AKWARD!!! That’s one perfect word to describe the ride to school with Todd. It was strange and awkward and of course, it was all my fault. Even before I came downstairs, I was struggling with nervousness and then in the kitchen when things were finally getting better, I had to ruin it by being so fidgety and odd! Nice one, Rory!! But it’s really not my fault, you know! It’s the fault of my body! It’s reacting strangely with Todd’s closeness. It was like his presence has become so intoxicating , his scent was everywhere invading my most private thoughts. Todd let out a low grunt and I turned to give him a side look. He looked pissed? Uncomfortable? His fists were clenched so tightly on the steering wheel that his knuckles looked very white. His jaw was set firmly and his veins throbbed. He was definitely worked up about something and my guts said it had to do with me and that kiss yesteday. But he had been acting cool at first, all until I started acting uncomfortable…… The ca
RORY’S POVA deep cackle from one of the girls echoed in the ladies room.“Are you serious? Was it really such a nasty kiss?” She asked her friend.“Yes it was! Their tongues were down in each other’s throats. I swear it looked like they were about to start fucking in a few minutes!” The other one said unhinged.I winced inwardly at those words. “Well, I hope she doesn’t become a fool. Todd is nothing but a playboy. He’s gotten in to everyone’s pants and he’s probably going to try to get in to hers too.” The last one of the girls said in a salty manner.“I bet he’s bored and trying to get some new coochie.” The other said. They laughed again.“Well, she better watch out because Leslie will fuck her up!” The first girl said in a sing song tone. “Leslie is such a slut! She does not deserve to be with Todd. She went around telling everyone they had broken up and yet fucked him at the party, do you know?” The second girl said.I felt my stomach sink to the ground. What did I just hear?
RORY’S POVI was at the bleachers waiting for Todd. My bag was right on a chair next to me as I watched the group of young basketball players on the court. Some girls sat on the other side of the bleachers and they were giggling and laughing as they watched. I rolled my eyes.But it didn’t matter how much I tried to act like I was not looking at Todd. Somehow, my eyes always seemed to land on his and as if sniffing my presence, his eyes landed on mine most times.Sometimes I turned to see that he was already looking at me.Well damn! Don’t you think that just makes this so frustrating for me? How can I act normal when he has his eyes fixed on me like that?I still felt a squeeze of pain when I replayed the kiss he and Leslie were having but I tried to push it away. It was none of my business.The kiss we had was simply a dare. After practice, Todd came over to me, his shirt hanging carelessly over his shoulder. His body is gleaming from the sweat and it’s hard to stop my eyes from
RORY’S POV I met Todd when I was seven years old. It was a year after my mom passed away, and my dad decided we needed a fresh start. So, my older sister, Rosalie, and I moved with him to Daisyland. It was a small, safe town in the outskirts of Connecticut in the United States. Living there was really expensive because everything was so nice and easy.My dad is a high-ranking officer in the military, which means he's away a lot of times. He stayed with us for a couple of months after we moved, and then our Nana Rue came to live with us. Nana is the sweetest person ever. She was so kind, loving, and patient with Rosalie and me. She really helped me feel better after losing Mom.For Nana’s sixtieth birthday earlier this year, Rosalie and I gave her a surprise – an all-expenses-paid tour ticket! Nana had always dreamed of traveling, and since Rosalie and I were old enough to be on our own, we encouraged her to go. So, she went, and she hasn't come back yet. She sends me tons of pictures
RORY’S POV“Do we really have to do this?” I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. It was six in the morning on a Saturday, and Todd and I were standing in front of his car, waiting for who-knows-what. He turned to me, a smug smile playing on his lips as he seemed to be enjoying watching me fight sleep .“You’re about to get training from the sweetest and hottest guy on the planet, the ultimate guru of charm. Did you really think it would be a walk in the park? I think I should feel insulted that you under estimated my ability.” He teased, a playful scoff in his voice.“I was up super late last night, editing some professor’s writing. I want to get my name on a notable manuscript,” I explained with a tired sigh.“Yeah, you look like you could use some more sleep, but tough luck! I told you Saturday morning, genius,” he said, then buried his nose in his phone, completely unfazed by my exhaustion.“You didn’t say anything about six AM!” I grumbled through gritted teeth, but he just
RORY’S POV“Am I really such a terrible sister to you, Rory?” Rosalie asked, her lips forming a dramatic pout as we walked through the bustling mall. I trailed closely behind her, because in this place, she was clearly the expert.Todd had just dropped us off at the huge Beauty and Fashion Mall in Daisyland for my makeover mission. We were supposed to meet him back at the food court once I was “ready,” whatever that meant.“And here I was, thinking I was, like, your number one confidante!” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with mock surprise.I groaned and rolled my eyes. Rosalie was being so overly dramatic. I’d been apologizing the entire car ride, but she just wouldn’t let it go.“Come on, Rosalie. Please just stop,” I said with a weary sigh.She hooked her arm through mine, pulling me along. “I just can’t believe that you’d rather tell Todd about wanting a fashion change than me, what exactly have I done wrong to get this? she lamented, her voice laced with hurt.“See? See what yo
RORY’S POV“Now everyone is talking about how much of a slut I am and about how I did a nasty kiss with someone who is supposed to be my platonic boyfriend in front of his girlfriend .” I concluded throwing my hands in the air.“Well that’s just stupid. I really think they are jealous of you. That’s the only reason for them to do something like that. You got dared! It’s not like you simply decided to kiss Todd and even if you did what has that got to do with them?” She said with an angry shrug.I hissed lowly in agreement and Marie agreed. “They are just jealous because the way you and Todd kissed must have been speaking volumes.” She said and I looked in to the mirror to se her wriggling her eyebrows as she worked on my hair.“Yes, I think so too.” One of the girls who was rounding up my pedicure said to me. “Someone gave someone else a whole blow job in front of you all, that’s crazier than a kiss. So they are definitely jealous or you and bestie’s kiss was very hot!”Giggles erup
RORY’S POVI instantly started trying to do a replay of what I looked like the last time I had checked the mirror. I felt exhausted so I was too tried to check. I hoped to the heavens that I did not look as tired as I felt.But if I looked so tired, would he be looking at me like he wanted to lick something off my body.Hold on Rory! I scolded myself! That was too much of a dirty thought.But I could not resist the naughty sensation that suddenly clouded me as I watched him taking in my appearance with cloudy blue lustful eyes. A shot of feeling passed through me and I could not help but struggle to ignore the tingly sensation I was feeling as well. Todd’s eyes looked like they had become crowded with desire and it made my heart beat to start picking up wildly. That was what it looked like. Desire. I thought to myself wondering if Todd had ever looked at me in this way.Marie’s words echoed in my head just as Rosalie as usual interrupted.“Oh! You are such a gem Todd! I am st
TODD’S POVOkay, so there I was, just looking at her. Rory. It hit me again, like it always did, that I just couldn't keep these words locked up inside me anymore. Not after tonight. Tonight felt different.The way it felt to hold her in my arms, the way she just fit against me, like she was made to be there. And honestly, I felt like I was finally where I was supposed to be too, holding her. I don’t want to sound like a crazy person but I’ve been in love with her from the first day I met her. I know I was only eight years old and some of you don’t believe in love at first sight but do believe me when I say that I fell in love with her from the first day and I promised not to let her go. It was surprising to me honestly. I never tried to be around someone so much but I just always wanted to be around her. Her presence eased me and made me feel happy. I enjoyed having her around me. And why wouldn't I? Seriously, she's like finding some incredible treasure, you know? A real gem
RORY’S POVNiall Horan’s voice filled Todd’s car, that slow, easy song wrapping around us like a soft blanket. “Slow Hands.” It fit the mood, somehow. The song was cool and steady. My eyes were closed, but I could practically feel Todd’s glances that made my heart flutter. Tonight delt magical for me and when the car finally sighed to a stop, I knew we were home. My stomach did a little dip of disappointment, a feeling I tried to ignore but couldn’t quite shake. The night had been… nice. More than nice. It had been dreamy.The way Todd had held me, the way he danced right there in front of all those people! The way his fingers brushed against my skin…./“Candy.” Todd’s voice was soft. It broke through my sleepy thoughts and, as always, sent a little thrill dancing through me.I opened my eyes slowly, fluttering my lashes against my cheeks. He was looking at me, and his smile… . “Thanks for tonight,” I managed, sitting up and grabbing my purse from the floor.“You’re welcome,” he s
RORY’S POVI think I have prayed a hundred times already begging for strength. “Now, chin up,” Todd said softly, his gaze meeting mine. His blue eyes seemed to deepen, and for a fleeting moment, the sounds of the diner faded away, leaving only the two of us in our own little world. I lifted my chin, trying to ignore the frantic beating of my heart, he was looking at me so intensely and I could not help but think of Rosalie, was this a sign? “Good,” he murmured, stepping back slightly, though still within a disturbingly close proximity in the confines of the booth. “Now, try walking. Like you own the diner.”I took a few tentative steps in the cramped space, feeling more like a newborn giraffe than a confident queen amidst the tables and chairs. Confidence, Rory!“More… purpose,” Todd coached, his voice a low tone that showed seriousness. “Imagine you’re heading towards something you really want… like your name on that Professor’s project.” His eyes locked with mine again, and sudd
RORY’S POV Learning had always been enjoyable for me. It doesn’t matter when, where or how.I enjoy learning, doing assignments, mental tasks…. But learning with Todd? Oh, with Todd, it was… different. It wasn’t as if he was giving some sudden intellectual awakening, mind you. He managed with the scientific names and I know Todd well enough to know that he really doesn’t understand most of what he asks me. But that was not what made me feel happy during this times. It was simply the process. It was in the deliberate way his brow would furrow into these adorable little lines as he painstakingly tried to articulate a question, his focus so intense it was so cute. It was in the fleeting glimpses of his perfect, dazzling smile whenever I managed to stumble upon the right answer flashing his perfect teeth, a reward way better than any A+. And then there were those moments when my explanation went completely over his head, his gorgeous eyes narrowing slightly in confusion, a look that, t
RORY’S POV Todd can be a playboy but he was genuinely a kind and considerate person, always ready to help anyone who needed it. He was not mean, unjust or rude. He tried to do the right thing to people. That is the reason why he is so popular among everyone. He is kind and not a bully. He hates bullies in fact and for the most popular boy in school , he was way too humble most of the time. Maybe not when he was with women, but yeah he’s kind of humble. So I couldn’t let myself build castles in the air based on a few lingering glances and polite gestures. How would know if he is only being nice?What if those deep stares and electric contacts were nothing.“We are just friends. He treats everyone nicely.” I said out loud to Rosalie bit the truth is that I was talking to myself as well. “No, Rory,” Rosalie insisted, her voice firm. “He acts… specially towards you. He treats you differently. I saw it even in the way you described your first meeting. The way he gets so concerned
RORY’S POV“Heeeyyyy Superstar!” Rosalie announced as she came into my room without even knocking. I had my book right before me, lost in the world of astrophysics.“Tell me, how did your day go?” She asked, wriggling her eyebrows at me with the familiar mischievous glint in her eyes.I groaned, letting my head fall back against my chair. How did my day go? My day was… well, mortifying. I had never, ever been in so uncomfortable or in such an awkward position before. I had never gotten so much attention before.Not even when they announced me as some sort of real-life genius at that science fair.Between the two scenarios, and standing firmly on my own opinion, I genuinely think it’s better to be recognized for incredible intelligence. Come on! Someone exceptionally smarter means more complex problems solved, more breakthroughs! But what do I know? I’m just a nerd in a world obsessed with… well, apparently, not brains.“It was very annoying, Rosa,” I finally answered my sister afte
RORY’S POVHow many people are even going to notice me? I had been asking myself this morning. Not many, I thought.But boy was I wrong? At first, I thought it was because I was coming in with Todd who usually is an eye candy for everyone.Boys and girls.But then I noticed that the gazes were directed at me.I started missing my steps and Todd had to grasp my hand.“Easy candy. Confidence, remember.”His voice encouraged me and I nodded and started to follow him in to the school building.“Why are they looking at me all much?” I could not help but ask Todd as my voice came up in a tiny squeak.Todd chuckled. “They are starring at you because they have not seen anyone who looks this beautiful before.”My cheeks heated up. Hearing Todd call me beautiful took me to another level of anxiety.It felt so good to hear him say that. I wondered if he was right. Did I look beautiful? Was that why they were looking at me so much? I had not even tried to dress up in an eye catching way. This w
RORY’S POV Why? Of all people? Why do I have to meet with Leslie! Seriously, it could have been anyone else. Anyone else but Leslie.I swallowed nervously as she stomped towards me with blazing eyes ajd her friends flanking her closely from behind. “Well, well. Hello Rory. Long time no see.” Leslie said with bitterness and a false smile.“Hello Leslie.” I said with a tired sigh. Would it hava been too childish for me to run away? I know Leslie and with how petty and mean she can be, I don’t trust her close to me. “Why do I feel like you have been avoiding me? You have been scarce.” She said with ehe eyebrows quirked up in an intimidating manner.She flicked her straight blonde hair past her shoulder folding her arms and standing in a challenging pose at me. “I’ve just been busy.” I said to her. Leslie threw her head back and let out a mean cackle.“Yeah, I saw you. I mean I didn’t know it was you until now but I saw how you were chasing men for their numbers.” She mocked comi
RORY’S POVMonday morning arrived with a jarring brightness and an unwelcome speed.Yes, unwelcome because a knot of anxiety and nervousness tightened in my stomach at the thought of facing the day.Why the dread?For a multitude of reasons, the first being the persistent rumors swirling through school.I couldn't help but send a silent plea skyward, hoping, truly hoping, that the whispers had finally faded. Last week had been a gauntlet of unpleasant and deeply uncomfortable encounters.Then there was Leslie. Another person firmly on my "avoid at all costs" list for the week. Either she genuinely didn't care about my existence, or I had become a master of strategic dodging. Last week was a constant surveillance operation, tracking her movements to ensure our paths never crossed.I desperately wanted to avoid any chance of bumping into her. Each time the gossip about me reached my ears, Leslie's name was often laced with chilling undertones. It wasn't just hearsay; I knew it to be tru