| This chapter is dedicated to VrittiMiranda

Babe, thank you for being the one to encourage me to get writing again and for reading the story. I hope you like this chapter [psht, you're sitting right next to me and freaking out about the notification ;)]. Love you! |

A Funky Announcement

It was really my fault - for not distancing myself from the three most popular guys in school, for not being a little more careful about what I said to Maddie, and for most of all, foolishly believing that the rumors wouldn't become worse. It was nothing but a source of amusement to me last week. On the very first day, I heard girls whispering in the bathroom, saying 'did you hear that the new girl is being adopted by DNL'. That was their 'code' name for the trio. It made me laugh that they failed to come up with anything more creative.

Last Thursday morning, my second day, the rumors had escalated to the possibility of me being Nick's distant cousin (because of course, who would doubt the innocent, fun, lovable Nick for cheating on his girlfriend?) It was due to the fact that a couple people had seen him walk me home while on the school bus. It didn't bother me one bit. I figured I look nothing like the guy so that one would eventually die down.

According to the inside scoop, that Thursday, I had successfully wooed the un-wooable Leo and he had proceeded to show his affections for me by taking me out on a date after school. Nick had been disgusted by the fact that Leo would betray friendship for love, and stalked off campus. In reality, all that had happened was Nick going to see Amy and Leo ditching me at the Dark Lord's house. It doesn't end there. Poor, sick Damien had heard of this development and grown even sicker, jealousy infesting his dying heart and had not showed up for school at Friday.

It was hilarious, to say the least. I, Makayla Summers, who had never had been in the spotlight was suddenly cast as the girl who'd sneaked her way into a trio of youthful, handsome, and devilishly charming men. 'How does she do it' people thought, and that's the note on which Friday had ended and the weekend had begun. At least, that is what I'd heard.

But now Maddie's twist on things has started off a whole new set of fresher, more dangerous rumors that I wasn't liking one bit. Leo, oblivious to the growing talks of gossip in the AP Chem class, swung by when the period ended to spend time with me for first break. I only added fuel to the fire when I hurriedly packed my bag and practically bolted out the room with him, no doubt spicing things up in the minds of our (or should I say their) fan-base.

Currently, we were both sat at the usual spot, under the big sycamore tree - and never mind my anger about the Damien situation, this was something I had to discuss with Leo. He seemed to be enjoying my dramatic recounting of the tale, and of all I'd heard last week before cracking a small, but very amused, smile.

"These are just rumors Makayla. They'll fizz out eventually," he simply stated, lying back on the grass with his head resting on his school bag. Closing his eyes, he continued, "You're new to dealing with this much attention so it's normal for you to be flipping out this much."

"I didn't ask for this much attention, Doctor Leo."

His lips twitched, fighting a smile, at my sarcastic retort.

"And besides, aren't you disturbed by this? Aren't Nick and Damien? Everyone thinks you guys are turning against each other because of my meddling." Which, to be fair, almost did  happen at the party.

Leo didn't say anything. He shrugged, going back to looking bored.

"Speaking of which - where have those two been all day?" I hadn't spotted them anywhere on campus since the start of break. "You know, you guys keeping apart like this only seems to make the rumors seem more legit, right?" I pointed out. Everyone would think that Nick and Damien were making a 'I hate Leo and Makayla' club with how they hadn't approached me at all today. Although - that again, was my fault for saying I didn't want them to.

Deciding not to over-think it and take Leo's advice, I took a deep breath to calm myself then let it out. Glancing down at my phone, I noticed we still had another ten minutes left of our twenty minute break. This would be followed by my first period of P.E. and double AP-Lit (oh joy) before lunch break would come around. Leo lay still beside me, completely unfazed by everything I'd just said. With his blonde hair falling in front of his closed eyes, and cheeks flushed under the heat of the day, Leo looked truly at peace. It made me almost jealous how worry-free he always is.

I set my bag next to his and decided to lay down for a short nap myself when a sudden announcement from the PA system made me pause, ears perking up. A deep cough echoed through the speakers, followed by the clearing of someone's throat.

"1, 2, 3, mic test."

"Hey," I grinned, turning and nudging Leo's leg with my foot. "Our principal sounds like an Elvis impersonator." And like an idiot. Mic test 1, 2, 3? Really?

There was another round of exaggerated coughs before the voice finally spoke up, gruff yet smooth with a hint of strange familiarity. "All students, prepare yourselves for a miracle the world is yet to witness."

What? Was the principal just a wacky guy? Or was he simply drunk or, possibly even high?

"Leo," I jabbed him harder this time and he cracked an eye open.

"What?" he grunted, seeming annoyed that I was disturbing him.

I could see that I wasn't the only one puzzled by the announcement. Athletes on the field had stopped playing, people coming out of the cafeteria and main buildings stood still - waiting for something to happen. "Do you know what's going on-"

My voice caught mid-breath as my eyes landed on a sight that had my heart race speed up all too quickly inside of my chest. It was painful almost. This could not be happening. Damien - with a mic in his hand, leaning back against the brick wall of the high school science building - looking straight at me.

This could mean nothing but trouble.

--------------------CHAPTER END---------------------

A/N: Ahh! It feels so good to post another chapter in this story. I missed it so much. And I hope you guys are just as happy to see this update as I am doing it. University has been keeping me super busy which is why it has taken me this long to post an update but  I promise you, I will try my best to keep them coming. 

Thank you so much for reading! And don't lose your faith in this story. It's about to get a hell of a lot better. :D

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