CHAPTER 2 - RISK

TASHA

“You saw Rendall kissing someone in the locker room earlier, and you didn't bother to tell me about it straight away?” Sadie scoffed, and I groaned as I sank back on my bed. “Seriously, our friendship is on the rocks at this moment,” she joked and chuckled.

"Since when did Rendall kissing some girls at school become our concern?" I asked, loaded with counterfeit energy. “He can have some smooches with someone all over the campus, and I would prefer not to care the slightest bit. He's not even that hot!”

“You're telling a lie,” Sadie pointed out. “I noticed how strained you looked when he sat next to you! You can never lie to me, Tasha.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “I was tensed because it was him!” I answered. “I am sure you're aware that being close to him can spark an issue, and I don’t want any issues in my life, Sadie. Not this time, not any time. I want to finish college with flying colors and peaceful life.” She didn’t answer, so I continued talking. “Besides, who cares about guys who are hot as hell—”

She let out a squealing sound once more. “Did you just confess that he’s hot?” she said, sounding as if she was interrogating me. I swear, if we're having a face-to-face conversation, I've already pinched her arms as tightly as I possibly could.

I hissed. “I don’t even give a damn about Rendall, even if he’s dripping hot in your eyes, Sadie.

“Wait, you're actually saying that he's pretty attractive—” 

“No, I am not," I said, cutting off her statement. 

“Yes, you did.”

“No, I did not!” I said with finality. “Alright, he's causing me to feel something unfamiliar to me.”

“Tell me about it,” she said. Her tone suggests as though she's glad to find out about that.

“Every time he’s close by, I have this unwanted heat in my body,” I confessed. “I don’t have any idea where it’s coming from, but only him can make me feel that.”

“You’re lusting over him—”

“What?! No!” I negated. “You really are unbelievable!”

I heard her chuckle from the other line, and she almost sent me a shudder down my spine. “I’d love to see where that undesirable heat you’ve been feeling for him will take you,” she said.

It’s been hours since the call between Sadie and I ended, but the rampant thudding of my heart won’t subside. I am still having goosebumps about the last phrase she told me. This unwanted heat when he’s around, it must go. I would prefer not to ruin my peaceful start because of it.

I opened my eyes, eyelids still hefty as the sun peeked in my bedroom window, lighting my hair like a blazing halo. The sun's rays sent a glossy gold sheen all around my room, blending with the dull green and yellowish leaves faltering in the breeze.

“Good morning, sunshine,” I said to myself in hushed tones. The moment I lifted my head away from the pillow, my long, wavy chocolate hair cascaded down my back like a volcano cascade. I moved gradually as I heard my mom’s voice from outside the door and the smell of maple wafting in the air.

I took a quick shower, pulled out simple jeans and a shirt in my wardrobe, and paired it up with my favorite converse. As soon as I went out the door, I heard the sizzling of bacon, and the sweet aroma of maple lingered in my nose.

“Good morning, mom,” I greeted as I planted a delicate kiss on her cheeks. Worry flashed through my face when I saw how heavy the packs under her eyes were. “You do need adequate rest, mom. You’re working three jobs—” she cut me off the middle of my sentence.

“Make it four since I am doing a part-time job in a coffee shop down the street,” she said with a chuckle. She pressed her hands against my cheeks when she realized that it wasn't making me feel any better. “Just do your best in your academic performance, and don’t worry about me. Just like before, we’ll get through this.”

My father kicked the bucket since I couldn’t remember when. I was still young when he passed away, and mom won’t disclose anything to me with regards to his death. Somehow, throughout the years, I got tired of asking the same question to my mom, and I realized that I am causing her to remember surely a very traumatic experience in her life whenever I’m bringing up that topic. Since then, mom endeavored real hard to give me a better life.

“I think I should find a job myself. I still have some spare time—”

“No,” she immediately responded with finality. “It’s better if you’ll stay in that university. It will be much safer in there.”

“Mom…”

“I can handle this, Tasha,” she said. “I don’t want to lose another member of this family. End of discussion!”

I hurled a deep sigh but chose not to utter another word. I finished my breakfast and gave mom a quick kiss and an apology. I looked at my already old wristwatch and saw that I still had ample time to walk myself to the university. In that way, I can save myself some money.

My heart almost came out of my chest when a car blare sounded from my back. I moved to the side of the road, but the car continued to blare as though the driver was doing it on purpose. I looked back and saw Rendall’s head out of the car’s open window. Gritting my teeth, I watched as a cheeky smirk flashed across his face as he lifted his designer—I assume—sunglasses.

“Are you going to school? I'm more than willing to give you a lift,” he offered. I promptly turned my back at him and kept on strolling. My heart was hustling as I felt the unwelcome heat slowly seeping into my body from all directions. I secretly nibbled my lower lip as I closed my fist, trying to keep myself calm.

It is entirely off-base for me to feel this way about him with what transpired yesterday. There are other guys in the university that are much worthy of my attention and time, but not him. His reputation and the scene yesterday tell me what kind of a man he is, and I won’t risk myself just for someone like him. He’s definitely out of my league, and even if it is possible, I won’t bet myself just to be with him.

I groaned a bit as the oppressive heat intensified at the very moment that someone grabbed my arm by the arm. I almost lost my balance when he did that. “W-What do you think you’re doing?!” I said peevishly. I retracted my arm from his touch and glared at him. “Put an end to whatever it is that you're doing, and please, stay away from me as possible!”

“I wasn’t the one who made the first move; you were,” he said as he ventured somewhat nearer. “You were the one who went too close to me. Watching me kiss somebody else must’ve hurt you.”

I sneered. “In your freaking dreams, Rendall! You can kiss whoever you want, and I won’t give a damn! Now, stay out of my freaking way and my freaking life!”

He chuckled. “Feisty,” he said as he took another stride towards me. I tried keeping the distance between us, but he caught me by my waist. I pushed him hard, but he was too strong. “Your eyes were the first thing in the university that mesmerized me. I’ve been watching you from afar ever since I stepped into that room and met your gaze. There’s something between us, and I know you’re feeling it, too.”

That took me completely by surprise. Does this imply that I am not the only one who is experiencing this? And this heat...does he feel it, too?

“Just…” I breathed, “let me go!” I snapped as I tried to break free from his arms. “Whatever it is that you’re feeling towards me, forget it, Rendall!”

I lacked out of the air when his lips marginally contacted my ears when he leaned towards me. He breathed, and the warmth of his breath exacerbated everything for me. “There’s no turning back now, Tasha,” he muttered. “Whatever it takes, you will be mine.”

He walked back to his car and drove away. He left me in that area, practically dumbfounded. I took a series of deep breaths, but they did nothing to alleviate the discomfort I was feeling—not even a bit. What the hell just happened? Why was I stiffened by his presence and action?