As I draw closer, my heart beats violently in my chest, rattling my rib cage. When he doesn’t even lift his head, sickness pools in my stomach as I wonder why he doesn’t notice me. I’m so messed up. I beg not to be noticed and then I drive myself crazy wondering why I’m not. I suppose I thought that after everything that happened over the last couple days, he’d at least acknowledge me with a wave or a smile.
Passing by, I notice that beneath his arm is a petite blonde with glowing skin and a crop top that shows off her belly button ring. She’s beautiful. Of course he’s flirting with her. Why wouldn’t he? I was just a bet. He never actually noticed me. Still doesn’t.
Feeling sick and pitiful, I keep walking. As if there were an invisible string from him to me, my head turns and I glance over my shoulder. My heart melts in a puddle when his eyes catch mine. Something holds my gaze on his as I continue to walk forward. Gorgeous green eyes, a slender nose, dark hair with natural highlights, perfect white teeth, and a chiseled jaw that wears a little scruff. He conforms to being a misfit so well. Dressed in black jeans that run into his black boots. A white T-shirt that hugs tightly to his toned, bronze skin. And tattoos that paint a picture of his life.
Still staring, he cocks a smile. But it’s not meant for me. It’s for the girl who’s got her hand on his waist giggling. Just as the string snaps and he looks back down to her, I feel the smack of the cold brick wall to my head.
“Ouch,” I shriek as I rub the top of my head. Looking around, I see if anyone noticed. And of course they did. You see, I am invisible until I do something stupid like trip over my own feet, walk into a wall, or give my virginity to one of the most sought after guys in Redwood. Then I become the center of attention. Jada Montgomery is keeled over laughing at me as her and her posse all point and find humor in my clumsiness.
“You ok?” Trent asks, as he comes hurriedly to my side.
“I’m fine. Just another day.” I brush it off and turn in the appropriate direction to the theater room.
“You sure? That’s a pretty big goose egg you’ve got there.” His fingers glide over my forehead and I shriek at the pain.
Feeling it for myself, my eyes bug out. “Oh my gosh, is it noticeable?” This is just great. I have the second part of my audition for the lead role of Belle today, which means all eyes will be on me. That’s my luck, or lack thereof.
“I mean, it’s big.” He tells me. I’m not sure if he’s trying to be reassuring, but he most definitely is not.
Trent is a good person, and a good friend. He looks at me the way that I used to look at Lars. He’s probably the only person on this planet who sees something in me that I don’t see in myself. Beauty and adoration. I wish I could give him more than just my friendship, but old wounds have to heal before I can offer anyone a piece of my heart.
“Willa.” I hear my name called from behind us. It’s an unfamiliar voice. I turn my head and see Lars’ stepsister Madison jogging toward me. “I saw what happened. Are you ok, sweetie?” she says in a tone that one might use to talk to a toddler.
“I’m ok. Thank you for asking.” This girl gives me bad vibes.
“Oh, good. I was worried about you. Here,” she grabs my books from my hands. “Let me carry those for you.” She turns her attention to Trent. “You can go now. I’ve got her.” Her tone is demeaning and harsh.
“We..I..we’re going to the same class. We always walk together.” He tells her as he stutters over his words, making it apparent that he’s highly intimidated by the girl.
Madison shoots a thumb at Trent and chuckles. “Is this guy your friend?”
I stop walking. Getting defensive, I huff. “Yes. Is that a problem?”
The aggression in my tone must have thrown her for a loop. All of my classmates would be surprised to learn that I am, in fact, growing a backbone thanks to their sly remarks and threats, as well as the fact that they’ve seen me entirely naked on video and admitting that I finger myself from time to time. Holding up a hand, she raises her brows. “No problem at all. Just making sure he wasn’t bothering you.”
Since when does Madison Bishop give a damn about me? And why is she treating me like a child?
Hooking an arm around mine like we’re old friends, she gives me a pull. “Well, come on. We’ll be late.”
I try to stop her movements, but she keeps on walking, taking me with her. “Don’t you have to get to class?”
“Mmhmm. I switched classes. Now let’s go. I have an audition for the role of Belle in three minutes.”
Pausing my steps, I look at her for confirmation that I heard her correctly. “You’re auditioning for the part of Belle?”
Excitement leaks from her pores. “I am!” she beams. “I have no doubt the part is mine. Three years of singing lessons and a member of drama club since middle school, how could I not?” She giggles.
Something churns inside my stomach. Like lava spilling out and rushing through every inch of my body. “You’re auditioning for the role of Belle?” My voice cracks and I realize that I sound like a sad child.
“Of course, I am.” She laughs again. It’s high pitched and rings loudly in my ears. “With my experience, I belong
