5 The Flame Of Jealousy (2/2)

Patricia tried to speak in but Shaun stopped her.

”Yeah, you're right she's my girlfriend so please stay away from me from now on. Since you know about it now, stop clinging to me. I'm taken!”

”Great, congrats on that. And hear this as well, I have a boyfriend from now on too. So stop showing up when I need help, stop coming for my rescue like you care for me!”

I ran before the tears would roll out of my eyes.

Strangely his eyes weren't cold saying this. It felt as if they were telling me something else, even when he was cutting me off with his words.

I felt that he won't let me get close to him even though I mean the most to him.

Between us, there was the unspoken that we knew of but couldn't admit.

I splashed my face with water rubbing the tears off my face. I took deep breaths and calmed myself. I suddenly realized what I said to him before running away. In a rage, or maybe to take revenge, I told him I'm dating someone too!

”Gosh!! Why did you say it Claire, you have never even talked properly to a boy at school. What were you thinking? What are you going to do now?” I whined at myself, scratching my head.

”Emily, can you write me down the names of all the boys in the school who have confessed to me.”

”What's with this weird request?”

”Please help me Em. That bastard played with my feelings. I need to give him as good as I got.”

”Ah, I see, so the first person my aloof friend liked turned out to be a playboy.” She giggled.

”Are you going to make fun of me too?”

”Just getting the facts straight.”

”Then should we talk about your first love aka Tom the pervert too? Should we?”

”You wanted the list right? Just give me a minute.”

”Now that's like a good friend.” I grinned.

After going through the list and eliminating all the possible troublemakers. We both decided on Ed. A guy from Emily's class, who has all that it takes to be an ideal boyfriend.

”But how will we make him put on the act?” I pointed out.

”Why an act? Just date him for real. He's a nice guy, you might end up liking him. Give it a try at least Claire. Use this chance to get rid of your feelings for that jerk.” Emily suggested.

”Well, you are right, but what if..”

”Leave the buts and ifs for later and give my plan on how to approach him a listen.”

Hearing her ways to approach Ed and get close to him, I was compelled to admire her. She definitely seemed like a person who has a lot of experience with dating.

We went to the dining hall for lunch and seeing Ed having a meal alone, Emily impelled me to join him.

”Can I sit here?” I asked Ed politely.

He looked at me in amazement. ”Of course, I mean sure, why not.” he stumbled over his words.

As instructed by Emily, I made it a leisurely meal with much chit-chat and laughter. He was an amiable person so it didn't take us much to get close but never once did I feel any affection towards him.

*****

It was a physical education session, both Emily's and my class were gathered in the playing field to have a soccer match.

One moment, when we were halfway through the game, I saw Patricia rushing forward in my direction with the ball, her eyes on the track ahead and face showing her natural exuberance. The next we were both on the ground. She was groaning, her expression was one of shock and pain. Her left foot should have extended to take his weight, instead, it was caught on my foot.

Shaun came running to us, but instead of helping me up, he went to Patricia.

”Patricia, are you alright? Can you get up?”

He sat near her, pulled out his handkerchief, and gave her bruised knee a gentle rub. That made my blood boil.

Ed and Emily came to me and helped me get up.

”Are you hurt anywhere?” they both said at once.

”No, I'm fine.” I hated the fact that I wasn't injured.

For a split second, a thought ran across my mind.

I wrapped my arms around Ed's neck and pulled him close to me, his body against mine.

”It's alright Claire.” Ed slowly moved his hands around me and gently patted my back.

His embrace was warm, but I felt nothing more, my heart remained indifferent. My mind swam not with the heady excitement of the hug but with thoughts of Shaun.

I saw Shaun gazing at us intently. Within the seconds they got up and walked off, I pulled myself away from Ed.