SIX: THE CONSEQUENCES

The following week,Maya arrived at school,determined to avoid Jace.

She was almost done with the project all by herself.

As she walked into the school,she heard her name.

It was familiar

"Maya. Hey." She turned to see Sophie.

She forced a smile,but Sophie could tell it was fake.

"What's wrong? You look kind of downcast?"

"I.. I am fine,just unwell she lied through her teeth,looking away.

Sophie sighed,she did not look convinced.

"I am not lying. let's get to the lab,"

She linked her arms with Sophie, and they both walked towards the lab.

But they did not get to the lab entrance before a motorcycle zoomed in and parked close to her.

She was surprised,the person removed his helmet and it was Jace.

She scoffed, and she did not even look at him twice.

Sophie was surprised,she thought jace and Maya were on the talking stage.

Jace came down,expecting Maya to say something. Maybe a hey would do, but she only glanced at him and walked away.

This was a shock to Jace,he did not like that she did not care or react to him. This bothered him more than the slap did.

His cliques strolled towards him,hailing him as they shook hands, but his eyes were glued to Maya's disappearing figure.

He frowned,not liking the unusual feeling that settled in his chest.

"Wassup,Jace. You sure bet just ignored you.."

"Yeah,we all saw that," another of his friends spoke, and there all laughed.

"Remember, you have less than 9 days.. and time is ticking," Ethan spoke, emphasizing the last three words before patting Jace.

"Wow,chill. I never lose. I promise you I will have Maya Carter in my bed before that time. " The boys hailed him as he forced a smile.

He never loses, but why did it feel like he was going to lose something even if he won?

He ignored the heaviness that settled in his chest as he decided Maya's rejection only meant he had to try harder.

A few minutes later,he walked into the lab.

His eyes scanned the place before landing on Maya.

She was focused on sketching and did not even notice him come in,her headphone was barring music, and she had zoned out while waiting for their teacher.

He strolled towards her,settling on the seat next to her.

He glanced at her,his eyes slowly scanned her face, and he found himself smiling.

She was an eyesore. He would be lying if he said Maya was not fine.

He gulped as he tapped on her table twice.

She jerked up surprise,she frowned, seeing him.

She removed her headphones and quietly shifted her desk.

Jace did not like this.

"Maya.Hey,i-"

She had placed her headphones back,completely ignoring him.

It stunned, and he hated how his stomach churned when she did that.

"Maya,I am -"

He sighed,she won't even hear him.

He got up and shifted closer.

Everyone had shifted their attention towards them.

And she noticed,she just decided to ignore it but it was not for too long because Jace slowly removed her headphones.

She froze,her soft hands caressed her ears, and she hated herself for liking his touch.

She clenched her fist as she spoke.

"What is your problem,Jace!"

"I just want to talk,you keep ignoring me,wtf!"

She sighed.

"Give it back!"

Jace scoffed,"No. Unless you talk to me. "

"Jace,give it back!"And i said no! Just hear me out,i am sorry, "

She got up and stood in front of him. She made to drag the headphones, but he was taller.

She struggled to reach it,but he would not give her back.She boiled with rage as she stretched herself to reach him but her legs twisted and he did not think twice,he quickly wrapped his hands around her and they both fell to the ground.

The loud scream from the class was heard as they fell.

Maya's eyes widened,they did not just fall,but their lips had locked in.

She did not know what to do,Jace pulled her closer as he smiled against her lips.

"I like this position,maya." She blinked her eyes as if realizing what had happened.

She quickly got off him,embarrassed,she clenched her fist as Jace stood up.

Maya's face looked flushed, and he liked that he was responsible.

She picked up her headphone 🎧 and it had broken.

She struggled to hold back tears,completely humiliated. She did not like that she wanted the kiss and the fact that she wanted to push him away at the same time.

Jace froze.His eyes went to the headphone,but before he could say a word,

The teacher came in. "Settled down class. And Jace? Please sit." She spoke authoritatively.

She glanced at Maya, whose white shirt had stains.

"Miss Maya,you looked haggard. Could you go out and have a change of uniform?"

Maya got up,nodding quietly.

She picked up her bag and stormed out of the lab.

Jace sighed. He hated that she was mad and he was responsible.

He just wanted her to talk to him,but he ended up making her hate him more.

He rose up,then slowly walked out of the class.

The teacher's voice telling him to return back felt like noise.

All he wanted to do was get her to hate him less.

He walked towards her locker ,frozing when he heard sobs.

He rushed towards her, and her head was down as she picked up her extra uniform.

"Maya. I am sorry. I did not mean to -"

"What is it, jace? Haven't you done enough?"

"I was just trying to get you to speak to me," he muttered in a sorry tone.

"Congratulations! You got me crying even before first period,I hope you are happy now!'' She choked on her words as she spoke.