Chapter Three

Nathan's POV

~edited~

I couldn't seem to get her out of my head. Everything about her was just too...different. I couldn't forget the way she smiled, her quirky but unique laugh, her light brown skin, her slim body.

And also those brown eyes of hers. Forever gleaming bright with unexplained happiness and excitement. I liked that.

That was why I was so hypnotized by them when I first saw Vanessa. She was so beautiful, even though she didn't realize it. I didn't care about the colour of her skin or the fact that we were not part of the same race.

It meant nothing to me.

My parents had always said that I shouldn't associate, or talk with any blacks. Why? Because they were cheap and dirty people who shouldn't have been part of this Earth.

Their words, not mine.

I'd always felt like they were painting black people the wrong way. Maybe if they would actually get to know them, they would know that blacks are supposed to be part of this Earth as much as we do.

That was what I felt like. That we shouldn't treat them like they are worth nothing. We should treat them with equal respect, as the others. Vanessa made me see that blacks are just like us.

All of us on Earth are equally important. No one is inferior than the other. I wished my parents could see that. Vanessa was nice, kind and great to talk to.

I couldn't believe she was making me feel things I've never felt before. Making me have newfound thoughts. And I couldn't lie and say I didn't like it. For once, I didn't feel like sleeping with a girl and tossing her aside right after anymore.

I felt like I should just focus on Vanessa. Get to know her better and forget about other girls because I had a feeling they wouldn't be like her.

There was this total connection I had with her. I won't deny that whenever I touched her, I felt all those little tingles, rising up my arm to my head, messing with it.

That is so girly.

But it is the truth. I desperately wanted to kiss her, yesterday. If she didn't look away, I would have. I felt kind of...rejected, and rejection was never in my dictionary until her.

But like I said, Vanessa was different. She was not like other girls and I had to get that through my thick skull. She was special...fragile. Not to be used.

Those pink lips, though. I kept thinking about them. I thought I might have already took liking to Vanessa. I'd never...liked a girl before but I thought that was the case? I wasn't really sure.

But it might be tru–

"Nate!" My little sister bursted inside my room. She threw herself on top of me, a wide, toothy grin plastered on her face.

"Good morning, Felicia," I greeted her. She always managed to bring a smile to my face.

"Mom said I should wake you. You're gong to be late for unisity," she babbled, resting her chin on my chest.

"Okay, I'm up now. You can go," I told her, bending my neck so I could kiss her on her forehead.

She pouted, disagreeing but climbed off of me and left anyway. I stood up from my bed and grabbed my backpack and my phone before getting out of my room. I had showered a long time ago.

Only thing left was breakfast but I didn't feel like it, today. Mainly because of my parents. I descended the stairs at the end of the corridor and walked to the kitchen. Maybe, I could just get a granola bar and get the hell out of there.

I entered the kitchen and went to a drawer that was next to the fridge. I opened it and grabbed two granola bars. I shoved one in my jean pocket, and opened the other one.

I took a bite and got out of the kitchen. I passed the dining room and everyone was seated there. "Danny, I'll wait for you in the car," I told my cousin, Daniel and went on my way.

I reached the door and got out. "Get back here y–" I slammed the door shut before my mother could even finish that sentence, not in the slightest caring. My car was parked right in front of the house.

I unlocked it and got inside the driver's side. I kept munching on my granola bar as I took out my phone from my pocket and checked the time. It was 07:20. I groaned. Danny wasn't going to get out of there for the next fifteen minutes.

And I didn't want to miss seeing Vanessa. Knowing her, she'd probably be late again. Look at me, thinking about her again. This girl was seriously doing something to me.

Just then, Danny burst through the front door and jogged to my car. He got in the passenger seat. "I'm going to be late, man. Drive." I rolled my eyes, but drove anyway.

Danny worked at a bookstore near the bus stop, where I met Vanessa. "Who is that black girl you were talking to, yesterday?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

I shrugged. "Vanessa. She's super nice," I told him.

He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

I nodded my head. He huffed, "Do you know what your parents would do if they found out you're hanging out with that black gi–"

"Vanessa," I corrected him, through gritted teeth,"She has a name, you know."

He was starting to irritate me.

"Fine. With Vanessa? Do you? They don't like blacks and you know it! You don't want to put your little Vanessa in danger, Nathan," he warned, a hint of fear in his voice.

"What is that supposed to mean, Danny? In danger? Besides, I don't care what my parents will say or do. I'm going to continue hanging out with her and that is that," I finalized.

Danny just raised his hands. "Fine, then. You do you, Nate." I nodded. After that, it was silent in the car. I wasn't not feeling like listening to the radio, anyway after that short conversation.

Minutes later, we reached the bus stop. I parked my car in front of Danny's workplace. "See you," Danny said and closed the door. I sighed and took my phone.

The time was half-past seven. I wondered if Vanessa was there. I looked up, and saw the pole she was leaning on yesterday. Sure enough, I saw her leaning on it again.

She looked even more beautiful, today. She was wearing a red jumpsuit. Well, that was a coincidence because I was wearing a red T-shirt and black jeans.

I got out of the car, and walked towards her. "Hey," I greeted as I approached her. She saw me and a smile grew on her face. That smile. "Hi," she greeted back. "Late again, huh?" I teased, slightly nudging her.

She nodded, giggling,"Yep. It's become a habit. And you? What are you doing here? Did you come to meet me again?" She questioned. Well, maybe.

"Yeah...maybe. But I drop my cousin off at that bookstore every morning. He works there. I just don't get why he doesn't get his own freaking car," I responded, kind of annoyed at Danny.

Vanessa laughed a little. "Shame," she simply said. "So, let's go to school, shall we?" I asked, with a bow. "Yes we shall," she answered and took my hand in hers. There goes those little tingles, again.

She led me to my car and I opened the door for her. She got inside and I jogged to the driver's side. I entered my car and drove off to the university.

"Can I insert my aux cable?" She inquired, shyly. "Of course you can. You don't need to ask," I replied. I saw her nod from the corner of my eye. She took out the aux cable from her backpack and inserted it in her phone and the car. Then, I saw her scrolling through her phone. She was just so cute. Everything about her was cute. Just then, the first song started playing.

To be specific, Ugly Heart by G.R.L. That song was so old.

"You still have that song?" I asked her. She nodded vigorously. "Yes. It's literally like my current fave," she replied. I shook my head in amusement.

The song kept on playing and she was singing along some parts, especially the chorus. All I could do was watch her as she danced on her seat and as she screamed the words of the song.

I had to say, her voice wasn't that bad. It was actually good. I could listen to it forever. Soon, the next song played and it was Never Say Never by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith

Oh god! I haven't heard the song for a long time.

"I wonder which old song is next," I mumbled to myself. So note to self, old songs were her favorite. Vanessa was full of surprises, I'm telling you.

"What are you studying, Nessa?" I decided to ask. I was curious the whole time. "Medicine," she answered. My eyebrows immediately shot up. "Really?! Wow! That's...amazing, I guess. I didn't know you were that smart," I shared with her.

She rolled her eyes and had the ghost of a smile on her face. "Never underestimate me, Nathan Grove," she sternly said. I nodded,"Noted."

"What are you studying?" I smiled. "Business," I answered. She nodded and the next song played. It continued on like that; us only listening to her old but really nice music.

I felt like I got a glimpse of the person she was. That alone made me want to smile like I'd won the lottery.

Soon, we were at the university's parking lot. I parked my car, and we both got out. I checked the time on my phone and it was 07:50. "10 minutes until your class," I informed her.

"Thanks. But I want you to meet my friends, first," she told me and started dragging me to the entrance. Everybody started looking at us but I didn't care.

I hoped Vanessa didn't care anymore, too. I was really worried yesterday. She looked like she was about to have a panic attack. Hopefully, what I said helped her.

"There they are," she said and gestured to two black peeps, in front of us. I looked up and saw a girl with her black hair tied up to a ponytail. She had black eyes and brown skin.

Next to her was a guy. He had black, short hair and black eyes, too. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, being surrounded by them. I guess it was because I was not used to it.

I tried not to let it show for Vanessa's sake. I'd be stuck with her for a long time so it was better start getting used to it.

"Nathan, this is Isabella," she gestured to the girl, "And this is Joe. Short for Johan," she finished, pointing towards the guy. I nodded and smiled at them.

"Hi, guys," I managed to say. "It's a pleasure to meet Vanessa's best friends," I added. I saw them nod, and Vanessa giving me a look of approval.

I'm doing it for you, Princess. Glad you approve.

"Well, Vanessa told us about yesterday. Thanks for helping her," Isabella thanked me, still looking at me in a calculative way.

I nodded in response. "Anything for her," I said.

I saw them glance at Vanessa for a little bit but then looked at me again. "Are you sure you're comfortable with people like us? For all I know, whites are racist bi–

"Joe!" Vanessa interrupted him, her mouth agape. I sighed. I was kind of expecting that. "Yes. I am comfortable, actually. And FYI, not all white people are the same. Some are food people," I said as politely as I could.

I saw Johan nod his head, but still unsure. "Okay, then. And I see you guys have matching outfits now?" Johan wiggled his eyebrows.

As if she was only noticing it then, Vanessa glanced at my shirt and widened her eyes. "It's totally a coincidence, I swear!" She defended.

I gasped dramatically. "How could you say that, Nessa? Don't you remember our texts yesterday? We discussed matching in red today."

If looks could kill, I would have been six feet under at that moment. I never knew a girl could give such a deadly glare.

I immediately held my hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright. I was kiddi–"

Just then, my phone rang. "Sorry," I apologized and quickly answered it. The three started talking about their own things.

"Hello?" I heard a shuffle on the other line before someone spoke,"Hey man. Where are you?" Reese asked.

"Oh. It's you Reese. I'm just near the entrance, bro," I replied.

"Okay. You'll see me in a minute," he told me and hung up. I put my phone back in my pocket. They all turned to look at me, expectantly.

"That was my best friend. He'll be here in–" Reese cut me off, "Hey du...oh, you have company. Hello, everybody," he greeted them, waving his hand a little.

"Guys, this is Reese. Reese these are...my new friends. You already know Vanessa. This is Isabella and Joh–"

Isabella cut me off,"Oh. We know him." She and Joe were both glaring at Reese.

What is going on? And more importantly, what is up with everyone cutting me off?!

I looked at Vanessa and she looked back at me. Only with the same confusion I had written all over her face. I guessed she didn't have answers either.

"Guys, can you leave Reese and I alone? Vee and Isa, I'll see you in class," Joe said and then shooed us. "See you in class, Reese," I told him, a little worried and he nodded, gulping audibly.

I left with Isabella and Vanessa. "Isabella, what the hell is going on with those two?" Nessa pushed, frowning.

Isabella sighed. "It's not my place to tell. Ask Joe...or Reese," she said the last words looking at me.

I nodded in response.

"Fine," Vanessa gave up, letting out a huff of breath.

"I'll see you guys later, then," I told them and went the other way. "Wait, Nate!" Nessa shouted, making me turn around.

She ran up to me and threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I stumbled a little at the impact. "Sorry," I heard her whisper.

I wasn't expecting her to hug me. Her tiny arms were tight around my neck. After a few seconds of disbelief, I quickly snaked my arms around her waist. I squeezed her a little and she giggled.

I smiled, inhaling her intoxicating scent. "Thank you. For yesterday, that is," she added. "Anything for you, Princess," I whispered in her ear. I felt her shiver. That made me smirk, knowing I had a certain effect on her.

I was definitely going to use that to my advantage, from now on.

She slowly pulled away. My face fell. I wished I could hug her for much longer but, that would be weird considering we were not that close...yet.

I gazed at her face and saw she was blushing. Vanessa looked so cute. Even though she removed her arms around my neck, she still hadn't moved from her spot.

Our bodies were pressed into each other and our faces inches from each other. I gulped, knowing I was going to have to control myself again.

She bit her lip, making my eyes involuntarily drop to her lips. "Um...I'll see you l-later," she whispered, stuttering a bit. I nodded. A few seconds later, we were still in the same position.

It was like she was contemplating whether she should move or what. I looked up at her eyes and saw that they were focused on my own lips. She was still biting her lip.

I couldn't take it anymore.

Slowly, I started leaning in for a kiss. For once, I might kiss her. I knew I had just met her, but I already liked her.

She started leaning closer, too. Our lips brushed and she gasped at the spark I knew we both felt. This was meant to happen...I think.

Just as we were leaning even more closer, Isabella abruptly interrupted. "Class! We have class, Van!" That made us jump meters away from each other.

I looked at her and she had wide eyes. She looked at me for a little bit, before she turned to Isabella. "Y-yeah. Let's uh...g-go," she stuttered and walked away with Isabella.

Before she turned the corner, she looked at me and gave me a tiny smile; I almost couldn't see it. When I was about to return it, she was already gone.

Wow...so that happened.

I shook my head to get me out of that trance and walked up the corridor to my first class.

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