The Girl Next Door

Chapter 29

In a week's time, Jesy was not around the school because of filming for the episode of the show she was on. When she had come to school the day after hearing of the great news of receiving the part, all students had been patting her on the back because Ms. Marigold had apparently posted it on the school's website. If they had not heard through her then they would have through Leigh. The girl had not held back from boasting to everyone about Jesy's success. She had even spoken of a party for the airing which she would invite everyone to. Perrie agreed to host the party.

Today, although Leigh missed Jesy, she was happy while at school, speaking to people before class.

"The both of you are dating now right? We saw all of the Snaps from Sairah Leigh. You can't hide it." A couple of girls were saying this to Leigh at the lockers.

Leigh-Anne dropped the books she had just pulled out. All of them fell onto her feet and she hopped up and down at the pain, holding one foot in her hands while hopping on the other.

The girls laughed. "Are you okay?" One of them proceeded to help pick up her stuff.

Leigh was grateful when she got handed her books back. "Thank you." She giggled. "Me and Jesy are just . . ."

"Leigh Sairah posted when you kissed her that time when she got the part." The other girl spoke now, challengingly. Challenging Leigh.

Leigh-Anne stepped back somewhat. "Well . . ." Bitch of course I wanna marry her. No one had asked but she answered anyway. "That was just . . ."

"Leigh-Anne you should just come out. I mean sure a lot of people will hate you but you just should."

"Yeah if not for your sake then for Andre's. He's dying to know what your status is. Poor guy has wanted to ask you out since day one but you're confusing him. If he finds out that you're actually into Jesy then he'd back off. Just make it official babe."

"Then send sex-tapes and nudes to everyone." Both of the girl giggled.

Leigh-Anne felt sort of uncomfortable. She laughed awkwardly. "Sex tapes and . . . wait Andre's wanted to ask me out?"

"Oh my God no."

"Leigh you didn't know?" Both girls looked sort of embarrassed now.

"Babe it was so obvious. How could you not notice?"

Leigh laughed stiffly. "Guess I'm really slow then. I . . ." She thought of the sweet guy who sat next to her. Him. She probably wouldn't date him if he asked though. She wasn't into guys at the moment.

"Shhh! Leigh-Anne!" One girl covered Leigh's mouth.

Leigh darted her eyes about in confusion. "What?" She said in a muffled voice.

"Look." One girl whispered. She nodded down the hall.

Leigh turned her head behind her to look and made out two people walking in. One had her head held down and the other seemed very excited. She could now hear whispering from everyone. "Umm . . ."

"Shit they're coming right up to you."

"Good luck Leigh." The girls darted off.

Leigh-Anne looked for them and saw them gathering around a group of guys who were looking on in anticipation. She started walking in their direction since they were all in her class and she did not want to stand here alone but she got held by the wrist from behind.

"Leigh-Anne."

Leigh turned around and made out Perrie. "Oh hey Pez. What's going on- oh . . . Jade!" She sounded stunned while saying this. As she stood and observed the small brunette she began to feel a shadow of fear eclipse her. Jade . . . The girl who bullied her. "Hi." She waved stiffly at the brunette before clutching her books tighter. Her voice was a lot softer now.  She had wanted Jade to come back so that they could all be friends but now seeing the girl in person, she wasn't so sure if that was a good idea.  I'm kind of scared . . . of her . . . Will she hurt me?