I will find a way to you,
if it kills me, if it kills me

-IF IT KILLS ME

******************************

Let's not say a word, you and I,
let's sit and watch the sky.
____________________________

My date with Jake was a night that I will cherish forever, even if we don't end up together. It was nights like these that gave me strength and enlivened my being. I know he isn't the most romantic boy out there, but Jake made the night special by just being himself; not an ounce of pretense and not a moment of dubiousness. That's all I asked of him, and he gave me everything that I could dream of in that one special night. We ate underneath the dark sky, with the moon and the air witnessing our leisure. The sight was enthralling.

We talked, we ate and we danced under the dim city lights and the stars that faded above us, it wasn't something extraordinary, but I couldn't remember being this ecstatic. Jake made me feel comfortable, he made me feel wanted and most importantly, he made me feel beautiful; an assurance that I don't need but was more than happy to get.

He pecked me on the lips, something that startled me at first, but made me laugh later, after seeing his flustered self so I proceeded to kiss him lightly on the lips. He respected my personal space and I couldn't be more thankful for that.

Apart from this, my weekend was pretty uneventful, only a handful of chores and homework kept me occupied. I met my group of friends during my free time and we decided to go to the mall because apparently we hadn't "bonded in like ages". It was just their way to get details about my date, old school I know.

So apart from gossiping sessions, homework and watching reruns of Game of Thrones, nothing very exciting took place during the weekend.

Monday was by far the most, monotonous and spiritless day of the week. I don't particularly detest it, but it's just tedious, with all the homework that is slapped on us and the new projects we get, the day does become somewhat pestering.

I, for one, was excited today simply because of the Fleur Cup announcement that was due, August had just begun and the competition started somewhat during mid August and lasted till mid September. As soon as I entered my homeroom, we were summoned to the school auditorium by principal Garner. I couldn't contain my excitement and Sarah had to literally hold my arm to keep me in check.

"Stop moving so much. It's suspicious," she exclaimed as we walked towards the hall.

"I can't help it okay? I've been waiting for this since school started, you know how desperately I want this."

She looked at me and gave me a sympathetic smile, I've realized that I've come to hate those. I averted my eyes and quietly proceeded to stand next to a bunch of students.

"Okay, okay, that's it students, settle down. Principal Garner needs to make an urgent announcement. I request you all to be seated and listen to this carefully," Ms. Amy spoke out, she was our dance teacher; pretty and young.

"Thank you Ms. Jones. Okay, as you all know, we have all been eagerly waiting for the town's council to decide upon the dates fixed for our prestigious 'Fleur Cup'. The wait is finally over, and from tomorrow, that is, the 15th of August till the next one month, that is the 15th of September, the Fleur Cup will officially commence."

A roar of cheer was shouted and then as quickly as it began, it died down.

"I wasn't done yet." Principal Garner continued, "This year, the council has added a few new rules. The first one being entry based on "paired-participation" only. Now we know many of you would choose your friends and acquaintances, leaving out many other deserving candidates. So we've decided that the partners would be chosen by the homeroom teacher."

Say what?

A series of "oh no's" and shouts of protest burst through the auditorium. Principal Garner was, however, very adamant and continued his horrific announcement, ignoring the students. "Now you all know the general rules, you have to click pictures of different colored flowers, same colors can't be repeated and plagiarism leads to disqualification. Also, last year the winner submitted 39 pictures, so this year we're hoping someone will beat that score. Now you all may go to your classrooms where you'll be assigned your partners by your respective teachers."

We all dispersed, dismayed by the unwanted addition of stupid rules, why can't we just do it alone? Stupid council, stupid school.

"So? What are you going to do?" Nina asked me while I just shrugged. I couldn't do much now, could I?

I just hope I get a good partner.

********************

I got the worst possible partner, scratch that, the worse partner ever.
I was currently standing in front of my homeroom teacher, Mr. Jenkins with my supposed partner beside me.

"Sir, you have to understand. He doesn't even care about this competition!" I exclaimed, okay, I think I can do this. Calm. Calm.

"I'm sorry Ms. Colours but he has to participate, it's a rule for all senior year students and if he doesn't contribute you can always tell me, and I'll make sure Mr.Greydoesn't give you any trouble."

Fuck my life.

I looked at Braydon, who was standing there like he couldn't care less. I couldn't help but sigh in frustration and grit my teeth.

"Sir, please." I pleaded, I think Mr. Jenkins must have noticed the desperate tone in my voice, since he gave me a sympathetic smile.

"I really can't do anything, I'm sorry Arabella." And with that he left the classroom.

"Don't bother going to Garner, he isn't going to listen." Braydon shot out.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "How do you know that?"

"You think I didn't try to get out of this shit?" He barked out.

I stood there in silence, all these efforts were fruitless, the only option was for us to act civil towards one another.

"Okay, so what do we do...?" I questioned him, he shot me a look and shrugged.

"If we're going to work together, we might as well act civil. Let's just see what we can do alright?" I muttered.

"No. I'm not working with anyone, in case you haven't noticed, I like to keep to myself. You click your pictures, I'll click mine." I looked at him and suppressed a retort that was threatening to get out any moment.

"Yeah? And how do we know which one of us has clicked which color?" I folded my arms across my chest, and questioned.

"You take care of the reds and blues, I take care of the whites and blacks."

Before I could muster a response he left, just left like he owned the bloody place. I sighed, okay, I can do this. At least I won't need to contact him, it would be an easy task. Not that hard.

Just a month Bella, just a month.

The day ended pretty quickly after that, I spent most of it with Arthur and Nina, since I shared the majority of my classes with them today. Arthur was surprising taking Sarah and Gavin's equation with ease and didn't flinch whenever we mentioned Sarah, which is good I suppose. I ignored Braydon for the rest of the day, I didn't need him to ruin my mood. Jake was busy today, he had an upcoming soccer tournament so he spent most of his time practicing with the team.

"So you're all headed home?" Nathan questioned with a knitted brow.

"Yes, Nate we have a lot of work to do unlike your tiny ass." Nina rolled her eyes at his immature question and thus, began a fresh battle of the sexes.

Arthur and I said our goodbyes to everyone, and proceeded towards his sedan. He was dropping me home since he lived two blocks away from my place and Jasmine needed the car today. I could've walked because the distance wasn't too much, but, I was too tired to refuse his offer.

"So any idea what you're going to do with Grey?" Arthur asked after we were comfortably seated in his car.

I rubbed my temples, having no idea what to say, "I honestly don't know. For now, I'm sticking to his plan, if he doesn't hold up his end of the deal I'll just have to go to the principal."

Arthur nodded, keeping a straight face, "I always thought there was something off about him you know? Like there is more to him, but he just doesn't want to show anyone."

"Well, I never really noticed to be honest. And now that we're partners... I doubt it'll change. He keeps to himself and likes only Liana and Talon. I doubt he'll care much."

Arthur shook his head and drove in silence. I saw my street and got off thanking Arthur and walking silently, the evening breeze hits me lightly and I couldn't help but smile. I loved this time of the year, it was calm and serene.

From the corner of my eye I saw a shutterbug go off, I looked towards my right but no one was there. Wow, am I daydreaming again? I turned back and saw a silhouette of someone walking away from the street, the figure soon faded and I continued walking towards my house.

So the competition has really kick-started, huh?

***********************************

Hey guys,
I hope you like this chapter, the real action begins now. Ignore the mistakes or just point them out, this version is completely unedited anyway.

Also sofison and -stilesstilinski thanks a lot for your support guys, really! It means a lot to a newbie like me.

So what you guys think of their date?
And Braydon?

Please
VOTE/COMMENT/SHARE

Love,
S