Chapter 15- Proposal

Yesterday was so confusing, I could barely sleep. I couldn't tell if I was angry, sad, or utterly embarrassed. I refuse to let myself think that I've gotten these feelings for him, telling myself that I was too grown up for that, telling myself that he was too childish for that.

It was like I was living in one of those cliche novels where the bad boy meets the good girl and they somehow fall in love with one another. The only difference is that I think that mine is one-sided.

Stop thinking that way! You don't even like him in the first place!

I groaned, wiping my hands on my face to somehow wake myself up. It was proving to be hard to get up, every time I stuck a limb out of the bed, I instantly pulled it back under the covers, complaining to myself that it was too cold out. In reality, I knew that I was lying to myself, I really did not want to go to school in fear of seeing him again.

Does he feel as embarrassed as me right now?

Now I really need to stop.

Eventually, I rolled myself out of bed to force myself up. I knew that if I had a choice, I would stay in my bed forever brooding about how flustered I was thinking about him. I was also thinking about how awkward it would be if I got caught talking with my mom this morning. Analise's mom could have called her and I didn't think about if she would have said anything about Gene or not. To avoid conversation, I had to leave earlier than normal.

I should really figure out a healthier schedule.

•••

I rubbed my head, trying to soothe my oncoming headache. I was seated in the back corner of the classroom so in case Gene looked in, there was more of a chance that he wouldn't see me. I always sat near the front anyway because it was easier to see the board and the teachers mostly pay attention to what happens in the back of the classroom. Even if I did fall asleep in their class, I don't think that they would really care because I am a good student, at least I think I am.

Gene hated to come to first period so there was a good chance that he wouldn't show his face anyway. Groaning, I put my head on my desk, starting to feel my eyes pulsating. Is this how the universe punishes me?

I was concentrating so hard to block out the things around me that I didn't even notice that the chair to my left was pulled out.

"Little Dove?" I shook my head, trying my best to cover my face. Of course, the one time that I can't focus on anything, he shows up. "We know how this went last time," Gene whispered, I could hear the disappointment in his voice, "Speak to me, what's wrong?"

Ten minutes ago I would say something different, either I would say that nothing was wrong or I would go on a full rant about how sorry I was for yesterday and how awkward it was. Now, all I could do was hold my head, afraid that if I opened my mouth, I would say something wrong.

Annoyed by my lack of response, Gene took a hold of my arm and lifted it off my head, trying to help me to sit up in my chair. When he finally got me up, I squinted at the light, surprised by the sensitivity.

"What's wrong?" He asked again, making me look at his pleading dark blue eyes.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and I tried to stop the dizziness. "Head hurts," I murmured.

Gene bit his lip and glanced around the empty room. "Well, you're not going to last through class with a headache like that. Let's get you to the infirmary."

I started to whine and swipe at him as he grabbed onto my arms, trying to help me out of my chair. "Class hasn't even started yet," I complained, "It will pass over soon anyway."

Gene glared at me and forced me up, taking my hand in his. "That doesn't mean that you're not in pain now. Let's go see if the nurse can do anything."

"But it's so early," I said, legs slightly trembling as he guided me out of the classroom.

"If the nurse isn't there, then we'll wait until she shows up."

I stubbornly tried to pull away from his hand, but I ended up bumping into another person on accident. "Sorry," I apologized, still trying to wrench my hand out of Gene's.

"Woah, brother, it looks like you're trying to kidnap someone."

Brother? Who was he calling brother?

Gene groaned and pulled me forward. "I'm not kidnapping them. They're refusing to make good decisions."

"So you're taking them against their will? That sounds like kidnapping," The blue-haired guy mused.

"Whatever," Gene huffed as he continued pulling me with him. The blue-haired guy chuckled and turned around, resuming down the hallway.

When we finally got to the nurse's office, the lights were off and the room was locked. "What did I tell you?" I hissed, flinching when I felt my head throb.

"Shut up, don't force yourself," Gene scolded, sitting down next to the door. "Sit, Little Dove."

I furrowed my eyebrows at him, "Are we just going to sit here until the nurse shows up?"

"Yep," Gene nodded, patting the space next to him, "And if you try to run, I'll just pull you back."

Sighing, I sat down next to Gene, not really finding another option. I didn't feel good and he was right, I probably wouldn't be able to make it through class without banging my head on the table.

When I sat down, Gene reached out and grabbed my hand, soothingly rubbing circles on it with his thumb. I couldn't help but be confused at his sudden affection. Not that I didn't like it, heck something about it made my mind go crazy and for a moment I forgot that I even had a headache. You could tell that I was a bit taken back by the look on my face. My eyes widened and my face flushed, my mouth hanging open a bit.

Gene, not noticing my expression, sighed, cradling my hand in his. "I have a proposal, Little Dove."

I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm my heart down a bit before I spoke. "What is it?"

"Well, since it's my turn, I have come up with something I want you to do." I looked up and him and offered him a smile, encouraging him to go on. "Well, I snuck into your house that one time and I think it's time to take it up a notch."

I watched him as he bit the inside of his cheek nervously and avoided my gaze.

"Now I want you to sneak out."