𝐍𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 ♛ ͏r͏a͏f͏e ͏c͏a͏m͏e͏r͏o͏n

33.

Mae's pov

I lifted my closed fist to the wooden door in front of me as I felt nerves bubbling in my stomach.
I knocked lightly on the door, I felt as if being outside the Principal's office should be normal these days. Yet, here I was, nervous as ever although I wasn't sure why I had been summoned to his office, therefore I had reason to he nervous.

"Come in Miss Murchison" he said as if he was pre-occupied from within the room. I turned the door handle and made my way into the room quietly. I turned to see him shuffling through papers as I hesitantly took a seat in front of his desk.

His eyes flicked up for a second to see my confused and anxious face before he shuffled the papers fo one side.

"You asked to see me sir" I blurted out unable to control my need to know what was going on. He smiled at my sudden words and curiosity before clasping his hands together on the desk.

"Yes I did. I asked to see you because I wanted to talk about being careful and your future." He said calmly as I rocked in my seat uncomfortably.

"Careful?" I questioned unsure of what he was trying to say.

"Rafe Cameron isn't the rock solid good individual you may think him to be now" he started as my eyebrows furrowed, what did Rafe have to do with this.

"I do not wish for you to get caught up in a bad situation before Mid-Summers or even after. Therefore I am advising you to be careful. I do not wish to see your future be thrown out the window because of some boy" Principal Thornton spoke as if he was my father sitting in the seat across from me. I guess that is what happen when you become one his greatest students. I do appreciate his honesty with his concerns for my future but I don't think Rafe will be the cause of any inconveniences that may jeopardise them.

"Sir, I can assure you that Rafe would not do anything to jeopardise my future." I exclaimed a little frustrated as I combed a hand back through my hair.

"Mae, he doesn't like to lose, surely you know that. You are both going for the same scholarship, one which you need desperately more then him" he said and stood with a sigh before turning to look out the window behind him.

"If your implying what I think your implying I shall have to deny it with my whole heart" I stated now furious at his coy accusatioj weaved through his words.

"What might that be?" He asked not daring to look at me, whose hands were curled around his desk edge and eyes sharp with bitterness.

"You are accusing Rafe of dating me so he can better his grades and knowledge, distract me in the meantime. Learn all of my weaknesses so he can exploit them when the time is right. That time most likely being the Mid-Summers party where university scouts roam; and all because he can't stand losing. But not just to anyone but to a female pogue who has bested him in all previous years" I rambled harshly and my grip had tightened mercilessly that my knuckles were now white. I knew that if I could conjure these diabolical thoughts that Rafe could as well, but he wouldn't do that to me.

Would he?

I guess his 'sudden' romantic interest in me was surprising. How he casted away his pogue beliefs after a few brief arguments was also suspicious. He's still playing the No Way Game though.... bu maybe as a means of helping to figure out what I cannot do.

I wasn't aware I was crying until one of the tears dripped onto my knuckles. I sniffed as reached for the tissue box on the corner of his desk. I dabbed it across my eyes and cleared my nose as politely as one could.

"Do you really think he is capable of doing something like this?" I croaked out as I slumped back into my chair. Head reeling, legs weak and heart exhausted at the possibility.

Principal Thornton turned back around his eyes kind and gentle after hearing the break in my voice.

"I think he would do anything to win" he simply stated with a small gesture of his hand.

"Anything?" I questioned mindlessly.

"Anything. Even in his sport" he said as I leaned back in my seat. I had completely forgotten Rafe plays a school sport. It still rattles my mind at how field hockey became a high school sport here.
Although, I guess the Kooks had to mature from hockey into golf through the coarse of their Kook lives.

"What do you mean even in sport? Has he done something un-sportsman like?" I swiftly asked concerned and intrigued, wanting to know every detail I could get.

"I am afraid so... last game he hooked his stick around an opposing players ankle. He fell of course and nearly broke his nose." Principal Thornton sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in disappointment.

"Sir, with upmost respect I will decide for myself whether he is playing a game with me or not" I states whilst tightening my jaw at the thought of Rafe's unsportsmanlike like act.

Principal Thornton nodded at my statement and flicked his head towards the office door, dismissing me. I rose from my seat and clasped my hand in front of myself before I went to turn. I softly turned the door handle to exit when Principal Thornton's voice stopped me.

"Oh Miss Murchison, your talking with me on Friday is no longer necessary and I also nearly forgot" he rambled as I turned to see him shuffling through papers. He finally found what he was looking for, a sealed white envelope in which I could see my name printed on the front.

I took a few steps back towards his desk and extended hand where the envelope rested. I took it from his hand before politely exiting his office. I did however take a seat on the bench outside his office to eagerly open the envelope.
I hoped it was my Mid-Summer invitation sent by the scouts of the university.

Opening envelopes wasn't a specialty of mine so the top now remained jagged, but open. I unfolded it and rapidly read the printed words.
Of course, I was right and it was what I had hoped.

I nearly squealed and jumped from the bench, I had never been invited to such an extravagant event. My excitement was cut short when the bell rang exceptionally loud in my ear.

I would now head off to my english lesson where Rafe would jo doubt be waiting. Where I would start over analysing everything he does, what else would I do now.

I shoved the invitation in my pocket to show him it first when we got a moment to ourselves or just a chance to talk. I did want to talk to him, I wanted to ask ifI was able to come and see his game this Friday. In the time between now and the game I would have to find something to wear to this Mid-Summer event.
Something extravagant but myself nonetheless.

Something Maebelline Milli Murchison.

-
Chapter Done!
I hope you enjoy this chapter and it's confrontational image of Rafe which is now looming in Mae's mind.

Please tell me what you think!
Love, Laya <3