Falling from the Top

Chapter 8

Nina's P.o.V

My eyes were glued to Ariana's face but she didn't budge. We sat in the canteen at our usual table. Like always, Ariana sat on the end, Linda and Cherry on her left, Ava and one of her friends on her right. I was positioned opposite to her and yet she managed to ignore me beautifully.

Linda was once more exposing her dream of being school president, even though Ariana pretty much destroyed it last time. I mean, I agreed with her but Linda would make a good president. Before she became part of the "crew" last year, she was really involved in school and had one of the highest grades. Today, she had less time to focus on all that school stuff due to cheerleading and well, Ariana.

It was weird... For the past few weeks, Ariana had been distant. Not that she stopped exposing her opinions or shut the hell up but on the weekends, she seemed to be pretty occupied. It was odd considering she didn't have a boyfriend or spent time with her family. Was there someone else?

I was meditating on the matter when she suddenly got up and stormed out of the caf, Linda being her. I got up to follow but after the hate stare Ariana shot me,  I thought it wiser to stay seated. At least, she acknowledge my existence. Linda looked at me with an apologetic smile while Cherry catched up with Ariana, asking her what she thought of her new manicure.

Ava was caught up in her chat with her friend. I didn't know her but she hanged at our table nearly everyday. I couldn't understand how come Ariana allowed her to sit with us when she barely even knew her name. But then again, Ava and Ariana's relationship was different.

A few minutes after Ariana, Ava and J-something left the table. Ava asked me if I wanted to join them but they were heading to french class and it being on the other side of the building, I declined. However, I got up and headed to the ladies to freshen up.

I washed my hands and fixed my messy bun. I added a layer of lipstick- Kylie Jenner of course, and blew a kiss to my reflection.

I had barely stepped outside when my eyes locked with grassy ones. Etienne! My heart jumped and I smiled. He smiled back and headed in my direction.

Etienne was beautiful. He always had been. Last year, when he asked me out, I was close to euphoric. Unfortunately, Ariana always had something to say when it came to boys and she persuaded me to refuse him. I was devastated and yet I knew she was right. Girls like me could never be with a nerd like him. Simple logic.

However, now everything was different. Friday, when I saw him coming with Ariana, I twas on the verge of fainting. She even asked me to take care of him! She approved of him now that his glasses and braces sent their last regards. Our story wasn't over...

Ok, I know what y'all are thinking: why did I make him drink? Simple question, simple answer. I was already out when he arrived and I simply proposed him a drink, he said yes, we got drunk.

"Hey!" I greeted.

"Hi..." Gosh his voice was sexy. Low and yet a bit raspy...I shivered.

"Did you see Ariana yet?" I asked. I knew that him being drunk was a bad thing for Ariana and I really hoped that he didn't get into too much trouble, because of me.

He cleared his throat and ran a hand at the back of his neck. Adorable. "Yeah I did. She was mad at first but we're cool now."

Wait what? I raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're talking about Ariana? Cause she's not the understanding kind of person."

He chuckled. "Well I had to apologize about a thousand times..."

I giggle and he put his hands in his pockets. "I should try that. Anyway, how you been?"