Chapter 07: Alone...

Chapter Seven

The day after the one in the library, Cole and I had fixed a time and place in order to accomplish the task I was given. We agreed on meeting at noon in class .I had to bring my painting tools and set everything on the table, hence I arrived a little earlier than he did.  I have always favored being early because it gave me time to do things my own pace; I hated to rush the last minute. So I unpacked my paint and tools and by the time Cole pushed the classroom door open, I was already all set and ready to begin

"Sorry; I'm late?" He said letting his backpack slide over his shoulder, It seemed to me more of a question than it is of an apology

"Sorry; I'm early?" I said bashfully, however I managed to smile to hide how nervous I was seeing him smile

"So tell me what should I do?" He inquired with a small smile that made me hold my breath for some reason

"Err... you just sit there as naturally as possible and avoid moving" I tried to explain my eyes fixing the stool by the board

As simple as that might seem, it sounded a tough assignment for him already; Or should I say it was tough for me?

You just sit there as naturally as possible?  My inner voice scolded.

Yeah well, about that, my brain does not seem to function properly anywhere near this guy.

Cole stood there unsure how to sit as naturally as possible

“I mean just like you’re posing for photography except you don’t move for a long time,” I rephrased and he nodded

“Yeah, sure” he shrugged and sat down making himself comfortable.

The sun was beaming through the glass window, highlighting his features and making his blue eyes pop, as he wore a tight black shirt that hugged his shoulders perfectly.

 And I inhaled deeply wondering if could survive this.

It was somewhat awkward, him sitting there; few steps away from me trying his best not to move just for me to draw him.  Cole was assigned by the jury to be my model for the painting contest. Actually, I suspected that Brad had a hand in it. Earlier today, I overheard him telling Cole that it was important for me before cutting their conversation short when I arrived. I could swear Brad was behind this. I don't know when he plotted this or how he could convince the jury but I'm dead sure he had something to do with it. It just can't be a mere coincidence. Could it be ?

  I was hoping on meeting this guy for like never again, especially since what happened last time the two of us met slash touched.  I knew it was a bad idea for us to be together alone in an empty classroom for a long period of time

Though it felt as if we had known each other forever, I was nervous around him because it seemed that he affected me. I tried to focus on my portrait even though I had to look at him constantly but I managed to concentrate on my task and it took my mind off him for a while. Or so I’d hoped until what happened after a while.

            A fly sat on his nose and his deep blue eyes widened when he looked at it, his irises met at the center fixing the tip on his nose.  I admit the face he had back then was hilarious.   And I couldn’t hold myself I didn't even notice that my laugh took over me until my stomach started to hurt.

"What did I do?"  Cole asked me between his teeth trying his best not to move.

Speaking like a ventriloquist

“I ….” my laugh took over me again, I could barely contain myself

"What?"  He said between his teeth again trying not to move. It took me a second to say

"It's okay you can move" I giggled waving off at him so he could move freely, I never giggle

"Okay" he relaxed then we looked at each other again and both burst  laughing.

"It's just the way you looked at that fly, you should’ve seen your face," I could say at last in between breaths, my eyes nearly watery from laughter.

"You must think I'm foolish, I know” He said,

"No you're not!" I retorted rather amused.

"I am" He smiled ruefully, His eyed darkened a bit and I could feel he wasn't amused anymore as silence reigned over us again.

"You're not," I said softly against his last words.  

 His gaze lingered on me for a while , as if he meant something else the second time he said that. But was he really referring to something else?

 "I men... must not distract you from your work " He said on a radically different tone this time his voice seemed waning.

 Silence reigned over the classroom again; we both looked at each other.

"You're right" I managed to say crisply, severing eye contact with him. Being in that empty class with him was nerve-wracking.

"I must not take more from your time,” I added brusquely, covering the painting with the cloth in my hand.

"But you've" He protested,

"I finished" I cut his words short faking a smile "Thank you so much for the support I appreciate it" I had no clue what I was doing,   it was like my defense mechanism was turned on and all I wanted was to leave. So I started packing things with the same nervous smile;  hoping he would not notice how close he got to affecting me.

I was self-conscious though; he stood up and closed the space between us instead.  Next thing he did was uncovering my unfinished painting, and looked back at me with fire in his eyes that clearly said ‘You haven't finished yet so why lie to my face?’

He probably did while I looked away intentionally avoiding his gaze.  He was making me nervous and feeling uneasy. Damn it I did not expect this to happen.

"Why did you stop?"  He asked rather surprised than upset

"I'll finish it later," I said

"Was it because of something I said?"  He asked me confusion palatable in his words   and I did what I do best, I acted as if nothing happened

"No! It’s Okay, you can go... I will finish the rest later… Besides, you can’t stay here all day without moving and I can’t paint that all in one sitting, the paint has to dry "I babbled nervously; covering it all up with the widest smile I could fake. I sincerely had no idea what I was saying or doing and he stood silent, I could feel his eyes on me as I gathered the tools on the table, no doubt he did not understand a word I said

"It's okay I promise, now go!"  I reassured looking down

"Are you sure?”  my eyes shot up

"Yeah I’ll be fine” I Lied, the painting might be but not me I wasn’t fine. He imprisoned me with his blue eyes; his proximity was affecting me differently. It didn't have the same effect as the first time I met those eyes.

"Why are you doing this?"  He nearly whispered, the dreadful sound of his question echoed in the back of my mind.

 I diverted my eyes away in a failed attempt to escape. He grabbed my arm forcing me to look at him. Although his grip was as soft as a caress, it was enough to make me weak in the knees; sending tingles through my body.

When I looked up, I noticed he was so close to me.  I had nowhere to break away from his ocean eyes. His imposing presence compelled me nonetheless to stay put. As if, I was under some sort of a spell and I could not be helped. His broad shoulders shadowed me and his hand on mine started heating up. I felt my skin burning; I inhaled his intoxicating scent, all my inhibitions demolished.

I grew conscious that my heart began to dance under my breasts.

Why am I afraid?

No. I knew deep down that he was not going to hurt me but a strange feeling aroused inside me and my heart fluttered.

 I wasn't afraid of him. I couldn't possibly be afraid. Besides we were in class so if he wanted to hurt me. Here and now was neither a good place nor a good time.

Fine that was my paranoid side scrutinizing the situation whenever someone approached me. I'd turn on my defensive shield and I'd be okay but

 What was wrong with me why can't I just shut him off and be at peace?