08: Phenomenally Beautiful

"So that's it about the assignment. Now, we just need to present it in front of the class, and we'll be good to go!" I informed Ray, as he nodded, going over the material once again.

"So we'll be done with this shit tomorrow?" He quizzed; his eyebrows quirked up.

"Yes."

"Fucking finally!" He let out a huge sigh, relief dancing in his eyes.

But I was befuddled by his behavior.

Ray was clever and wise in his studies. For the past one week that I had been with him for the assignment, he was the one among both of us to raise points and suggestions without any type of cajolation from my side.

He did it on his own accord and I could see that he was clever and deft. But then why did he hide his skills among the so many masks he adorned? He could be rebellious, but what had that got to do with his grades if he was actually talented?

His notebooks were littered with numerous doodles, drawings and pencil sketches which were too beautiful for words. I never tried to mention it to him, but admired it from afar.

I wanted to ask him what was wrong but feared that he would completely ignore my existence if I did so. He was cagey with his words, with his behavior, with his emotions as if he was afraid or too tired to let them out.

"And you are lost in your dreamland again!" He snapped his fingers to bring me back to reality as my eyes shifted their focus onto him.

"I was just contemplating over something."

Not meeting his gaze, I covered my thoughts up by acting like I was fixing my shirt.

"Something's up." He rapped his fingers on the desk to gain my attention.

One thing I learned about Ray was that he needed to know things. He didn't like when people kept things away from him.

"Nevermind." I sent a small smile his way, lightly shaking my head.

"Shut up and tell me." He grunted, rolling his eyes.

As if the heavens heard me, the bell rung on cue, indicating that it was lunch time. I giggled and picked up my things, sending a victorious smirk his way while he groaned, gathering his bag and books as well.

"I'm letting you go this time, little woman." He slapped my head lightly from behind, as I shoved him. He didn't even budge which just made him smirk; a i'm sexy right? look flashing across his hazel brown eyes.

Katie had still not tried to contact me and neither had Stefan. I didn't care half as much about Stefan, but Katie? Yes, I did. I was really hoping that she would understand me if I explained everything to her.

And so I had sent long texts to her yesterday, crossing my fingers to get a reply, but only to be left on seen.

She was my first friend and I couldn't disregard her even if I found new friends who were as good as her.

Too blinded by my thoughts, I wasn't looking where I was going but surprisingly, no one bumped into me.

"Your friend is wanting to talk to you, I guess." Ray nudged me, as I looked in the direction to see Katie standing near my locker, her gaze down.

"Oh okay, yes, see you at lunch then!"

"Whatever." Still as rude as ever, he stomped over to get his lunch while I made my way to the lockers, very nervous. It had been a week and a half since we last talked and we had never gone this far without talking.

"Hey..." I said and she looked up.

"I guess we should talk it out." She whispered, pulling me towards an, what I assumed it to be, empty classroom.

"So.." I started, crossing my arms as she closed the door behind us.

She sighed heavily, shaking her head, "I know it was wrong of me to go berserk when all you were trying to do was explain. But honestly, June, my feelings and anger were totally benevolent. I meant good."

"I know Katie, but you could've heard me out instead of getting mad directly." I ran my fingers through my hair, a habit of mine, to keep myself calm.

"I'm sorry June, I truly am. But with the reputation that group had, I could only do but worry." She pulled me in for a hug, and I hugged her back.

I missed her too, of course.

"I've missed you!" She said and I assured her that the feelings were mutual.

"So how has it been with the delinquents?" She enquired, pulling back, a teasing smile stuck to her face.

"Great. They are really kind and friendly; oh you should definitely meet them!" I covorted, really excited for her to encounter them.

"Will they be okay with it?" She muttered and I completely understood her nervousness.

"Course they'll be! C'mon let's go!" I dragged her down the hallway, scanning the cafeteria for any signs of Ray and his friends.

Spotting them in the farther most corner of the room, we walked up to their table as I beamed down upon my newly found friends.

"June, you're here. And I see you've brought someone with you.." Quizzed Olivia, an unreadable expression on all of their faces. Katie shuffled uncomfortably beside me as I patted her shoulder in assurance.

"This is Katie, my friend I talked about!"

Collective oh's ran around the table as they nodded their heads and looked up to her.

"That Katie who got mad at you for talking to us?" Questioned Jason, raising a brow.I nervously laughed as Katie looked up, a grim expression on her face.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have judged you all. June talks very highly of everyone present here and I, for one, know that June choses her friends very wisely. If you could give me a chance, I'd like to make it up to you?" She rambled as all of them stared at her, amused.

And then they all burst into peals of laughter as Simon cackled weirdly, which sent Olivia into pits of laughs.

"It's o-okay, take a s-seat!" Olivia managed to say, motioning for Katie to sit down. I pulled down Katie to make her sit beside me as I myself took a seat next to Ray, which was the only one available.

"We understand you. Everyone around here has some very disturbing opinions on us but hey, we never cared. So you apologizing doesn't make it any bad or good. It's completely okay and we forgive you, if that makes you feel better. A friend of June is a friend of ours!" Jack stated in his calm, friendly and polite voice along with his dazzling smile.

Katie smiled back, as her hand squeezed mine. She was genuinely happy.

"So Katie, tell us more about yourself," enquired Jason as the other's indulged in an earnest conversation with Katie, trying to get to know her better and vice-versa.

Ray remained quiet for most of the time, which wasn't unusual.

"What do you think of my friend?" I decided to strike up a conversation with him.

"A pain in the ass, just like you." He bluntly said, his voice devoid of emotion. It was useless to talk to him. One day, he acted like a true gentleman and the other, he was back to his rude self who didn't care about anyone.

"Are you guys up for a party tonight?" It was very typical of Katie. She was a social bird and loved to make new friends which could easily be done at places like parties, events.

"It's not really our scene.." hesitated Jack.

"Oh c'mon, it'll be fun. June, are you down?" I had to say yes or Katie would get agitated.

Over the years, I never enjoyed a single party that Katie took me to, mostly because half of the time I was left alone, or half of the time I was mocked. But I always went there for Katie.

"See? June is down as well. You guys should totally come. I'll introduce you to new people!"

"We don't need new people, we already have two uninvited pain in the asses." Snapped Ray, his eyes closed and his face clearly stating his uninterest. Katie looked offended by Ray's choice of words and I felt sorry for her. She'd had to get used to it, if she decided to stick around them.

"Shut up Ray. Fine we'll go!" Groaned Simon, and everyone except for Ray reluctantly agreed.

"I won't be there."

"Fine whatever. June, you're coming right?" Olivia asked and I nodded in affirmative.

"She always does. And I always introduce her to different boys. Stefan is boring as hell, and I've always thought that June should use her looks well. She just needs to tone up her make up and outfits!" Informed Katie, as I slapped her thigh for the TMI she provided them with.

Ray suddenly sat up straight with his eyes open as if he was interested in the conversation going on currently.

"And to that, I agree!" Grinned Simon. "She's really pretty and whoever says otherwise is a fool." Jack nodded and laughed gingerly.

"Ooooh June, you're gonna dress up today then. I'm making sure you're getting a hot date to dance with and maybe, some fun later?" Olivia wiggled her eyebrows as Simon coughed hysterically.

"Totally. I'm dressing you up today June. No arguements." Katie said in a firm tone.

"Katie but-"

"No buts. Just shut up and have fun for a while! I know you're dating Stefan but we are just asking you to dance and live your life a little more happily just for tonight!" Katie whined.

"What fun are you talking about?" Ray had finally decided to speak up.

"Why do you care? Stay out of it, butthead!" Simon teased Ray.

"Just shut up and tell me!" Ray's voice rose a little and Simon's eyes widened.

"But you aren't even coming to the damned party!" Simon complained. "We were talking about finding June a hot date to dance and have fun with rather than that shitface Stefan." Filled in Simon.

Ray looked over to me for a while and I wondered what was going on in his mind. Why the sudden interest in the conversation?

"Who said I'm not going? I'm coming as well." Ray avoided everyone's gaze as he played with his rings, a habit I figured, he subconsciously was used to, when he was nervous or anxious.

About what?

"But you said you weren't-" Olivia was cut off.

"I said I'm coming, so shut it. No more discussion." Ray said.

"You're weird." Stated Simon and Ray just flipped him off with his middle finger.

"So 6pm at Mark's house it is! I'll send June the address and she'll forward it you all." Said Katie and then she left us due to her drama classes.

"She's very enthusiastic about being social, isn't she?" Asked Jack, a small smile on his face.

"Yes. Her calling you to parties is the same as her asking you to be her friends and forgive her. That's Katie for you, weird, but yes," I informed, smiling to myself.

As weird and as much of a goofball she was, she definitely was one of the most kindest and purest souls I'd ever met.

"She saved me from bullies back in my young days and sophomore, freshmen years as well. She seems like the typical girl brimming with attitude, but deep down, she is the kindest girl I've ever met." I told them, as they nodded appreciatively. Even Ray seemed amused by the information I had provided them with.

The bell rung indicating the end of the lunch break.

"If you guys feel forced, please do not be obliged to come. I'll tell her you guys had personal problems." I knew they weren't the type to mix up, nor was I, but I was used to it over the years.

"No, we'll be there." Assured Simon.

"Okay then, see you at 6." I smiled, waving them a goodbye.

Stealing a quick glance at Ray, only to see him looking at me, I turned around as a single thought played in my mind.

Ray was coming to tonight's party.

I had to look presentable.

××

"Babe, you look awesome! Stop belittling yourself!" Katie urged me to look at my reflection in the glass mirror, but I was too scared to do so.

I'd never dressed up. I'd never worn anything other than comfy and athletic wear. I'd never arranged my hair in a bun or curls other than a ponytail. I'd never put on real, professional makeup other than some eyeliner.

I'd never worn a body fitting dress.

Never.

I was pretty sure my curves looked ugly despite of Katie assuring me that they complimented my dress well. I was pretty sure I looked like a cake because of all the sticky and wet makeup Katie had made me acclimatized to.

"Just open your eyes June. I'm sure you'll see the beauty you are, for yourself." Katie patted my back.

I slowly peeked my eyes open and the first thought that came to my mind was that this was not me.

It couldn't be.

My hair was let down in loose, wavy curls; my rose gold highlights shining. My eyes adorned a smoky look and cat lines, which matched my short, black bodycon dress.

The dress was a wrap-around type which stopped right mid-thigh, it's belt dangling in a beautiful bow. It wasn't too tight or too loose, just the right type, and made me feel sexy and powerful.

My feet adorned strapped black heels, and some foot accessories as well, which according to Katie, was very much in the trend.

I looked different. And it was a good different. I felt really good about myself, and Katie had outdone herself as a fashion influencer. She was usually very good at her job, but I felt what she did on me could be one of her best works ever. Beacause she made me look pretty.

"You've always been beautiful June, you've never realized your worth and it's high time you do so. My main motive behind taking you to parties and dressing you up was to make you feel good about yourself. But you never obliged. Now that you have, don't you feel wonderful?" She hugged me and raised her brows in anticipation.

"Yes, well, you outdid yourself Kates. This is... beautiful. Thank you!" She waved her hand in the air to dismiss the formalities and stood beside me to look in the mirror.

"Two hot girls, a lavish party, hot boys to dance with, mixed with a great group of friends, what could go wrong?" She fist bumped me and sent a cheeky grin.

Oh everything could go wrong if it was destined to.

"Stop feeling like you owe something to Stefan. He doesn't think twice before hanging his arms around another girl's waist so why do you? Just loosen up and enjoy the night. And anyways, you have that agreement between you both right? So just shut up and let's go!"

Katie was right. Why should I be the one to always understand him? Why should I devoid myself of all the fun I could've experienced long way back?

Taking a deep breath, I pulled myself straight and winked at Katie, as we both laughed and made our way to her car.

××

The music was blaring and drumming our eardrums even from two blocks afar.

Katie fortunately found an empty parking lot and squeezed her BMW between a battered car and a motorbike which seemed too fancy.

"Okay, let's go!" she squealed, interlinking her arms with mine.

"So it's Mark's birthday party and he's known for being the best basketball captain our school has ever had! I'll introduce you to him and some of his hotass friends, what say?" I nodded my head to her sentence, and continued to eye the house that was slowly coming into view.

It wasn't a house. It was a fricking mansion. His parents seemed filthy rich because the whole mansion was bedecked with lights of all sorts, waiters running around to pass drinks and snacks, pools in which people were making out or playing water games in.

It was crazy crazy.

We entered the gates and instantly, all eyes were on Katie. But there was something different this time.

People seemed to look at me too.

"See, you're the center of attention tonight. Oh how jealous Mark is going to be!" Katie giggled in my ear and I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks as some boys wolf-whistled, asking Katie who I was.

"Hi girlssss!" A boy stepped in front of us.

He was dressed in a dress shirt with black trousers, a drink in his hand. His hair was pulled slick back, a few strands escaping and dangling loosely over his forehead. He was definitely handsome, but not my type.

"Hi Mark!" Squealed Katie and pulled him in for a hug, "Happy Birthday!"

He whispered a thank you in her ear, due to the loud music blaring around us.

"Oh, who do we have here with you? What's your name, beautiful?" He enquired, a lazy smile playing over his lips.

"June. June Williams" I said, holding out my hand for him to shake, only to have him pull me in for a hug. "Happy Birthday." I said, in midst hug. "I wasn't invited, so sorry for coming abruptly, but Katie here really wanted me to come." I apologized.

"No worries, I'm glad a beautiful girl like you came. Usually, people ask their friends to come with them and that's okay. That's what parties are like!" He waved his hand in the air dismissively. "So, are you two alone or do you have friends with you?"

"Oh yes, we have some friends of ours who'll be joining us." I informed him and he nodded.

"Cool then, I hope you enjoy. Also, Kates, John will be asking you out tonight, be ready for the humiliation!" Teased Mark, to which Katie frowned.

"He'll be the one getting humiliated. I've made it clear numerous times to him that I'm not interested in building a relationship!" She said, deep in thought.

"Well I'll leave you to it then, enjoy!" And with that he left, probably to attend other friends and guests.

"So how was he? Did you find him hot?" Katie jumped, excited.

"I mean he was good looking but not my type exactly, yeah." I muttered.

"You're no fun June. No worries, I'll definitely find a date for you. Oh by the way, your friends are here. Damn, that Jack or Jake looks real good." Katie whispered in my ear, as she looked over my shoulder.

"Is Ray here?" I asked her, not finding the strength to look back.

"Yes, he is. Ooooh, he looks great too!" She nodded approvingly, probably eyeing the group that was approaching us.

"June, you look absolutely fantastic, have confidence in yourself girl" she said, sensing my nervousness.

"Katie!" Shouted Simon, as his voice neared us. So they were standing right behind me. My heart beat so fast that it could literally detach itself and just fall out.

"Who's there with you? Your friend?" Asked Olivia.

"Oh that's June. She's shy now that I have dressed her up. C'mon June, you look great, turn around now!" She held my shoulders, an amused look in her eyes. I knew she wasn't able to figure out what was making me this nervous. Now, how was I supposed to tell her it was Ray making me nervous?

"It's June? Oh my god. June, hey, let us see you!" Encouraged Jason as I felt numerous eyes boring into the back of my head.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I turned around to face five bewildered faces looking at me.

Simon's jaw opened so wide that it could fall onto the floor while Olivia clutched her mouth with her hand. Jason's eyes were wide and Jack's could fall out of it's sockets.

As my gaze landed on Ray, I shuddered.

His orbs bore into mine and I felt so vulnerable at that moment. He was looking at me as if he wanted to devour me right then and there; his eyes smoothly traveling along my curves.

"J-June, is that really you?" Stuttered Simon, as he held Olivia's hand for support. I let out a nervous laugh and nodded my head, while my hand tucked some loose strands behind my ear to hide the blush that was making its way to my cheeks.

Ray shuffled in his spot, fixing his jacket as if he was hot.

Well he was hot. He adorned a ripped jeans with a tight black t-shirt and a leather jacket with accentuated his body figure well. His hair was brushed and pulled back loosely, and I wanted to grab and run my hands through his hair.

Platonically, and sexually.

"My lord June, you look absolutely gorgeous. I've never seen a girl as pretty as you. You hid your beauty quite well behind those baggy clothes you always wear!" Mused Olivia as the other three nodded their heads.

"You look beautiful yourself Olivia." And she did, her red bodycon dress complimenting her wonderfully.

"Doesn't she?" Grinned Simon, flinging his arm around Olivia's shoulder as she rolled her eyes.

Why couldn't they date already?

"Ray, what do you think about June?" Olivia sniggered, as everyone's eyes set themselves on Ray's, but I felt his gaze on me which I didn't dare meet.

For a moment, his mouth didn't utter a word and his eyes continued to take me in. For some reason, his gaze was unholy as well as pure in itself.

"I think she looks phenomenally beautiful tonight."

My neck snapped up to look at him and I instantly knew that he was not lying.

His eyes always gave it away.

Everyone gaped and Katie nudged me in my stomach but I was too busy with playing a staring contest against Ray.

"Bro you never compliment anyone. What's up with you? Stop it!" Simon's eyes were filled with horror as Olivia silently smiled to herself.

What the fuck was that smile for?

Ray didn't say anything, his eyes still set on my body, my eyes, my dress. He gave me goosebumps all over. He seemed to rip my dress into shreds with his gaze alone, and I absolutely didn't mind it.

What was happening to me?

I wanted to sin for, with and on Ray in ways I'd never imagined.

_________________________________________

Do y'all feel the sexual tension?Thank You for all the support I've received on this book; I'm really grateful! Look forward to frequent updates! Feel free to correct me, I appreciate it:) stay safe!-SD