Chapter Six

(A month later)

~edited~

I woke up feeling happy today. I had a feeling nothing was going to go wrong. It'd been a month now and I had to say, a lot of stuff happened. First of all, Nathan and I were very much closer than before.

We were just friends...super close friends, that is.

Second of all, yes, Joe and Reese were dating. It came as a shock to me when I found out about it a month ago. Reese was actually biosexual. It was a shock to Nate as well. I guessed Reese never told him about it.

In summarisation, it turned out that a long time ago, they actually once dated. But then Reese suddenly had his eyes on a girl. To cut the summary short, Reese left Joe and dated the girl.

There was never an 'it's over'. Reese just left, which was kind of a jerk and selfish move.

Joe was heartbroken, as he said. When he saw him that day–when I introduced them–he was angry. That's why he asked us to leave. However, everything was great between them now.

I even shipped them. What was their ship name again? Oh! They didn't have it but I still had options like Jeese or Rohan.

Anyway, the group and I planned something today. We were all going to have a picnic at Clinton Cliff. And also maybe, go for a swim. They did say we should bring some extra clothes for changing.

I wore my plain black swimsuit, and a white dress on top of it. I guessed I wouldn't bring any clothes. I took my small, stylish backpack and put in my headphones, power bank, phone, lip balm and other stuff for school.

I got out of my room and as usual, Seth and dad had gone to work already. It was Tuesday, by the way and had become a usual thing for Nathan to take me to school. After school, we were headed straight to the cliff.

I opened the smaller gate and got out, closing it after. Nathan's Mercedes was already toohere, parked right across the road. I walked to it with a little bounce in my steps.

"Heyo!" I greeted him, as I entered his car.

"Hi. You excited for today?" He asked, a grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Yeah. Of course I am. How can you even ask that?!" I exclaimed. Dramatically, might I add.

He just laughed and then drove us to school. It was silent, just how I liked it when I was with Nathan. Sometimes, I did use the aux cable, though. Like, right now.

I inserted the Aux in my phone and the car. I got in the music app, Joox, and searched for that one song: I Really Like You by Carly Rae Jepsen. I was in the mood for her crazy songs.

"I really wanna stop, but I just got a taste for it. I feel like I could die, with the ball on the moon. So honey hold my hand, you like making me wait for it. I feel like I could die walking up to the room. Oh yeah," I sang along.

"You know, your voice isn't that bad. It's actually good," Nathan complimented. I grinned. "Well, thanks." He nodded and continued driving while I continued with my singing.

"Cause way too soon, I know this isn't love. But I need to tell you something. I really really really really really really like you and I want you. Do you want me? Do you want me, too? I really really really really really really like you and I want you, do you want me? Do you want me, too?"

I was looking at Nathan all this time, hoping he understood that this song was actually directed to him. I saw him mutter something to himself, but unfortunately didn't hear him. I frowned.

Well, I should really just give up, now.

I sighed and continued singing until the song ended. Next song was secrets by OneRepublic, and as usual, I sang along. It was really fun.

We reached Jolecape University in no time! It was March now and exams had started. They were pretty easy at the moment. I could only pray I wouldn't write a supplementary exam.

I'd heard that they were usually even more difficult.

I had only two exams to write left. I was writing one the same day and the last one on Friday. I had been studying real hard. There was no more time to chill. I'd be writing my exam later in the day.

The class was going to that morning, was actually my last one. I was so grateful for that. Nathan parked his car and we got out. We walked side by side to the entrance, before we parted ways.

I heard my phone vibrate in my backpack. I reached behind and I took it out, clicking on the message. It was from our group chat.

Black+White❤❤❤

after morning class...we meet at the cafeteria

as usual.

I was the first one to text back.

sure

will see you all after an hour and a half

Joe typed something. Dang, he was fast.

why is your class sooo long??

I smiled and typed a reply as I got inside my lecture room.

i'm studying Medicine, remember?

it's no child's play yo.

sucks to be you, Princess

definitely.

I sat down at the front, like I usually did in that class. Only because I heard better, from there. I placed my bag next to me and my elbows on the desk.

that's what you think, guys ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

honestly can't wait for later today

hope you didn't forget anything, guys.

nope, we brought everything

i'm sure

it's gonna be sooooo fun!

lecturer here

gotta bounce.

yep

Nobody said anything after that, so I got out of WhatsApp and turned off my phone. I took out my notebook, pen and pencil from my bag and placed them on the table.

Soon, the lecturer arrived and started lecturing for an hour and thirty minutes.

-hour and 30 minutes later-

I bolted out of my class and ran to the cafeteria. Reason 1: I wanted to see my friends. Reason 2: I got in trouble in class, so I thought it was best to just run away. Don't ask. Reason 3: I was abnormally, seriously hungry.

Nothing new. Just the usual.

I opened the double doors of the cafeteria and my eyes searched the room. Of course, I found my friends on our table. I first went to grab a chocolate milkshake and a burger.

That should be enough...for now.

I sat down next to Nathan, who was next to Bella. Reese and Joe sat across from us. Each of us three, knew better than to sit next to them. And we learned that the hard way.

Sad.

I munched on my food, seconds after I sat down. I didn't even greet them. "You look like a hungry dog that finally got its bone," Joe commented with a grimace. I rolled my eyes.

What was up with everyone comparing me with dogs?

"Whatever. I'm hungry," I told him and went straight back to my burger. "Classic Van," Joe said. I smiled to myself as I ate. They started talking among themselves as I focused on the food.

When I was done, I looked up and saw Bella reading a book. I strained my neck, wanting to see the cover. It was about vampires.

I snorted,"Reading a vampire book, Isabella?" Her head snapped up and she gave me a sheepish smile. "Yeah," she drawled.

"Well, want to hear some vampire puns?" I suggested. She nodded eagerly.

"Wha–" I glared at Nathan as he interrupted me,"No. No. Her puns are lame. Trust me, you won't find them funny."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh please, Blue Eyes. These are vampire puns," I said, matter-of-factly.

"Fine, then," he said and raised his hands.

I smirked. "Well, I was going to ask what are vampires' favourite fruit?" They all looked at me expectantly. "Neck-tarines," I finished.

They all stared at me for a second...

Before they burst out laughing. I totally laughed with them. You gotta give it to my friends for laughing at my lame joke even though I did find it funny.

"So, the Clinton Cliff thing is still on, right?" Reese asked, after our laughing fit.

"Of course it's still on, babe. But, you're going to have to wait for Isa and I since we have another class in twenty minutes," Joe replied, wrapping his arm around Reese's neck.

"We're just going to sit here for an hour waiting for you guys?" Nathan asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Yep," Joe responded. Bella was still glued to her book. Lucky her. The only books I had the chance to read for all my life were textbooks.

"That's crazy. You go to your class, we'll just go to the cliff first," I said. "That's fine with me!" Joe chirped. I nodded.

We just started talking about our stuff after that, nothing much. Joe and Bella finally left for their class. It was just Nathan, Reese and I now. I thought I wanted to go home.

I knew it was useless since I'd only have an hour but I didn't care. I had a show I didn't want to miss. That's what I said to Blue Eyes when we were in his car.

"Then what are you going to go to the cliff with? You don't have a car, Princess," he argued. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, no kidding. I'll take the bus to the cliff. You know it's not that far, Blue Eyes," I told him.

"Okay. But don't be late," he warned me. I smiled a little. "I won't," I assured him. "Good." It was quiet after that. We just rode in silence until we reached home.

"This is your home?" Reese asked from behind us. "Yes. Cool isn't it?" I joked. I didn't expect him to agree or anything but he did,"Yeah. It is." I didn't say anything but just got out of the car.

Once I was inside my house, I went straight to my room first. I threw my bag on the bed and then went to the kitchen. I took out cheese supreme flavoured Doritos. In case you haven't guessed yet, they were my favourite.

I walked to the living room and plopped down on the sofa, turning the TV on, I went to my favourite show on BET- Boity: Own Your Throne. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

When it was over I watched Teen Titans Go!. It was just for passing time. Checking the time again, I found out it was ten-to eleven. Geez, time flies. If I didn't leave then, I was going to be pretty late.

I turned the TV off and ran to my room. I took my bag from on top of the bed and ran out the house, almost forgetting to lock up. I darted to the bus stop and arrived in five minutes.

The cliff was ten minutes away when you ride by bus. Meh. I'd be late by only five minutes. Good thing a bus was there right when I arrived. I stepped inside and sat at the front.

When the bus was full, the driver drove off. My foot kept on tapping on the ground because of nervousness. Wherever it came from, I didn't know.

Finally, the bus stopped at the familiar Clinton Forest. Don't worry, it was not really a forest, just a few trees that make it look like a whole load of them.

I was the only one who jumped off, of course. When the bus left, I started following the trail to the cliff. It's only past a few of these trees. I kept walking and soon, I heard the feint laughs of the group.

I walked slowly towards them, wanting to catch them off guard. I tiptoed towards the cliff and at last, it was in sight. My friends had their backs facing me, their legs dangling off the cliff.

I tiptoed up and when I was a little bit behind them, I shouted, raising my fist up in the air,"The great Princess Nessa is here! Kneel before me peasants!"

Yeah...I just used both the nicknames Nathan gave me.

All their heads turned towards me. "Oh. You're here!"

"Finally!"

"Where have you been?"

"Not surprised you're late."

I playfully glared at Nathan who said the last part. "You dare disrespect me, Prince Nathan?" I questioned, my hand involuntarily landing on my hip.

Nathan stood up and started walking towards me. "Why yes, Princess Nessa," he answered, changing his accent too. I would have laughed at how ridiculous it sounded only if he wasn't so close to me.

He liked doing that to me. He liked knowing he affected me. And I hated that, as much as I loved it.

"What are you going to do about that?" He whispered, his face now inches away from mine. I gulped. "I...I um–"

He chuckled,"That's what I thought." He turned around, going to sit on his spot.

My hands clenched in anger but I managed to calm myself down. I sat next to Nathan, not because I wanted to but because I didn't want to sit next to the lovebirds on that side.

My feet dangling in the air, I looked down and saw loads and loads of water. They were a nice dark blue colour. No, it wasn't the ocean. But I thought it was a lake of some sort. A deep one.

I just listened to the others conversate. I was quiet and in my own world, like I usually was. Nathan put an arm around me and I laid my head on his shoulder.

"Anything wrong?" He whispered. I shook my head and said, "No. Nothing is wrong." He nodded and didn't say anything after that. We suddenly heard Bella scoff.

"I feel like the fifth wheel, right now," she muttered but we all heard her, laughing at her misery. Her cheeks were stained red. "Yeah but you don't have to worry. It's not like Nathan and I are dating," I reassured her.

I felt Nathan tense and I heard his sigh. I looked at him and saw that his jaw was clenched and he was looking at the water. Tension rose and everybody had long faces.

What was wrong with them?

Trying to ease everyone up, I brought up Nathan's birthday. "Nathan's birthday is in two days!" I chirped. Everyone became interested. "I'm so excited!" Joe exclaimed.

"What are your parents doing for you?" I asked him. "They are hosting a ball for me. It's a formal thing. You have to have a date and stuff," he replied but didn't sound too happy.

My heart clenched at how unhappy he was and how his parents still managed to control his everything when he was this old.

"Well, Reese is going to be my date. I'm settled. That's if we're invited of course," Joe quickly added. Nathan smiled but it looked rather...fake. My face fell even more if that was possible.

"Of course you guys are invited. You are at the top of my list," he said. We all nodded. "Where is the food? I'm hungry," I informed them. "It's in the car. Let me go and get it," Nathan said and stood up.

I stood up and followed behind him. I didn't even notice his car when I passed it. I was that oblivious to things sometimes.

As we were walking, his whole body was tense. He seemed intimidating now. Even his whole demeanor had changed. When we were reaching the car, it was only then did he notice my presence.

"What?" He asked over his shoulder. I shrugged. "I came to help," I replied. He nodded but didn't move from where he was. I sighed. Compassionate mode, on.

I placed a hand on his shoulder and his body became rigid from my touch. I stood in front of him. "What's wrong, Nathan? You were fine when I got here but the minute I mention your birthday you're all quiet and tense."

His eyes were set on the ground. "I don't want to talk about it right now," he answered. I nodded, understanding. I placed both hands on his shoulders and forced him to look at me.

He reluctantly obliged. "Just know that I'm here for you, alright?" I whispered. He muttered a thanks and became a little more relaxed. I gave him a weak smile and turned around walking to the car's boot.

I opened it and just when I was about to take out a few things, I heard him call for me,"Princess." I stopped whatever I was doing and looked at him. "Huh?"

He motioned for me to come closer to him. I walked closer to him and stood in front of him again. Confusion was written all over my face. He then did the unexpected.

He pulled me in for a hug, hugging me real tight, as if he was afraid I would run away from him and leave. I returned the hug, snaking my arms around his neck.

He rubbed his nose on the crook of my neck and knowing he wanted some comfort, I didn't pull away. We held each other as if we both wanted some comforting. Maybe I did too...

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