The Walk

JUNE’S POV

The school gates had never felt this loud. It wasn’t the noise. 

Students, teachers and the rest of the staff were always talking, greeting, laughing and moving in clusters.

Today, it felt like everything was sharper.

Or maybe it was just me.

“Hey.” I heard Jules’s voice, “are you just going to stand there?” She said, laughing as she hugged me.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” She said with a smug grin as we started walking.

“He has a name you know?” I said. “And I have no idea.” I responded to her question.

Today, I wore my hair up and cut out two curls in front, falling at both sides of my face. The star shaped golden hair clip Jules bought for me was fixed by the side of my hair. 

“You’re looking gorgeous today.” She complimented me with a wink.

“Today?” I teased.

“You look beautiful every day without trying but there’s a little effort today, especially with your hair. Let me just add a little something.” She said and dug out a clear lipgloss from her bag and applied on my lips. “Voila!” She said, proud of her work. 

“Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome,” she said before her attention shifted towards the gate. “Let’s get the drama started.” 

I turned to her line of sight.

A car pulled up, black and sleek.

He stepped out like the world was waiting for him. Easy, effortless, smiling.

I looked away.

“He’s coming our way.” Jules whispered.

I told myself to calm down.

This couldn’t be as scary as a politics exam.

I didn’t notice when Jules moved a bit till I felt another voice. A different voice from behind me.

I didn’t jump. I remained collected.

“Morning.” He greeted.

“Good morning to you too.” I said as I turned to face him.

A beat of silence passed and then I felt his hand brush mine.

Slow, deliberate till he took my hands fully.

“Relax.” He murmured, low enough for only me to hear, “you look like you’re about to run.” 

“I’m not.” 

“Hi Jules.” He said. 

Jules was staring at us, wide eyed.

“Don’t hurt her Hayes or else your name will be on the London Times. Not for something brave.” She threatened.

“Yes ma’am.” He replied with a chuckle.

His hand slipped round my waist and he pulled me closer. 

Subtle. Natural.

Jules gave me a look that screamed “Ouu, he’s good.” 

I froze for half a second. 

We were close enough, it would seem intimate to the causal observer.

I swallowed.

We walked together with Jules to the courtyard.

I felt it. Every single stare.

Instead of looking at them, I focused on something I could control.

I tightened my fingers around Adrien’s hand.

He noticed and brushed his thumb against my knuckles. 

A small movement, barely anything.

“June, relax.” He said under his breath.

“I am relaxed.” 

“You’re crushing my hand.” He chuckled.

I smiled back. 

Slowly, I relaxed into his hands.

“You two look great together.” Jules whispered beside me. “I’m suddenly feeling like a third wheel.” She said.

“Bye lover birds.” She walked away, probably to the press room. 

“This is going to spread fast.” I told him when we reached my locker.

“Good,” he replied.

Something shifted in the air. 

Lori stood by the stairs, watching our interlocked hands. Then her eyes went up to my face.

For a brief second, her eyes flickered with surprise.

“Well, your revenge plan is going to be interesting.” He said.

“This is your problem.” I told him. It was his ex anyway.

“Sure, if anybody tries anything, tell me, okay?” He said with seriousness.

“I can handle myself.” I rolled my eyes and was about to walk to my class when he pulled me closer to him and kissed my cheek.

“Have a great day!” He said and ran to his friends at the end of the hallway.

I didn’t know I was smiling till I got to Literature class.

“I’m guessing you’re smiling because of a certain brownskin.” Jules said with a smile.

I composed myself and sat down.

“It has to be convincing.” 

“Sure. I’m telling you, you aren’t going to survive this.” She warned. “This isn’t politics. You’ll fall for him eventually ” She said before turning her attention to the board.

Miss Caroline walked in and everyone focused on the lesson.

Jules was right. It wasn’t politics. 

But I could keep my feelings in check.

“You know I’m all for some drama. If you guys end up actually being together, it’ll be romantic comedy gold.” She beamed as we walked out of class. 

“Guys!” Savannah rushed towards us and dragged us to her locker.

“First of all, I just heard that you,” she pointed to me. “Are with Adrien” 

“Jules, I told you something was going on between them!” She said.

“Yes Sav. I equally found out today. You needed to see them this morning!” Jules said.

“I missed that?” Jules narrated our performance at the gate. 

“Coming to school early has its perks.” I teased. Savannah never got to school on time because she wanted her beauty sleep.

“I’ll be right back. I need to get a drink from the vending machine.” I told them.

“Please pick something other than lemonade.” Jules said and I laughed.

Maybe I would get a cranberry.

“June.” Lori’s voice laced with feigned sweetness called my name.

“Hmm,” I replied.

“You and Adrien huh?” She said. 

“Yes?” I asked, sounding bored.

“Didn’t know you too were…close.” 

Not an accusation.

A statement.

“We are.” I said simply. 

I grabbed my drink.

“People talk ,June. Especially about things that don’t quite make sense. About people that don’t make sense.” She said.

Her eyes met mine.

This time there was no softness in them.

I smiled.

“I guess they will have something more interesting to talk about.” 

I left before she could respond.

I had started something and there was no going back with Lori Cross.