Deception And Desire

CHAPTER 3: DITCHING SCHOOL

Today marks the end of my first week, and I'm pleased considering that more people spoke to me, but my happy moment perished as soon as I noticed Sal walking to my direction.

I attempted to run but he came up to me and grasped my wrist. It was simultaneously forceful and tender, and it soothed my heart at the exact same instant.

How is this possible? What is going on with me? How can I have contradictory emotions for someone?

“Hello, my stunning princess.” He spoke with a smileas he caught up with me. He scanned my outfit and added. “I'm a fan of your outfit.” I smiled a little because hearing it made my heart flutter.

“Sal. I don't care.” I said as I walked faster.

“I know you do cause I noticed that little smile.”

“Can you stop trying.” I said as I glared at him.

“Wow, she's feisty, I love it.”

“You can have any other girl in this school, okay? Just leave me alone.”

“I want you.” he replied with authenticity, and I noticed his attractive blue eyes again. I was so drawn to them because they reminded me of the island. He used the chance to draw me closer to himself, which I must say I took pleasure in.

“Oh my God, are you crazy?" I said, shoving him away from me.

He smiled faintly and added, “I’m sorry, Sil. I'm simply fascinated about you and want to get to know you better, but you continue to push me away.”

So far, in my few days at this school, I've noticed girls checking him out, which was how I knew he was the school's heartthrob, and one of their best athlete. He had a lot of girls gushing over him and a lot of boys desiring to be him, and to top it all, Sal’s parents were one of the wealthiest in the school but nobody really knew much about his family.

He was a mystery. And I was drawn by this to him. I envied his life too, I wish I was Sal. He was care free, has his life all planned out and he has a family.

“I’m happy for you. I'm getting late, so I hope I don't see you later. Bye.” I said with a smile on my face before departing. The classes were quite dull and I was eager to hear the final bell.

I was on my way to chemistry class when Sal noticed me and pulled me hard to the side.

“What the hell, Sal!” I said angrily. Our current position gave me butterflies. One of his arm was on the wall I was pinned on and the other in his pocket, he looked at me with a childish smile and his eyes were innocent. He looked at me and I froze. I was nervous, I had never looked at someone like this before.

“I’m saving you because you looked like you were detained, so I decided on being your hero for today.”

“How do you want to be my hero.” I said.

“Would you like to ditch your classes with me for today?’ He stated it with a smile.

“I know you're nuts cause could you expect me to skip school with you when I have only known you for a few days?” I was so eager to skip school but not desperate enough to skip with Sal.

“Wow, you are right I never thought of it that way. I will not hurt you, and I know you're aware of that. But I'd love to get to know you a lot more by hanging out with you. To avoid making you feel awkward, I am not asking you out on a date or anything romantic. It's merely a friendly outing where we can get to know each other.” He spoke with a sad expression.

I regretted mistreating him, but I grew up believing that people cannot be trusted. Aunt Stella would always say, 'Me and you against the world.' I'm older now, so maybe I should start introducing new characters to the the story. I contemplated while staring at him.

“Sure, Sal,” I responded. “Let’s ditch these boring classes!” I screamed with excitement.

“Shh, they will hear you.” Then he lifted my chin up with his other hand. "By the way, I love your smile; it's beautiful." How could he shut me up while still complimenting me?

“I do not want to shut up.” I argued, folding my arm like a child.

“Then I’ll help you with that.” He smirked as he came closer.

“'Okay, I'll be quiet." I said, rolling my eyes as I moved from the position he had pinned me.

The ride was surprisingly not quiet; we chatted about practically everything. It was a long ride and his car was well polished and air conditioned. We spoke about our favourite shows and sport.

Then we went to a coffee shop and ordered lattes, and for once in my life, I enjoyed chatting freely with an actual boy my age. It was an amazing event.

The cafe was owned by an elderly woman whom he was very fond of. It was heartwarming seeing the way they communicated.

After the coffee, we headed to the movies, which is my absolute favourite place in the world. Fortunately, Sal was also a fan of teen romance movies, which could explain his awful pickup lines.

“You look absolutely stunning when you're engrossed in other people's love stories. Have you been in love before?” He asked.

“No I haven’t. That’s why I love watching others experience it. It feels great in the movies but it’s the opposite in reality.” I answered.

“Maybe you haven’t allowed yourself to feel loved.”

“How do I do that?” He turned his face to my direction.

“By getting to know people. Most love stories start from friendships and friendships are the best way to get to know people better.”

“I believe in love at first sight and not friendship.”

“Have you experienced it?”

“Maybe.” I said with a shrug.

He drew closer to me and he whispered in my ear, “Okay Sil.”

At that point, I could feel his warm breath against my neck. His words silenced every sound in my head. All I could think about was him, and then he placed his hands on my thigh. I didn't even take it off; what was going on? Had he put a spell on me? He placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "The movie is over, my daydreamer."

“'What?!” I said confused. Suddenly the lights were turned on and we had to leave. I missed the rest of the movie because I zoned out while thinking of him.

“Next time daydream about me when I'm not with you.” He said planting a kiss on my forehead as we got up to leave. I didn't deny him the privilege to do that, something is wrong somewhere. I just stood there stunned, lost of words.

Soon we drove to a lakeside.

The lakeside was a tranquil haven, where the water met the land in a delicate embrace. Tall reeds swayed gently along the shore, their whispering rustle blending harmoniously with the soft lapping of the waves. The lake's surface mirrored the sky, reflecting hues of cerulean blue. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming lilies, mingled with the earthy aroma of damp soil and fresh water.

It was looking captivating but, much more undersized than the waterbody I was used to on the island. The urge to swim was there and it was killing me inside.

“Last to get in would be called a rotten head till we graduate!” He spoke out.

“'Oh no you don't!” I said taking off my clothing. I was always ready for a challenge..

He just satisfied my urge without figuring it out. He's not such a pest after all. I felt free taking off my clothes in front of him and the way he looked at me, it was creepy like he hadn't seen a girl with lingerie before. I didn't care about his expression.

“So, what was your previous school like?” He asked as he swan closer to me.

“Actually, this is my first school. I was home-schooled most of my life.” I said softly.

“Why? If I may ask.” He said looking concerned.

“I used to get sick very frequently so I had to be monitored.” I mentioned swimming up a little. “But I feel better now.” I said with a huge smile, and that was when he got even closer and my world stopped.

I couldn’t let him kiss me we just started conversing. He reached out and moved my wet hair strands from my face. The silence that ensued was divine. Then he moved back and said “That's a better view. You look perfect.”

My eyes were already closed and I was quivering. So, I opened it quickly quite astonished.

He added,“Woah, seems like you wanted more.” He threw a wicked wink.

“'f**k you!” I said swimming out of the lake.

As I was at the verge of getting out of the lake when he pulled me closer, and the deafening silence returned. The wind was cooler and the atmosphere between us had gotten intense, his eyes were becoming more serious towards me. His lips were intriguing, and his hands lingered on my bare hips.

Suddenly, his mood altered, and he lowered me near to his position in the lake, stating, “You are smart to be leaving, the lake is freezing.”

What the hell? How could he put me in this situation and change his mind like that?

As he got out of the lake he then he added, “You look very irresistible with your clothes off.” He let out bringing his hand to take me out of the lake. I rejected the gesture and got

out on my own.

As we reached our school, I decided to give him the silent treatment since he had pulled that stunt on me.