ONE

One Year Later

NORA

Gross.

As I got out of the car, I could feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. The other students were watching me, their stares making me feel exposed and raw. I could feel the car door slam behind me, and I knew that there was no turning back. I was alone now, facing the school that I hated so much. I took a deep breath and steeled myself for what was to come. And without the need of a soothsayer, I knew I was going to have a bad day.

“This way.” The command came from somewhere behind me, and I turned, startled. I glanced up at the tall figure beside me. His dark hair was tousled, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. He offered me a crooked smile, and held out his hand. "I can show you the way to class, if you want.” he said.

I hesitated, feeling unsure of what to do. Slowly, I glanced at my wristwatch through the corner of my eyes and almost gasped at how much time had gone. Snapping my head back towards him, I took a leap of faith, and placed my hand in his, without no choice. I let him lead me through the hallway and since I already have my schedule with me, it was easy locating my classroom.

Ignoring the preying eyes of the students, I looked ahead of me and breathed out in relief when we came to a stop. I was to resume with them last month but it was the month of the past incident; my birthday month that incurred its best wrath on me. I don’t think I can ever move on from the bitter memory.

“Thanks for leading me the way here. You can go now.”

I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, like an iron hand pressing down. I forced a smile onto my face, as fake and artificial as a wax doll's, but it was all I could muster. I hurriedly reached for the door handle, desperate to escape this awful moment. But my hand was shaking, the doorknob slipping from my grasp. And then, he stopped me, placing his hand on my arm.

“Nice meeting you, Nora Spencer.” Saying, he turned around and walked away. I felt my breath caught up in my throat, my heart racing. What did he want from me? My thoughts were a jumbled mess, my body frozen in place.

I looked back at the door but shook my head, I’d rather skip this first class and put myself together first. As I turned away from the door, I took off, running down the hallway, my feet flying beneath me. But as I ran, I caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of my eye. I tried to dodge, but it was too late. I collided with the man, and fell forward, my hands outstretched to catch myself. But it was no use. I landed on the ground, my knees aching from the impact.

As I scrambled to my feet, the man looked down at me with a sneer. "Kids these days," he scoffed, then turned and strode away, his steps heavy and angry. I watched him leave, and instead of feeling embarrassed and ashamed, I can’t help the snort. It sure seems like he couldn’t help passing a little bit of his aggression on me.

I clutched my binder tighter against my chest, my courage waning. Damn it, I shouldn’t have refused when father offered to let a maid accompany me to and fro school. I squished my binder tighter to my chest and gulped down the tight fear contracting my throat as I approached my locker.

Didn’t reach midway when I halted, my ears shooting out attentively to hear the voices closer.

“You’ve completely lost your mind, Jordan. At this rate, I am starting to wonder if you’re my son!” At the mention of the name, my head snaps to the direction of the voices and the scene comes into display before my own eyes. My throat ran dry at the sight of his face. That’s him… Jordan Hill.

I could still remember that night as much and as clear as possible, together with every single little detail but never his face.

And his dad in question, I managed to fathom his face and I wasn’t so surprised when it turned out to be the grumpy man I encountered down the hallway. Now it’s obvious I am not the only one he’s been rude and mean to.

“Like, who the hell wants to be your son, anyways?!” Jordan barked back, his words filled with so much hateful venom that I couldn’t help gushing but seeing the fight only became worse, alongside higher volumed profanities, I turned back on my heels.

Reminiscing over his face, I lodged around the hallway until it was a few minutes to the ending of my first class.

I pushed open the door to the staff room, and was immediately met with a scene that I couldn't have anticipated. There, in the middle of the room, was the grumpy man, his arms wrapped around one of the teachers. They were kissing passionately, oblivious to my presence. I felt my face flush, and a wave of shock washed over me. My knees felt weak, and I wanted to run, but I couldn't move. I just stood there, rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend what I was seeing.

“Could you fucking get out of my way?!” A voice barked behind me, and just as I was about to turn around to take a look, I sensed the voice’s familiarity and instantly flinched. I stood my ground, refusing to move. I hastily shut and backed the door, holding it closed with all my strength, before meeting his eyes.

I could feel my resolve weakening as he stared at me, his gaze intense and scrutinizing.

"You're dumb or what?" he demanded, his voice deep and menacing. His patience was running out whilst I felt my knees go weak, and my head was spinning. I was lost in a trance, unable to look away from his piercing eyes. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and my breath was coming in short, shallow gasps. He was so handsome, and yet so terrifying. I was powerless to resist him.

His features were like a work of art, a study in masculine perfection. His strong jawline, his sculpted cheekbones, and his intense gaze were like a masterpiece. But it was the way he carried himself that truly made him handsome. He was graceful and elegant, yet powerful and confident. He had a presence that filled the hallway, commanding attention without even trying. When he looked at me, it was like he was seeing right into my soul.

I felt him tense up, ready to shove me out of the way. But just as he was about to make his move, I snapped out of my trance. Nervously, I held up two fingers in front of his face, hoping it would have some effect on him. To my surprise, it did. He stopped in his tracks, his expression turning to one of puzzlement. I could see his eyes darting from my fingers to my face, as if he was trying to figure out what I was doing. I kept my gaze steady, my fingers unwavering. We stood there, frozen in place, me staring at him while he kept shooting daggers at me.

“Hi, Jordan. It’s me, Nora. The girl from that_” He obviously didn’t recognize me so realizing what I was beginning to splurge out, I clamped my mouth shut but it was too late.

His brow furrowed, and his eyes narrowed as he took a step toward me. I held my breath, waiting for his next move. He moved closer and closer, until we were almost nose to nose. And then, I saw it. A flicker of recognition in his eyes, as if he had just realized something important. His expression softened, and I could see the tension draining from his body.

“Whoops, it’s you.” His lips slowly curled into a small smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. It was a soft, almost shy smile, meanwhile, I began to wish I hadn’t thought of skipping the PE class as he finished off, “All that blood looked good on you. It really brought beauty to your eyes.”

I almost scoffed aloud. The statement was enough to make me foresight my doom coming.

How could he bring up that night like it's nothing?

I gave him a sly, nervous smile, my hands trembling as I held onto the doorknob. I knew I couldn't let him in, and also can’t stand here for an eternity. So I did what I could never have dreamt I would to him even in a million years.

With a surge of adrenaline, I reached out and grabbed his hand. He looked surprised, but he didn't pull away. I tugged on his hand, and he followed me as we sprinted down the hall. We darted into the first empty classroom we saw, and I shut the door behind us. We stood there, breathing heavily, our eyes wide.

“Why do I feel like you’re hiding something or… damn, that old frat!” Just as I turned around to catch my breath, he made mention and my heart almost flew out my chest as I faced him. He was almost out of the door when I flipped him back.

I stood on my tiptoes, reaching up to place my hands gently on his shoulders. I hesitated for a moment, then slowly crossed my arms over his neck. I drew myself closer to him, feeling my heart beating wildly in my chest. His eyes widened, but he didn't pull away. He stood still, looking down at me, and I felt a jolt of excitement course through my body.

“I missed you, Jordan.” I wasn't sure what was happening, but I couldn't look away from him. There was also a part of me that wanted nothing more than to bolt right out of here.

Well, as long as his grumpy dad would do me the favor of getting his ass out of the staff room within a twinkle.

Any less than that… I’ll leave him to suffer the loss.