I ignored Ryan O' Neil for two days.

His one comment took the sleep of my two nights away. Staring up at the ceiling, I'd imagine his face. Listening to music, I'd hear his whisper, walking to my room, I'd see him standing there. It became heftily impossible to stare into his brown eyes again after all these irrelevant hallucinations about him.

I fiddled with the strap of my backpack. 'What's wrong with you?' Mia asked me as she walked beside me.

'Nothing.' My answer was quick.

I didn't look at Mia but I could feel the intensity of Mia's narrowed eyes at me. We walked across the parking lot when I was stopped abruptly by a reaching figure.

Marcus.

Mia and I instantly held hands but I chose to keep my head high. No matter how much tightly fear had gripped my insides, no matter how weak my knees felt.

Marcus's blood shot eyes loured at my fake strong self. I casted a look around; no one. That was the little of relief but not all. Mia took a step back as he reached but I stayed where I was. Head pulled up high, staring strongly back to those vicious hazel eyes hidden behind the cold shield of anger and fury. His height shadowed me down and I could suspect he endeavoured at an intimidating step.

I swallowed but found the words soon. 'What do you want?' Mia's shaky fingers were still curled up to mine but she was backing away, pulling me too.

Marcus's words were complete shock to the mind who was expecting the complete contrast. But his eyes never softened. Never showed any emotions to fill up the need to complete my scarce belief. 'I'm sorry.' He said through gritted teeth.

Mia gasped and her gripped around my hand tightened but I felt nothing expect for suspicion. He knew he hadn't thrown the cards right, so he spoke again. Louder. Clearer. 'I said I'm sorry for what I did.'

I arched my eyebrow. 'What kind of tricks are you trying to play?' His eyes flicked down to my bruised elbow.

'Nothing,' his tone harsh as he apologised. 'I'm playing no tricks on you. Forgive me.' His eyes remotely held the speck of anger that came as a good warning against his play.

I swept my eyes across the parking lot. No one. Again, clear sign until they landed upon a figure leaning casually against a car, regaling the scene unfold before him. Ryan.

He wasn't aware I had seen him. I leaned in Marcus who, for I believe respect, took a step back but not long enough. 'Did Ryan send you?'

He stared at me with utter shock, until he realised that his weakness have been proved. 'Yes.' he admitted. 'Now forgive me so I can go.'

I leant back. 'I forgive you.' I said vociferously that even Marcus flinched but my instincts were to keep my words audible to Ryan who furrowed a bit but smiled anyways.

Marcus nodded, completely humiliated at being defeated, but strolled out of the school never turning back. Mia let go of my hand and huffed a sigh. I knew she was afraid of him more than I was. Ryan ambled towards us, showcasing his showstopper smile on his handsome face. 'Hello ladies.' He greeted.

'Hi.' Me and Mia said simultaneously though this time, I took a step back instead of Mia. 'Did you just see what happened?'

'No,' Ryan lied smoothly. 'I just got here, saw you two beautiful girls, and decided to cheer my day up by saying hi to you.' Mia completely blushed but I rolled my eyes instead. 'Anything serious I must be aware of?' He flicked his eyes to me.

'Yes.' Mia said.

'No.' I said. 'It's time for class Mia. We should be going.' And just like that, I grabbed Mia's forearm and dragged her in the school. The back of my hand brushed against Ryan's.

It was a good feeling.

***

'Did you just see here what Chelsea's doing? She just had a breakup last week and now she's with him.' Anastasia shoved me the phone to show me a picture of a passionate kiss of Chelsea and her new boyfriends.

Mia, as intrigued as always, was leaning on the phone, observing. 'Oh my, she said she won't date ever.' Shania spoke.

'Honestly guys, why do you care?' I projected. 'I mean like, why does it matter to you if she dates or not?'

'Yeah, I agree.' Ryan came and joined us at the table. 'Sorry to eavesdrop but you were pretty loud.'

I didn't reply to Ryan's comment rather greeted Noah and Yang. 'Jenny!' Noah pulled me in a hug. 'Long time no see.'

'We just met yesterday Noah.' I shook my head as Noah took his seat. 'It makes 23 hours then.'

Yang smacked him on his head. '24 idiot.' He corrected. 'It's because of you people they have to write directions on soapbox.'

Noah rubbed his head. 'I subtracted the time we spent.'

'It was still not one hour.' Yang said. 'Our break is for only 30 minutes.'

Mia rolled her eyes. 'Ryan, is it true you're auditioning for The Forte?'

Ryan beamed at her. 'Yes.' He answered. 'On strong persuasion of someone.' He eyed me but I looked anywhere else but him.

'It's so great,' Mia exclaimed. 'When is your audition?'

'15.' He replied.

'Amazing.'

'Yeah,' Ryan smiled at her. I loved it how much he loved smiling. 'But you know what Mia, it'll be more nice if my vocal couch comes back.' Ryan flicked his eyes to me for a fraction of second.

'Oh,' Mia's face fell. 'What's wrong with him?'

'Her,' Ryan corrected her. 'Nothing. But she has been ignoring me for two days without bringing its reason in my knowledge.'

I squirmed in my chair. 'You should ask her the reason. If she doesn't come back, you can hire anyone else. you should not waste time.' Mia suggested and I pursed my lips detecting a flicker of amusement on Ryan's face.

'Really? Can you suggest me someone?' Ryan asked. Leaning in, he was instantly too much interesting. I picked up the strap of my bag. Ready to run to the bathroom.

'Er ...' Mia pondered over. I got up from seat but was instantly lifted down to the chair by Mia as she squealed. 'She knows! Her father has taught her! She can teach you!'

Ryan smirked at me and cocked his eyebrow. My heart pounded in my chest so wildly as if it might jump out. Ryan looked at me. 'Oh really? Isn't it great Mia? She can help me with my singing then. Won't you Âme?'

I gulped down. "No." was what I wanted to say. Run, was what I wanted to do. I risked a glare at Ryan's eyes that were filled with a challenging light. 'Yeah! Totally, she'll help you. She helped my brother once and he actually did pretty well. Mind I tell you, he had a voice of a turtle.'

'Oh, nice then. Âme can help me too. Right?' He challenged.

'Obviously, Jenny would help you.' Noah said.

Ryan's eyes zeroed on me. 'Yes.' I finally said. And Ryan smirked as if exactly it happened as he wanted it to be.

'Don't worry Âme, I haven't forgotten about our deal. Your fees will be just that.' Ryan leaned in and whispered. 'I could give more if you want.'

I dug my face in my palms. I didn't even want to think about it.

***

Hey afarthers! Here. Is. The. Short. Chapter.

And short chapter means two chapters! Yay! I'm so excited for the upcoming one.

It'll probably be the one I had been haunting to write down. I'll try my best to post it by night but for now, what do you think about this one?

Do you like Ryan?
Or Janelle?
Or Noah?
Or Ian?
Or me?

Haha, just kidding guys. But do comment me actually. See there's a thing called love and when you get this thing, it powers another thing called motivation and when you have that thing, it generates another thing and it's called a chapter.

See? I just told you guys a simple method to squeeze out a chapter from me. But anyways, don't forget to vote too.

All you have to do is click.

I'll see ya tonight or ... tomorrow.

Till then, keep smiling.

Love 💕, huz