7 : Fight

- I can't believe it!" exclaims Célia when I sit down at our table. I was beginning to think this would never happen!

- You underestimate me, bitch.

- Bitch.

- I love you too.

My nerves are on edge, the teacher's left us late and we've had a five-minute break! Célia and I rush down the corridors to the courtyard, where the boys are waiting for us. Mathis has his back to me, sitting on a low wall. I surprise him by wrapping my arms around him and placing a kiss on his cheek.

- Hey, sweetheart," he says cheerfully.

He's such a sweetie. He pulls me into his arms for a kiss and keeps me on his lap. Max is obviously upset, but I'm not going to apologize for getting attached to someone who's interested in me in every possible way.

- Why are you so late?" asks Eli.

- The philosophy teacher was sequestering us," says Celia.

- I was afraid you'd changed your mind," Mathis whispers in my ear.

- Why would I do that?

- Let's just say... you're spoilt for choice... he says with his cute little puppy dog eyes.

- But I chose you," I answer in his ear before kissing his neck.

He shudders and closes his arms around me, burying his head in my neck.

- You're driving me crazy.

I laugh and wrap my arms around his neck to keep him close for a moment. Pulling away, I take hold of his lips and his kiss doesn't wait.

The bell pulls us apart again, making Mathis growl.

- See you later, sweetheart," he murmurs against my lips before placing one last kiss on them and I release him to join his friends.

Turning my head to head for my next class, I come face to face with James, Dereck and Reed. James grabs my wrist and pulls me aside.

- Damn it, Tanya! What the hell are you doing?

- What are you doing?

- With Mathis!

- Well, I think that's pretty clear," I laugh.

- It's not funny! If he's an idiot, that's his problem, but what about your partner?

I'm shocked, why is he talking to me like that?

- You know who he is..." I say, thinking back to last week's party. Why would he do that? How?" I shouted this time. I'm not eighteen, James! I've no way of knowing who it is, so how come you...

Suddenly, I have doubts.

- Is it you?" I ask fearfully.

- No," he murmurs.

I can tell by the look on his face and his tone that it hurts him to say it.

- So what do you care? If he's not going to come forward, let him keep his jealousy to himself. At least Mathis is there!

I rip my wrist from James's hand. Tears fill my cheeks. He wants to take me in his arms, but I step back and walk away. I don't want to go to class and there's no field available at this hour for dancing. So I don't know what to do...

I leave the school grounds and go to the nearby park. I sit down against a tree and cry my eyes out.

I'm back at school by noon, my eyes red and swollen, but I don't know what to do about it.

- Hey, what happened to you, sweetheart?

Mathis is instantly worried. Why couldn't he be my companion? He takes me in his arms and I shed a few more tears against his chest. He lets me, stroking my back to comfort me.

- Hey, bitch!" Célia shouts in the distance. Why weren't you in class?

I look up at her and wipe my eyes.

- Are you the bastard who made her cry?" asks Celia, accusing Mathis.

- No," he growls.

- Calm down, Celia, it's not his fault. It'll pass, don't worry.

We head for the restaurant, James looking downcast, Dereck chomping at the bit as usual and Reed making no secret of his desire to kill me. I wonder why those two insist on eating with us.

After school, I go to the boys' training session with Celia. There are already a lot of groupies in the stands. We settle down in the second row. I start to shiver. I don't have anything to cover myself, I hadn't planned to stay this late.

I see James approaching the bleachers, so I go to meet him.

- There's a sweater for you right there," he says, pointing to one of the seats.

He gives me a smile and takes off running. I smile back; I can't stay mad at him, it's just impossible. I take the carefully folded sweater and put it on. It's so long, it even covers my skirt.

- You don't mind wearing the clothes of a guy who isn't yours, do you?" asks a shocked Celia. What does Mathis think?

- I don't know, but James is the person I trust most...

- Nice for me...

- Celia, please, it's complicated enough as it is without you adding to it. And Mathis knows that I'm here for him and no one else. OKAY?

I slip my hands into the kangaroo pouch and play with the little object left inside.

Later, when I hide my nose in the collar of the sweater, I'm once again transported by the smell that nails me to the spot. This sweater is clearly not James'.

- Whose signet ring is this?" asks Celia, pointing to my finger.

- It was in my pocket, and I'm afraid I'll lose it if I leave it in there. It must be James', I lie.

- What's James's surname again?

- Tariss, why?

- I thought so. James Tariss's initials are J.T. And that's not what's engraved on this one.

I look and see the initials D.S.

- I'd go with De...

- The boys have finished," I cut her off as I grab my bag and run downstairs to join Mathis, who is running out of the field.

He grabs me by the waist and lifts me against him. I take his face in my hands and kiss him passionately.

- I could get used to having you near me during training sessions," he declares before putting me down and taking my hands in his.

- Whenever you like. Just ask...

He kisses me, appreciating my answer.

- What's this?" he asks, looking at the signet ring I wasn't wearing earlier in the day.

- It's James', I didn't want to lose it.

- Should I be jealous?" he asks, suddenly serious.

- No, you shouldn't. James is my friend. OKAY?

- What about me?

- My boyfriend?

He smiles with all his teeth and leans over me again.

- Perfect," he breathes against my lips. I've got to shower and change, then I'll take you home. If you don't mind...

- I'll be waiting for you, off you go!

He kisses me one last time before hurrying off to the changing rooms. My heart swells with happiness, this guy is perfect.