Chapter Four

Raising a dog was a new responsibility, but when it came to responsibilities, Claire was not new to it. Skipping classes and spewing vulgarities from her mouth had landed her in several detentions throughout her year in school, and she was not ready to be responsible for any of those. She was defiant and she would not concede to rules.

And today, it was no exception.

“The humanities department is arranging a geography outdoor camp for the students during this upcoming summer vacation,” Mr. Retcher announced in class on a Friday afternoon. “It will be held over a span of three and a half days in the wild, and I would certainly need you to get your approvals from your parents. So please,” as he said so, his eyes turned to Claire, “do not get me into trouble by faking permission.”

Do you really think I am stupid? My parents don’t even care. Claire rolled her eyes as she turned her face away from her sickening Geography teacher – only to see Alex staring at her too.

“I would appreciate it if you would stop scaring me with that face of yours,” Claire said.

“You’re blushing, Claire.”

And only did her face redden upon him mentioning it – not because she was embarrassed, but because she was furious. She tossed a pencil at him but he caught it swiftly between his fingers. Not surprised. She realized that it was of no use because he was a good catcher and whatever she threw, he would never miss it.

“You’re sick, Alex,” Claire said, and she meant it. She had never seen anyone revolt her that much before. “Would you stop irritating me for once?”

“I was not.” He answered firmly, studying her expression. “I did not know that my fine sportsmanship would be mistaken for a crime, you know. And for your information, your pencil could have stabbed straight through my eye and caused me to go blind.”

“How I wish that happened indeed.”

“And so you would.”

Claire narrowed her eyes at him. Despite his annoying efforts to annoy her, she had to admit that he was effortlessly suave in whatever annoying things he did. And she could not help but notice how the girls in class often looked in his way. Each time they walked out of class together, she could sense how all the female eyes were glued on him. He was like a women’s magnet. Everywhere he went, he attracted glances. Probably even from the guys.

Alexander King, where on earth did he come from, anyway? It seemed as though he just popped out from nowhere one fine day and turned Claire’s life into something else. Just like a fairytale in the form of a nightmare. She was still new to him, though. They had only spoken to each other when they met for same lessons or when they coincidentally bumped into each other. Just like others, Alex was an ordinary guy, but with that special something which Claire could not figure out. No, it was definitely not his extremely fair skin.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Alex had caught her being in a daze again. The last time he caught her in a daze was when she could not help but stare at his eyes in awe. Any girl would have to do that. It was only natural.

But no, Claire hated it when Alex could see what was possibly on her mind. She simply ignored him and returned to the book on her desk. Yes, concentrate, Claire. You have to stop talking to him or thinking about how his eyes are so beautiful or whether his horribly fair skin is...

“Claire.”

“What?” she snapped, and when she looked at him, she caught a flicker of red in his eyes. Yet it was gone as soon as it came.

“I just wanted to try out calling your name, that’s all.” He said with a little smirk. “You have a gorgeous name.”

“Why but thank you,” Claire growled. “One more time and I swear that my pencil will bust your eye.”

--

“Lunch, oh, the joy.”

“What is wrong with you?” Emily inquired. “You’re so… dazed out today.”

“Yes, I am, Emily.” Claire replied. “Forget it, it’s pointless. Anyway, my mom is back and she’s planning to stay over until next week. And guess what? She’s got me a puppy too! It’s a baby Husky and I swear he’s the most adorable thing that I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

“Wow, that’s awesome,” Emily chuckled. “I’m surprised that Claire Anderson is going to raise a dog, all by herself!”

“Oh come on.” Claire shot her an icy glare. “Dogs are different, okay? I’ll treat him real good. Not like the bastards I had.”

“I believe you, Claire,” Emily nodded. “Dogs and humans are two different things.”

“But dogs are like humans too, aren’t they?” another voice joined in.

Immediately the pair looked up and saw that Alex was standing just right beside their table, as if he had drifted in out of nowhere. It made Claire almost jump from her seat. “What the hell?” she moaned. “Why are you here?”

“You do not own this cafeteria, my lady,” Alex said as he turned his attention to Emily. “Hi, I’m Alex. Pleased to meet you.”

For a moment, it seemed like Emily did not notice Claire’s existence. She was obviously so fascinated by Alex’s god-made facial features that she was staring for so long, it did not even matter as to whether her best friend had died in her seat.

“Yes, I know… You’re Alex,” Emily finally said, swallowing. “And I’m Emily.”

“Wait… you know him?” Claire interrupted, astonished to discover the fact that her best friend actually knew this guy. When had anything like this happened? Emily was usually not the sort to gush about the male hormones, and here she was, admiring Alexander King, the new male hormone in school.

“Yes, I do – I mean no, I don’t,” Emily was not being the usual her. “Alex is the top student in school. How could I not know him?”

“Wait,” Claire looked at her in shock. “You mean, this guy?”

“I can see that you are shocked, Miss Anderson.” Alex said and slipped inside the seats together with Claire. Now they were sitting at the same lunch table and the noise level in the cafeteria had increased. “But I’m surprised that you didn’t know who I am.”

This fellow is a pain in the ass, Claire thought as she inched away from Alex’s body. And his body is emitting so much heat, it’s killing me.

“If that is the case, Alexander King,” Claire looked at him threateningly. “Then obviously sitting with us is too much for you, because our brains are too small to communicate with a godly person like you.”

“That was what I thought.” He murmured, and glanced at Emily. “I’m sorry Emily, looks like your best friend isn’t happy about my presence here.”

Emily’s mouth was agape, and she simply looked at Claire – as if hinting to her to stop Alex from leaving. Claire glared back at her best friend. Are you fucking kidding me? This guy is a whore!

“Alex, what are you doing here?” a new voice joined in this time round, and it was Vanessa, the infamous cheerleader in school also known as one-of-the-school’s-hottest-girls. Claire was not pleased to see her, of course. She was never fond of any of the school belles in school, because most of them consisted of I-am-so-smart-but-I’m-a-hypocritical-bimbo brains. Obviously, this Vanessa must be one of Alex’s flings, and she would not last long for sure.

“Hi Vanessa,” Alex stood up from the table and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. “I’m sorry ladies, my queen is here and I have to go.”

“Whatever.” Claire could see that Vanessa was staring at her like she was some weird-looking alien. Even if they didn’t have to exchange a word, she knew what this cheerleader was capable of. She was capable of being a bitch, and Claire would do anything to stay clear of such girls. They were nothing but danger.

As they left, Emily squealed excitedly in a soft voice, “My goodness, I can’t believe Alexander King sat with us!”

Claire’s eyes widened in horror. “Emily, whatever the hell is wrong with you? Alex was the guy whom I collided into the other day and caused me to get into a concussion. He’s nothing but a pain in the ass, no matter how cute or handsome or hot you think he is.”

“I’m glad you know,” Emily grinned. “Alex is popular, but I didn’t expect you not to know.”

“I don’t. And popular people are none of my business. Emily, you’re scaring me. When did you ever become a social-climbing person?”

“Who wouldn’t?” Emily asked. “Fame and money, everyone wants it. If you don’t have the money, then all the more you should try to gainfame. I know you’ve never approved of such things, but Claire – this is part of high school. We all want to be popular.”

Claire rolled her eyes for the nth time. “Emily, please.”

“I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but Rachel Evans is throwing a party tonight at the Silver Club and everyone’s invited. You have to come!”

“No,” Claire declined the offer instantly. “Thanks but no thanks.”

“Then you’ll be missing out a lot of fun, Claire.”

--

“You do not know how much I hate my life right now,” Claire sighed as she tossed the mini basketball through the loop across the bed. “Oh Lucifer, why don’t you tell me what to do?”

Lucifer stroked his ears with his hind legs, growling softly. Claire watched as he made circles around the carpet and finally settled down, curling up for warmth. Dogs never had to worry about anything except for food, water and sleep. And Lucifer was still a baby, he had so much to learn.

She lay back on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Just then, her cell phone buzzed. Claire picked it up and saw that it was Emily who had messaged her.

SAVE ME, CLAIRE. I THINK I GOT DRUGGED. COME TO THE PARTY NOW.

--

Please tell me this is not a joke.

Claire weaved through the crowd as loud music blasted in the background. So where the hell is Emily?

“Claire, over here!” she heard Emily call out from the other side.

Claire pushed through a group of people and found Emily drinking by the bar. “And what kind of an emergency is this?”

“I’m so sorry,” Emily got up and pulled a confused Claire into embrace. “I didn’t mean to lie to you.”

“Goodness,” Claire buried her face in her hands. “Emily, you’re fucking kidding me.”

“Well, I didn’t expect you to come only in a simple tee and jeans though.” Emily giggled.

“No, this is not funny.” Claire groaned and sat down. “I’m not wasting my time here, you know.”

“Hi ladies,” a tall and lean boy greeted the girls as he arrived with a glass of champagne. His eyes turned to Claire. “Do I know your names?”

“Hi! I’m Emily,” Emily introduced. “And this is Claire.”

“And who is this?” Claire threw him a disgusted look.

“I’m Ed,” he said, smiling. “Pardon me, for I’ve never seen you two before. And I’m intrigued to see you dressed like this, young lady.”

Claire shrugged. “Sorry to ruin your first impression of me, but I’m not supposed to be here at the party.”

“I’m surprised a beautiful girl like you isn’t invited,” Ed’s praises were sending goose bumps to Claire’s skin. “Why don’t you stay and enjoy your time with me?”

“Not with you.”

Emily flashed an awkward smile. “Sorry Ed, but my friend’s in a rather grouchy mood. Excuse me for a moment as I leave you two to chat,” she winked at Claire and walked off hurriedly, obviously not wanting to ruin Claire’s chance.

“What?” Claire’s jaws dropped. “Wait a minute-”

“Looks like you won’t be spending your night with your friend,” Ed said and offered her a glass of champagne. “Care to drink?”

Claire looked at him warily, and grabbed the champagne from him. “Whatever Ed you are, I just want you to stay clear from me.” Her voice was cold and icy as she took a sip of the drink.

“Whatever I am is definitely something to everyone in this room.” Ed said arrogantly. His tone of voice simply turned her off. “But you, little girl – you’re just a nobody. But if you stick to me, I’ll promise you the returns are rewarding.”

“I think you’ve got the wrong idea, sir.” Claire’s stand was unwavering. “I’m Claire Anderson, and I am a girl who loves bubble gums. My favourite colour is purple and I am proud to be gay. Now that I’ve told you, please do not ever insult me by labeling me as a nobody.”

Ed laughed, and he shook his head. “Good gracious, you’re such an interesting and humourous girl. I can understand why you’re trying to play hard to get.”

Oh God, tell me this is not real. Claire slapped her forehead in distress.

“Why don’t you come with me to the rooftop?” Ed was persistent, and now Claire had regretted being so naïve to believe her best friend in the first place. “We could take a breather from this noisy environment and enjoy the silent air.”

“Don’t you get it?” Claire shot him a furious stare. “I’m not interested in you, so why don’t you just get out of my sight?”

Ed moved his hand towards her arm and gripped it tightly, causing her to burst into a fit of hysteria. “Let me go!” she yelled, forcing herself to release from his grip. “I’m giving you three seconds to release me, or you’re going to pay for this.”

“It’s not like I don’t have the money,” Ed whispered into her ears, leaning close for a kiss. “Nobody resists me. I’ll play rough if you play rough.”

Claire could smell the alcohol and smoke coming from his mouth. It was nauseating. And somehow, she could feel her body begin to weaken subconsciously. Her world was starting to lose balance and she could no longer keep her mind clear.

“Stop it…” she tried to argue, but she felt her energy draining.

When she was about to raise her knee up against his groin, he suddenly let go of her.

Unfortunately, that was not voluntary.

“You need to learn some self-control, Ed Morgan,” Alex was now holding onto his arm, raising it mid-air. “This party is over when I say so.”

Great, and now we have Alexander King. The atmosphere was so tense, Claire did not even realise how many people were actually watching. Who the hell was Ed, and why do all good-looking people always have to be connected in one way or another? She felt a pang of dizziness to the head.

As Alex released his hold, Ed simply smiled at Claire and shrugged his shoulders. “You’re lucky he wants you.” He made a face at Alex before walking away.

That’s it? Ed did not even retaliate. Claire turned to Alex in bewilderment. It seemed like Alexander King wasn’t such a simple man after all.

“Claire, you’re the last person I’d expect to see here.”

“Wow, and here you are being cocky,” Claire said as she felt herself faltering. “And I… I…” before she could continue, she felt herself collapsing forward.

Thankfully, it was not the end of the world.

--

Author’s Note:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Do leave a review or tell me what I can do to improve this story if you have any suggestions. :)