^^Andrew Pierce

After eating lunch with Chloe on the ground, we walked back inside our school and went to our lockers. Getting books for our next classes, we strolled towards it.

“God,” Chloe grumbled. “Why do we have classes so far!”

I had biology and Chloe had English. Both classes we on separate floors.

Giggling, I bid her bye and ascend the steps to the second floor. Everyone was casually talking in the corridor, waiting for the bell to ring. I padded towards my class which was at the other end.

I was passing classes on my way when out of the blue someone grabbed my hand and yanked me. I opened my mouth to scream but ceased when the person put their hand on my mouth. I struggled to get out of the hold and bit the hand.

“F**k!” I heard the person groan but still kept the hand in place.

The sound of the door closed banged, and I was squeezed against it with the hand still on my mouth and the body over me, keeping me from fighting. I blinked my eyes to adjust my vision and recognized my kidnapper.

Jordan?

His black shoulder hair was wrapped in a loose pony and his forehead furrowed.

“I’m going to take my hand off your mouth now so you’re going to be a good girl and will not shout.” He said darting his dark brown eyes into mine. “Got it?” I slowly nodded, still perplexed by what was going on. “Good.” He said and let go.

He backed away and my eyes bugged out when I saw the Clichés standing in front of me in an empty classroom. I darted my gaze at everyone, one by one, in confusion.

Andrew sat on the podium with a troubled look on his face as he looked at me from head to toe and Brittany beside him with a scowl. David stood near the window with Tiana between his legs, Madeleine sat on the desk with her legs dangling and a full grin while Louis sat on the first-row seat beside Madeleine with a frown as if he was trying to identify me.

What’s going on?

Brittany answered my question as she footed forward, raking her eyes over me.

“Well... Well... Well... Finally found the mystery girl.” She snarled.

Gulping, I pushed myself against the door and that made David snicker at me. “You’re frightening the girl, B.”

“After seeing that scary face, who wouldn’t?” Madeleine added and they burst to laugh.

“Shut up a**holes!” Brittany scolded them, then snapped her eyes back at me. “Sit.” She pointed at the seat in front.

I peeked at Jordan, who was still standing with me. He motioned for me to go forth. Without saying anything I quietly sat on the seat beside Louis and side glanced at him.

“You look familiar.” He said, examining my face.

Monday was the first time we met, and it was brief, so I didn’t expect him to remember me.

“How does she look familiar to you?” Madeleine inquired, putting her arm on Louis’s shoulder and scrutinizing me. “This is the first time I’m seeing her.”

“She’s Chloe’s friend,” David said, making everyone turn toward him, including me, in surprise.

“How the f**k you know that?” Tiana asked, whirling in his arms and glaring.

“I’ve seen them together.” He shrugged.

He used to flirt with Chloe all the time, and I was surprised he even knew me.

“Why the f**k didn’t you tell me before when I was going around inquiring in every class like a fool!” Brittany roared at him.

“I said I’ve seen her. I didn’t know her.” David defended.

“You could have mentioned something!” Brittany yelled.

“Chill girl, he doesn’t know her.” Tiana protected her boyfriend.

“Drama queens,” Madeleine grumbled beside me.

Louis cackled from my left. I side glanced at Jordan as he sat to my right and watched his friends in amusement.

The bell rang, and I internally groaned. I missed my class, and I had no idea how long I was going to be in the middle of Clichés and watch them fight.

When I felt a gaze at me, I flickered my eyes in front and saw Andrew, who was still sitting on the podium, eyeing me. Then he finally snapped at his friends.

“Enough!” He signaled toward me. “Can we deal with the matter in our hands first?”

“Right.” Brittany took deep breaths, calming herself, and gave David a stink eye. “I’ll deal with you later.” David huffed, rolling his eyes as Brittany whirled toward me. “Now you.” She boomed, stepping in front of me. “Why was it so hard to find you!” I swallowed and stared at her.

“Stop wasting time, B,” Jordan said in a monotone. “Get to the point.”

“Yeah.” Madeleine yawned. “I’m getting bored here.”

“I should have done this alone.” Brittany rolled her eyes. “Tell me this and don’t you dare lie.” She growled and placed her hands on the desk in front of me. “Why is Ben interested in you? What have you done to him?”

Interested?

In me?

Wait a second... His friends don’t know he’s...

I rapidly blinked my eyes as she scanned me with her burning green gaze.

I was not good at lying and I knew if I open my mouth, she’ll catch my lie instantly. So, like a sane person I was, I kept my mouth shut.

Brittany raised her brow and tapped her nails on the desk impatiently. “So?”

I remained silent.

“Is she mute?” Madeleine waved her hand in front of me and screamed leaning over Louis. “CAN YOU HEAR ME?”

“Maddie!” Louis screamed, clasping his ears. “Even if she is mute, she can still hear you.”

“Oh...” Madeleine mumbled, scratching her hair. “I thought they’re deaf too.”

“Some of them are,” Jordan said, backing up Maddie. “But she’s not because when I told her not to scream she nodded.”

“Maybe she’s still startled,” Louis suggested. “I told you kidnapping her wasn’t a good idea.” He narrowed his eyes at Jordan.

“Don’t blame me.” Jordan matched his gaze. “Everyone voted for it.”

“Let me try something.” Madeleine jumped from the desk and swayed Brittany with her hips, standing in front of me. I heard Brittany groan but Madeleine ignored her.

“Hi, Lillian,” Madeleine said in a sweet voice. “I’m Madeleine Lee but I hate being called by my full name so you can call me Maddie.” I nodded my head, and that made her grin. “I got a response!”

Brittany rolled her eyes and glared at me. “If she can hear and then ask her about Ben.”

“Okay, Lilly... I can call you Lilly, right?” I nodded again. “Good. Now you see this blonde girl here is worried about her twin brother so can you answer some questions for us.”

I flickered my eyes, not knowing what to say.

“Hello!” Madeleine waved her hand in front of me. “You still with me.” I blinked. “I lost her.” She mumbled, backing away.

“Let me try-“ Jordan was about to get up but Louis stopped him.

“No. No. You terrified her already by kidnapping her. “ Jordan growled at him. “I’ll do it.”

I watched him as he gave me his dimple smile and crouch in front of me.

“Hey, Lilly. Am I audible?” I couldn’t control the giggle that escapes my mouth. “She laughs!” He pointed at me, looking hopeful. “I’m already doing great.”

“Then make her spill already!” Brittany screamed.

“Easy there, B.” He put his hands in front, then glanced at me and whispered, but it was loud enough for me to hear. “You’ll scare her again.” Brittany groaned again.

“It’s my turn.” David came shoving Louis. “I affect girls that made them talk.” I controlled the urge to roll my eyes at him while his friends growled. “Hi, Lilly.” He gave me his not-so-charming smile. “You are Chloe’s friend, right?”

I nodded my head and that made him smirk.

“And I’m Chloe’s friend so that makes us mutual-“

“Erg shut up David!” Brittany intervened. “You’re all ruining it!”

“Everyone is trying so I want to do it too.” Tiana came, plopping her hands on her hips.

“No, you’re not, Tiana. We have wasted enough time on this nobody because of you all.”

“She was answering me before you interrupted!” Madeleine said to Brittany.

“I was also doing fine but David was the one who came between.” Louis defended himself.

David rolled his eyes. “I would have done great if she wasn’t scared of Jordan-“

“Hey!” Jordan jump from his place, pointing at David. “I didn’t even get to try, jerkface!”

And they all started throwing insults and calling each other useless. I internally sighed and observed them. I wondered how they were even friends when after every five minutes they bickered.

A low chuckle came from behind. Frowning, I tilted my head and my eyes widened when I saw Nate sitting at the end of the class watching his friends, amused.

How long has he been sitting there?!

His dark gaze met mine, and he smiled at me.

“That’s it!” I snapped my head in front as I saw Andrew jumping from the podium, and his friends went silent. “I’m done with this game.”

He strode towards me. Placing his hands on the desk, he leaned to my face. I backed away, and he kept coming closer. My back hit the seat, and I stretched my neck behind as much as I could to stay out of his face, but he didn’t stop, not until our noses almost touch.

My eyes darted into his blue eyes and the look reminded me so much of Benjamin’s that made me gulp.

“What is going on between you and Ben?” He growled, obviously fed up with all the drama.

I pondered on the question and nothing was going on between me and Ben, so I answered him honestly.

“Nothing.” He jerked his head away, surprised by my answer and everyone gasped.

“She speaks!” Madeleine shrieked.

“And lying!” Brittany said and put a hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Make her spill the truth, Drew.”

Andrew's side glanced at her then darted his gaze at me again and he opened his mouth.

“What the f**k is going on here?!”

Andrew swallowed whatever he was going to say and backed away as we all turned toward the familiar voice. Benjamin stood at the door looking angrily at his friends then his eyes landed on me and his gaze soften.

I didn’t know why, but I kind of felt relieved when I saw him.

“Ben! What are you doing here?” Brittany asked in a honeyed voice.

Benjamin’s gaze flickered to her, and he narrowed his eyes at his friends.

“What in the f**king world are you all doing with her?” He growled.

I gulped when I saw anger in his gaze even though I wasn’t on the receiving side; It terrified me.

Louis, David, and Tiana stood behind Madeleine and used her as their shield while she smiled at Benjamin from ear to ear. Jordan beside me scratched his hair, avoiding eye contact with him.

Brittany puts her hands on her hips and Andrew crossed his around his chest as they both matched his look.

“We were just having a chat with our mystery- I mean friend.” Brittany plastered a smile on her face and gritted through her teeth.

Benjamin darted his gaze from her to Andrew, who gave him a shrug. “You’ve been stalking this girl, so we wanted to know what caught your attention.”

“I am not stalking her!” Benjamin shrieked.

I sighed and shook my head. The guy’s oblivious of his inability to sneak.

“The entire school has seen you lurking around her.” Brittany rolled her eyes.

Benjamin blinked his eyes at her, then glanced at me. I gave him a small nod, and he sighed.

“Whatever.” He mumbled and gestured to me. “You come here.”

Like an obedient girl, I got and was glad when no one stopped me. I reached for Benjamin, and he grabbed my arm, tugging me behind him.

“Whatever the hell you were doing, you’re going to stop, and no one is ever going to go near her. Understand.” I stood on my toes to see everyone’s reaction from Benjamin’s shoulder and found everyone nodding their heads while Andrew and Brittany raised their brows.

“Why? We were just talking?” Brittany questioned. “What’s the big deal?”

“I don’t know what’s going in your thick head,” Benjamin grunted to her twin. “But you stay the hell away from her.”

With that, he turned around and dragged me out of there. As soon as we stepped out of the class, I blew a breath and for the first time; I was not scared of Benjamin, and followed him willingly.

He took me as far away as he could from the class, then let go of my hand and whirled to me.

“I’m sorry about that.” I blinked my eyes at him.

Did he just apologize?

“Excuse me?” I asked to make sure I heard him right.

“I will not repeat it.” He muttered.

I bobbed my head. “No need I heard it.”

“You didn’t tell them anything.” It wasn’t a question, but I shook my head. “After all that pressure you still didn’t utter a word.” He looked impressed.

“I promised to keep it a secret,” I whispered, boring my eyes into his blue ones.

His lips curled into a... Smile?

“Thanks.” He beamed.

I took my glasses off and rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn’t dreaming and I wasn’t.

Is Benjamin seriously being nice to me?

“Is it that hard to believe?” He chuckled, and my eyes turned wide.

I said that out loud!

“Thank you for helping me.” I cleared my throat and adjusted my glasses. “But how did you find me?”

“Nate texted me what they were doing to you.” He grumbled, and my eyes grew big.

Nate?

Nate Spencer told him to help me?

I couldn’t help but felt giddy.

“I still don’t get how they all find out.” He said, cutting me off my thoughts. “I was being really careful.” He huffed.

“Actually, you weren’t.” He frowned, and I continued. “You need to work on your stealthy mode.”

“But I’m good at it!” He shirked.

“No, you aren’t. You hid your relationship with Toby and no one even suspected you, but now you’re being obvious and we need to work on that.” I said firmly.

“What?” He tilted his head in confusion.

“I need to get ready for my next class I’ve already missed one,” I said as I walked backward. “Meet me in the library with Toby and we’ll discuss this matter,” I said and walked towards my locker.

The stalking needs to end.

~•~ • ~•~ • ~•~

We watched as Ben walked away with Lillian.

“What the f**k just happened?” Jordan said, getting us all out of shock.

“I have no idea,” I mumbled, keeping my eyes at the door.

“How did he even know where were here?” David asked the question that was swinging in my head.

We all glanced at each other then looked behind and found Nate’s seat empty.

“Of course, it was him.” Tiana rolled her eyes.

“I’m going to kill that geek!” Brittany snarled.

“Did you see how Ben protected her like we were about to eat her.” Louis huffed.

This is the first time I saw him this protected over someone. I wondered what was going on here.

“HOLY SHIT!” Maddie exclaimed, making us all turn to her.

“Can you talk without shouting?” Tiana winced, massaging her forehead.

“BENJAMIN F**KING FORBES IS IN LOVE!” Maddie screamed her lungs out.

“What?!” Brittany barked.

“Didn’t you see that?!” Maddie pointed at the door. “The way he came like a knight in shining armor and saved his Princess.”

“And you guys say I watch too much Disney,” Louis mumbled.

“I don’t think so-“ Brittany started but was cut off by Maddie.

“Back me up, Jo.” Maddie gestures to Jordan.

“She’s right.” Jordan nodded.

I rolled my eyes. “You don’t know a shit about love.”

“I believe in what I see and it was clear,” Maddie concluded, crossing her arms.

“No, he isn’t,” Brittany said in a firm tone. “And we’re going to find out-“

“Nah uh.” Maddie shook her head. “I’m not helping you with your scheme anymore. If he’s in love, let him be. Right, Jo?”

“I’m with Maddie.” Jordan agreed with her.

“Count me out too.” David backed away. “I don’t want him to restructure my handsome face.”

“Same.” Louis visibly shivered. “Dude scares me when he’s angry.”

Brittany glanced at Tiana. “I’m sorry, B, but he’s your brother. He’ll let you go but not us.”

“Fine, I don’t need your help! I’ll do it myself. Now leave!” Brittany shouted, and everyone left.

I stood and watched as her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths of anger.

“You don’t have to stay.”

I went towards her and hugged her. “You know I’m always here for you.”

“I know something is up, Drew.” She mumbled, putting her head on my shoulder. “I can feel it.”

“I believe you, B.” I rubbed her back, calming her down.

“We have to find it and keep an eye on her.” She backed away and bored her eyes into mine. “We need to break her to spill whatever she’s hiding.”

I frowned. “What are you planning?”

“I know the perfect person for that.” She grinned. “All I want you to do is to monitor her.” I nodded.

How hard can it be to keep an eye on that girl?

I tapped my foot impatiently as I stood outside Lillian’s class and waited for her to come out. After getting the schedule from Nate, it was easy to find her. The bell already rang and everyone was coming out of the class except for her.

I frowned as students stopped exiting the class and she was nowhere to be found. I was about to give up but she finally strode out of her class.

Sighing, I quietly followed her. First, she went towards her locker and changed her books, then started walking again. I was better at sneaking than Ben. I casually walked over and nodded my head as everyone acknowledged me on the way. Lillian slowly turned her head, and I hid behind the lockers. After a few seconds, I peeked and saw her walking again.

I returned behind her but was startled by Fiona as she stepped in front of me.

“Hey, Drew.” She slurred.

“Hi, Fiona.” I greeted and glanced behind her to see Lillian turning around to another corridor.

“I had a great time in the parking out.” She put her hand on my arm.

“Good for you,” I mumbled and tried to step aside, but stopped when she clutched my hand.

“Will you come to my house tonight?” She asked, biting her lip. “My parents won’t be home-“

“I’m in a hurry, Fiona. We’ll talk about that tomorrow.” I hurried away from her, barely listening to her, and turn around the corner, but Lillian was gone.

What the f**k?!

I looked into the right corridor, then up and down the staircase. But she was nowhere. It was like she vanished into thin air.

Damnit! I lost her!

I groaned and cursed Fiona for coming in my way.

Why are they always clingy?!