"If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

• • •

The next few weeks pass by in a blur of the same monotonous routine; wake up, go to school, come home, sleep, repeat. I guess I could throw in the occasional outing with my friends and boyfriend. I still love saying that.

We've reached the time where Christmas is all anyone can think about; the decorations placed all over town and on houses, the constant thoughts on gift ideas and most importantly, the food. Well to me, that's important.

I've also come to the realisation that Abel's birthday is next week on the 18th, right before Christmas holidays. I still have absolutely no idea what I'm going to get him and I'm starting to panic. What do you get your boyfriend who you've been going out with only for a month? If someone could send ideas my way, I'd be so grateful.

On top of that, Eliza and Carter have been strangely absent. Ever since that party, I've not seen Carter around and ever since Eliza's comment at lunch, she's pretty much evaporated into thin air. Not that I'm complaining about it, she is a pain in my butt but I'm getting suspicious now. She probably has a dirty plan up her sleeve.

Anyway, the temperature has reached below zero degrees so I am wrapped up warmly. And by wrapped up warmly, I mean thick leggings, a long-sleeved top, an oversized hoodie, my black puffer jacket paired with thick socks and my timberlands. As well as that, I added a lovely navy-blue knitted scarf from my grandma and a matching hat. What can I say? I don't like being cold. But now, I look like a penguin waddling when I walk. Maybe Abel is into that kind of thing, who knows?

This morning, Abel is picking both me and Omari up in an attempt to get him and Zane as friends. It's going to take a lot longer than a ten-minute car ride for Omari to open up, but I like that Abel's trying though.

I let Omari know that it's time to go and begin to head out.

All of a sudden, Nolan jumps right in front of me splaying his hands out in a stopping motion. "Wait! How come Abel isn't taking me to school today?" Nolan looks at me with sad questioning eyes.

"Because he's taking his other brother and Omari too. There wouldn't be enough space for you and the twins." I say calmly.

Nolan stomps his foot, "But that's not fair!"

"Nolan, stop being a baby, Marcel will take you to school today."

Nolan sighs dramatically and hunches his shoulders forward, "But Marcel is annoying. And he never lets me touch the radio." He whines.

"Marcel used to take you all the time so stop complaining."

Nolan turns around and groans loudly while dragging his feet back to the kitchen to wait on Marcel.

Younger siblings are so annoying. If you don't have one, then count yourself lucky.

Omari has already headed outside so I follow suit and into Abels car.

"It's literally freezing. If my toes fall off by the end of the day, please tell me you'd sew them back on." I say while rubbing my hands together.

"Firstly, you were outside for like 10 seconds, there is no way you could be that cold already. Secondly, your toes aren't going to fall off; you're being dramatic." Abel rolls his eyes at me before pulling out of the driveway.

"Fine then, feel my hands." I place my hands on top of his that are on the steering wheel for a second. "See? Very very cold."

"Okay, whatever you say Brown Eyes." Abel laughs lightly at me.

Remembering that its not just us in the car, I turn around to look into the back seat. "Oh hey Zane." I say.

"Nice of you to finally acknowledge my presence Keziah."

I give him a sheepish look at this, "Sorry about that, it was Abels fault."

"How is everything my fault?" He grumbles out.

I wave my hands in his direction, shushing him in the process.

"So how have you been?" I ask.

"Not too great to be honest. Why you ask? I've been missing you." He says this so smoothly and earnestly that I'd probably fall for it if I was a few years younger. Unfortunately for him, I am not.

"Nice try Zane, but she's my girlfriend not yours." Abel butts in before I can respond.

At this, I turn to face forward again and allow him and Omari to talk, or at least try to. I hear Zane asking Omari multiple questions in which he only gets basic answers. I really hope Zane doesn't just toss him aside, Omari could use a friend like him.

We finally arrive at school and step out into the cold, frigid air. A shiver racks through my body instantly despite the several layers that I'm wearing.

I start walking towards the entrance while Abel locks the car.

"Keziah, why are you walking like that? And did you really have to wrap your scarf around your face so much?" He says with an amused smile.

"I am wearing many layers Abel and that means walking like a penguin no matter how much I try not to. And yes, wrapping my scarf like this is an absolute necessity. I hate getting sick and this is the best way to prevent it." I finish my mini speech with a big nod feeling satisfied that I got my point across.

Abel pulls me in to wrap his arms around my shoulders and hold me tight. "You're so cute, you know that right?" He says to me.

"Only because you've told me this about ten million times." I say with a roll of my eyes.

"Simply because it's true. Especially in this outfit today. It makes me want to hug you tight and never let go Brown Eyes."

"Well I definitely won't object to that."

Abel chuckles and pulls me even closer if that's possible.

After form, I head straight to the class I share with Noah. I feel like I haven't talked to him properly in a while.

"Hey Noah." I say to him as I sit down.

"Hello to you too darling." I see that his usual flirtatious behaviour is still intact.

"What's the lesson plan for today then?"

"Heck if I know. It'll probably be
something incredibly boring though. I have a feeling Dr Keaten enjoys torturing us." Noah takes his books out and settles them on the table.

At that point, said teacher walks in with his usual glum looking face. "Guess what students, I've decided to surprise you all with a test. I hope you've all been keeping up with the notes because this will weed out the good from the bad."

Everyone groans and mumbles to one another at this, speaking about how unprepared they are.

Luckily for me, I do try and go through all my notes weekly to make sure I fully understand. I don't really have a choice if I want to get into the University I want. Nevertheless, studying is hard and so very repetitive.

In the middle of the test, Noah nudges me in the arm and starts making funny faces at our teacher. I cover my mouth in order to hold in the laugh that's threatening to burst out. Obviously, Dr Keaten doesn't miss a thing and points his pen in my direction. I don't even know what that's supposed to mean.

I return to my test for another five minutes before I'm nudged once again making me drop my pen. I whisper at Noah in an annoyed tone, "Really?"

Of course, all he does is smile at me and make more funny faces. This time, laughter escapes from my mouth getting the attention of our teacher.

"You two," He points at me and Noah. "Detention after school. I don't tolerate cheating in my lesson."

My eyes widen at his insinuation, "But we weren't-"

"Do you want to make that two detentions miss Callayo?" He says while still managing to look emotionless.

Instead of answering, I slink low in my seat and glare at Noah who now decides to avoid me. Just great. This is exactly what I need on this bone chilling, icy day. How am I even supposed to get home afterwards? I groan internally, it sucks to not be able to drive yet.

I sulk all the way to my Psychology class which I share with Rolo and Abel and drop myself into my usual seat.

Shortly after, Abel walks in and settles down next me before kissing my head. "What's up grumpy pants?"

"Maybe its her time of the month." Suggests Rolo.

At that comment, I hit his ridiculously big head. "Stop hitting me all the time!" He yells childishly.

"Then stop saying stupid stuff. Not every single thing is because of my 'time of the month' as you so eloquently put it." I roll my eyes and lean my head on Abel's shoulder.

Rolo looks at me for a second before staring at Abel over my head and whispering 'time of the month' as if I can't see. Please God, help me with the self-control I so strongly need in Rolos presence.

"Then what is the problem Brown Eyes?" Abel looks down at me and pushes my hair out of the way.

"I just got a detention and I didn't even do anything wrong. Now, I have to stay after school in this horrendous weather and I don't even have a way of getting home. If Noah didn't-"

Abel interrupts me here with a slight frown on his face, "Noah?"

"Yeah he's in my class remember? He was making me laugh and now Dr Keaten believes I'm a cheater. Truth is Abe, a cheater I am not." Abel doesn't even crack a smile at my abysmal Yoda impersonation and continues to frown. I thought I was the one who was upset?

"Why was he making you laugh?" He questions.

"Was that really what you got out of what I just said?"

"Why Keziah?"

I give him a confused look just as Mrs Yang walks in preventing any form of response. I go over our brief conversation to see if I said anything wrong but come up empty handed. Maybe he's on his time of the month.

For the rest of the lesson, I can practically feel Abel seething with a rage that I don't understand. For that reason, I converse with Rolo.

"What do you think is wrong with Abel?" I ask him.

"Easy. Another boy has your attention. It's in the 'How guys behave in a relationship 101 handbook'." He says.

"That's not even a real thing." I throw back at him.

"How would you know? Last time I checked, you weren't a boy so you're not entitled to these kind of things."

I give him a 'you're so weird' look before responding, "I doubt that's the case anyway. We're in a good relationship so he has no reason to worry."

"Well he's a guy and guys act like this. Just reassure him."

"When did you become such a relationship know-it-all?"

"Since he's pretty much all you ever talk about." He gives me a dry look that emphasises how tired he clearly is of that.

"No, I don't." I shove him to the side.

"If that's what you want to think." Rolo gets back to his work basically signalling the end of the conversation.

I keep in mind how Abel's been acting and make sure to talk to him later.

While I'm on my way to meet the others for lunch, I'm stopped by my old friend Eliza. And here I thought I could ignore her forever.

I try to walk around her but she quickly side steps to stop that from happening. Okay then.

I sigh loudly at her, "You're in my way Eliza. Say what you want or move."

She sneers at me with such distaste that it has me wondering what I've actually done wrong.

"Abel's only with you out of pity you know. He knows how no one has ever been interested in you and is doing it to make you feel better. Once he gets bored and finally understands how much better he can do, he'll dump you quicker than you can blink and will instantly come after me."

I begin to pick at my nails and act unbothered by her words, "Jealousy is so unattractive Eliza." I draw out.

"Don't annoy me more than you already have Keziah." Eliza turns around quickly, flicking her hair in my face in the process.

I now make my way to my locker to take out the books I'll need after lunch when I'm stopped. Again.

"I saw you with Eliza earlier, it looked kind of heated. What was that about?" I have no idea why Carter thinks he can have a casual conversation with me after how treated me for such a long time. What does he take me for?

I stare at him for a second before walking away. He doesn't even deserve a response from me.

"Keziah, wait." I roll my eyes and stop.

"If you're here to taunt me some more then don't. I'm not in the mood."

"No, I uh-" Carter reaches up and scratches the back of his head in a seemingly nervous way and clears his throat. "I actually wanted to talk to you about something, it won't take long and-"

I interrupt him before he can finish, "Why would I want to talk to you after everything?"

"I understand but I don't think I can keep it in any longer." Carter swallows loudly and looks at me cautiously.

"Not today Carter." I turn swiftly on my heel and head straight to the common room as quick as I can to avoid any more confrontations.

I just want today to be over.

I reach the common room to find everyone already there. I walk straight to the empty space next to Abel and drop myself ungracefully into the chair.

"You took your time." Abel states.

"A minute longer and Abel would have scoured the whole school for you." Says Raphael.

I look at Abel who simply shrugs.

"I had a run in with my ex friend and ex taunter. Eliza is still being irritating but Carter is acting odd. He actually said he wanted to tell me something but I wasn't in the mood so here we are."

I lean my head on Abel's shoulder who wraps his arm around me."Do you want me to slap her for you? I'm not normally into the whole violence thing but I can make an exception for you." Rani files her nails as she says this.

I do know Rani would actually hit her and that's what worries me. She can be kind of scrappy when she wants.

"No need for that Rani but thanks."

"Are you ever gonna find out what Carter wanted to talk to you about?" Asks Ana.

"Right now, I really couldn't care less about what he has to say."

"If he keeps pestering you about it, then I'd listen to him. It's not often a guy would practically beg for you to listen to what they have to say. Could be important." Israel munches on his chips and stares at me in a thoughtful manner. He really doesn't speak much but when he does, I always feel like I've learned something new.

Throughout this whole conversation, Abel has remained strangely quiet.

I nudge his shoulder, "You alright Abe? You haven't said much."

"Just peachy." I frown at his sarcastic tone and pull away from him.

"Seriously Abel, If somethings up then tell me. I've had a really crappy day and I'm not in the mood to start guessing." Yep, that was harsh but my buttons have been pushed today.

"Nothings wrong Keziah but if I'm making your already crappy day even worse, then I'll just leave." At this, Abel stands up grabs his bag and leaves.

"Is he being serious right now?" I say to no one in particular. "How dare he act like that. I have a detention after school for an hour, confrontations with Eliza and Carter, it's freezing cold and on top that Abel is being off with me. I'm just ugh!"

I storm out of the room not missing the shocked faces of my friends.

The rest of the school day passes with me sending glares to anyone who even breathes in my direction. It's dramatic but I'm on a rampage so no one get in my way.

Unfortunately for me, the end of the school day signifies the beginning of my hour long detention. I head to the library where it's held and sit by the window watching every other student head home and pitying myself to such an extreme extent.

A couple minutes later, I feel someone else sit on the same table as me and automatically know that it's Noah. I'm still annoyed at him. If he hadn't made me laugh, then maybe I would have been in a better mood and Abel and I wouldn't be in this spat. I suppose I can't blame it all on him though; Eliza and Carter also played a significant role.

"Hey Kez."

I don't answer.

"I'm guessing you're still annoyed about this whole detention thing."

"Yes Noah, I'm still annoyed. If it wasn't for you, I'd be at home wrapped in my blankets right now." I lay my head on the table and proceed to pout about today's events.

"Come on Keziah, we were having fun admit it."

"Yes but now Dr Keaten thinks I'm a cheater." I say glumly.

"Who cares? He's a snobby teacher who hates everyone. Don't stress about it." Noah leans back in his seat and places his hands behind his head while stretching his legs out. Right now, he's the picture of complete nonchalance. Maybe some of that will rub off on me in this hour long session.

"How was the rest of your day though? You know, apart from this torture we call detention."

I lift my head up from the table and debate whether or not I should tell him everything that's happened.

Since we've got time, I decide to get his opinion on my whole situation.

"Well first of all, Eliza and Carter both confronted me on my way to the common room. Long story short Eliza was acting crazy and Carter was acting weird. And then, Abel was being off with me. Ever since I mentioned you and this detention, it's like he's taken a step back and I have no idea why. On top of that, he walked away from me when I was trying to talk to him which I obviously didn't appreciate." I groan loudly and hold my head in both hands, "This is not what I wanted today."

"Just avoid Carter and Eliza then. And with Abel, you probably need to talk to him. I can guess what's going through his head but he needs to be honest with you and not act like that. That's all I'm saying." Noah shrugs his shoulders and whips out a bag of crisps.

I ponder on his words for a second when the librarian walks into view.

"No eating!" She Shouts loudly.

Instead of putting his crisps away like a normal person would, he takes one crisp out of the bag and slowly puts it in his mouth before chewing and swallowing. I look cautiously between Noah and the librarian to see what will happen.

"I said no eating! Put it away right now or you're getting a detention." The lady crosses her arms and begins tapping her feet in frustration.

"Newsflash lady, I'm already in detention." Noah says this in a bored tone causing me to giggle slightly.

The woman's face turns an unhealthy shade of red, showing her barely controlled anger. "You watch yourself young man." She turns and walks away.

We both look at each other and start laughing loudly, "Did you see her face!"

"She looked like she was going to explode!" Noah Says.

"I can't believe you. That was very bold."

"It got you to laugh though didn't it? That was my aim. Can't have you leaving school in a bad mood, now can I?" Noah smiles gently at me after saying this.

"Of course not. That would be an absolute disaster."

"I'm so glad you understand."

For the rest of the detention, Noah and I just talk about anything that comes to mind. As usual, he constantly makes me laugh with his unbashful flirting and terrible jokes. Of course, the flirting means nothing, that's just the way Noah is with everyone.

Once it's over, we head out of the library while receiving glares from our fellow librarian.

I originally planned on having Abel take me home afterwards but considering how he behaved earlier, I'd rather just walk.
About to do just that, I head in a different direction to Noah.

"Wait, Keziah. How are you getting home?" He jogs up to me, quickly covering the space I made between us.

"I was just going to walk. You know, get that daily exercise in." Noah gives me a surprised look.

"In this weather? No way, come on I'll drive you."

"Oh really? That'd be great, I was absolutely dreading the walk. I'm freezing already." I rub my hands together and follow him to his car.

Noah drives me home by listening to my directions. He pulls up to my house while I'm laughing at a joke he made.

I'm so glad I'm finally home.

                               • • •
A/N:
This was quite a long chapter. What do you think of it? Do you think Abel over reacted? Should Keziah have snapped at him like that? I'd love to know what you think!

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