The Nerd In Disguise

Chapter 20

I had a great, magical date last night under the thousand stars at the beach. It was really far from the date I was expecting from Cameron because I always wanted my first date to be with someone who is my equal, intellectually or way better. So we would be able to throw ideas and questions at each other.

But Cameron is really different from those ideas and I realize that It doesn't matter if we have different ideas about things. What does matter is how we'd both handle those differences.

She made sure to take me home before 10 in the evening like she promise to my father. Also, I even brought the seashell so my parents would hear the sound of ocean even we are far away from it. Cameron and I continued talking through text, at first I had no idea what I was supposed to say after our first date. But assure I her that she did great and I really love every minute with her.

I feel esctatic when I wake up this morning and it set me up in a pretty good mood. Also the idea and thought about meeting Nike today makes me excited. So I took a shower and dressed a little fancy. I did not want to look out of place in front of her.

"Wow, you are early child." Father said cockily when he saw me. As usual, he is cleaning the lense of his beloved camera while drinking coffee in the kitchen. "Is this the end of the world?"

Instead of answering, I gave my father a hugged. "According to Mayan calendar, the world will supposed to end last 2012 but it's already 2018." I kissed him gently on the cheek. "Good morning dad."

"Yeah right." Father chuckled.

I noticed that he is alone. "Where is mom?"

"She left early." Father answered as he put the camera lense on the table carefully as if it was the most precious thing in the world. "And your mom wanted me to tell you that Nike move the meeting tonight."

"Mm why though?" I sits down and look at food in front of me. Mother always makes sure that I will eat breakfast no matter what.

"Nike has a appoinment." Father replied as he stood up with a coffee mug in his hand. "Are you really sure about entering showbiz Lily?"

I felt something stratching my leg. When I looked down, I saw Tom. He gotten a little big now. I grabbed a piece of bread and give it to the kitten.

"Yes dad." I returned my attention back to father. "I think this is perfect time for me to do what I wanted to do, pursue acting and try my luck in showbiz. Besides, It's Nike."

"You really like that girl." Father said with a shake of his head. There's a long pause between us. I could hear the birds chirping outside. "I know that we will come to this point, that you will decide for yourself." He breath out slowly before looking at me again. "I will not stop you doing what you want okay Lily especially if it will make you happy.

"Thank you dad." I told him sincerely as I took a glance at my watch. "Maybe I should still go to school today."

Father walked towards the kitchen. "Okay Lily." He put the coffee mug in the sink. "I will tell your mom about it and make sure you will invite Leslie for your birthday."

"Of course father." I told him with a smile on my face. "But thank you for reminding me though."

"Tell her that we are waiting for her sketch samples." Father said. "Your mother keeps on asking about Leslie."

I know my parents really like Leslie. How could I say? Well, first Leslie is become a household name. Second, mother blatantly asked Leslie to work with her in the future. It's like we are going to be together even after high school which I wouldn't mind because Leslie is simply amazing.

"I will dad." I swallowed the food.

••

I walked fast going to my classroom but there were many people in the hallway so its quite difficult to get through. I'm a bit late because I have to changed my clothes and of course put my glasses on. Plus the traffic in California is horrible and it seems to be part of the lives of the people here.

But all the complain disappeared inside my head when I saw Leslie. She is smiling and laughing. It makes my stomach scrunched like there is something inside I couldn't fantom.

I was excited to talk to her again. "Lesli-"

Out of nowhere, Grey appeared next to Leslie and I saw him whispered something to her. The smiles grew up in their faces before they turned to the corner. I was there completely dumbfounded. What the hell just happened? Did I see it right?

But who am I kidding? I know right from the start that Leslie has a huge crush on Grey. He is so dear to her then why I acted surprise? But I just did not understand why I felt disappointed and confused when I saw them.

"Lily!" Cameron is standing in front in front of me without realizing it. "Are you okay?"

My eyes drifted to her beautiful face and scanned every details of it. The sight of Cameron makes me smile a little. She looks so good with her cheerleading uniform and those long legs...

"Where are you looking Lily?" Cameron asked teasingly.

I tore my eyes from her legs up to the ceiling. "Well.." I cleared my throat in embarrassment. "Can you see? I'm trying to find something interesting there."

I heard Cameron chuckled, shaking her head making those red hair bounced up and down off her shoulders. "You are not a good liar Lily." She held my hand. "Come on I will walk you to class."

"How about you?" I didn't protest as we walked hand in hand in the hallway. We both completely ignoring the people around us. "Are you not going to class with me?"

"We have a training today." I felt her squeezed my hand as she turned to face me. Those green eyes were so clear and bright. "For the upcoming national cheerleading championship."

"Wow." I breath out, amazement written all over my face. Cameron is very competitive to the sport that she loves. "I'm sure you girls will make it, especially you." My eyes narrowed down. "You can dance like a leaves through the wind with so much grace. Beside, you are such a great leader."

"Hearing that from you makes me feel already a winner." Cameron stated. There is happiness in her voice. "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me Cameron." I told her sincerely and I watched her eyelashes swept up and down like the wings of butterfly. "I will support you always."

We stopped in front of the classroom and some people are already seated inside but mostly are still hanging out in the hallway. Only few minutes left before the bell rang and my eyes drinks all the beautiful details of Cameron's immaculate beauty.

"So.." Cameron said slowly. "See you later?"

"See you later Cameron." I told her. The look of her face tells me that Cameron wanted to do something but she couldn't because there are many people around us. "Goodluck to your training.

She didn't say anything but took step towards me. "You should stop.." Cameron whispered as she slowly removing my glasses off. "Wearing this.."

No matter how I tried hiding myself from people's critical and avoid attention. My mind still wondering why Cameron and Leslie still sees what I was hiding though they both still didn't see me in totally make up over.

"W-why? I--"

"Do you really have an eyesight problem?" Cameron inquired.

The bell rang.

I quickly moved away from her when I noticed some people are looking at us. "Go to your training now Cameron, you might get late."

"Can we go out again?" Cameron blurted out.

I contemplated for awhile. We had fun last night and I wouldn't really mind going out with her. "Sure anytime."

My first class started really slow, like a minute turned into hour. Especially there is no Cameron and Grey that I can talk to. The twins both missed their class but it makes me wondered what happened to Grey. Maybe he has a basketball practice too or... The last time I saw him is, he was with Leslie.

My eyebrows furrowed again while reminiscing about them. I should be happy for Leslie right? But why I can't bring myself to do so. I tried focusing in the class but my mind drifted off somewhere else. Like I was in the class physically but not mentally. Maybe I was just curious about something and if there's any other reasons why I'm feeling like this.. I will find it out.

I went to my second class and sits down to my usual seat and felt my phone vibrated in my pocket. A message from Mother. She reminds me to be ready to meet Nike. I bite my lip hard trying to conceal the smile on my face. I couldn't wait to see her again. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have any romantic feelings for Nike. I'm just really a fan of her.

"You look happy Lily.." I swear my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Not because I heard Leslie's voice but her presence. It was weird though. Leslie took a seat next to me as I tried to calm my heart. "Good morning."

I didn't look at her for whatever reason is. "Good morning."

Leslie and I drew silent.

This is the first time that we are both speechless. Or was it only me that being awkward to her? If yes, then why? What did she do to make me feel this way?

"Mm. Are you okay?" Leslie asked a little worried.

"Yeah." I replied timidly.

Leslie was about to ask when our teacher came in. I know she is wondering why I'm giving her short words and cold shoulders. Maybe I'm not in the mood. But who am I kidding? I woke up this morning really ecstatic and excited but it disappeared like bubbles in the air.

"Okay class." The teacher started off while adjusting his glasses. "We are going to do a special project today." He looks down in the table as if he is searching for something. "Since you guys are almost out in high school, I would like to know what do you want to do after. Are you going for College? Work etc."

"Like essay Sir.?" One of our classmate asked.

"Yes but with a twist." Teacher exclaimed with a smile. "Aside from essay, narrating your dreams. I want you to draw it for me."

"I can't even write a straight essay." Another classmate complained.

"I don't know how to draw." Someone added from the back. "Sir. It is okay to draw a person like a stick? You know."

Our teacher laughed as he slowly walked in the middle of the classroom. "Writing an essay is a great way for me to know you guys even better because it reflects on your character. I won't judge. I won't fail you guys. I just really want to know what are your dreams, where do you guys see yourself in the future."

"Does it have any merit though?"

"Yes." Teacher quickly said. "Whoever has the best drawing is excluded in the finals." Now it gets a little exciting. "And I will give you guys plus 50 in the exam." There is a cheering of joyfulness. "So you have no reason to fail my class anymore."

"Awesome!" The guy in front of us said.

"But it does mean not mean you guys wont participate in discussion to my class." Teacher chuckled with a warning look. "I can easily change my mind though."

This time I turned to look Leslie. There is no emotion in her face. Now, I felt bad. Maybe I will talk to her later amd apologize.

"Lily Andersen." Teacher called my name out. "Can you pleade go to the copy room and get bondpapers?"

I stood. "Yes Sir. How many?"

"30 pieces." He answered. "And Leslie Heart join Lily." As if on cue, we stared at each other. "Please bring me the class record of your section in the cabinet next to the copy machine."

Without any words we went out of the classroom but I could feel Leslie's eyes on me. I just stay quiet and followed her. The corridor is empty and the only sound you could hear is our footsteps. Until we reached the copy room and silently entered inside.

The room is a little messy, the chairs are everywhere and some papers on the floor. It's a little dark actually since the light is broken and no window. This is actually a little creepy for me. I quickly went to the table next to the copy machine and started counting bond papers. While Leslie didn't move a finger.

"What's wrong Lily?" Leslie finally asked.

I took a deep breath. "Nothing Leslie." I didn't lie actually because I don't even know why I'm quiet. This is confusing. "I'm sorry." My heart beats a little faster when I heard her footstep behind me. "If I'm being short with you."

"That's okay Lily." Leslie replied. Her voice is just few steps away from me. "How was the date last night with Cameron?"

I suddenly lost counting bond papers. "It was okay, great." Good thing though that I didn't see Leslie's face. I mean, I don't want to see the disappointment in her eyes. "How about you?"

"What about me Lily?" Her voice is a little husky.

"Did you go with a date too? Like..." My heart and mind are fighting if I should tell her what's actually bothering me since I came to school. "With Grey. I mean, I saw you guys--"

"And you assumed that we were flirting-"

"No!" I snapped and quickly turned around. Leslie and I are now face to face. This is also mean that I couldn't lie and hide anymore. "Leslie that's not what I mean--"

This beautiful woman in front of me slowly taking one or two steps towards me making the air leaves my lungs. Wait, what is this? Why I'm feeling this way?

"Then tell me." Her eyes are piercing on me. "Why you are giving me cold shoulders?"

We stared at each other a little while since I'm still trying to figure out what to say. I could almost mirror myself through her eyes. They are so pure and bright. No secret but sincerity.

"Are you jealous?" Leslie asked.

"W-what?" My lips quivered. Her question is like a bomb exploded in my ears. "Jealous? M-me?"

Leslie smiled at me, showing me her pearl white teeth. "Yes you are." Wow. She is really confident. "If not then why are you being short with me?"

I huffed. "You are no different with Cameron." I shake my head but you know I was trying to cover up something.

"Don't..." Leslie whispered against my lips makes my face grew hot. "Never compared me with Cameron because we are different. She might treat you like a princess but I can treat you like a Queen that you are Lily."

"Wh-what?" I asked more confused. "What Queen? I thought you like Grey? You have a huge crush on him right? Are you playing with me? Because-"

"Lily.." Leslie strongly stated. "I'm not playing with you."

"Then what is this?" I questioned her. "Why are you saying those thing-" I felt my heart inside my throat when Leslie suddenly kissed me hard. I was totally stunned because Leslie never did this kind of audacity. "Mmm. Leslie." I said between kisses. I hold on her arms trying to stop her. "Leslie.."

She stopped and slowly pulled away from me with her eyes closed. "Yes." Leslie whispered softly. "I used to like Grey, I did not hide it from you either." She slowly opened up her eyes. "But things have changed Lily and I didn't know what had happened but one day I woke up."

"Leslie..." I said softly.

"What on earth did I think about all the time before you Lily? Why in the sea of people, my eyes always search for you?" She balled her fist without breaking an eye contact with me. "That no matter how dark my day is, seeing you always brightens it and makes me realize that with you, I am doing right."

I shifted my weight on my feet. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"That..." Leslie took a shakily breath. "I'm helplessly falling inlove with you Lily." Actually, I'm not really surprised of her revelation but I didn't see this coming sooner. She held my hand and brought it to her lips and kisses it softly. I was totally speechless. "Would you hate me now you know that I love you?"

"No Leslie." I sighed in impediment as I reached for her beautiful face and caressed her cheek gently. "I would never hate you."

"Really?" Leslie asked uneasy. "Because-"

I shut her up by given Leslie a peck on the lips. "Never."

Leslie laid her head down against my shoulder as we stay in that position for awhile. "This is the first time that I felt this way especially for a woman." I run my fingers through her hair. "And I won't lie Lily that this scares me."

Now, I'm more confused between Cameron and Leslie.