Emma's Pov

"Well yes, I am an astrology lover. I've had a liking into the course ever since middle school," I reply vaguely making him smile softly

His perfectly aligned pearly whites show slightly and I can't help but look at them then back at his sky like eyes.

I see his gaze focused on mine, and I clear my throat looking down at my desk, not enjoying it, but not particularly hating it either. Suddenly I notice her crawl back inside the room, and I gnaw the inside of my jaw to control us both.

"So um, how long have you been into it?" I ask nervously trying to start another conversation

He chuckles in response and a small shiver goes down my spine. The feeling is foreign but it makes her purr in delight. Slightly scaring me.

"Well, honestly, I've always had a liking for astrology, but once upon a time I was told it was pointless. So lately, I've been studying business," He replies and I nod in understanding

Not wanting to pry, I drop the conversation and start packing up my things since the bell is about to ring. But before either of us can to say anything else, the sound of the bell blares through the air causing a change in our attitudes.

Sparing him a sorrowful look, I head for the door but am stopped abruptly when I hear footsteps close behind. Soon after, a slight tap appears on my shoulder and I bite my lip turning to face him, and surprisngly, his face is the color of a beet root. Almost making me swoon.

"Hey um, I was hoping to get your number. So you could possibly help me on the homework?" He asks confidently even though he's not entirely meeting my eyes anymore, his gaze meets my lips and mine does for the slightest second as well

"Sir, just study for the homework. Also I usually don't give my number to a boy I just met, so you're going to have to wait a little longer for that," I reply softly raising my eyes back to his and I notice his jaw tense a little

The fact that I haven't stuttered so far brings overwhelming thoughts to me as it always been hard to speak clearly. But it's also...strange that I gave him direct eye contact.

Who have I become?

"Oh really?" He asks surprisingly looking down the hallway then back to me

"Yeah, I'll talk to you later California," I answer not noticing how flirtatious my tone is until I finish

His eye color darken and his jaw clenches harder and I can tell he's restricting himself. But from what?

Confusingly waving goodbye, I walk away thinking of how good that went and heave a sigh taking my schedule out skimming over it to find my next class, and when I see it's business, a smile takes over my features.

I usually don't believe in coincidences, but this is just too spooky to be "normal".

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Mateo's Pov

Bunnies.

That's what she reminds me of. Careful but helpless simultaneously. Her personality and attitude gives off innocent and naive and the damaged part of me wants to ruin it.

Mostly because I want to see her like me but also because nothing should be that flawless. Nothing should be so pure.

As I'm walking down the semi crowded hallways, I see fiery long hair and make my way towards her.

"Elizabeth," I whisper noticing her clutch her arms around herself again for the second time

Bad habit?

She snaps her head towards me and I cringe cautiously, taking in her harsh glare.

"What happened between you two?" I ask nodding towards Emma, whose at the end of the hall

Her glare becomes colder and when her gaze turns back to me she huffs allowing her hands to fall by her sides.

"She's not a good person Mateo," She answers smoothly with a pained look in her eyes

I look down at her and my nose flares.

How could she possibly think I believe that bullshit?

"Tell me how," I demand and her eyes widen as she starts to chew on her bottom lip

When she stays quiet, I scoff before laughing sarcastically and shove my hands in my pockets.

"Thought so," I reply before walking off

~~~

"See you tomorrow Mateo!" I hear Derrick call loudly from the doorway of the classroom

"Yeah, see you tomorrow man," I reply at his attempt of making an unwanted scene

The teacher looks at both of us and shakes his head and mumbles "teenagers", which makes me stifle a laugh in response.

It's finally the end of school, and I can't wait to go to the cafe I usually go to, and get something to eat. I've been going there since I was 15 when I needed peace from my family, and the owner took me in like a son. An actual person.

Grabbing my backpack and hitching it over my shoulder, I walk out the room hesitantly thinking back to her. I haven't seen her since lunch and I'm grateful we haven't shared any other run ins. But I'm not sure about right now since it's the end of school.

As I'm walking, I take in the sun peaking through the windows brightly, and it reminds me of Emma's vibrant blond hair. Since Astrology, every little thing has brought thoughts of her and a smile lands on my face knowing I'm about to see her too. But I can't tell if this is a good thing. I know the past is the past, but what if I screw shit up again?

What if she screws shit up again?

When I make it to the entrance of the school, I spot Emma with a guy and my mind starts running a hundred miles an hour containing psychopathic thoughts. In response, I clench my fists trying to reassure myself that it's a relative or friend but something is telling me I'm wrong.

Terribly wrong.