WANTING YOU

The Makeup

Astrid's POV

I studied a YouTube video on 'Taking Pride In Appearance' and how to appear appealing to the opposite s*x.

When my mother was busy in the kitchen, I tiptoed to her bedroom and help myself to several of her makeup products.

Once back to my bedroom, I learnt how to apply eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner and lipgloss correctly.

The very next morning, I walked through the hallway with a little pep in my steps, and it was obvious that Keri would have noticed the sudden change in that.

"Hold on there," she said and held me by my shoulders as she studied my face, "Are you wearing makeup?" she asked.

"Just for a little highlight," I answered.

"Are you kidding me, since when do you wear makeup?" she asked another question.

"Since... since a recommendation popped up on YouTube," I said.

"Yikes. Even YouTube knows," Keri joked and we laughed about it. She circled her arm around my shoulders as she informed me more about makeup. Apparently, there were a whole lot more to it that I wasn't even aware of. Foundation and setting powders and the correct brushes for applications, and concealers and highlighters. As Keri went on and on, I grew a headache. There was no way I was putting all that junk on my face. It sounded heavy.

~

After the forth period of Maths with Mr. Lopez, it was time for lunch and I low-key anticipated seeing Trent at his usual table with his boys.

Today, he wore a blue T-shirt which suited and complimented his gentle yet harsh blue eyes. His sneakers were a pure-white and his jeans were black. I admired him from afar, too afraid to approach his table and take a seat like the way he did to Keri and me.

Keri caught me eyeing him and nudged me with her elbow. I followed her to our usual table and took a seat.

"Okay, why were you staring at Trent Ambrose, is there something you're not telling me?" she suspected.

"No. Of course not. You know everything there is to know," I covered.

"You're lying."

"No, I'm not."

"Astrid, we've been best of friends like forever. I can tell when you're lying and when you're not. You have a thing I call 'a telling'.

"A telling?"

"Yes. And your 'telling' is telling me that you're lying."

"Keri, you do realize what you're trying to insinuate here, right? Trent Ambrose, my bully from since freshman year... you're thinking that I like him."

"Well don't you?"

"No," I said, trying to convince myself even more that I was crazy for thinking about him and crazier for even liking him.

I couldn't like him.

"Good...because here comes Annalise," Keri said.

My heart leaped in my chest as my eyes found Annalise. She was making her way over to Trent's table and I breathe a bit better that she wasn't making her way over to mine.

We watched as she approached him, rested her palm with her perfectly polished fingernails on his chest, lean in closer and whispered into his ears. Within seconds, Trent's strong arms circled her waist and their lips collided in a passionate kiss. His boys cheered aloud and applause erupted from the other students who were all admirers.

But I... I felt crushed and heartbroken. I didn't want him to make up with Annalise. I didn't want to see them together.

I lost my appetite and left the cafeteria before lunch was even over. Keri followed me out and ushered me into the washroom when she noticed I was on the brink of tears.

"Hey, are you going to tell me what is really going on with you?" she questioned seriously this time. A concern expression paved her face and I told her everything. About the book, art class and the ride home.

"I've been trying to convince myself that I couldn't like him and that he's a terrible human being but some part of me likes him, wants him," I told her.

"Oh baby, I can understand that but it's clear that he has made up with his girlfriend so I wouldn't advised you to develop any more feelings than you've already had. You need to let it go," Keri warned. I nodded in understanding and she pulled me into a comforting hug until I gathered myself together again.

~

Art with Mrs. Holloway was next on my schedule. I found my usual seat, gathered my art supplies and awaited her instructions as the others filed into the classroom.

Trent was on-time this time and he found his seat next to me.

"Your paintings have been graded," Mrs. Holloway spoke, "And a special congratulations is in order to Mr. Trent Ambrose whose painting has captured the eyes of me and several of my artist friends. They wish to display your piece at their art studio auction in a couple of weeks, with your permission, of course," Mrs. Holloway spoke to him.

Trent beamed. "Yes, sure," he answered.

I studied my own painting and it earned an A+. When class was over and everyone had left, I approached Mrs. Holloway.

"Ma'am, my painting was just as good as Trent's..."

"And I'm aware of that."

"Okay. I don't want to seem bitter or even jealous, but Trent started this class a day ago. I've been your student since September of last year. Shouldn't someone more committed be given the opportunity for the exposure?" I questioned.

"Astrid, you're an amazing student, but when given the carefree assignments, your project is always just too safe."

"Too safe?"

"You're not stepping out of your comfort zone and explore your potential, that was why I didn't select your painting for the auction."

"Trent didn't even explain his painting to you."

"And he doesn't have to. A true artist already knows what it is about."

"Wow."

"Look, Astrid, you need to focus on you and your future improvements. Show me that."

"Okay," I simply said and left her classroom to her.

I had two free periods. I used the time to escape to the rooftop which overlooked the school's playing field where the home games and many people rallies were held.

I found a small bench and retrieved the romance novel.

"What is it with you and that book?" his voice came.

"Have you been stalking me?" I asked.

"On the contrary, I believe you're the one stalking me."

"Trust me, I'm not."

Trent walked over to me. His tall figure towered as he stepped closer to my sitting form. He sat next to me.

"Are you sure you should be sitting this close to me?" I questioned, "Annalise is very overprotective of what's hers."

"She's not threatened by you," Trent responded.

I looked heavenward.

This was the reason I couldn't possibly like this jerk. Was he even aware that I had feelings and that he was hurting me and just doesn't care?

I picked myself up suddenly and so did Trent. He grabbed me gently before I was able to run away.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing. Nothing is wrong."

"Then why are you so upset?"

"I'm not. I just remembered that I have to check in with Mr. London on my Social assignment," I lied.

Trent released his hold and I walked away. Where he held me still tingled with delight and it sprinkled all over.