CHAPTER 2 : HER PLAN

** TORI's POV **

   

The school bell rang signaling the end of eight-period, which means I'm one class away to call it a day. 

I texted Nathan an apology message for leaving him alone at the cafeteria. I was totally pissed off at Zach. I just couldn't stand the sight of him. I know this isn't my usual personality but even the cutest cat can be mean sometimes, right? I think Chloe's lesson about letting out your anger is now showing up. I hope I can still control it.

I stepped out of the classroom and headed to my locker to get the book for the last period, English literature. When the warning bell rang, signaling that it's time to hurry up or you'll be late for class, I hurriedly collected my things. I didn't want to be late for my next class. I've never been late nor absent in my whole life. Even if I'm sick, I still insist on going to school because for me, education is very important.

After grabbing my things, I was about to run as fast as I could to class when someone grabbed my waist and lifted me. Wait a minute? Is someone trying to abduct me? Are you kidding? This is a private school and this is supposed to be a secured place.

Totally shocked and speechless, the next thing I know is I'm in an empty classroom with a tall man with blond messy hot-looking hair and perfectly curved lips smiling at me. He's standing right in front of me, so close that I can smell his captivating scent. I've never been this close to a guy before, not even once.

I looked closely at the tall guy and when I finally realized who this is, my eyes widened, I stepped back away from him and pointed my fingers at his face. "You!" I shrieked angrily.

"Yes! Me! Happy?" He announced with an overconfident tone.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? How dare you touch me!" I screamed loudly.

"Oh I thought this is what you wanted. Because the way you looked at me at the cafeteria earlier..." He leaned closer as if teasing me.

"Stay away from me! I wasn't checking you out! I was cursing you, Zachary Anderson!" Then the bell rang signaling that the class has already started. "Oh no I'm late." I worried. I tried to make my way out of the empty room but Zach grabbed my hand.

"Where do you think you're going?" He sturdily asked. I flinched at his stupid question.

"You're asking me where I'm going? I'm going to class you jerk! And thanks to you I'm already late. I missed English literature!" I said with irritation so obvious in my tone.

"You should be thanking me for saving you from that boring subject." He confidently bragged.

I rolled my eyes at the most stupid retort that I've ever heard in my entire life. "This is the first time that I've ever skipped class, English lit of all classes! This stupid act of yours is not funny at all. I have to go." 

"No you will not. Not until I said so." He ordered and this made me more irritated.

"And who do you think you are to boss me around? Help!" I screamed. I was really annoyed. My first absent and of all the people to be stuck with, him!

"If you don't shut up I'll kiss you! Unless that's what you really wanted." He grinned sheepishly.

No way. He wouldn't dare! Not my first kiss. I will never give it to a guy like him. I pushed him hard and distanced myself from him. "Stay away from me you asshole! I hate you!" I swore.

He sat on one of the desk and looked at me from head to toe. And then he laughed out loud. "Wow! Look who just said the A word? It's Miss Prim and Proper Victoria Peige, the daughter of the rich and famous owner of Prestige Hotels, one of the prominent hotels in the world. But not impressive enough to top ours." He boasted.

"What are you talking about? According to the latest world's most famous and prestigious hotels, ours definitely topped the chart! Ten of our hotels defeated yours! Get your facts straight!" I corrected him proudly. But he just laughed at this.

"You can take the hotel business, we still have a lot of other stuff to do. We're not competing. We both know that if we wanted to be on top, our company would definitely have it." He gestured arrogantly.

"Oh come on." I glared at him from head to toe then continued. "You'll never surpass us, you jerk! Guys like you make me sick!" I scorned.

He stood up and walked towards my direction. "Why do you hate me so much Victoria Peige? I don't recall doing anything to you. Or is that the reason why you despise me so much? You want me, do you?" He's now walking towards me. As he gets closer and closer, I continued to step back away from him. His eyes never leaving mine and it's full of nuisance. 

"Are you out of your mind? Where's your brain, Zach? Hiding inside that bushy blond hair of yours? Please, you're doing me a favor. Don't hit on me, nothing would make me happier. Besides you're not my type." I looked at him from head to toe with obvious disgust.

"Who is it then? That chick-flick Nathan?" He snorted. Oh my! He knows I have feelings for Nathan? But how? Am I that obvious? 

I'm really trying my very best to hide the shock in my face, if not, it will just give away the truth. "Oh but Nathan is in love with your best friend, Chloe, right? Tough love. I pity you, being with someone who can't love you back. That must be hard." He continued with arrogance in his tone.

"Same goes to you." I murmured as I looked away, avoiding his glare.

"What did you just say?" He snapped.

No. I shouldn't have said that. It will give him the idea that I know something and Nathan might get mad at me. I'm so dead. I've got to get out of here.

"I said you're an asshole!" I stepped on his foot and hurriedly escaped the room. I ran away from him. I immediately went outside and hailed a cab. There's no need for me to stay here, and I'm officially absent for class anyway. I should get out of here fast.

* * * * * * *

I finally arrived at my penthouse located at one of the beautiful buildings in the upper east side of New York City. I live here together with my nanny and another maid. My parents were not here since they're busy running our hotel business, so basically I'm home alone. But I didn't mind it at all. I've gotten used to this situation. This is probably the consequence of being a rich kid. You'll have all the stuff you want but you can't be with your parents all the time. That sucks.

"Why so early, dear? And where is Nathan? He's always dropping you off after school right?" That's Sonia, my nanny. She's been with me since I was little and she's always taking care of me. Oh. I totally forgot about Nathan because of that stupid Zachary Anderson! I should text Nathan right away that I'm already home. 

"I just have to finish something so I decided to go home early." I lied. "I'm heading to my room now okay? Could you bake some chocolate chip cookies, please! Thanks a lot Sonia, you're the best." I swiftly went upstairs to avoid more questions from her. I couldn't stand lying to her. I went to my room and texted Nathan.

'Don't look for me, I'm already home. Got to finish something so I decided to leave early. Take care :)'

I took off my clothes and decided to pamper myself with a bath. It's been a stressful day for me and I deserve some relaxation. While taking my bubble bath, my phone rang and I saw Chloe's name flashing on the screen. I immediately answered it, thinking it might be important.

"Hey Chloe. Everything's fine?" I greeted.

"I'm good. It's just that... are you busy?" She hesitantly asked.

"Not really." I answered right away.

"Okay, well I'm in the restroom. I'm on a date right now with Greg and I'm really happy to the point that I'm afraid that if this goes on, he might leave me just like the others did to me. What am I going to do, Tori? I'm so into him right now." She informed me with both excitement and sadness into her tone.

If only she knew about Zach's schemes. But I shouldn't say that to her. I promised Nathan, but I really want to help my friend. I don't want to see her suffer anymore. I can feel that she's really in love with Greg, and I've never seen her this happy.

I took a deep breath and told her the best encouraging words that I can muster. "Hang in there. I don't think Greg would ever do anything to hurt you. He's different from the others and I can sense that he's totally into you. Just cherish the moments okay? Don't worry too much; it will just ruin what you have right now." 

Chloe's silent for a while and then I heard her took a deep sigh. "Thanks a lot Tori; you're really my best friend. I'll keep that in mind. I have to go. Thanks again. Bye!" Then she hangs up the phone.

What am I going to do? I want her to be happy. It's that self-centered Zach that's ruining everything. Think Tori, think. You're a smart girl; you should use your brain for situations like this. Why am I so useless!

I finished my bath and put some clothes on. I went back to my bedroom and saw the chocolate chip cookies on top of my study table. I noticed that the cookies were not the only one in my room at that moment; Nathan is also there sitting at my couch, looking worried.

"What happened to you? You left the school early and missed your last period. Are you sick?" He enquired eagerly.

"Nothing. I just wanted to finish something that's why I got home early." I lied. I can't mention what happened in the empty classroom with Zach. He'll definitely freak out.

"But you never skip class. It's English lit, your favorite subject." He insisted.

"This is more important than English lit. By the way Chloe called me a while ago, she said that she's doing great with Greg but as usual she's afraid that he might leave her someday." I'm sorry Nathan but I had to change the topic.

I can sense that Nathan is a little bit hesitant to drop the subject about me skipping class, he's been silent for a whole ten seconds but I can feel that he needs to discuss the latter subject so then he started to talk. "Is that so? I really need to talk to Zach as soon as possible. But knowing him, he'll never listen to me. If only he got himself a decent girlfriend, for sure he would leave Chloe alone." 

"What do you mean? He has lots of girlfriends right?" I asked keenly.

"I said decent girlfriend, not some random chick he just sleeps with each day. Besides, he always leaves them once they start nagging and demanding his time." He answered as if he knew everything that is going on in Zach's life. Well, maybe they really did became friends after all.

So basically that jerk needs someone who will be with him for who he is? He can still fool around while in a relationship? What an egocentric guy! 

Wait... That's it! What if I'll pretend to be his goody girlfriend? If this is the only way to stop him from interfering with Chloe's love affairs, I'll definitely do it! I'm not going to hurt myself right? Besides, there are no emotions involved in this plan, no love at all. I'll just have to pretend that I like him for who he is. Stay with him. Keep him busy. 

I promised myself that I'll do anything for Chloe, and this might be the best way to keep her happy.

"Hey Tori, are you alright?" Nathan asked worriedly.

"I'm fine Nathan. Don't worry too much about me ok. I'll be fine." I assured him with a smile.

---END OF CHAPTER TWO---