“Let me tell you something, I saw him stare at you the entire class and giving me a look where he wanted to rip me apart for even talking to you. He definitely doesn’t hate you.”
“Really, what makes you an expert?”
“I have a similar situation back home. She was originally my best friend who ended up dating my younger brother.”
“That seems way more complicated than my current situation.” I felt relief though that he has someone back at home and we can actually just be friends.
“Yeah definitely complicated, but she is my one.”
“That’s really good to hear, I hope it will eventually work out.”
“So you seem happier that I like someone else.” He started to laugh and I really did enjoy his easy going attitude.
“No offense, but I just want to be friends and I was worried you might end up liking me which would make things even more complicated.” I cringed after saying that since he never even made a move that said he liked me. “Wait that sounded terrible!”
“No it’s ok! I was honestly checking you out and flirting a smidge. I always have this idea if I just meet a different girl maybe I will get over Abby. I’m sorry that sounds worse than what you said.” We both started laughing and I can see Declan becoming a good friend.
“Friends?” I reached out my hand and he shook it agreeing.
“Want to grab lunch?” My stomach started to grumble in response and we both headed off to the cafeteria. Why can’t things be this simple with Jude?
We grabbed our food and our conversations were easy and uncomplicated, something that I badly needed. We talked about where we grew up and our friends. I mostly listened since I didn’t want to get into much about my old life.
“Declan, my man! What’s up?” Knox came running over and sat down next to me.
“Nothing much, just having lunch with my new friend Madison.” He took another bite of his burger while stealing a handful of my fries. We only just met, but it felt like we were life long friends.
“You flirting with my girl?” You can tell Knox was kidding, but I ended up spiting my soda all over the place. I forgot he had no idea about Jude and I. I prayed to God Declan didn’t mention anything.
“Nope Miss Madison here is smitten with someone else. We decided we are strictly best friends.” Knox smiled at me like he was talking about him and started to scarf down his food.
Rem came over to talk to Knox about the Halloween party they were planning next month, which gave me the opportunity to talk to Declan quick without Knox hearing. “Please don’t mention Jude, he has no idea and it will kill him.”
Declan leaned over and whispered back, “Your story just keeps getting more complicated, but I wont say a word.”
I whispered back, “You bet and I promise I’ll explain later.”
Today was one of the most exhausting days I mentally had. From meeting Declan to seeing Jude with Chanel, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. The only good thing was it took my mind off of what happened Saturday night. I headed inside ready to have another movie marathon with Stella, but she was a little preoccupied. She was fast asleep on the couch, but not alone. She was wrapped up in Ezra arms, both of them fast asleep. I hope one day they realize they’re feelings because I think Ezra is Stella’s person as she is to him.
Chapter Twenty Four
Madison
The next few weeks were surprisingly uneventful. It was honestly nice for a change. The rumors were completely forgotten and even Chanel backed off of me. Halloween was this weekend which meant the guy’s huge party is this Saturday. I was actually excited and looking forward to it because for once it seemed things were going in my favor.
Lately lunch time has been my favorite part of the day. Declan hit it off with the rest of my friends, so lately our table has been packed with everyone. Well everyone besides Jude.
“Guys are you ready for Saturday night?” Knox yelled in excitement. He scooted between Stella and Ezra, knocking Stella right off the bench onto her ass.
“Rude much.” Knox ignored Stella and went on about the party. The guys ended up being able to rent this creepy warehouse out in the country. The bottom was going to be a haunted house that he got some freshmen to work and the upstairs would be for dancing and drinking.
“What are you going as?” I asked Declan. He was the only one whose costume I didn’t know. Stella was going as a princess and Brad as her prince. She had no idea that Ezra also planned to be her prince, so the night should be interesting. Knox and Rem were going as the guys from the movie, Night at the Roxbury.
“Honestly, no idea. How about you?”
“I’m in the same boat. Want to do something together?” Declan nodded and we went through ideas about what we wanted to do before we came up with the perfect idea.
“What are you two plotting?” Knox threw a fry at me and surprisingly I caught it with my mouth.
“Our awesome costume idea for the party.” Knox’s smile fell off his face and you can tell it bothered him that I wanted to dress up with Declan. I really needed to have another conversation about him needing to move on. Declan and me are strictly friends and even with Jude ignoring me, my feelings never went away.
“Oh you guys are going together?” Declan was usually easy going, but you can tell he was starting to get annoyed with Knox being jealous over anything we did together.
“Yep as friends like we said.” Declan said to which Knox smiled. I felt eyes on me and looked over at the table closest
