me go outside to play.

We were trapped.

Dad began to yell, louder and louder. I heard a thud and more yelling. The girl turned around, her eyes locked with mine. She gave me a big smile with a wave.

It isn't fair.

I glared at her, before I harshly closed the curtains. A tear escaped my eye as I slid down the wall. I sobbed quietly, trying to drown out the yelling.

"I'm sorry mommy,"

It isn't fair...

"Nova, it's time to wake up." Mom's voice cuts through the silence. I crack my eyes, squinting at the light.

"Okay," I hoarsely say, sitting up. She leaves, leaving the door open. I look at my window, the blue curtains covering it. I try rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, as my legs dangle over the bed.

I hate waking up so early. Why can't school start at like, ten or something.

I took a shower and got dressed. I pulled on some black jeans, a grey t-shirt and my black converse. I grabbed my bag, and headed back to my room, snacking on some disgusting trail mix. Why am I even eating this?

I get that mom wants me to stay healthy, but I'd rather eat a salad. And I hate salads.

I plop down on my bed, trying to kill time. My mind goes back to last night.

Frost looked terrified of that Adrian kid. I wonder how they know each other. Maybe they really are dating, and I just didn't know? No. I've known Frost for my whole life- well.. kind of. But I know she wouldn't date someone like that, let alone run from them.

I don't know why, but last night.. when I saw the way he looked at her, it made my blood boil.

If she felt uncomfortable or was being bothered by anyone... she would tell me.

Right?

I fall back onto my bed, groaning in confusion.

Why do I even care? The only reason why I'm hanging out with her is because I have to, not because I want to.

Suddenly, I catch the sound of rocks hitting my window. I stretch before pulling myself back up. I trudge over to the window, yawning. Way too early. I open the curtains and see Frost. I sigh, already annoyed, and open the window.

"What?" I question, blinded by the sun. She gently smiles at me before handing me a paper.

In my opinion, these houses were built too close together. I could climb from window to window without falling if I wanted to.

I take the paper, scanning over it. Huh. It's the math problems I wrote down for her to do.

And they were finished.

What a surprise. I didn't expect her to actually do them.

"I was practicing, and I think I understand it." she beams. I nod in approval while handing it back to her.

Expecting her to make a comment saying "you ogre! I deserve a complement!", I stare at her.

"You should be wearing pink."

"Why?"

"Because on Wednesdays, we wear pink."

Oh my god.

She doesn't say anything else and just stares at the ground below us. This is awkward. "Hey! You never answered my question Monday night!" she exclaims, looking up at me with a big smirk.

Oh yes. That.

I roll my eyes before sighing, "Yes I have a cat. His name is Pudge."

She squeals, "Awe! I love cats! Pudge is a cute name," and it's as if he heard, Pudge jumps up on the window seal, meowing. Pudge is a fat grey Tabby cat, and I love him. She squeals some more and snaps a picture, startling me.

"I swear if that has me eating in it, I will murder you." I threaten. She chuckles and shows me the picture. All you could see was my shirt and Pudge.

Good.

"Oo... can I have those?" she asks. I give them to her willingly. That shit is nasty.

Author: do you wanna be fought???????

"We're going to have to work on your science stuff at lunch because I have practice." I explain and she nods.

"Okay."

After our short conversation, I headed off to school. I beat Cole to school, as always. The guy has like, so many younger siblings to take care of, I lost count. And he's not even the oldest.

Speaking of Cole, I think he likes Manon. He's always talking about her, and staring at her. He even said he invited her to the party next week, which is a surprise.

I start to look around for Frost, for whatever strange reason. But, I lock eyes with Rose and give her my coldest glare.

When she came up to me, and started insulting Frost, I just lost it. Don't get me wrong, I don't like Frost at all. She is annoying, irritating, weird and she knows how to get on my goddamn nerves.

But, only I can insult her.

I just have to finish tutoring her in science.. then.. I can let her go. She can stop bothering me, and I can go on through senior year without any problems. I don't stick around with a lot of people. Especially ones like her. I will always stick with Cole, and that's it.

I'll tell her today.

I'll just tell her that I'm going to.. leave right after tutoring? No. I'm going to drop her like it's hot- oh god no.

"Nova!"

I blink out of my thoughts, and see Frost standing with Manon in front of me. They stare at me with worry. "What's did you do now?" I grumble. She's always getting into trouble.

She smiles, "Nothing. The bell is about to ring.." I drift back to my thoughts, getting nervous.

What am I nervous for?! Just tell her when you're done, you're leaving! I'm a cold hearted person, I shouldn't feel bad.

"Do you wanna come to my practice?" I blurt and internally slap myself. She looks at me as if I've grown three heads.

Please say no.. please say no...

"Sure!" she says just as the bell rings. Grumbling to myself, I storm away. Why did I have to ask her that? Now it's going to be even harder.

"Hey! Hey Nova!" Frost appears at my side the same time Cole does. I give him a look that says, 'help me' but he just laughs.

Keep laughing Cole, keep laughing..

"Hey Frosty," he says. Frosty? What the hell?

I glare at him, "What's with the nick name? Since when did you guys get to the nick name stage?" he innocently shrugs with a smirk. "Don't smirk at me."

"Kids used to call me Frosty, you know, as in Frosty the SnowMan. Oh! That reminds me! I should make you a nick name!" she expresses with a laugh.

"You give me a nick name, and I'll flick you." I growl, glaring at her. She laughs, patting my shoulder.

"A flick isn't going to stop me from-" before she could finish, I grab her face and flick her forehead.

"Ah!" she screams, rubbing her forehead. I smirk and walk into Math. Cole chuckles, glancing between us.

"Where's Manon?" I ask him as we sit down. "Did you guys talk yesterday?"

"She's in the office helping with something, and yes nosey. And no, I'm not telling you what we talked about." he immediately rushes out.

Alright then.

I plop down, and a high pitch giggle fills my ears. "Hey Nova.." a girl purrs, fluttering her eyes. I roll mine, scoffing.

"Are you doing anything later?" she asks. I share the 'bruh' look with Cole before giving her my attention. She bites her lip and twirls a piece of hair.

"Yes, actually I am." I answer honestly.

She frowns, "But-"

"I don't care. Please, class has started." I gesture to Mr. Earl, who is looking at her with folded arms. I smirk and lean back in my seat. I see Frost's face light up as our eyes meet.

Yeah.. that's right. Soak up this hotness...

•.•

"Bam! I just hit you with my goodness!" a familiar giggle can be heard, and a light pat in felt on my back. I turn my head, and see Frost.

No surprise there.

She holds up a bag of candy, "Because candies are good, hehe... I hit you with my goodness." she giggles, hitting me again.

"Yeah, ha ha. So funny." I sarcastically remark before closing my locker, "I'm in tears." she playfully glares at me and hits my face with the candies. We begin walking to lunch.

"Ready buddy?" she links our arms.

"I guess." I sigh and open the doors. The cafeteria falls silent as everyone stares at our arms. I gulp, internally cussing.

Oh shit.

I pull mine away, and start speed walking to the door leading outside. I feel Frost's presence behind me as we step outside. We start drawing near a table when a voice stops me.

"Hello pretty boy,"

Adrian.

I swirl around, pulling Frost behind me. "I thought I told you not to come back." I growl, and begin stomping up to him. I reach him and shove him back. He raises his arm, ready to punch. Suddenly, Frost jumps between us, standing weirdly; one of her legs is out backwards, and the other bent forward. Her arm is bent and the other out.

"Back it up, back it up, back it up." she says, and Adrian slowly backs up.

"You too Nova, back it up." she turns to me. I take a few steps back.

"Now," she stands up straight, "I want a clean fight. No kicking or spitting 'cause you ain't camels."

"Wait what?!" Adrian screeches.

"You heard me!" she barks. "Just... don't hit Nova's face!" she squeaks before running behind me. I crack my knuckles.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I demand. He shrugs as if he doesn't know. My patience sure is wearing thin.

"You two are perfect for each other. A dick and a bitch." he growls.

"Leave. Now." I growl, clenching my jaw. He surprisingly walks away, not putting up a fight. He's probably too afraid to fight me.

Watching his back fade away, Frost appears in my vision. "Who is he? Who is he to you?" I ask. Her whole body shifts uncomfortably. She looks down, avoiding eye contact, and starts mumbling.

I lift her chin, "You can tell me,"

Author: *cringe*

"He's just an old friend," she speaks up and I let her chin go. Pff. He doesn't seem like it.

"Are you sure?" I ask, furrowing my brows. She nods, a sad smile on her face. "You're being a softie, I don't like this side of you, go back to being annoying," I tell her. She laughs, her sad smile instantly turning into a happy one.

I give her a small smile.

Now I'm a big softie.

"Hey, let's just do your science work tomorrow.. let's go get some coffee." I suggest. She gives me a toothy grin, nodding.

We walked to the cafè, and she wouldn't stop talking about this Madea chick.

I open the door for her, "Why thank you kind sir!"

"You're welcome pinhead." I mutter loud enough for her to hear. She punches my shoulder harshly and I hiss.

"Who you calling pinhead?" she questions in a deep voice. I shake my head and push her towards the counter.

"I'd like one large pumpkin spice latte please!" she chirps and I hold up two fingers, showing that I'd like one too.

The girl at the register smiles in a flirty way as I hand her the money.

After our drinks were made, we walked out. The girl gave me her number, but I tossed it in the trash.

I watch Frost drink, feeling like a creep. As she pulls her cup away, I notice some cream on her lip. "You have stuff on your lip." I tell her and she wipes it off.

"Thanks Freckles."

"Freckles? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's your new nick name I made! It's cute, isn't it?" she looks amused. Glaring at her, she continues saying Freckles.

Then, I flick her.

"Ow!"

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Welp. This chapter is horRIBLE. ¬_¬

Rip me.

*snickers*

It was kinda hard doing Nova's p.o.v bUT I DID IT ANYWAYS.

TAKE THAT FOOLS. YOU TRYNA FIGHT?? I WILL SLIDE YOU IN MY SLIDES. I WILL GO MATRIX ON YOU AND-

sorry..

I'm nice I swear.

I hope you enjoyed this trashy choppy thing I call a chapter!

Don't forget to vote and comment!

... please.

Lots of pizza🍕❤️

-_xXUnicornSlayerXx_