[ ten ]

ADDISON

The teacher clapped his hands together, “Alright before you leave, as you all know each year before the annual school dance, there is another event that takes place. Luckily, or not so luckily, for your grade, the school has decided that you kids will be going for a camp.”

A chorus of groans surfaced and reverberated in the classroom but the teacher hushed us quiet.

“I know you may not like it. But all of you are old enough to suck it up. So, make the most of it and try to enjoy it. Now as you leave the classroom, grab a sheet of the packing list. The camp will take place next Wednesday so everyone should have ample time to get all your necessities and pack for the trip. Okay, class dismissed!”

Collin turned to me and we shared a displeased look. He slung an arm around my neck as we exited the classroom with paper in hand. With his free hand, he fished his phone out of his pocket and replied to his messages. His thumb hovered over the screen as a big indiscreet smile played on his lips.

“Hey Col,” He didn’t look up from his screen but I continued anyway, “I think you should use this camp as an opportunity to tell Vienna how you feel.”

He looked at me with a bewildered expression painted on his face, “H-How did you know?” I halted and put my hands on my waist, “I’m your best friend, how could I not know when you smile so creepily at your phone when you text her!”

He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, “Is my smile really that creepy?” I laughed at his awkwardness, “No. But seriously, take my advice as Cupid and find a time to be alone with her at this camp. You should tell her how you feel because I know there are other guys pining for her as well.”

He looked doubtful so I playfully punched his arm, “Come on, you’re Collin Fisher! Captain of the soccer team! If anyone stood a chance, it would be you.” Collin finally smiled as he pulled me into an embrace, “Thanks Adds.” I mumbled a ‘welcome’ against his chest before we pulled away.

Conveniently, Vienna came into our line of sight. When she caught sight of Collin, she smiled and waved. I gently pushed him forward, “I’ll see you at lunch.” I said before he jogged over to her.

“You know, you may be Cupid but you should take your own advice and confess to me already.” An all too familiar voice spoke into my ear. Clicking my tongue against the roof of my mouth, I turned to Chris who wore a confident smile on his face.

“Is arrogance your only look?” I said and brushed past him. He chuckled, “And is denying your feelings, your only look?” With his statement, I halted mid-step and stared at his green orbs, “Maybe you should take my advice and confess to me so those cars can finally be mine.”

He flicked my forehead which made me flinch back and scowl at him, “I’ll see you at the camp, Addison.” He said with a smile and retreated, throwing me a small wave.

As I stood in the classroom, waiting for the teacher to finish marking the attendance. Ella rested her head on my shoulder as she scrolled through her phone mindlessly. I glanced across the classroom and a proud smile crept up my face as I saw Collin laughing with Vienna.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I fished it out.

Chris: Can’t wait to push you off the cliff ;)

I looked up from my phone to make eye contact with the guy who stood across from me. A fake smile played on my lips as my thumbs furiously typed a reply.

Addison: We’ll see who will be the one who gets pushed down.

Chris: Can't wait babe ;)

I recoiled at his message.

Addison: First off, don’t call me babe and second, what’s up with all the winking faces? Is your face having a spasm or something?

My message obtained a chuckled from Chris and I smirked before shoving my phone back in my pocket.

“Addison Price, are you here?”

I raised my hand and the teacher crossed my name off before calling out the next one. Turning back, my turquoise orbs met with emerald green ones. I raised both eyebrows as he smirked and mouthed ‘Babe’. I dramatically feigned a gag and turned away.

Once attendance was settled, we were led to the buses. “Hey Adds, could you save me a seat? I’m going to run to bathroom really quick,” Ella asked. I nodded my head and gave her two thumbs-up.

After dumping my duffle bag in the compartment of the bus, I boarded it with my phone and earbuds in hand. Picking a seat near the back, I took the seat right next to the window and plugged my earbuds into my phone. I leaned against the window and placed my earbuds on, waiting for everyone to get on.

Sensing a presence, I turned only to be greeted by Chris.

“Hello beautiful,” he said with a smirk and sat down in the seat right next to me.

“Hello ugly, and you’re sitting in Ella’s seat so if you could just kindly move, that’d be great,” I said monotonously. At that moment, Ella boarded the bus and I raised my hand to wave her over but Chris caught my arm and signaled for Xander to grab Ella. He complied. Xander reached out for Ella and sat her down in the seat next to his which elicited a yelp from her.

I glowered at Chris and he shrugged before I turned back to stare out of the window.

Poke.

Ignore it Addie!

Poke.

Poke.

Ignore it!

Poke.

“Would you stop it!” I half whispered; half yelled at him to which he smirked at my frustration, “Finally got your attention.” I furrowed my brows at him and he raised his thumb and pressed the creased spot on my forehead, “Stop frowning so much, you’ll get wrinkles on your pretty little face.” My eyes slightly widened at his comment.

Just right at that moment when his thumb was pressed against my forehead and his face so close, the bus swerved to the left. The force was enough to hurl me against the window and for Chris to be thrusted towards me. With my left shoulder uncomfortably pressed against the window, Chris’ arms were stretched out and his hands were placed on the window beside both sides of my head to prevent him from falling onto me. But with that, it also led to the proximity between our faces to be close to zero.

An instant blush formed on my cheeks and I could feel my whole body heat up as I felt his minty breath on my face. From up close, it was then it really registered in my head how attractive and definitely not ugly Chris was. He had hypnotizing emerald green eyes, long luscious lashes and chiseled features. The sudden realization caused my stomach to churn and my cheeks to heat up even more if possible.

“Are you flustered?” He queried in a husky voice. I gulped, “N-No.” I responded before pushing him away. Even being pushed away didn’t stop him from grabbing the earbud from my left ear and placing it in his, “Ah, The Neighbourhood. Good taste.”

I didn’t rebuke or respond. I just stared out the window, calming myself, as we listened to the same song.