A new friend

Chapter 6

Selene p.o.v

My room may look peaceful but my head feels tight, like it's being squeezed from the inside. The sunlight burns my cheeks earning a groan from me. I stood and walked slowly to the mirror. I stared at my reflection, weighing my options silently. “Should I just stay at home?” I sighed. Memories of last night suddenly washed over me giving me a shivering sensation. I remembered how his strong arms held the knife, how he looked in those small shorts. The way he frowns and glared at me like I was the most annoying person.

“What is this thought?” I stuttered, choosing each word carefully. “No-no, that guy is a lunatic! I shouldn't read too much about it.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I got down from the stairs and I saw him again, Mr. Grumpy. “Why is he still at our house?” I frowned. Even if I was mad I couldn't make the mistake of saying it out loud. My mom will give me an ear full. “Hey Mom! Hey Dad” I greeted taking my seat next to Xavier, who was busy with his phone. “Morning dear” they both said at once. “How was your night?” My dad asked while my mom filled more food for Xavier. He always gets more favor than me, “What a prune,” I pout. 

“Fine dad” I said. When I noticed he was waiting for my response. My eyes moved to Lucan. He was staring. His expression was unreadable, as he lifted the glass to his lips. “Morning uncle,” I greeted, diverting my gaze from him. I wasn't ready to deal with a guy that looked like he spent all day staring at himself.

“Where are you going?” Lucan asked across the table, his gaze intense and side eyeing me.

“School…what does it look like?” I shot back before I could stop myself.

“No, you're sick” he said, oblivious to my tone. His eyes returned back to the food like he was done talking. As if there was no room for further discussion.. “As if” I scoffed silently. 

My mom gasped slowly and started checking my pulse. “What happened my Tesoro Mio?” she asked letting her Italian accent slip out in a rush. Her voice was laced with worry. I turned to Lucan and a smile tugged on his lips. “Oh, this is what he wanted.” How I wish I could slap that smirk away.

“She doesn't look sick to me…” Xavier shrugged, raising his brow at me. I knew he was thinking I just wanted to skip school. My dad frowned at him “what are you saying?” He said to Xavier but his expression said everything. 

“Sweetie, why didn't you say anything? If you're not feeling well then you can stay at home.” My mom started. “I'm fine mom, it was just a little cold” I tried to assure her but it seems like she wasn't buying it.

“How did Lucan know she was sick?” Xavier asked, catching me off guard. Mom and dad looked at Lucan too waiting for an explanation. I started coughing desperately. I glared at Xavier and he gave me a teasing smile. “ See, I know she's not sick. She probably begged uncle Lucan to cover her up.” He said, flashing me a cocky grin. I turned to Lucan; he looked clearly pissed at Xavier's suggestion. He opened his mouth to speak but I beat him to it. “Yes I am Xavier.” I glared at him, letting my voice dripped with sarcasm.

“But you look tired Amore.” My mom pressed “Your uncle was trying to look out for you.” She said with a pout and my dad nodded in agreement. “Yes Selene,” Lucan muttered, looking at me from the bridge of his nose. His tone wasn't soft, it was a warning and I could feel it. I stood up and gave them a light kiss on their head before uttering “bye mom, bye dad.” I said reassuring them. I turned to Xavier who was stuffing his mouth with food. “Be quick doofus!” I added. 

Needless to say I felt Lucan burning gaze as I walked out yet I shrugged it off. I exhaled all the breath I held when I got to the car..a part of me wanted to know if he was angry but I dismissed the thought.

Xavier got to the car and we drove off.

 ~~~~Maplewood Academy~~~~~

I stepped out from the car and walked towards Julia after giving Xavier a nod. Julia was with Kate and Madison and they seemed so engrossed with whatever they were saying. “Hey babes,” I greeted. “Hey girl! How are you?” Madison started with enthusiasm. “I'm great.” I replied back. “You look drained, what happened?.” Julia asked glancing at me. “Or who happened, I bet jace didn't let her breath after his trip.” Madison beamed, a smirk playing in her lips. “Come on girl, you owe us all the details.” Julia squealed, her eyes suddenly sparkling. I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh. “Let's get to class I promise I will spill everything.” I manage to say because I couldn't help thinking about what happened. 

Class started and I felt bored to death. My mind drifted to Jace, I haven't seen him all day. I know it is because of what happened. But is he really going to end things for something so trivial?. I felt my stomach twist in knots and I swallowed. When the class finally ended I went to the cafeteria with my friends. The place was noisy and the chatter of my friends filled my ears but my mind was unsettled. I barely heard what they were saying. We got our food and started eating.

“Selene, are you even listening to anything?” Julia asked, staring at me. “Look Jace is there, he didn't even say hi.” I quickly turned to Jace who was eating and chatting lowly with his friends. He looked up at me and our eyes met but he didn't say anything. I could feel my heart clenched. 

“Okay what's up girl, you don't seem yourself.” Madison said beside me. “What happened between you and Jace, did you guys have a fight again?” Kate asked worriedly while Julia turned to me.

“J..jace” I breathed out “Jace and I...we are done.” The food hung in their mouth for a ssecond. Staring at me like I said the most absorb thing.

“When and why? I thought you guys are never breaking up?” Julia asked slow and carefully, clearly stunned. “I thought so too, he said I cheated on him with that scumbag at the club.” I swallowed hard.

“That motherfucker, that was a mistake.” Madison gritted her teeth. “That's it, I'm going to talk to him.” Julia announced. I held her hand to stop her “forget it.” I whispered. “You don't need him.” Madison added, hugging me. I wiped my tears then I stood up and said, “I need to use the bathroom.” 

“Do you want us to come?” Madison called out but I shoke my head leaving. I glanced at where he was sitting but he wasn't there anymore. 

I reached the hallway and I saw “Jace” I called. My shoulders tense and my breath hitched. He stopped in his tracks and turned to me. His eyes were different, almost like love wasn't there anymore. I walked towards him until we were at speaking levels.

“We need to talk.”

“There is nothing to talk about Selene.” He deadpanned, avoiding my eyes.

“Why huh? I guess you like seeing me this way. I told you it was a mistake. You're just going to leave me like we didn't have something. When did you become so selfish huh, Jace. I never mattered to you. And to think you would call me a whore.” I whispered the last words: clutching my bag like it would give me comfort.

“Stop, just stop okay. You're playing the victim here. Please leave me alone and get a life. I want nothing to do with you, you can go fuck-” I slapped the words back to his mouth with fury.

“Thanks, for giving me a reason why I should have never tried to talk things out with you.” I yelled at him as the tears spilled over my face. 

He clenched his fist, the pain evited in his face “Try this shit again and I won't hold back Selene.” He muttered walking away. His eyes were dark and cold. I gasped “fuck you Jace,” I yelled at his retreating figure. I hated him for making me feel miserable.

 As I entered the school garden, I sat beside the tree. It was my favourite spot. I always came here when I didn’t feel like myself. The wind dried my tears and they clung to me like a mask. The school noise faded in the background. I hugged myself admiring the flowers. My heart was broken and the heaviness was suffocating me. I felt truly tired of being this way, if this is what a heart break feels like…I don't want to experience it anymore. Hours passed but I still stayed. Maybe I was mourning our old love. “I hate you Jace.” I whispered, voice cracked.

“Hey…” I heard a male voice. I turned and I looked up seeing a tall guy, he had brown hair and the most inviting pair of blue eyes. His hands were tucked in this pocket. He leaned in with an easy smile. “Hello” he said, waving his hands and snapping me back to reality. “ I've been calling you for a while…” he trailed off. “I'm Ethan, by the way.” He said with a smile stretching his arms out. I wasn't ready to start a conversation with a random stranger but I still accepted his handshake.

“Yes, because I want to be left alone.” I was surprised at the tone of my voice. “Hey..

Hey, chill I promise I'm not here to be a nuisance.” he said, his voice a bit rushed. I felt kind of bad for lashing out on him. “If you need the way to the library then turn left and walk a little…” I was about to say when he cut me off. “I'm not looking for directions, I came here for you.” He said sweetly with a smile. Then he took a sit next to me. “I'm not going to tell you to fix your attitude because the jerk that's making you tear up needs to be taught a lesson.” He added. A gasped left my lips before I could stop myself. “Who said I'm crying because of a guy.” I said, cursing my puffy face. But he didn't say anything. He put his hand on his pocket and brought his handkerchief and hand it to me. Then murmured “Of course, you can't be crying because of a guy.” He said facing me. I looked at the handkerchief hesitantly. Then I took it and a small smile spread across my face. “Joker” I scoffed. 

“You're welcome.” He smirked. “So can you tell me your name now?” He asked. “Selene Kael.” I whispered.

“Wait, are you Xavier's sister?”

 “Yes I am. Why?” I asked. “Oh, that explains why you have been hidden.” He laughed.

“You know…He loves you more than basketball.” He grinned. 

“No, I think he loves Emily and the rest of those cunts he slept with.” I replied and he let out a throaty laugh.

“You're crazy.” He admits, still laughing. “Remember the time he busted Jacob's jaw because he asked for your number?” he asked. My eyes beamed "Oh yes,” I gasped excitedly. 

“Jacob was a jerk and…wait how do you know about that?” I asked as the realisation hit me. 

“I was there. I guess you don't remember because you were little then.” He said. “Hey, I was fourteen.” I protested.

He laughed again. I didn't realised how long we talked until I heard the second bell…