ஃ✿ Chapter 11 ✿ஃ

Cedrick was completely avoiding me. I only saw him on his way to school by accident yesterday when I was being chased down by Angel… but then, there wasn’t any sign of him… not even in his usual spots, the tennis court or the gym. I guess Cedrick is really devoted to Dominique’s promise after all… that was a bit upsetting… actually that was extremely upsetting… I spent all night tossing and turning in misery…

I wanted to have a talk with Dominique, see what’s he’s fussing about. He could at least make Cedrick talk to me again. I saw him sneaking through the front gate of my school this morning, probably had a date with Cedrick. I couldn’t leave him alone ungrounded…

“Dominique, long time no see” I walked up to him, smirking and looking all cool.

“Get away, freak, you’re gonna get me captured” he hissed angrily at me. I was offended as usual, but that moment was the last straw. I grabbed his ridiculous headphones that’s been hanging on his shoulders since the first day I met him.

“Listen here buddy, I may need to talk with you” I irritatedly said, pinning him on the nearby wall.

“Ah let go of my headphones and get off!!!” he struggled me off. “The wall is so dirty, I can’t believe you just pinned me on it, look what have you done to my uniform!” he groused in a temper.

“I don’t care, we need to talk” I insisted angrily. The bell gave us a mini heart attack as it rang so suddenly, Dominique looked shockingly enraged.

“Ah the bell! I was supposed to meet Cedrick 10 minutes before the bell” he said in a high-pitched complaining cry. “I hope you’re happy, goofball… oh how I hate you so much…”

He kept complaining and giving me dirty looks. I was annoyed, but happy to ruin his date with Cedrick. “Oh how pity… looks like you’ll be leaving… off to your school” I happily said, mocking him… and hoping to slightly insult him.

“I’m not going to school… I’m gonna wait till he’s over” he groused a decision.

“Lucky for you, I’ll be skipping my first class too, so we have plenty of time to sort things out” I suggested in a happy tune.

“I have nothing to sort with you, you’re stupid and I hate you, that’s all I need to sort” he said to me in a terribly rude tune, I couldn’t believe how rude he was! He even walked away as he burned me alive. I followed him to continue my talk with him, still insisting to sort things out…

“Can we talk about Cedrick for a minute?” I pulled his arm to stop him from walking. “Dominique…”

“What do you want from Cedrick?” he turned back to face me. “Why are you always up in his business anyway? Can’t you see that he doesn’t want you?”

“You’re the one who don’t want me… in fact, you’re the one who’s keeping him away from me…” I said, he froze. “I’ll give Cedrick my heart, whether you like it or not”

“He doesn’t need your stupid heart, he’s got mine” his echo went through my ears, but I was confused. Dominique gasped in a shock, he shoved me away to proceed with his walk. His phrase caused me serious confusion, I couldn’t let him flee after causing it.

“Cedrick’s got your heart…?!” I confusedly asked. “How on earth did he accept your heart but not mine?”

He walked away in silence, so on… I continued to follow him. I caught a glimpse of his face, it appeared to be a bit reddish… what was he blushing from…?

“Dominique… is there something I’m missing here…?” I shoved his shoulder lightly, so he’d reply. “What’s wrong, Dominique? Why are you quiet all of a sudden?”

I even giggled cluelessly, trying to go through what he just said and what he meant when he said it, then he decided to speak. “As if you didn’t get it” he murmured ashamedly.

“Get what…? Am I supposed to get something?” I was even more confused.

“Don’t make me say it out loud…” he let out a sigh, I could have sworn I heard a giggle come out too. “Man, you’re so stupid!”

“Say what out loud…?” I asked in confusion. “And why am I stupid?!”

He turned around again to look at me, I heard him gulp before saying anything else.

“I have unconditional feelings for Cedrick, OK? I like him, I adore him, I $@*!ing love him, happy?” he looked me straight in the eyes and somewhat looked like he was confessing. I wasn’t sure I was confused anymore, my confusion turned into a great long shock… I paused to put up the pieces together…

“You love Cedrick?!” I said out loud in a shock, my jaws dropping and my eyes opened wide. He instantly rushed over to cover my mouth.

“Don’t say it out loud, dork” he hissed, with his hands over my mouth.

I thought for sure Dominique was playing with my head… though every time I blink, I see his face getting even more reddish. He looked ashamed and just kept on hushing me, silently sighing with embarrassment. I shoved away his hands.

“Unconditional feelings…? Is that even possible?!” I was still in shock, trying to go through with the fact he gave me, though I was in a silly mood so I felt the urge to make silly jokes and laugh at him. “Is that even legal?” I giggled.

“………” he gulped in shame, “Don’t say that…”

My silly mood was gone. He sounded like he was serious… DEAD serious. He was blushing and a slightly upsetting atmosphere soon took place.

“You were serious…?” I gulped nervously, I was waiting for him to nod or something, anything that could take my confusion away… but I soon came to believe that he wasn’t lying. “Dominique… I had no idea, I’m sorry…”

He took awhile to reply, as if he didn’t want to reply. “Shut up, what are you sorry for?” he pissed off. “I don’t need your pity”

“You’re in no stage to be rude, brother” I said. I wondered if it was ok to call him ‘brother’… I hope it didn’t offend him in any way. I looked at his pitiful expressions, looking below and biting his lips in shame. “You wanna tell me how it happened?”

Dominique decided to go out the school and he was expecting me to follow him, so I had no other option. We went to the kindergarten’s playground nearby, he sat on one of those small swings and slowly started rocking back and forward. I just stood there… waiting for him to sort out his thoughts. It was a moment of silence…

“So… I can see that you’re embarrassed about it, dude” I said unconsciously. “Oh! Is that Ok…?”

“Huh?” he looked at me in confusion.

“I just called you ‘dude’… I’m sorry… was that Ok…?” I said, covering my mouth and hoping I didn’t offend him.

“Shut up… I’m not gay… or anything like it” he clicked his tongue and looked below. “I’m fully a male and everything… I just happened to be attracted to another male… I’m just… I’m just confused…”

He looked extremely sad and depressed, I sadly thought I could cheer him up. “There’s nothing wrong with being… confused…” I gulped, smiling. “These things happen… I guess…”

“It was never supposed to happen… I don’t even know how it happened… Cedrick and I were like brothers since we were kids and we did everything together… I just kinda brought myself to like him in an unusual way during that time” he let out a little giggle. “And the best part is, others started laughing at me for it… and I never used to care… as long as I had Cedrick, nothing mattered actually…”

“Does Cedrick know about your feelings for him…?” I asked, but he shook his head. “I can’t say I understand how you feel…”

He didn’t reply instantly, he just took his time to think.

“Nobody does…” he sighed in depression and smiled at me.

I was brave enough to not let my tears fall. Hearing his half of the story was heart-breaking and majorly sad. He let his hair cover most of his face, so he looked more EMOish than ever. He didn’t cry, so I couldn’t cry either… but if he did cry that day… I know I’d be crying twice as hard. I can’t deny my depression either. I never seen him so quiet and innocent… it’s Dominique we’re talking about… that moment, his devilish image was completely erased…

My discovery about Dominique was still shocking… I refused to go to sleep that night. I wondered how he felt, being so close to the one he loved and not being able to do anything about it… not even confess. I think I was placed in that position long before I met them all… I was there in your background all the time… isn’t that right, Jadrien…?

Wow… look at that… I haven’t talked to you nor mentioned your name in ages!

………I’m sorry………

If I could recall anything from that night… I cried myself to sleep…

ஃ✿ Chapter 10 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 10 ✿ஃ

This morning, I glimpsed from a distance, a guy standing near the school gates. As I approached slowly, I realized that it was Angel. He had some sorta long bat in his hand. I quickly rushed the other way, escaping the demon’s frightening punishment… and its solid bat. I couldn’t resist looking back to see if he notices me, unfortunately he did see my great escape, and decided to run after me.

He began chasing me, so I got more terrified. “Come back here, Peasant!!!” he yelled as he increased his speed, and I increased mine. “You can’t escape me!!!”

I began yelling in terror, I could see the neighbors complaining from their windows and shouting “Keep it down, you kids” but I couldn’t stop myself from yelling in fear. He chased me all the way backwards, I even passed my house. I was too scared to get tired, I kept turning my head back to see if he’d given up the chase already, but he looked all fired up, making me fear for my life even more. “I’m gonna kill you” he yelled at me, almost catching my backpack.

On the way, I was surprised when I saw Cedrick cluelessly walking to school, “Cedrick, HELP ME!” I yelped as I went pass him, he certainly got confused when he saw Angel running after me. I proceeded with my yelling and running, hoping that Cedrick would come to my rescue. We went so far with the running and chasing, that I tripped on what seemed to be a small anthill. My face reached the ground first, and so, I was flat on the ground. My right knee was scratched, though it didn’t hurt much… but I decided to freeze on the ground, hoping that Angel would take pity on me, and eventually… won’t harm me.

He approached me. “What are you doing?” he said while catching his breath, sounding exhausted.

“Pretending to be dead so that you’d leave me alone…” I murmured in hesitation, really hoping that he’d leave me alone.

“Pretending to be dead…?” he laughed. “I’m not a bear, you know”

I was surprised by his intelligence, he must be familiar with bears. He continued to laugh at me, I still didn’t dare to budge. “Come on, hit me already… get it over with” I depressingly said, hiding most of my face between my arms.

I heard his footsteps approaching… and my heartbeats racing. “I can take the pain…” I squeaked as I curved up, I shifted my body and hugged my knees… getting ready to bear the pain. I waited for a fist or a kick… at least something painful… but he didn’t give it to me. He just stood next to my curved up body without making a single move, for a couple of minutes. I was beginning to think he left or something… but I could hear his exhausted breathing. I thought about checking up on him to see if he was Ok or something.

“You Ok?” he softly kicked my backpack, probably feeling responsible for my injuries. “Get up, you’re beginning to look pathetic…”

“I’ll get up when you leave” I said, my head was still hidden between my two great towers… my arms. I was afraid he’d get more angry and step on me, but I thought I’d be more stubborn with him. He’s not the boss of me… is he?

“I’m not leaving till you get up” he insisted, sounding all impatient.

“You leave, I get up” I insisted, making him super furious.

“You’re gonna get up right now, or I’ll kill you” he roared furiously and impatiently, he started pulling me up by grabbing my wobbly thin arms and causing me pain. “ON YOUR FEET, COME ON” he continued to bellow.

“Ow! You're hurting me, let go” I whined in pain, struggling and refusing to stand on my feet. He soon got tired and released my arms, causing me to fall again flat on the ground, back to my old position. He, on the other hand, fell backwards and landed on his butt.

“You are freakishly stubborn” he hissed angrily at me. “Fine, you won’t get up… I’ll sit on you” he sat comfortably on my back, all his weight was painfully heavy for a skinny freshman.

“Ow ow ow…” I cried out in pain. “Get off me, your weight is crushing me”

He let out his evil victory laugh and made himself comfortable, “Sorry peasant, I tried dieting…” he smirked. I pushed him off to the side and he fell on his back, I took deep breaths and was relieved from the pain. “OUCH, you loser” he yelled at me. “Look at my shirt, it’s ruined!”

“Get your legs off me, I’m late for school” I pushed away his legs and got up on my feet, at last. “You crazy mad man, you shouldn’t have chased me all the way here, now we’re both late for school”

“HA, you’re the crazy lunatic… you left me with an empty stomach yesterday, after I specifically told you that I was broke and needed your money” he pointed his finger angrily at me. “You’re lucky I lost my bat on the way, I would’ve skinned you alive”

“Is that all you do…? Think about your personal benefits and completely ignoring the fact that I’m a human being and I have a life too?” I gave him a pitiful look. “Do you even know my name?”

“Your name…?” he looked confused and shocked. “Your name…?” he repeated his phrase while scratching his head. “That’s weird… I thought I knew your name since I’ve been bullying you for a week now… Fatima? no, no that’s not it…”

“See… because you’re not treating me like a person” I raised my eyebrow at him and crossed my arms. “Being the heir of the school and having all that power must really got into your head, I don’t mind if you’re gonna keep making my life miserable… but you could at least spare the humiliation and remember your victim’s name”

“Shut up and give me your stinking name” he angrily blushed. I bent down and picked up his customary white cap, it got a bit dirty so I patted it gently to get rid of the dust. I looked at his unfairly handsome face, his cheeks were strawberry pink and his eyes were golden. He was looking directly at me, exploring every inch of my face. I don’t think I ever got a better view of his face… than that moment. Same thing goes to him, he looked like he was looking at me for the first time.

“Leela” I said as I gave him a friendly smile.

“What did you call me?” he said in a little temper.

“Leela… that’s my name” I gave him another friendly smile. He was in mute mode, he didn’t reply and was looking deeply in my eyes. He started to make me feel utterly uncomfortable… We both paused, looking at each other…

“You have big green eyes… like a frog” he muttered in amazement, I was shockingly insulted. He immediately added “Take it as a compliment”. To tell you the truth, his compliment totally insulted me, but I thought it was nice of him that he noticed.

“Thank you, Angel…” I faked a smile.

I got over his annoying comment about my eyes when we ended walking to school in silence. I earned a great complimentary and angry long lecture from the head teacher, but Angel told him to let me off the hook this time. I was grateful… yet surprised. Is it me… or is Angel beginning to act like an angel…?

… Does that mean I’m off Angel’s hook too…?

“Bring me a sandwich tomorrow” he said, before he left the head teacher’s room. I guess he’s not an ‘angel’ after all…

ஃ✿ Chapter 9 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 9 ✿ஃ

I didn’t give a damn about Dominique anymore, you wanna know why?! Because Cedrick started treating me like a girl! As crazy as it sounds, he even started laughing on my lame jokes! I was so happy and thrilled to go to school this morning, forgetting about the crucial fate that has been awaiting for my arrival.

“Peasant, I want my sandwich” said hell’s most favorite demon, Angel. He has been bullying for a while now, not that I care… I actually started to enjoy making extra sandwiches every morning, ‘cause I get to spit on the ones I give him. “Oh wow peasant, what a pleasant smile you got there! Somebody’s in a good mood today” he gave me an evil smile as usual, I was forced to wipe off my pleasant smile.

I handed him his sandwich. “Here’s your bologna sandwich, no mayo” I huffed, he pulled it out of my hand and began chewing it down… along with my spit. “Anything else?”

“Yeah… I'm broke today” he said with his mouth full. “I might need you to buy me lunch from the cafeteria today, I don’t want you disappearing during recess. Do I make myself clear?”

I really wanted to punch him, pound his unfairly handsome face with a good smack. He was bossy and evil… he’s more evil than Dominique! I hated his guts. Being the principle’s son and the school’s heir must be one heck of a job. He snapped his fingers, waking me up from my daydreams. I immediately nodded as usual. The bell soon rang, so I was heading to my classroom, but something stopped me halfway there. Outside the window on my left, I glanced at a red-haired guy, he looked like Dominique! As soon as I approached the window, I confirmed that it was the one and only red-haired guy I know, Dominique. I noticed that he was having a loud conversation with Cedrick. I peeked quietly trying to hear what they were saying. Dominique looked angry, unlike Cedrick, who was strangely cool and calm…

“I can’t believe you… being all cool with that hideous girl…” groused Dominique so angrily, looking like a mad man. I knew that he was grousing about none other than the only hideous girl he knows… that is me.

“Calm down, Dominique… I can’t see where’s the problem in making new friends” Cedrick replied, scratching his lovely hair, and making me feel so special… hearing him defending me. I was happy!

“Dear Cedrick… WE HATE HER, remember?” Dominique yelled back at Cedrick, furiously approaching him. “She’s no friend… she’s a girl, she could make you fall for her… do you want a girlfriend… Cedrick?” he gulped, slowly lowering his voice tune.

Cedrick didn’t reply… I was rolling on the floor with happiness. Cedrick didn’t say ‘No’ or even defended himself… I was filled with gratefulness and joyfulness. Oh sweet, sweet Cedrick! I loved him twice as hard…

After a few seconds of rolling with joy, I felt the atmosphere changing outside the window… I peeked again, Dominique had a very shocking expression on his face. He looked terrified. “… Cedrick?” he gulped… in terror. Looking at him gave me a uncomfortably scary feeling for some reason.

Cedrick paused. He looked all hesitated to respond to Dominique’s serious tune. “It’s just… you been keeping me away from people, especially girls, for as long as I remember…” Cedrick looked away, giving Dominique his back. Dominique looked even more terrified. “I-I’m sorry… I’m just thinking too much…” Cedrick said immediately.

For some reason, I wasn’t happy anymore… I couldn’t be. Cedrick looked awfully sad, and Dominique let out a little laugh. I stared at Dominique’s face… I saw tears running down his cheeks. He was crying.

“So it’s all my fault now, eh?” he muttered. “I’m the one who’s keeping you inside a box…”

Cedrick turned back to Dominique, gently trying to grab his shoulders. “I’m sorry, Dominique… I didn’t mean to upset you…” he said, but Dominique quickly stepped back, avoiding Cedrick’s hands. He wiped his face with his arms, crying even louder. Cedrick got ahold of Dominique’s wrists, making Dominique struggle to wipe his tears. “Dominique… stop it…”

I paused… they paused… everything else just paused. In that moment, it felt like everything in the world just stopped moving, except for Dominique’s tears… he almost stopped crying, but couldn’t resist making that enchanting sad face… the saddest face I’ve ever seen.

“I don’t want you to fall in love with Leela…” he weeped.

I was left in astonishment, feeling the urge to cry as well. The outlook of Cedrick grasping Dominique’s wrists in silent and Dominique in pain… was so magically sorrowful. I never seen Dominique so miserable, I wished he’d stop making me feel so horrible with his miserable face. In that moment, I felt like I was the bad guy in this whole situation. I wondered how Cedrick’s gonna respond…?

He took deep breaths, he started showing a little sad smile. “Anything for you Dominique… if it’ll make you happy, I’ll stop seeing Leela” he gently started rubbing Dominique’s hair, the same way he rubbed mine once before.

I wondered was I still jealous of Dominique…? This conversation made it clear that he was jealous of me too. I always knew that… but I never used to care. We both wanted to keep Cedrick all for ourselves, not caring about each other’s feelings. We were selfish… I was selfish. Still, I wonder why would Dominique want to keep Cedrick all for himself…? Can’t we share?

I was traumatized when I got back home that day. I was absent-minded for the whole day. Better yet, that night, right before I closed my eyes to count sheep in bed to sleep, I remembered my dreadful date with Angel. I felt a sudden fear that I might die tomorrow… I started crying and praying that I’d die in my sleep, so I won’t get to face Angel’s consequences.

ஃ✿ Chapter 8 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 8 ✿ஃ

I had trouble falling asleep that night… thinking about Dominique’s problem with me. What does he has against me? What about Cedrick? Does he see me as a threat to his relationship with Cedrick? … I hope not…

I went to school, hoping I’d meet up with Cedrick again… and yup, there he was! Right ahead of me, sliding his smooth fingers through his beautiful blond hair. I thought about surprising him… then again, he looked like he’s in a bad mood.

“Cedrick, good morning” I waved my hands at him. He didn’t bother to turn around and look at me. I thought maybe there’s something wrong with my voice, since he didn’t reply at all. I tried again “Cedrick, Hello!”

“I heard you the first time…” he sighed as usual. “… Hi”

He looked awfully annoyed when I stared deeply at his angel-like face. He was pretty quiet as I began to wonder what could be the cause of his crappy mood today. Maybe he was still embarrassed from the hug he gave me the other day… or maybe he just got himself in another fight with those silly boys from gym… like Angel.

“What’s wrong, Cedrick?” I asked, trying to investigate. “You look pretty annoyed… it’s not me, is it?”

He took a deep breath. “No… it’s not you… well, not this time anyway…”

“Then who? Who dares disturbs the mighty beloved Cedrick?!” I said heroically, trying to boost up his happy level. And it surprisingly worked! He let out a little laugh, but soon turn into an upsetting smile.

“It’s Dominique… we had a fight” Cedrick said in a sad tune, I recalled Dominique’s strange behavior yesterday. “He has been acting really weird lately…” he added. “I told him what’s his problem with having new friends, and he suddenly got really angry and kinda insulted you…”

I raised an eyebrow. “He insulted me…?”

“Yeah, which is weird… ‘cause we weren’t even talking about you… he just kept on bring your name randomly to the subject, every example he gave me was based on your stupidity… Leela this and Leela that…” he explained. “I’m getting sick of hearing your silly name”

I thought he’d say it in a ‘pissed-off’ tune, but he was actually laughing. I joined his laughter, which was so adorable, though his laugh sounded a bit sad and unserious… but I was happy to laugh with him anyway.

“I never get tired of hearing your name… Cedrick” I giggled. “Cedrick… what does it mean?”

“I thought it was cool too… not until I looked it up” he looked away blushing. “Cedrick means ‘A gift of splendor’ or something like that…”

I fell in love with his cherry pink cheeks, his beautiful silky blond hair tickling them… making him look utterly cute. When I first met Cedrick, he was hot and insanely handsome… but now, he’s just innocently cute and adorable. If he keeps this up… I might completely fall under his spell…

“I’d say… you’re more like a gift from heaven” I giggled, he looked confused… my face soon became plain emotionless. You suddenly jumped into my mind when I said ‘heaven’ and I believe Cedrick noticed my sudden silent. A gift from heaven… I wish I’d use that phrase again on you someday… if Cedrick was you right now, that would mean the world to me…

“Leela…” he approached, taking a good long stare at my face. He paused before asking “Are you crying again…?”

I reached for my cheek to find a cold tear running down my right cheek… I haven’t noticed it. I was crying…

“Oh… stupid eyes…” I giggled, quickly wiping my tears away. “Something must’ve gotten in my eyes”

Cedrick sighed heavily. “Is it ‘Jadrien’ again?”

Unexpectedly coming from Cedrick, I completely froze. I felt terrified… how on earth does he know your name?! I haven’t mentioned you to him… have I…?

“I remember the last time I’ve seen you crying… it was raining” he said quietly. “Luckily for you… it’s gonna start raining again”

We both looked at the sky. The first drop fell between my eyes… I felt unwanted, broken, lonely… now that Cedrick knows about you… he’ll never want me… I ran off by my own, leaving him and his long stare at the sad grey sky…

He immediately noticed me leaving. “Hey… Leela!” he called me out as I continued to run. I was sure he wasn’t gonna run after me, I never wanna cry in front of him ever again… but I heard his loud footsteps running towards me, approaching me, almost reaching me… I tried to run my fastest, even though I knew I could never compete against his mans speed. It didn’t take long before he grabbed the back of my shirt, causing me to fall flat on my face… what makes it more painful, Cedrick fell on me, all his weight was crushing me… though it didn’t hurt me one bit…

I cried out loud as I hugged the ground, hiding me face between my arms. “Ow… my knees…” Cedrick groused as soon as he got off me.

“Leave me alone…” I cried, refusing to budge. Cedrick tried to pull me up on my feet, but I curved up on the ground, completely refusing to get up. I cried even louder every time he pulled my wrist…

“You’re acting like a baby, get up” he demanded so seriously, trying to pull me up and force me to stand. “It’s starting to rain, you’re gonna get all dirty and filthy”



“If it’s Ok to ask… who’s Jadrien…?” he asked so quietly, making me even more nervous. “It’s Ok if you don’t wanna answer…”

I was still hugging the ground and crying, though I let out a small mumble, “He’s just somebody… who’s supposed to be mine…”

We both paused. The rain started to pour down so heavily. “I hope you’re not planning to rot in here” Cedrick poked me on the head, probably making sure I was conscious. I thought I should get up before getting all muddy and filthy. Cedrick had an umbrella, he pulled it out of his backpack. “Are you thinking of joining me…?” he said in a demanding tune, sounding like he’s insisting that I should join him.

We both walked in silence. I was on mute mood… and I was not planning to say anything else. I was ashamed of myself, I wanted to be buried alive… Cedrick might think I’m a total dork right now. I took a quick glance at his face, he looked like he had plenty of things in mind he wanted to ask me.

“I-I’m sorry, Cedrick…” I blushed, in an ashamed kinda way. “I won’t blame you if you think I’m a total weirdo…”

“I’m not surprised… Dominique referred to you as a cow” he giggled. “From now on… I won’t bring out the ‘Jadrien’ subject, I wouldn’t want you to cry, would I?”

He smiled so sweetly at me, rubbing my wet hair… making me feel like a little puppy… the most luckiest puppy in the world…

ஃ✿ Chapter 7 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 7 ✿ஃ

My life turned all black and white, ever since I met that Angel of death. Imagine being bullied by an Angel! I walked to school like a zombie… I was totally out of it. I was getting even luckier, it started raining again and I forgot my umbrella. I didn’t give a damn, because I knew that a fatal fate was waiting for me at school, why not catch a cold and be hospitalized for a week? I started playing in the rain and dancing.

“You’ll catch a cold” a guy commented on my craziness, it was Cedrick. “I see, you finally lost it”

“No, that’s not it…” I quietly said. “My life is totally wrecked and I’m just trying to find my happy place”

We both paused for a minute… my smile soon faded, it turned upside down… I found myself crying for no particular reason. I couldn’t keep it in, my tears just started pouring down and I couldn’t do anything about it. Cedrick was surprised, yet he approached me and pulled me under his umbrella. “What are you crying for?”

“Jadrien… I want Jadrien” I cried even louder, like a baby lost in the rain. Cedrick was confused, he surely started wondering who’s Jadrien. I’ve been mentioning him to you quite a lot, but Cedrick never knew about you.

“Hush…” he pulled me to his warm chest, I was shocked… happy yet sad. “There there… calm down”

He didn’t even bother to ask who was I wanting so much… who’s Jadrien… I was hearing Cedrick’s heartbeats, their rhythm got stuck in my head, they became music to my ears. I began to wonder what side was I witnessing… this side of Cedrick I never knew existed. This freakishly beautiful, warm side that is so unpredictable and unsuspected. He smells… just like you… I wanted to be trapped in his arms forever…

“Are you still crying?” he stared at my face. He was surprised… I had this huge silly smile on my face, I was so happy and grateful. He quickly pushed me away. “You’re such a dork”

“That was the best 13 seconds of my life” I approached him happily, like I was walking on clouds. “You never told me that you’re a hugger”

“Get lost” he stepped back, his face was completely red. “I’m going to school”

I followed Cedrick to school, he was quiet and was still blushing. He kept on saying ‘leave me alone’ and stuff like that. But I didn’t care, he gave me a hug. That shows that he has a soft side after all… and I thought he was all macho and mysterious. This was my second walk with Cedrick to school, and I’m beginning to consider myself as his official girlfriend… not that he’d know anything about it…

“Where will I find you at recess?” I asked him in a sweet tender tune.

“You’ll find yourself in hell if you find me” he angrily said.

“Oh stop being all macho…” I giggled. “We all saw that sweet and caring side of yours”

He left without saying another word. I looked at him, leaving… looking all mysterious and calm. I thought about how you never gave me a hug, Jadrien. I’d die to be between your arms right now…

“Yo peasant” I heard someone calling me from somewhere behind me. The only one who addresses me as a ‘peasant’ was Angel. I wasn’t ready for anymore surprises. I turned around to look at him, he had his back rested on the wall. “I want breakfast” he smiled devilishly.

“Umm… I forgot to bring extra sandwiches…” I smiled politely and let out a little giggle.

His eyes suddenly got wide and scary. “I hope you didn’t think I was kidding yesterday” he said so seriously.

“No no… not at all” I could’ve added ‘master’ to make him feel more respected, but I thought about how much I hated this specific person… this Angel. “I do have extra money… I’ll buy you something”

He gave me that evil smile again. “Yeah that’s what I’m talking about” he said, and left his position, looked like he was heading to the same direction that Cedrick went to. I was mad, but still delightful and happy. After the hug Cedrick gave me, nothing… I say NOTHING can ruin my day…

“Haha” I heard a laugh as soon as he left, I looked around to find the owner of that offensive laugh. He popped from behind the gate… Dominique! I was like ‘Oh great, the whole party is here’…

“I saw the whole thing, wow… you are pathetic” he laughed hard at me.

“Yeah… well I’m still happy” I replied, looking all proud. “Nothing can ruin my happy mood today, not even you”

He looked confused. “It’s not you birthday, is it?”

“No… as matter of fact, it’s not” I grinned. “I walked to school with Cedrick today”

He took a long stare at me… shocked. “You did what?!”

“You heard me…” I continued my proudness, ignoring Dominique’s scary expressions. “He gave me a hug too”

Dominique approached me so slowly, making me fear for my life… but I tried to maintain my ‘proud’ pose and happy expressions. We paused. Dominique had this amazingly scary look on his face, giving me chills.

He let out a little devilish laugh. “That’s it… I’m gonna kill you right here, right now” he angrily yelled, grabbing my wet shirt.

“OUCH… let go, that hurts” I struggled, but I was no match for his man-strength.

“You cow, stealing everything” he yelled in rage, shaking me back and forwards, making me sound like a blender. “Why can’t you just get your own Cedrick?!”

“Let go of my shirt” I yelled back at him. I finally managed to shake his hands off my wet shirt. “Why do you assume that I’m trying to steal Cedrick?”

“Because Cedrick is mine, and you keep chasing him like a fly” he said furiously. “I thought I told you to stay away from him”

“Calm down, you moron… and what do you mean that Cedrick is yours?! Pardon me, but you’re acting all dramatic over a guy who happens to be your friend” I yelled back at him, trying to insult him in a none-insulty-way. “What is it with you and Cedrick?”

Dominique froze… so suddenly. I was shocked. He looked all hesitated to respond… he blushed as he bit his lips, nervously gave me a sad stare. I felt like I somehow hurt his feelings…

“Y-You SHUT UP” he yelled so unsuspectedly. “You’re a cow” he added as he ran away from the scene, leaving me all offended and feeling stupid… not to mention, confused!

As he almost disappeared from a distance, I heard his shout “I hate you” making sure I’d hear, he turned around and pointed his finger at me. I was shocked by his behavior… he was acting super immature… how old is he again?

Jadrien… there’s something about Dominique…

ஃ✿ Chapter 6 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 6 ✿ஃ

I dreamt about Cedrick again for the first time. Right before I get in a cool warm shower, my cellphone started ringing. I didn’t even bother to guess who it might be, I just answered it.

“You ugly cow” the first words I heard as I picked up the phone.

“Hello?” I said confusingly, wondering if it’s a prank. But I soon realized it was Dominique. “Dominique…? Is that you?”

“Yeah damn right it’s me” he replied angrily. “I was waiting patiently for Cedrick yesterday and guess what did he say when he showed up an hour late? ‘I was with Leela’ he said”

I was surprised of Dominique’s reaction, he sounded very angry with me. I knew he had a bound with Cedrick… but he sounded like he’s been stood up by Cedrick.

“You’re stupid, I thought I told you to stay away from Cedrick” he rudely scolded me with a scary serious tune. I was speechless… so I just hanged up. I received a text message a minute later saying ‘I’m gonna kill you’ giving me chills.

I was terrified to go to school, I told dad that I wanna skip school for the day, but he refused. The ‘I’m gonna kill you’ message was haunting me all morning. I reached school looking so paranoid and scared.

“Are you OK?” Serena said to me, looking worried. “You look all chocked up and frightened”

“Oh no it’s nothing” I laughed. “nothing at all… I just watched this new horror movie last night”

“I see…” she giggled, then she raised her hand to look at her watch. “Recess is a minute away… where are you planning to eat?”

“Today… I’m staying indoors” I smiled. “I’ll be at the cafeteria”

Hell yeah, I’m staying indoors. I’m not setting one foot outside the main building, even though I was planning to see Cedrick who doesn’t stay in the main building during recess. I won’t take my chances with the devil’s child, Dominique. He doesn’t seem to have any problem with hitting girls. I better be careful!

I rarely go to my school’s cafeteria, it’s so crowded and boring. Plus, the food is terrible. I waited in line anyways, I thought I might grab something new like that taco everyone’s been talking about. Luckily I got the last piece! I was so happy, I paid for it and just when I was about to turn around to go find me a seat somewhere, a huge shadow appeared behind me.

“The last taco, eh?” a guy said. “Lucky…”

“Thank you” I said proudly and delightfully, but it all cracked when he grabbed my taco with his hand and started eating it. I was surprised and instantly became so angry. “Give it back!” I yelled at him, trying to take back my taco, but he was a lot taller than me.

“Beat it, kiddo” he said with his mouth full. “Or I’ll beat you to death”

It all started coming back to me when I took a deep long stare at his face as I was reaching for my taco. He was the same guy who was punching Cedrick last week… the guy Serena told me about a few days ago, Serena’s crush… what was his name again?!

“Angel!” I said to his face, making myself sound stupid and confuse him. He froze to wonder how I knew his name. Everybody was watching and I was feeling utterly uncomfortable, and what bugged me the most is that nobody even bothered to help me.

“Wait a second…” he gave me a scary glare. “You’re that girl who stopped my winning fight with that loser, Cedrick… I remember you!”

Dear Jadrien, I got two guys trying to kill me today. I think I’ll be joining you sooner than I thought. Ain’t that great?

“Wow! You're hideous up-close” he rudely smirked. “Looks like I got myself a hideous victim this year”

“I’m gonna report you to the principal’s office” I said defensively.

“You mean my dad?” he said, totally surprising me and making me speechless. I was out of ammo… I felt like screaming in terror. “Tell you what… you bring me lunch everyday and I’ll spare your life, deal?” he devilishly smiled, and I was in no state to say ‘No’.

He grabbed my hair, preparing himself to punch me. “I said, do we have a deal?”

I was hoping I’d faint, so I wouldn’t be able to proceed with the deal. His grip of my hair was killing me, it’s hard to believe a freshman would do this to me. Help me, Jadrien…

“Deal” I squeaked, wanting him to let go of my hair.

“Great then… tomorrow I’d like a tuna sandwich, no mayo” he demanded as he let go of my curly locks and completely messing up my hairstyle. “See you tomorrow, peasant”

He left… leaving me completely humiliated and crappy. Serena seemed to have witnessed the whole thing, she rushed to me and grabbed my arms.

“That’s him, that’s him” she gushed with excitement, jumping and giggling. “He’s the guy I’m crushing on”

I looked at her shockingly. “Have you not seen what he’s done to me? He stole my taco and almost chopped my hair out”

“But he was extremely cute, right?” she squeaked happily.

I was assaulted in front of the whole cafeteria… and she’s blabbing about how cute he is?! I was extremely pissed off, staying indoors turned out to be the most ridiculous decision I’ve ever made. And Serena turned out to be the most stupidest friend I ever had.

At that moment, I hated everything around me… Lord take me to Jadrien right now!

ஃ✿ Chapter 5 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 5 ✿ஃ

I tried hard squeezing my brain just to remember Angel’s face. I was pretty sure he had dark brown hair, but that’s just it, the rest is blurry. I don’t even know if he’s a freshman, he was wearing his gym clothes. But I’m pretty sure he’s not a senior; he wouldn’t have picked a fight with a freshman like Cedrick if he was.

The weekend passed by so fast that I found myself walking to school on a random morning. I haven’t heard from Dominique at all. I’m starting to think that me and him could be friends, and that way, Cedrick will be my friend as well. I was also dying to meet up with Serena’s new crush, Angel. It’s amazing how she could bounce back like that after breaking up with her boyfriend. I wish I could be more like her… but no, I don’t want to be more like her. I should stick to loving just you, Jadrien.

I passed by the tennis court, hoping I’d get a glance at Angel. I thought ‘maybe if he’s cute, he can be the new Cedrick’ but I cancelled that thought so fast, hoping you won’t think I’m total loser. The court was crowded with boys practicing and playing, making it hard for me to find a guy with dark brown hair like the blurry Angel image I had in mind.

“Hey you…” a guy from somewhere behind me freaked me out. It was Dominique.

“Dominique! What are you doing here? Are you allowed to wander here in my school’s property?” I sounded like scolding him.

“Shut up you old hag… the tennis court and its surroundings are public facilities” he shoved me lightly on the head, making me feel like an idiot. “I wanna talk to you about Cedrick…”

I came to notice that Dominique always does that serious face when he starts talking about Cedrick… just like last time when he thought that Cedrick was upset with him. I was hoping it was nothing serious. “He told me how you’ve met each other…” he said aggressively.

“Ok…?” I wanted him to get to his point. “Did he say anything else?”

“He said that you’ve started chasing him ever since then” he gave me a more serious look, starting to give me chills. “So I thought I should ask… do you fancy him?”

That question was an arrow aimed directly at me, should I avoid it or shall I die? I giggled, trying to avoid answering his unnecessarily scary question. “Fancy… isn’t that like the british version of ‘like’ or so…”

He gave me a killer evil look. “You can tell me if you like him, don’t be scared… I wont hurt you” he said, making me even more nervous and scared. Dominique looked so serious about the subject. Should I go with the ‘yeah I like Cedrick’ or the ‘No, no feelings here’…?

“Are you gonna give me an answer soon? I have school too, ya know” he groused, more like ‘pissed off’ badly.

“I think I do…” I mumbled so lightly, hoping that he won’t hear my answer.

Unfortunately, he heard my answer. “You think you do?” he raised an eyebrow. “So you DO love Cedrick!”

He said it too loud and disturbingly, I instantly turned as red as my shoes. He was like pointing his finger at me and blaming me for liking a guy like Cedrick. I seriously felt like it was a crime. Dominique looked so angry and pissed off… maybe it had something to do with my truthful answer, or maybe he’s just in a bad mood and wants to take out his anger on poor Leela… I hope…

“Why are you angry?” I defensively asked, trying to lower my shame-O-meter. “Is it wrong to slightly be attracted to Cedrick or something?”

He didn’t reply. He just took a deep breath and said “I don’t want you bothering Cedrick anymore…”

I was shocked. I quickly figured out that Cedrick had a conversation about me with Dominique. Why else would Dominique say something hurtful like that. “Did Cedrick say that I was bothering him…?” I asked.

“Just stay away from him” he promoted his main idea. “If you even think about making him fall for you, I won’t forgive you”

I completely froze. The atmosphere around us turned black. Was he threatening me just now?

“Dominique… are you OK?” I asked. “You weirder than the usual today”

He just left… leaving me utterly confused and scared. I got a bit worried… Dominique seemed to really care for Cedrick, making me even more jealous. I don’t know if Cedrick really told him that I was annoying, but I had to hear it from Cedrick himself. I went to look for Cedrick later on, in our school’s main building. I thought I’d find him rushing to his class, but he was ahead of me. He was having rice balls in his classroom on his desk. I didn’t know if I should walk in, with my senior uniform. But I thought that he’d get angry anyways, so I walked in.

“Cedrick” I smiled at him. “May I have a word with you?”

He choked on a rice ball and starting coughing it out. I knew he’s get super angry, and apparently surprised. Everybody was staring, so he immediately dragged me out of his classroom.

“I need an advice on how to get rid of you for good” he angrily said. “What do you want?”

“Umm… I wanted to…” I hesitated to tell him about Dominique’s strange behavior. I tried to make up a question before he’d start punching me.

“Whatever you want… can it wait till recess?” he sighed. “I’ll be at the gym… stop by”

My mood turned upside down. Cedrick actually demanded me to meet him at the school’s gym. I was thrilled and surprised! I totally considered it as a date.

“It’s not a date though…” he spoiled my day dreams.

“Of course not” I smiled widely at him. But in my head, it’s a romantic candle-dinner date.

I slept through the first three periods, saving my energy to meet Cedrick at the gym. I still couldn’t believe it! As soon as the recess bell rang, I ran to the gym, leaving my lunch and books behind. I got to the gym so happily, I opened the door with excitement… but Cedrick wasn’t there.

I heard footsteps approaching behind me, it was Cedrick… and he seemed to just got here. “Wow… calm down… I told you it’s not a date”

I was embarrassed but I didn’t care. It was a ‘Leela and Cedrick’ moment I’m gonna have, nothing else mattered. Cedrick was in his gym clothes, which he looked as twice as gorgeous in. I had to gain control of my excitement.

“Ok… what was it you wanted to ask me?” he raised his beautiful eyebrows.

“Umm… Dominique told me this morning… that you said that I’m annoying” I blushed from my question. Hoping he’d say ‘no you’re not annoying, Dominique was lying’ or something like that. But Cedrick just froze, trying to recall the night he spent with Dominique.

“I said you were a joke… but I never said you were annoying” he crossed his arms, still trying to remember what he said.

I was happy. First he invited me to meet him at this very gym, and now he’s saying that he didn’t say that I’m annoying, but a joke. I love him!

“Let’s have a seat” he suggested and went to rest himself on the little stage we had inside the gym.

“Cedrick… I thought I should ask” I gulped before asking him. “How do you describe your relationship with Dominique?”

“Dominique…?” he looked at the ceiling, wondering how to answer. “We’re really close… like brothers, we do almost everything together, apart from studying”

“He seemed to really care for you”

“Yeah I care for him too” he smiled politely at me, causing me to blush. Cedrick looked really beautiful. I could tell that he was in a good mood. He looked so peaceful and calm, unlike the previous days.

Jealous… yeah I’m jealous. Dominique created a bound with Cedrick that is so strong and beautiful. My bound with you wasn’t like their bound at all… this makes me miss you even more and jealous of Dominique even more…

Jadrien… I wish Cedrick was you…

ஃ✿ Chapter 4 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 4 ✿ஃ

Dominique told me to give him my number, saying that he'd give me a call if Cedrick didn't show up at his house by that night. Apparently, he was planning to blame me for wrecking their friendship and yell at me. But I didn't receive any call that night… Cedrick probably decided to show up after all… lucky Dominique…

I spent my weekend staring at the ceiling… stretched out on my bed, recalling the unforgotten past that held me close to you. Right now… I have some endless questions for you. Should I let myself fall in love again… with Cedrick?  Is it ok if that happens?  What will happen to you then?  Will I forget about you?  Will I allow myself to forget about you…?  Will I dare…?

… I don't think so …

I got a mini heart attack when my phone suddenly started ringing. I knew it would be Dominique… but it wasn't. It was my friend, Serena. She wanted to hang out with me… more like ‘she wanted to talk with me about a serious matter’. I wasn't all interested, but I agreed to meet her at the park. Half an hour later, I saw her swinging in the park, not noticing that I came. She looked upset for some reason.

“Serena… what up?” I greeted her. “What did you wanna talk about?”

“Hey Leela...” she quietly mumbled, making it hard for me to hear. “It's about my boyfriend, Louise…”

HA, I knew it! I knew it was something to do with her ridiculous looking boyfriend. Last month, she called me to come meet her at this very spot because of her previous MUCH ridiculous boyfriend.

“Louise broke up with you, huh?” I guessed.

“Yeah…” she smiled so lightly, in a sad way. “Maybe it's for the best”

Damn right it's for the best!  Louise had a certificate for being the worst looking playboy in town. Still… Serena loved him like he’s not so bad looking. I hated Serena for always loving the wrong guys actually. Her ex ex boyfriend was a troll, but she said it was ‘love’ so I couldn’t talk her out of it. Her ex ex ex boyfriend was even worst, but I still couldn’t go against her ‘love’ nonsense. But it really got me thinking… would I still love you if you were the most hideous creature ever created on earth? Do I only love you because you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met…? I might still love you… I think…

“Leela… so how’s your love life?” she pulled my hand to forced me to sit on the swing next to her. “Have you met someone you think is cute?”

I thought about what to say… the first person came to my mind was Cedrick. “I’ve met plenty of cute boys… and I’m almost falling for a guy” I sighed disappointedly. “But I'm completely paralyzed without Jadrien… I’m afraid that if I meet another special somebody, he’s gonna disappear… I don’t want that... I want to cry myself to sleep every night”

Serena knew Jadrien’s story and my long dusty history with him. I felt her looking at me, in a ‘feel-sorry-for-me’ kind of way. And just when I started to feel comforted by a friend, she goes ahead and ruin the moment.

“Have you met anyone that suits me?”

“What?!” I snapped. “You’re such a loser, you’re looking for a new boyfriend already?”

She giggled sillily. “Come on, answer my question” she said as she shoved my swing. “You know I can never be faithful as you are to Jadrien”

I took that as a compliment. I am pretty faithful. But Cedrick is gonna ruin that, isn’t he?  I tried to recall the guys I’ve met the past few days of school. I wouldn’t dare tell her about Cedrick, I don’t want him to become Serena’s next target, so I thought I’d go with the other one. But then again… The devil’s child, Dominique, is out of Serena’s league. So my last option was to smartly avoid answering her question.

“You go to Jocelyn high too, have you met anyone interesting lately?” I smiled unsuspiciously.

“Actually… I’ve had my eyes on a certain tough guy” she giggled.

Tough guy? …Cedrick?! …Is it Cedrick?!! Say it ain’t so! She can’t have met Cedrick in these past few days of school… no, it can’t be the Cedrick I know. No way!

“His name is Angel” she giggled again, giving me a huge relief. Oh thank goodness she didn’t mean my beloved Cedrick. I was about to lose my mind for a minute there. Thank you Oh thank you lord… but who the hell is Angel?

“Do I know him…?” I asked oddly, trying to recall the names of the guys I know from my classes, but I couldn’t remember any Angels. She probably met someone from the high ranked classes, ‘cause those boys are nameless to me.

“I see him on the tennis court quite a lot, that’s where I caught his name from a recent fight he got into” she explained, causing me to freeze shockingly. “Sadly, I wasn’t there to witness the fight… I saw Angel sitting on the side bench later on, with plenty of bandages covering most of his skin, there I had the opportunity to introduce myself to him… not that he was interested, he got really pissed off”

I totally know the guy she was talking about, he was the freshman that was punching Cedrick in the tennis court the other day, the fight I tried to stop, where I met Cedrick for the first time. The guy she’s talking about was in that scene… but I had trouble remembering his face. All I could remember was his messy gym clothes and dark short hair. Was he even cute?

“He was gorgeous!” gushed Serena so happily. “He's two years younger than I am, though… do you know him?”

“I don’t think so…” I replied. I might have met him, but that doesn’t mean that I know him.

Angel… the only Angel I know is you… Jadrien.

ஃ✿ Chapter 3 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 3 ✿ஃ

I looked outside of my window this morning… it was raining. I thought about you again. Everything around me in this world reminds me of you right now… even the rain, which has nothing to do with you. Dominique told me to meet him again at the same spot we've met for the first time. I don't know if I should be hating or loving this guy. He's just too… devilish. Jadrien you weren't anywhere near devil… but I wonder if I could find you in him…

School on rainy days… some people say it's sad, but nobody knows how sadness really feels. I walked to school thinking about you again… not until I heard footsteps following me. I turned around to find him. Cedrick… Wearing his uniform improperly as usual.

“You're here!” I was shocked.

“Don't talk to me” he said as he passed me by. Apparently he didn't get over yesterday's scene. I followed him.

“Hey, don't rush… I'm sorry about yesterday” I told him calmly. “It's totally normal for people to make mistakes… and thinking that we were a couple was one mistake”

I heard no reply. I looked at the back of him while he completely ignored me. I froze in my place, not wanting to annoy him anymore… I wondered what would it be like if that was you who was treating me so coldly. Will I be as sad to see Cedrick treating me like that?  Of course not… I'll be much sadder. I was hoping he'd turn around… you'd turn around for me, wouldn’t you?

He stopped walking suddenly, and there was a long pause.

“You're coming or what?” he mumbled so quietly, not bothering to turn around. To tell you the truth, I was amazed! My mood turned upside down. I was thrilled, so I happily went walking by his side. “Not too close” he said, pushing me further away from him. Still, I was more than happy. Am I seeing a part of Cedrick's soft side?

We reached school after our silent walk. He disappeared as soon as we got there, that proved that he's still ashamed of being seen with me. How one walk to school with Cedrick made me this happy?  I think I was seriously falling for him. I wonder if that's ok with you, Jadrien. I participated in English for the very first time! I was so thrilled that I didn't give a damn if my answer was right or wrong. I can't even remember the question. My teacher was like “You seem awfully happy, Leela… keep it up”

I was so happy that I wanted to see Cedrick again. I suddenly remembered Dominique during recess. I completely forgot that he wanted to see me during recess. I wondered if he's still waiting… I thought I could go check up on him. I rushed to the abandoned garden behind the gym, where we met for the first time. I thought he wouldn't be there… but there he was. “I knew you'd show up” he pushed his hair away from his eyes, like he always did.

“I almost forgot about you” I bent, trying to catch my breaths. “I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long”

“Actually… I almost forgot about you too” he giggled. “I was waiting for my other friend”

I was confused. I tried to figure out what he meant by ‘other friend’. I heard footsteps approaching somewhere behind me. I was too confused to wonder who it was. Since Dominique's a freshman, his friend is gotta be a freshman as well… right…?  Do I know any freshmen…?

“Hey Cedrick! Over here” Dominique called out, and I was frozen!

It couldn't be the Cedrick I know. How many Cedricks are in Jocelyn high?  But it was the Cedrick I know. He was surprised to see me just as I was surprised to see him!

That was the longest pause I ever been in. We just stood there staring at each other. Cedrick was looking at me and Dominique was looking at Cedrick… and I just can't decide to look at whom. Do they know each other…?

“Awkward” I giggled, looking at Cedrick.

“You two… know each other?” Dominique confusingly asked. “You met before?”

Cedrick was on silent mode. Nobody knew what to say. It was truly an awkward moment. “I met him two days ago” I tried to explain.

“Oh yeah! Cedrick told me about a childish doofus stopped a fight between him and some guy from gym class” Dominique looked stunned. “Cedrick, so the childish doofus was… Leela?”

That was terribly rude of them… Cedrick, for mentioning me to Dominique as a ‘childish doofus’ and Dominique, for repeating it to my face like it's ok. “What the hell are you inviting people to our hideout?” Cedrick angrily hissed at Dominique.

“Hey hey… before you start pointing your finger, she came here on her own” Dominique made a point. “I just met her yesterday, I swear”

“Umm… boys” I tried to interrupted. “It's gonna start raining again… we can't stick around here”

“Good” Cedrick said. “I was about to leave anyway…”

“Cedrick! Don't leave… I'm sorry” Dominique followed him. “I had no idea you hated her…”

“Cedrick doesn't hate me” I said, tagging along with them.

“He certainly doesn't like you, look at him” Dominique rudely said to me. “Cedrick… you're still coming to my house tonight, right?”

Cedrick turned halfway around. “… I'll think about it” he told Dominique so calmly. Then he kept on walking forward.

The rain started to pour down on us. Cedrick disappeared as he walked away from us. I looked at Dominique’s expressions looking so worried and uncomfortable as he looked at Cedrick walking away, but then he gave me a dirty look.

“What?!” I raised my eyebrow at him. “I'm not at fault… besides, what was that about?”

“What was what about?”

“You looked like you were desperate for Cedrick's attention… I mean… ‘you're still coming to my house tonight, right?’ hehe” I mocked him jokingly. “You sounded like my nephew”

“Shut up, doofus” he pissed off annoyingly, I didn't mean to offend him to badly. He started looking away and sighing. “Let's find a place to talk…”

We went up against the wall and sat down. There was a small roof above us, so it was a dry spot. I was kinda concerned about Dominique's reaction when I jokingly mocked him. I had no idea he was that sensitive. “So… what did you wanna talk about?” I asked as I got comfy.

“Do you think Cedrick's angry at me?” he curved up his lips giving me a sad expression. “I can't stand to see him mad at me”

“He's not mad at you…” I was confused, but tried to get ahold of the conversation. “What is it with you and Cedrick anyway?”

“I'll have you know, we have been friends since we were in diapers” he gave me a proud pause, pushing his chest up forward. “We're best friends forever”

“And why aren't you enrolled at the same school as your best-friend-forever…?”

“'Cause I didn't pass the stinking entrance exam, happy?” he gushed angrily… looking embarrassed from that fact. “That's the whole reason why I decided to come here everyday”

“'Cause you wanted to be enrolled here?” I confusingly asked.

“'Cause I wanna see Cedrick…”

There was a pause. I was kinda feeling jealous of Dominique for being friends with Cedrick… that's like the hardest job in the world. Being able to hang out with a guy as angelic as Cedrick is too good to be true… probably not possible, I can't imagine Cedrick laughing or chuckling from any joke. If you were with me right now… I won't have to worry about hanging out with Cedrick. I wouldn’t be jealous of Dominique too.

I wish you were here, Jadrien. How's life in heaven…?

ஃ✿ Chapter 2 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 2 ✿ஃ

After specifically telling myself not to fall in love ever again… I ended up falling in love with this macho guy named Cedrick. Who thought stopping a fight would win you the lottery. I spotted him this morning and he seemed to recognize me. Why do I know that?  Because he quickly turned to walk in the opposite direction.

“Cedrick” I chased him down, he increased his speed but I grabbed the back of his shirt.

“What? What do you want?” he hissed.

“Just a friendly hello” I smiled at him. “Is that so wrong?”

“You have any idea what will happen if people see me with you?!” he hissed again angrily, making sure nobody would hear him, he kept on looking around. “You're gonna ruin my reputation”

“What reputation?” I giggled while I patted his shoulder. “Oh Cedrick, you're so funny”

He was seriously trying to get rid of me. He almost looked like he wanted to punch me to death. And from that paranoid look on his face, he looked like he's trying to avoid something… or someone. He kept on looking around and walking away from me. A group of freshmen guys were walking our way. Cedrick quickly faced the other way.

“Act like you don't know me” he whispered and started whistling like a careless goofball.

“Why the heck would I do that?” I lightly punched his arm, jokingly.

“Hey Cedrick” said one of the freshmen guys in the group. “You finally got yourself a girlfriend?”

“…That's why” Cedrick glared at me like he wanted to kill me.

“Are these your friends?” I looked at them and waved.

“Hey she's a senior!” the same guy gushed. “I didn't know Cedrick had a senior girlfriend, right on brother!!!”

“Don't be ridiculous!” he yelled at them. “She's NOT my girlfriend… Euw”

The guys paused as they stared at me, but I was busy being pissed off from Cedrick's ‘Euw’. “Isn't she the same girl that stopped the fight yesterday?” one of them said. The other one laughed loudly, “She IS Cedrick's girlfriend”

Cedrick looked really pissed off, as if it was all my fault. He walked away from the scene so suddenly. I didn't bother to follow him… because that scene made all my thoughts come back to you. Remember when we were mistaken to be a couple?  You would get so pissed off and embarrassed. Even though I knew how much it disturbed you… I become so happy when that happens. I know I'm not worthy of being the love of your life… not even close, but whenever people look at me as your girlfriend… I can't stop smiling.

“I think you should follow him” one of the guys said. I walked away, ignoring them completely. I thought about Cedrick…

Jadrien… you have no idea how much he reminds me of you. He showed up from nowhere and he just happened to remind me of you. His eyes… his scent… it's all you. I still love you more than any other person on this planet… but I wonder… is there any room left in my heart… for Cedrick…?

At recess I went to wander behind the freshmen's building. I thought I might run into him and apologize for upsetting him. I wasn't all sure he was upset, I just wanted to run into him again. I wandered to this abandoned area that looked like a small classic garden I've seen in movies. I thought I was lost cause I never knew such area existed in my school. It was at the back on the gym's building. A stairway filled with autumn leaves that led me to this beautiful abandoned garden. I sat on the stairs admiring the beautiful breeze of leaves tickling my shoes. Cedrick was nowhere around here… but I took my time to enjoy the moment. Until I heard some strange tapping coming from the right side of the stairs. I looked below my right… and there I saw somebody.

It was a guy. I couldn't tell who he was, but I could tell that he's not from Jocelyn High. He wasn't wearing our uniform nor any uniform I recognize. He had an EMO fringe covering his left eye… I immediately knew what kind of a guy he is. Plus, he was holding an ipod and seemed to be busy listening to rock songs.

“HOW HAPPY YOU MAKE ME, OH MANDY” he bursted out singing loudly and giving me a mini heart attack. Apparently I was wrong about the ‘rock’ choice of music. I couldn't hold back my laugh. I bursted out laughing at him.

“Oh crap!” he freaked out as he turned around and looked above. His face turned as red as his hair. “How long have you been here?!”

“Don't mind me, please continue with your Mandy” I continued to laugh. He looked humiliated… and angry from getting humiliated. That's when he finally decided to take off his earphones and turn off his ipod.

“Oh, ha ha… very funny” he sarcastically said. “If you're done laughing…”

“Besides, I'm the one who should be asking questions” I said. “Who and what are you doing here?”

“What makes you think I'm just gonna give away my name that easily” he grinned devilishly. “And what I'm doing here is none of your business”

“Listen here buddy… I don't give a damn who or where you came from, but I can report you easily” I threatened him, giving him the devilish grin he gave me.

He didn't look nervous at all. He looked impressed. “I see you got attitude! I like you…” he smiled. “I'm Dominique, in case you're wondering…”

This guy was beyond rude and careless. I just met him… but something tells me that he's pure evil. “Aren't you gonna ask about what school I go to?  I thought you were interested in me…” he gave me that devilish smile again.

“Actually I'm not interested at all… but if you insist” I crossed my arms.

“Ever heard of Avernus High?”

“What's a Avernus?” I asked confusingly.

“Some tribal god… I don't know” he pushed his EMO fringe away from his eyes. “I'm kind of a student there, a freshman… and you are?”

Why is he hiding most of his face behind that stupid fringe?  Now that I look at him… he's actually a very attractive young man, but seemed to be so into fashion. Everything about him just yells ‘stylish’… he's weird.

“Leela…” I stretched out my arm, reaching for a handshake.

“I don't do handshakes…” popping his hips like some diva. That annoyed me like hell… but then I just stared.

Jadrien… I just realized something… I'm looking for you in every single guy I meet. I know I'll never find you in this one… he's too diva and devil, but if I know you too well I'd say you have a lot in common. You're taller than this one as well, but you have the same figure. That long-shaped and well-defined figure…

Here am I, day 2 at school… and I'm still missing you.

ஃ✿ Chapter 1 ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Chapter 1 ✿ஃ

Wherever I go... you're gonna follow me. Sometimes I wish life had a delete button, then I could block all your images… forever. But whatever I do... I just can't bring myself to do that. I can't make you disappear. I can't even wish you away. Maybe it's because... I don't want you to leave. I don't want to stop thinking about you, Jadrien. Maybe it's because I love you.

“Leela, wake up… you sleepy head” I heard you whispered as you looked down on me.

I was lying down on my back, thinking I'd fall asleep under the pink breeze of the cherry tree. You disappeared. I got up and looked around. There weren't any sign of you. Were you even there to begin with…?

I called out for you, thinking you were hiding behind the cherry tree. There was no answer. I helped myself up and went rounding around the tree... but you weren't there. I was beginning to think that my mind was playing tricks on me. I thought about crying... cause I was alone up that hill. Nobody would care to see me cry. So tear drops began to pour down. I miss you… I miss Jadrien. Why did you leave so suddenly?  we didn't even had a proper ‘goodbye’…

I look at your photo everyday before going to school. I wish you could see it. My school looked pretty nice from the outside. Jocelyn high school, one of the top schools in the country. People would pay a fortune just to enroll their kids at this school. The only reason I go to this school is that my dad has good connections. I thought once I graduate elementary I'd start a new chapter and make some friends at last, but it didn't turn out the way I wanted... at all. I'm at my third year and I'm known as the little friendless lady who carries a lollipop. Yes, I always carried a lollipop. I wanted to hide my misery... but I guess that never worked.

As I was walking towards my building, I got distracted by all the shouting and cheering coming from the tennis court on my left. I stopped by to take a look, I thought it was probably a match between freshmen students. I wasn't at all interested in tennis matches, until I got there... I figured that it wasn't a match everyone was cheering on. It was a fight!

“Take that back, you bastard” a guy shouted as I heard the disturbing punching sound.

Two freshmen boys rolling on the ground, punching and kicking each other like pro wrestlers. Everybody seemed to be entertained and nobody dared to stop them. I tried to identify them but it was hard to tell who they were with all the punching and rolling. I squeezed through the crowd to get a better view. I still couldn't recognize them, I probably never seen them before. One of them was in his gym clothes, his really messed-up gym clothes, probably got dirty when they rolled on the ground. The other one was wearing the school uniform improperly. I hated violence, I couldn't stand to watch them fight like animals.

I immediately jumped in between them as they were grabbing each other's shirt. “Stop it” I yelled at the guy with the improper uniform while I tried to push him away from the other guy.

“Ced, stop hiding behind your girlfriend and come fight me like a man” said the other guy as he wiped the blood off his lips. “We're in a middle of a fight, sweetie”

“She's not my girlfriend!” He took a look at my face. “I don't even know who she is”

“Stop lying, wimp”

“I'm not lying” he yelled. “I'm gonna chop your head off”

Apparently I couldn't stop him from attacking. He got loose from my arms and ran towards that guy with a punch. I should have known that being a third-year student doesn't make me any tougher than them. They were taller than me, huger than me and a whole lot stronger than me. They both had fully packed muscles, I looked like a cookie compared to them. Though I still tried to pull them back from each other and received some painful punches. Luckily the gym teacher appeared from somewhere behind me and stopped the fight. After a long angry lecture from the gym teacher, both of the boys were taken to the principal's office and I was forced to join them as a witness. We received another long angry lecture from the principal, and from the look on his face, it wasn't their first time. He seemed really familiar with these guys but then he looked at me.

“And did you have anything to do with this?” he approached.

“Um… I'm just a witness, Sir” I gulped. It was my first time to come face to face with the principal and I was scared to death, I wanted to run out of the room. The atmosphere in his office was like a surgery room, you can tell that you won't make it out of here alive. I was more than relieved when he told us to dismiss. We were then taken to the nurse's office.

“Welcome back, you two” The nurse greeted the boys so familiarly. I was then sure that it wasn't their first time. She started to scold the guys before treating our injuries. I looked at the guy with the improper uniform, he was lying on the bed with his hands under his head. He didn't look like a freshman at all, he was really handsome. He had pure brown eyes… I somehow started to blush just be looking at him. He could tell that I was staring at him so I quickly looked away. He let out a sigh and shifted his body the other way. The other guy was lying on the other bed.

“I can't stand your face, I'm getting out of here” the guy in gym clothes hissed as he got up. He went out of the room, so I was left out alone with this insanely handsome freshman.

“So you're a freshman, right?” I said, wanting to start a conversation with him. There was no reply at all. Not even a single breath. He just stretched himself on the bed and ignored me the whole time. “I'm Leela, what's your name?”

He sighed. “Figure that out”

It was very rude of him. I felt like a piece of crap talking to him. He didn't even look at me. If it was coming from a less-attractive-looking guy, I might learn to accept it, but he was so damn good looking. It was humiliating!

“That's not very nice” I said to him angrily. “You can at least pretend to be nice… I'm a girl, you know”

He didn't reply, so I added “And I was trying to be friendly with you and ask for your name… but you look like a judgmental person who judges people before he gets to know them… and you're very rude too, if I wasn't so nice I'd show you a side of me you don't wanna see…”

He turned around to face me. “If I tell you my name, will you shut up?”

I was glad that he turned around to look at me, but at the same time I was furious with his attitude.

“Yes, please” I said, keeping it cool and smiling.

“Cedrick” he said. “Can I go now?”

“Nice to meet you, Cedrick” I smiled at him, though he looked totally annoyed. “Now answer my first question”

“Look missy, I just wanna get the hell out of here…” he groused.

“I told you to be nice”

“Fine, fine… what's your stinking first question?” he sighed heavily.

“You're a freshman, right?” I knew it was a ‘yes no’ lame question, but I wanted to keep the conversation going. I don't know why… but I didn't want him to leave.

“Yes, yes I am” he nodded annoyingly. “NOW can I leave?”

I wanted to come up with a topic we would talk about, but then again, he'd give me short answers… I didn't had any choice but to set him free. “Yes, thank you… you can leave”

He sighed and went for the door. I could tell that he was dying to get out of here. I took a final look at him as he left. Despite his awfully rude attitude, he was amazingly handsome. I finally have a purpose to come to school everyday!

Jadrien… I never had this feeling for a long time. Ever since you went away… all I felt was sadness, despair and loneliness… but when I met Cedrick, I started to feel you again. He looks nothing like you, you were a lot taller than him. But somehow he's got your warm brown eyes… I loved your eyes…

Leela in Love ஃ✿ Characters ✿ஃ

ஃ✿ Leela in Love ✿ஃ

♡ Leela
♥ Age: 16
♥ Name meaning “night beauty”
♥ A delightful little lady who likes lollipops, very childish. Falls in love with Cedrick instantly.

♡ Cedrick
♥ Age: 14
♥ Name meaning “War leader; gift of splendor”
♥ A serious and mysterious looking guy. He rarely smiles or talks but a lot adores him for his strength and intelligence. Has no interest in girls, including Leela. Best friends with Dominique.

♡ Dominique
♥ Age: 15
♥ Name meaning “Lord”
♥ The EMO boy. Cedrick's trusty best friend. Obsessed with music and always walks around with his ipod. He starts off hating Leela for being attached to Cedrick, but then he becomes cool with her after she discovers an ugly truth about him. He's the two-faced evil kind of guy.

♡ Angel
♥ Age: 14
♥ Name meaning “Messenger of god”
♥ The popular bad boy, he tries his best not to show any weakness in front of people, especially Cedrick who's his opponent in the school's volleyball and tennis team. He starts off by bullying Leela then finds himself attracted to her.

♡ Serena
♥ Age: 16
♥ Name meaning “Serene; calm and peaceful”
♥ The shallow blonde girl. She's Leela best friend. Appears to have a crush on Angel. She sometimes finds herself feeling jealous of Leela.

♡ Jadrien
♥ Age: -
♥ Name meaning “-”
♥ Seems to have a connection with Leela.