Mr. I Don't Smile

05. how the hell did you burn water

05. how the hell did you burn water

Ciera

Genevive was all people were talking about when I arrived at school on Monday.

I understood it. I mean she was a freaking French model! Even if people didn't know her career, they could see her beyond average looks. They would all be intrigued until they were met with her personality.

She reminded me so much of Clara. Maybe that's why they were established soon-to-be frenemies. I knew it wasn't going to end well with them both vying for Theo's attention.

I didn't get all the hype over Theo. Almost everyone was chasing after him. What was the big deal? So what if he was really good looking, had a piercing gaze, and his French accent was just so . . .

Nevermind, I got it.

When I went to calculus that day, Miss Larkin was nowhere to be seen. It was the first time she was late, and the students took advantage of it. Somehow, Theo ended up next to Casey and I.

He was silent until Mila Jeffries came up and sat on top of the desk he was at, even though there was an empty desk right next to him. "Hi, Theo."

"Hi?" She stared at him for a good ten seconds, biting her lips and twirling her hair—the clear signs of flirting. But Theo didn't seem to get it because he asked, "Did you need something?"

"I wanted to ask if you'll go out with me tonight?" I had to give it to her. Mila was brave. Especially after all the rejections Theo had already given out.

"Like a date?"

"Yes."

"No thanks. I have plans with Ciera."

"What?" I said. What a liar. Theo and I did not have plans. He was just using me to get out of this. Theo had an innocent look on his face as I glared at him while Mila glared at me.

"Oh. Well if you're busy today, how about tomorrow?" Mila tried again.

"I'm sorry, but no."

Mila whipped her head towards me. "This is all your fault, Ciera. You're at an unfair advantage because Theo lives with you. None of us even had a chance."

What? Now she was turning this on me? She would regret that. "At an unfair advantage? Theo isn't some prize you can win. And just because Theo rejected you doesn't mean you can get mad at me. Lashing out at the girl he's hanging out with only makes you look desperate. Before you make yourself look any more stupid, I advise you walk away."

But she didn't. This girl wanted a confrontation. Just as she opened up her mouth to say something Miss Larkin walked into the classroom. Everyone in the room froze in the seats they weren't supposed to be in.

But Miss Larkin didn't notice and went to her desk. "I'm sorry I'm late. Everyone take out your books and turn to page 394."

Mila, being the little witch she was, went up to Miss Larkin's desk. "Ciera's been causing lots of issues while you've been gone. She even called me stupid."

I feigned innocence, giving her a little pout. "Aw, Mila. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings when I called you that. I really thought you already knew."

She spun towards me to clap back but Miss Larkin sighed. "I don't have time for this today. Either shut this fight down right now or you both have detention."

I sat down in my seat, motioning for Mila to do whatever she wanted. I was over this. She chose to sit down too.

Casey gave me a sideways glance as our teacher began to give instructions. "Not that that wasn't the coolest thing you've ever done, but, what was that? You never react when someone says something to you."