Episode 17

I got out of Hailey's VW Beetle, feeling a huge burden was lifted. Almost 4 days at home with Dad yelling and complaining was really taxing. After I said goodbye to Hailey, I walked to my first class, mentally checking what other classes I have that day. As I was walking, I saw Trey from a distance. I stiffened. Crap, what should I do?! Should I hide? Ignore him? Or should I act like nothing happened? I haven't been alone with him after the kiss. Oh God, he's getting closer! I was starting to sweat..even my ankles were drenched! Must remain calm...

Just then, he saw me and smiled. The usual Trey smile. I smiled back, relieved that he did not avoid me.

"Hey Hannah! Where have you been? I haven't seen you in any of our classes. How come?" Trey asked as he felt into step beside me.

"Oh, um, it's my dad. He was involved in an accident and I had to take care of him for a while." I told Trey, struggling to sound casual, even though my insides were churning like crazy.

"Oh my God! Is he okay?" Trey asked in surprise.

We walked into the lecture hall and saw Amy waving at me like crazy, as usual. We went to her and sat down side by side.

"So Hannah, how's your dad? Still.. You know.... " Amy said meaningfully. Trey looked at us, a confused look evident on his handsome face.

"He's fine now. Still learning how to get around using the crutches. Drove all of us crazy." I groaned as I lay my head on my arm on the table. Amy patted the back of my head.

"Poor you. Hang in there, ok? So, how long are you staying home? " Amy asked.

"Well, I have no idea. When I wanted to go to class this morning, he was all moaning and groaning about me leaving him alone and how ungrateful I am. He really made it hard for me to leave this morning. Urgh, I wish I could just leave! " I groaned as I rubbed my temple.

"Why don't you? Is he alone at home?" Trey asked. I sighed as I looked at him. I shook my head, no.

Just then Liam came in and saw us. He smiled and walked towards us. He stood in front of me and hugged me suddenly. I was a bit surprised but hugged him back. Suddenly, I felt like I needed the hug. A lot. I clung to him, very comforted. Then slowly I pulled away, even though I felt I still needed it. I didn't want Liam to think that I was being weird. He let go of me, but kept one hand on my arm.

"You alright?" He peered at me, totally ignoring Trey and Amy.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking." I said gratefully with a smile. Liam smiled back and went to his seat beside Dan who was beside Amy. Dan caught my eyes and widen his eyes at me. I ignored him. I caught Trey looking at me and Liam, his face expressionless.

Throughout class, I could feel Amy's and Dan's eyes boring a hole into the side of my head. I ignored them. My head was too messed up to go into all that.

I walked out of the lecture hall with Amy and Dan close at my heel. Trey had gone off to his other class with Ryan while Liam was lagging behind us, looking at his phone. Amy and Dan were on either side of me. They pressed close to my sides, their arms gripping mine.

"So, how are you and Mr Delicious?" Dan asked as Amy giggled at the ridiculous nickname.

"Who?! " I asked incredulously.

"Liam, of course! So.. How are you guys? I heard he sent you back home. So, an hour and a half alone with him in his luxury SUV.. How cosy.. " Dan wiggled his eyebrows. Amy giggled.

"Urgh, nothing happened. We talked about normal stuff. That's all." I assured them as I pulled my backpack up my shouldets.

"Hey, what about Trey? You guys look so..well.. Normal. So, no awkwardness and all that.. " Dan said with one eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, now that you mentioned it, it is true that Trey is acting like the kiss never happened. Which is weird. If he is affected, he would have been all awkward.. " Amy's voice trailed off and stopped, as if she had just realized what she had said. I stiffened a little, but I tried to hide it.

"Hey, wait up!" Liam cried as he caught up with us. He gave his dazzling smile and Dan suddenly moved away from me and pulled Liam and pushed him to my side. Liam looked surprised and laughed nervously. Then he just walked beside me, really close that our arms were practically plastered together. I felt a little exhilirated and confused. I knew I liked Trey before.. But now I wasn't so sure. I mean, do I like Liam? Or maybe because he's been so nice to me. I don't know. I won't be thinking about all this. For now, I'm going to class and not thinking about Trey's gorgeous smile and Liam's gorgeous.. Err.. Oh, everything!

Once we entered the hall, I sat in the middle row, the perfect seat in my opinion. Just then, somebody called Dan.

"Babe, I'm sitting over there with Kaine. See you at lunch." Dan said as he winked at me. I just shrugged and sat down. Just then, Liam sat beside me.

"Hannah, I'm gonna sit with, uh.. Matt over there. We got an assignment due, uh, tomorrow." With that, Amy sprinted to where Matt was sitting alone with earpods stuffed in his ears. I looked at Amy quizzically. I had a feeling they were leaving me alone with Liam on purpose. Whatever, I was not about to complain.

Class started and everybody got quiet as the lecturer droned on at the front of the huge hall. I typed notes on my laptop, concentrating really hard on each word that fell from Dr Wilkins mouth. I stared at her, trying to ignore Liam and his effect on me. It's weird, what I was feeling. I mean, didn't I kiss Trey almost a week ago, and it seemed ages since Liam kissed me at the party. I was never distracted before, even by Trey. So what the eff is going on with me?! I was too aware of his presence. His scent, his heat radiating from his very, very well-built body.. Oh God, I am so disgusted by my apparent distracted behaviour. And I was acting like a hormonal teenager. It's so embarrassing.

"Ok guys, take 5!" Dr Wilkins said as she walked to her desk to arrange some notes. Kids started talking and some got up to go to the restroom.

I was about to turn to Liam when suddenly I saw this tall, raven-haired girl talking to Liam on his other side. She had sparkling brown eyes and was breathtakingly gorgeous. She was telling him something and he was laughing. She also had a hand on his thigh, the witch... Suddenly, she said something that alarmed me.

"So, um, I was wondering if you want to go out tonight. A friend of mine works as a bartender at this new club. We won't stay out too late... Well unless you want to, " The girl said with a small, yet flirtatious smile.

My heart skipped a beat as I looked at the girl. Shoot, she asked him out. Looking at her gorgeous face, I knew he would say yes. She didn't look like a total bitch. She actually looked pretty wholesome. But I couldn't help resenting her. Especially when it looked like Liam might say yes. Urgh, I hate this.

Wait, what the hell is up with me?! I shook my head, trying to clear my brain. Am I freaking jealous of that girl?! Why would I? She's free to ask Liam out. He is gorgeous and nice and single. Oh God, don't tell me I like Liam now?! Crap, crap, crap!

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