I M M A C U L A T E

D E C E I V E R S

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| Mark's POV |

Damn, look at the ass on her.

"Mark!" I heard from across the hall, pulling me from my thoughts about the cute blonde who just strutted past me.

"What up?" I looked up to find Connor.

"What happened between you and Lucy at breakfast?" He asked while leaning against the locker next to mine.

"What do you mean?" I rolled my eyes.

"C'mon, don't play stupid. Why are you such a jerk all the time?" He asked bluntly.

Sorry I'm not perfect like you are Connor.

"How long have we been friends Connor?" I asked suddenly.

"Like four years. Why?"

"Exactly. Four years. That's four years of everyone here knowing that I am a jerk. Don't you think people should expect it by now? Trust me, it's no big shock." I stated casually while pulling my history textbook from my locker, though I won't need it.

"Still... she likes you dude. It's so damn obvious. You could at least be a little less of a jerk towards her." Connor crossed his arms over his chest.

"Yeah, well I don't like her. At least not in that way." I replied.

"Why not? She's gorgeous and outgoing. She's like the girl version of you, except not an asshole." He smirked.

"Well why would I want to date a girl who's the exact same version as me? Maybe I want some diversity." I shrugged my shoulders as I closed my locker and leaned against it.

"Whatever. All I'm saying is you should apologize to her. Maybe ask her to hang out with you or something. Just to show her you don't despise her."

"Maybe I will. I don't know. I've kind of got my eyes on someone else." I smiled.

"Yeah who?" He asked, looking curious.

Then, as if she knew I was talking about her, she appeared.

"Hey guys, class is about to start... don't be late!" Naveah smiled while giving Connor a kiss on the cheek.

Why does she always do that in front of me?

My jaw tensed as I watched them.

"We're going babe. Mark here was just telling me about a gal he's got his eyes on." Connor smirked looking at me.

Naveah's eyes widened as she looked at me also. "Yeah, who's that Mark?"

You.

"Nobody that either of you know. So just drop it."

They both gave me a weary look; only Naveah's had more of a glare to hers which kind of made me happy on the inside.

Then the idea hit me. If I move on and make Naveah jealous, maybe she will come to her fucking senses and ditch pretty boy for me.

Crap... pretty boy is my friend. Well, I guess these asshole tendencies of mine will continue.

"Right, well... I hope you know what you're missing out on. Lucy would be great for you." Naveah stated softly.

I wanted to frown, but that would make me look like a wuss.

So, instead, I laughed.

"Lucy will get over it. She's hot, I'm sure plenty of other guys would jump at the opportunity to date her. Me? I'm taken for all intents and purposes."

"Okay cool. Good luck with that Mark. Babe, I gotta get to History." Naveah then leaned into Connor and planted a long and hard kiss on him.

My entire body tensed and I felt my hands turning into fists. I quickly let the feeling go and dropped my arms to my sides as I walked away without a word.

So, Naveah wants to play it that way huh? Well, I can play it a thousand times better.

Walking into History class for the first time in a couple of weeks, I glanced around the room and spotted the cute blonde from earlier.

I smirked and headed towards the empty seat that was next to hers.

"Mr. Chase." The teacher scolded. "Nice of you to join us today."

"Why thank you for the attention, Mr. Arnold. Sadly, I'm only here for Marissa." I smiled brightly while glancing in Marissa's direction.

Marissa gave me a wink and I pushed my desk more towards hers.

"There will be no disruptions out of you, or it's straight to detention." He stated while bringing his attention back to the white board.

"Yes sir." I saluted.

A few moments later, Naveah walked into class with some girl named Bethany. I assume they are friends, though I've never noticed her before.

As soon as Naveah locked eyes with mine, I immediately turned to Marissa and pretended as though Naveah didn't even exist.

"Alright class, today we will be talking about one of my favorite topics: War. How many of you know why the Civil War was started?" Mr. Arnold asked the class while waiting for a hand to raise to call on.

Crickets.

"Seriously?" Mr. Arnold deadpanned. "Alright, well... let me explain!"

He began lecturing about the Civil war and I began tuning him out.

"So, Marissa... I couldn't help but notice how amazing you look in those jeans." I smirked.

"Thank you Mark! They are new. Hollister is like, my favorite store." She smiled brightly, as if I really gave a shit where she got them.

I reached out and placed my hand on her thigh, gripping it softly.

"You want to get out of here?" I asked, hopeful that she would get up and leave with me.

"Can you be quiet? Some of us are actually trying to learn." Naveah whisper-yelled from across the room.

I rolled my eyes and ignored her.

"What do you say?" I asked Marissa again.

"Hm, I don't know. What will people think?" She grinned while placing her hand over mine, pulling my hand further up her thigh.

"Will you shut up?" Naveah whisper-yelled again, staring daggers at me.

I know what will shut you up.

Suddenly, I leaned over, grabbed Marissa by the back of the head, and pulled her in for a kiss. Well actually, it wasn't so much as a kiss but more of a mini make out session.

"Mr. Arnold, may I go to the bathroom?" I heard Naveah suddenly ask.

"Sure, take the pass." The teacher stated while writing more notes on the board.

I looked up from Marissa and watched as Naveah grabbed her bag and the hall pass. She gave me one last glare before darting out of the classroom.

"So, still want to get out of here?" Marissa asked, taking me out of my wondering thoughts.

"Actually yes, but not with you." I stated before abruptly getting up and walking out of the back door to the classroom.

I don't even think Mr. Arnold noticed, or cared. He was used to my being absent.

Once I entered the hallway, I looked down the hall towards the bathroom and didn't see Naveah.

I smirked as my eyes landed on the famous janitor's closet.

I casually walked towards the door, and pulled it open walking inside.

I shut the door and turned around, instantly bumping into a body.

"I didn't want you to follow me, Mark." She stated softly.

"I wasn't going to, but I figured what the hell." I chuckled.

"This isn't funny." It sounded like she was speaking through gritted teeth.

"What the fuck is your problem Naveah? You broke things off with me remember? Am I just supposed to not talk to any other girls but you?" I sighed.

"I... I don't know! You certainly don't have to kiss them right in front of me." She spat.

Ah, so I did make her jealous.

"Jealous are we, Olsin?" I smirked though she couldn't see in the darkness.

There was a couple moments of silence before I heard a sniffle.

Fuck, is she crying?

"Nave..."

"Don't. Call. Me. That." She said while pushing me.

I instantly grabbed her arms and pinned her against the wall.

"What is wrong? Seriously?" I could feel my voice growing louder.

"You Mark! You are wrong! So wrong... but I just, I can't stop." She confessed.

"You're the reason why we stopped at all Naveah. I didn't want to." I urged, my grip getting tighter on her arms.

"We had to! Don't you see! Callie found out! If I didn't end things she was going to tell Connor and Lucy!" Naveah whined.

I sighed, having heard enough of this same argument.

"Who fucking cares Naveah? I'm so over this. I... I'm so over wanting someone that I can't have! I'm Mark Chase. I can get any girl that I want, but the one girl who matters... doesn't want me. At least not for real." I dropped my hands from her arms and I leaned back against the wall opposite of her.

"Mark... please. I'm not ready to lose everything. Even if that means gaining you." She stated softly.

I would never admit this, but her words actually hurt me. I felt a sting of pain that I've never felt before. It was a sting of rejection. Rejection from the one girl that I want.

"Then I'm sorry, but we're done. I... I can't even be friends with you anymore." I dryly stated.

"W-What? Mark, don't do that. We've always been friends." I heard her sniffle again.

I sighed deeply and gently placed my hand against her cheek, slighting rubbing it with the end of my thumb.

"I'm sorry Naveah. I just can't." I leaned in and gave her one last soft kiss against her beautiful lips and then I walked out of the closet. For good.

I didn't bother walking back to class, so I decided to just leave school for the day.

I left the cursed building that is Jefferson High and I started walking home.

It's amazing how many different emotions one person can make you feel. One day, you are on top of the world, with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart that makes you believe great things are going to happen. And then, in a second, all of that can change... so you don't know what to feel. You're left with a mess that only that one person can clean up. It's chaotic, crazy and wild but you just can't stop wanting it. It's because of that bad stuff, feeling all of that stuff that makes your head ache and your heart crave... It's better than feeling nothing at all.

It sucks... because the only thing standing in between her and I, is reality and that is something that you can't change.

No matter how bad you want it to.

All I feel, every day, is La Douleur Exquise – which is French for the heart-wrenching pain of wanting someone that you can't have.

That someone for me, being Naveah Olsin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

| Naveah's POV |

I was left standing there, in the janitor's closet, alone.

Mark left and I know that whatever was going on between us is over. For good.

I sobbed for a few minutes, before collecting myself enough to leave the closet and head to the bathroom to freshen up.

I peered out of the closet and when I saw that the coast was clear, I left. I walked into the bathroom and standing there fixing her hair, was Marissa.

I glared in her direction and went into a bathroom stall.

I took some tissue paper and blew my nose, making sure to grab more and wipe the mascara that is probably running down my cheeks by now.

Once I finished, I opened the stall door and standing there smirking in my direction was Marissa.

"Trouble in paradise sweetie?" She asked, moving so I could wash my hands.

"No. I'm fine." I stated while putting some soap into the palm of my hand.

After rinsing my hands and drying them, I turned to her.

"You know, Mark is the biggest player at this school. He's just using you." I calmly stated.

She scoffed. "Naveah Olsin... is somebody jealous?" Her evil smile was enough to make me want to start a full on brawl right here in this bathroom.

"Of you and Mark? Please... I'm with Connor. He's ten times the man that Mark is." I stated, while flipping my blonde hair over my shoulder.

"Yeah right... I saw Mark walk out of the closet a mere ten minutes before you did. I'm not stupid Naveah. I know your dirty little secret, and I will use it to my advantage." She smiled.

I felt my face drop a shade paler and my stomach turned to knots.

"You don't know what you're talking about, bitch. If I were you, I'd mind your own business and keep that cheap nose job out of mine." I glared.

Her eyes widened as her hand reached up to touch the brim of her nose.

"I... I hate you Naveah!" With that, she fled from the bathroom.

I rolled my eyes and took a few more deep breaths. I looked at my phone and there was only a few minutes left of class. I hurriedly grabbed the hall pass and went back to Mr. Arnold's history class, smirking at Marissa as I took my seat.

She turned her face away from me and I silently cheered. Maybe she won't tell anyone anything.

Still, I could not shake this sense of fear I had in the pit of my stomach. Maybe she will.

God, if you are listening... I am sorry for all of my sins. Please, do not give Marissa any crazy ideas.

Oh, who am I kidding? I was on my own.

Suddenly, I remembered Callie and how she knew about me and Mark. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and texted her to meet me after school in the library so we could talk.

I know I'm testing my luck, but maybe, just maybe Callie will want to help me keep Marissa on a tight leash.

It was worth a shot, right?