Insulted

Caroline pov:

"Hey, let's hit the cafeteria. It's lunchtime and everyone's probably there," Addison suggested, nudging me with a smile. 

I hesitated for a moment, the thought of seeing Nathaniel making me feel uneasy. But I quickly reminded myself that my dream of going to Columbia University was more important than any silly crush.

"I'll just ignore him," I thought to myself. "Riley would never let me on the team if she saw us together."

The moment we entered the cafeteria, the noise hit us like a wave. The tantalizing aroma of canteen food filled our senses, and lovebirds were scattered all around, lost in their own world. The cafeteria was infamous for its drama and rumors, and I secretly wished for a peaceful lunch period.

But who was I kidding? Drama always found its way into my life. As I walked towards the table where Natasha, Grayson, and Nathaniel were sitting, I couldn't help but wonder what today had in store for me.

As I approached the table, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me. All eyes were on me, and I could tell they were wondering who the new kid was. 

But then, Addison broke the silence with a warm smile. 

"Guys, this is our new friend!" she exclaimed.

Natasha chimed in. "Cece, you're late."

I couldn't help but wonder what kind of nickname Natasha had given me when one boy spoke up. 

"Cece? What kind of name is that?"

Before I could respond, Natasha jumped in.

"Just a nickname I gave her," she said with a smirk on her face.

I took a deep breath and introduced myself. "Hi, my name is Caroline Cassidy. I just moved here," I said with a smile.

Everyone quickly shuffled around to make room for us to sit, and introductions began. I met Anna, the gorgeous black-haired girl, Mia, the bubbly blonde, and Beth, the stunning brunette. As for the boys, there was Adam, the cutest boy I had ever seen, Dylan, the quiet one, Grayson and Nathaniel. 

Suddenly, Addison piped up, "Cece, I told you about my twin brother, right?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes before replying, "Oh yes, the kind soul that he is."

Grayson, who was sitting next to Addison, shot me a look and retorted, "Thanks for the sarcasm, Caroline."

The rest of the group seemed surprised. "Wait, you two know each other?" Natasha asked.

Grayson smirked and replied, "Actually, Nathaniel and Caroline are closer than she and I are."

I felt my blood boil and thoughts of punching Grayson's face flooded my mind. But I tried to remain calm and composed.

"Really? You didn't tell me, baby?" A voice interrupted us. 

We turned to see who it was, and there she was, the girl who had come to the class with Nathaniel. Riley, his girlfriend.

My heart sank as I realized that if she found out about Nathaniel and me, my dream of getting into the team would be shattered into a million pieces.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me, baby!" Riley exclaimed in a voice that made me shudder.

I was at a loss for words, not knowing what to do. It was clear that if Riley found out about Nathaniel and me, I would be in a lot of trouble.

"Why would he tell you when he likes another girl?" Grayson interjected, a smirk playing on his lips.

Nathaniel didn't even deny it. I couldn't help but wonder what he was trying to do.

"I swear it’s nothing like that. He just helped me find my class," I protested.

"And he was helping you when you were in his arms?" Grayson said sarcastically.

"Would you please stop saying everything so negatively?" I almost shouted at him. I couldn't take it anymore.

Nathaniel then spoke up, shocking everyone in the cafeteria. "Yes, I like her. Is there a problem, Riley?"

The entire cafeteria fell silent as all eyes turned towards Nathaniel. Did he really just say that he liked me?

"I'm your girlfriend, Nathan. How can you cheat on me with this slut?" Riley shouted.

I could feel everyone's eyes on me, and I just wanted to disappear. I had only asked for a peaceful first day, but I found myself in the middle of a huge drama.

"Don't call her that," Nathaniel warned her.

Riley looked terrified as she stared at Nathaniel's angry face. She then slowly turned to look at me, her eyes filled with disgust. She walked over to me and slapped my cheek so hard that my jaw almost fell off. Everyone fell silent, and I could see pity written all over their faces.

I couldn't take it anymore. I got up from my seat and ran out of the cafeteria. Addison and Natasha called out to me, but I didn't stop until I reached the washroom. 

I looked at myself in the mirror, tears streaming down my face. My cheek was swollen and red, with five clear finger marks visible. I couldn't believe that this was happening to me. I had done nothing wrong, and yet, I found myself in the middle of a gigantic mess, all because of Nathaniel. I couldn't help but hate him.

Fresh starts don't always guarantee good luck. That's what I learned when I transferred to this school. It was the first day, and she called me a slut and humiliated in front of everyone. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't imagine showing my face to any of them ever again.

I was hiding in the washroom, wiping my tears when I saw Nathaniel, walked in.

"Caroline, are you okay?" he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

I turned around, my face still red from crying. I tried to hide my face, but Nathaniel took my hands away. 

"Don't hide from me," he whispered.

"What are you doing here? You'll get suspended if someone catches you in the girls' washroom," I said coldly.

"I don't care about that. I only care about you," he said.

I moved away, creating a gap between us. But his words lingered in my mind, and I knew that I couldn't ignore him forever.

"I really don't understand why you're acting like this. We barely know each other, Nathaniel. I just met you today and now you're telling me you like me? Are you out of your mind?" I said, trying to keep my cool.

"Caroline, I know it sounds baffling, but I really do like you. And I would say the same thing even after a hundred years." He said. Nathaniel was persistent.

His words didn't make me feel any better about the situation. 

"Stop joking, Nathaniel. Your little stunt earlier humiliated me in front of everyone. So don't even bother talking to me." I shouted.

"Okay, let's talk about that tomorrow. But for now, let me drop you off at home." He offered. He wasn't going to give up easily.

"I can go on my own, thank you," I replied, avoiding eye contact.

"Don't make me force you, Caroline." He warned me.

"Try me." I couldn't help but be sarcastic.

Next thing I knew, he had lifted me up with one arm and was carrying me out of the washroom. I couldn't believe what was happening. 

"Put me down, Nathaniel!" I shouted, but he ignored me and continued walking.

As he carried me outside to his Jeep, I couldn't help but worry about what others might think if they saw us like this. 

"Why are you acting like this?" I asked.

As he put me in the car, he made sure to buckle me up safely before walking around to the driver's side.

"Don't try to get down." He warned.

I didn't argue. I didn't want to be carried again.

"You don't know my house," I exclaimed to him.

"Oh, but I do," he replied as he got into the driver's seat.

I looked at him, perplexed. "How could you possibly know where I live?" I asked.

"I have my ways, love," he said with a sly smile. 

"You thought I saw you today and fell in love?"

I was caught off guard. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"I've been watching over you for years, love," he said with a hint of

mystery. 

"I know your every moment."

I was speechless. Was he joking? 

"You were stalking me?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear.