Chapter 15
◄◄◄

I wouldn't stop rambling to Rixton about how great friends we'd become. I believe he just ignored me, but once I thought I saw him glance at me.

It was small and quick, but there.

And for some reason, I cherished it.

I'm just... odd, okay?

Mhm, sure. If I didn't know any better... I'd think you... liked him.

What?! Never! Shut up, brain.

I prefer to be called Conscience.

Too bad.

Fine, then.

Fine.

Fine.

Finer than fine.

Finer than the finest of fine.

Shut up.

Humph.

After I had finally managed to get my bothersome brain out of my head, I saw Rixton leaning against the window, his obsidian gaze fixed on the passing cars.

I studied his features; his shaggy black hair, the midnight black bangs that fell into his obsidian-colored eyes, his ghostly pale skin, the way he dressed in complete black.

He intrigued me. I wanted to know more about him. Talk to him; get to become his friend.

It would happen.

I am positive.

Suddenly, the bus lurched to yet another halt; yet this time, we were in front of the school.

It was huge, a pale brown-gray color with vast brick walls and a glossy red roof, with a banner spreading on top of it saying, Go LakeView Lions!

I let out a small sigh of a breath, my heart pounding painfully in my chest, as the bus driver let the sliding doors shriek open.

Students piled off the bus faster than I could count.

I slid in between the same chubby girl who had whimpered at Rixton earlier.

Rixton!

You left him, dummy!

Oh, did I?

Yes!

It's called sarcasm!

Oh.

I suppressed a sigh and instead chewed nervously on my bottom lip, hopping down the metal steps and landing on the ground lightly.

I swallowed. Deep breaths, Ari, deep breaths, I repeated to myself, moving to the side and falling back as more students pooled from off the bus like ants.

Finally, Rixton descended from the bus, last.

His jet black hair was ruffled and his obsidian eyes were blazing with anger.

I hurried over to him, struggling to keep up with his brisk pace as he walked towards the school, his hands shoved into his black jacket pockets.

I heard the bus screeching away behind us, but I didn't look back. I had no reason to.

"What's wrong?" I asked Rixton gently, surprised at the genuine concern in my tone.

You blew our cover, genius!

Well, sorr-y for being worried for my friend!

He hates you! Your not friends.

Was I asking you?

....

I thought not.

I waited for Rixton's answer, searching the side of his face for answers as we walked.

"Just leave me be," Rixton hissed in a deadly tone, but I brushed it off.

"I see something is wrong, but I won't bother you about it..." I trailed off and looked away as the school grew steadily closer.

Rixton remained silent.

"Do you like school?" I blurted suddenly.

Rixton glanced at me curiously, eyebrows arched, and I shrugged. "Well?" I pressed.

"Yeah, I suppose."

"Suppose?"

"Yes."

"Why 'suppose'?"

"Just drop it."

So I did.

Rixton pushed open the broad oak wood doors of the school, letting them almost slam shut on me, but I caught it just in time, darting in after him, huffing angrily.

Jerk! My brain thought indignantly.

Quiet! I yelled at it.

Hmm... defensive, eh?

Ugh.

I pranced beside Rixton, probably looking like a lost puppy.

"Where do we go? Where do we sit?" I asked him, grateful to at least know someone here to guide me. Even if it was, well, Rixton.

But some part of me was happy it was him, and not anyone else.

I plugged my earbuds in, trying to drown out the sound of the cafeteria as we entered, old friends reuniting and cheering.

I probably looked terrified.

"Us 11th graders are here," he said curtly before striding into the cafeteria.

Like a boss.

Looks like my brain has a crush on Rixton, huh?

Maybe... but that means you like him too, dimwit. We're the same person.

Oh gods.... nope, I take it all back!

Ha, too late.

You'll pay for this... Conscience....

We'll see, Ariana.

I thought we were the same person?

I didn't get a reply.
______________________________
I hurried after Rixton, my heart pounding as I realized most people were staring at us, wearing shocked or terrified expressions.

Whispers and murmurs spread out in our wake.

I managed to catch,

"New girl,"

"Freak,"

"Why are they together?"

I scoffed. Who were they to judge what I do? And I'm not a freak! I see why Rixton said 'I suppose'....

Spotting my baffled expression, Rixton heaved a long and dramatic sigh, causing the cafeteria to go almost completely silent.

I swear I heard a pin drop.

Rixton turned to me, his face void of any emotion.

"They are calling me the freak, Allo. So just drop it and go away. Make new friends. Socialize. Can't you see? I'm a socially rejected freak. A monster. So go away!" Rixton snapped at me, and my heart fell in my chest.

I surprised myself. Why was I getting so worked up?

I glared at the cafeteria, immensely irritated. I wasn't used to this many pairs of eyes on me, and I didn't like it at all. Poor Rixton.. yikes.

"Well, we're friends, and friends stick together," I said loudly, and grasped Rixton's wrist; a bold move.

I felt him tense beneath me but ignored it, instead walking off to find us somewhere actually peaceful to sit.

But I didn't notice the slightest, faintest blush creeping onto Rixton's pale cheeks.

(A/N: Possibly my favorite chapter so far :)

Little Rixton is blushing!

Me: *pokes Rixton's cheeks*

Rixton: *scoffs*

Ariana: Why was he blushing?

Rixton: No reason!

Me: Oh, you'll see.... ;)

Ariana: O.O

Me: Haha... ha... haha. I'm so weird XD

Rixton: You just realized that?

Ariana: Rixton! That was rude!

Rixton: And...?

Ariana: Apologize!

Rixton: No!

Ariana: Apologize!

Rixton: No!

Ariana: Apologize!

Me: Ugh oh gods just kiss already!!!

*awkward silence*

Uhm............. whelp, keep reading or patiently wait for updates!

And don't forget to: VOTE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW ME.

Thanks!)