13 ??My eyes were starting to . . . uhm, wander?? (2/2)

”Please,” I whispered.

There was a moment of hesitation in her eyes and I took full advantage of it.

”I really do have something to say to you. If you would listen to me?”

She sighed, finally relenting. She tugged her hijab around, making sure her front was completely safe from my wandering eyes.

I swear I wasn't a creep.

But she was making me feel like one.

”Speak,” She demanded, opening her lunchbox and taking out . . . plain bread?

”Why are you eating that?” I suddenly felt angry. ”The canteen has everything.”

Her hand halted mid-air. I caught the movement of her adam's apple as she swallowed. ”I like bread with oil. What's wrong with that?”

Bread with oil? What was this? The 10th century?

”Leia. Tell me the real reason.”

”What is wrong with you?” She threw her slice back into her lunchbox. ”I could like eating just oil for all you care. Can you get to the real topic now? My break is getting wasted.”

I didn't point out the fact that you drank oil, not eat it.

”My problem is your welfare,” I responded, trying to keep calm. ”Look at yourself, Leia. You're so thin. Is that all you eat?”

Her nostrils flared. I couldn't believe I was just about to see Leia lose her temper. ”Not everybody has a helper at home. I have to make mine and Labeeb's lunch. Do you know how much time that takes? No! Of course not!”

I drew back, a little wounded. Not that I was going to show it. ”I make my own lunch. You know that better than anyone.”

She huffed out a laugh. ”Oh, yes. How can I forget? The famous Zayn who doesn't trust anyone to even make his food. He is so suspicious, even his father isn't al—”

”Please,” I put a hand up. ”Don't try to hurt me. You aren't like this.” I take a deep breath. ”Now, getting to the point: I'm sick and tired of this, Leia. I'm done holding the past against you. I just want my best friend back.”

For a second there was only silence in the room. A whirlwind of emotions swirled in her eyes. I caught her swallow and I could've sworn I heard the thudding of her heart.

”We can't . . .” She cleared her throat. ”I'm sorry, we can't be friends.”

”Why?” It's only a game, Zayn. Remember the rules. Don't get your feelings involved.

I was pretty certain my feelings were already invested. And that scared me. So, I was in denial. No big deal.

”Why?” She repeated, as if it was a stupid question. ”You've pretty much treated me like trash ever since I came here and now you suddenly want to be friends. Seriously? How foolish do you think I am?”

Her chair scraped against the tiled floor as she got up. I shot up from mine too, standing in front of her, blocking her path. She fired me an annoyed look, side-stepping me. I again blocked her way.

”What?” She practically shouted.

I flicked up an eyebrow. ”Look in my eyes and tell me I'm lying. Tell me you don't see the hurt. Hurt you caused. Tell me, Leia.”

She averted her gaze, stubbornly resting her jaw on her shoulder.

Shit.

This girl . . .

”This isn't about that,” She said. ”We're older, now. There are no friendships between members of the opposite gender.”

”Oh, come on,” I heaved out a frustrated breath. ”It's just friendship. Like old times.”

Yeah, and I have all sorts of friendly intentions.

She rolled her eyes. ”You know how guys hate clingy girls? Well, I hate persistent guys. So, I suggest you let me go now. You've ruined enough of my time.”

Just when she said that the bell rang, indicating the end of break. Shit, I didn't let her finish her lunch. And she couldn't finish it now because—

A horrible screeching noise filled the entire classroom—the whole school, in fact. Leia startled, letting out a little scream. Just as students rushed into the class, I grabbed Leia's arm and shoved her under the teacher's desk. She was visibly shaking with shock and fear but I didn't have time to explain.

I sprinted to the door and slammed it shut, locking the bolts before sliding myself under the desk with Leia.