Inamorata

What is love? I can’t seem to understand why girls desire it so much. Yeah, sixteen and I still haven’t discovered it for myself yet. You see, I’m the brunette in the corner, watching love happen, but never experiencing it first hand. Don’t get me wrong, lots of guys liked me through grade ten, and into grade eleven. But I knew they only wanted one thing, just by the way they looked at me. They didn’t want to get to know the inside of me, but what was underneath my clothes. Soon I was convinced that love didn’t exist. Until he came. Why did I make these assumptions, you may ask? Because before, love was just

a heartless, hurtful, waste of my time.

Chapter One - Truth Of Love

I couldn't help but wonder where this guy had come from as he stood before my English class.

His brown hair in a perfect mess, his hazel eyes immaculate starring into the new crowd of students he had yet to be acquainted with. It all seemed too surreal, the way he looked into my blue eyes

And how he presented his bright white smile. I couldn’t help but smile back. Mr. Railin looked at his class and ginned with pleasure. “Students, I would like to introduce you to your new classmate, Vincent Raine.” The new guy glanced around the room, his eyes coming into contact with mine last. “Thank-you, Sir. I’m very much obliged, and I look forward getting to know all of you.” Mr. Railin, cleared his throat. “Right, well. Please take the seat behind Sophia, and everyone turn your books to page forty one.”

As he walked and sat behind me, I felt a nervous heat slither across my face.

Concentrating on my work was an extremely difficult task. I could feel his eyes on the back of my head. But what I didn’t know for certain was why he seemed so interested in me. Was I interested in him? Possibly. Did I want to be? Not really. Minutes seemed to pass like hours when our assignment was given to write a three page summary about Shakespeare. It was quiet, too quiet. Finally the bell rang, and the class scattered through the door. I headed towards my dorm, seeing as classes were over. It was strange to me that he came so late in the day, but the thought hadn’t occurred to me until I sat on my bed. My mind was trying not to think about him, but it was a useless attempt.

“What’s got your mind in a knot Soph?”

Like a bubble popping, I was back to reality, with Adele poking my forehead repeatedly.

Her auburn hair bouncing with every movement, her gold eyes sparkling and her face content.

Slapping her hand away, I sighed with displeasure.

“Honestly Adele, can’t I daydream in peace?”

“Haha, not unless you want to move in with Sally. I can make arrangements for that.”

Eesh, the only girl who doesn’t have a dorm partner, and reeks of rotten fish and spoiled milk.

“I’ll pass thanks…”

I was well aware I didn’t answer her question yet, but I knew she would wrench it out of me sooner or later. Hopefully I’ll develop Alzheimer’s before that day comes. While working on my Shakespeare assignment, and my history studies, the thought occurred to me that I was stupid. It was a funny thought at first, but as my mind trailed back to the way he looked at me...I had to have imagined that. I mean, guys never look at girls like that, with that sweet and kind look in their eyes... It bothered me all through the night. Since I'm not the type of girl that leaves things unattended and unfinished, I completed both of my assignments and read the clock. 12:30 A.M. That wasn't too late, but my eyes lids were getting heavy. With that feeling I curled up under my blankets and feel asleep before I could count sheep.

At first I thought I was in reality when I opened my eyes into a dream. I was in a beautiful field, the fresh fragrance of nearby water and sweet flowers absorbed the air around me. The sun was setting in the horizon, shining in my eyes like a wave of happiness. A cool breeze swirled around me, and before I could breathe, there he was. It was odd to me that I was dreaming of him. Some guy I don't even know. A guy that just gave me a look that's been stuck in the back of my mind ever since. It's like I'm obsessively infatuated with him or something. And I really don't have the time or enough brains to cram school, friends, family, homework, and boys into it. So I just leave out the boys. Maybe having a lover instead of a hook up would be different, but I've never really plucked up the courage to give my heart to someone so they can rip it apart and throw it back to me in pieces. It kind of looked like he was

dancing gracefully, the way his feet lightly touched the ground as he came closer to me. My legs felt like they were frozen right where I stood.

His voice made my skin tingle.

"Are you lost, love?"

Why is he calling me 'love'?

Everything here seemed so much more tranquil when he talked.

"No. I'm not lost, this is my dream, and I don't understand why you're in it."

Okay, that sounded harsh, but it was the truth. His stare was unreadable as he walked closer to me.

"I never had the intention of coming into your dreams, it had been yours the very moment you feel asleep." Breathing got harder when he took my arm and intertwined his fingers with mine, pressing

the back of my palm against his cheek. His eyes looked the same as the first time I saw him, kind and sweet, soothing every nerve in my body as he stared back into mine. Our hands lowered to our sides, still interlocked. He took a step closer, closing in the space between us. Looking down deeper into my eyes. I looked up into his as he bent down lower to my face, wrapping his other arm around my waist and.....

"Sophia! I swear to god I'm gunna kill you if you don't get your ass up!"

"Awhe, c'mon Adele, I was having a really good dream.."

"You're going to get a good kick in the ass if you don't get out of bed! School starts in twenty minutes!" Okay, that made me jump out of bed, comb my hair, pack my homework, get dressed and run out he door as fast as you could say school sucks.

Today was Friday, and there was going to be a party in the girls dorm tonight. Teachers didn't seem to mind when we did this, especially when the guys came and partied with us as well. All the teachers

live here with us. I know, this high school is strange, and usually students go home on the weekends,

but most of us only go every other week. My first class was Math.

Algebra wasn’t the thing on my mind while Mrs. Mooditiy handed out our assignment. No, the thing going through my mind was my dream. It was the weirdest, most amazing dream I ever had. I would’ve rather been late for school, and kissed him in my dream then not kissed him in my dream and made it on time for school.

I made a mental note to yell at Adele for that later, and crossed my fingers that my mind would continue that dream when I get to sleep. Now it’s just stuck in my brain, wondering what it would’ve been like to kiss his dream lips. The bell rang for second period, and getting all my things put away I realized I didn’t even touch my paper. I guess girls really did get bad grades when all they can think about is some guy. Some guy that doesn’t even know me. Some guy that I don’t even know. Girls are so ridiculous! After getting up I decided to take my time to Phys Ed, they give you ten minutes to change anyway.

Students were practically running down the hall to vending machines, screaming and chanting “Fight! Fight! Fight!”, over and over. Wondering who was stupid enough to even start a fight during school, I walked over to the crowd, bumping into people as they ran and joined into the idiotic screams. I used the books in my hand as a shield to get through the cluttered students. The sight I saw as I pushed my way through was two guys fighting in a giant circle. The one guy I’ve known for a long time. Dane Safarris, the stupid jock who tried raping me in the school hallway, and thankfully got suspended for it. He’s always known to be the one to start a riot, the cocky troublemaker. Definitely not my type. But then again I don’t really know my type perfectly well, seeing as I never really felt for a guy before, because really none of them are decent or kind to me at all.

Dane’s face was scrunched up into a big ugly sneer at his opponent, his brown eyes seemed black the way he glared at the other guy. His body was crouched over, like he was ready to pounce at any given moment, his overly huge muscles flexing and his somewhat tan skin coated with sweat all around his muscle shirt. I took my eyes off him, and glanced at the other person. It took me only a brief moment to notice Vincent on the other side. Unlike Dane, he didn’t have a drip of sweat on him as he stood straight up,

and smiled at the unworthy instigator. His eyes looked like they were swimming with fire, calm but threatening. His black v-neck shirt and his white skinny jeans weren’t stained with blood, or sweat, or any non attractive thing what so ever. Everything about him was so perfect, and comparing his gorgeous brown hair to Dane’s greasy black hair, he seemed so much more perfect.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him. But he moved so fast it was quiet hard to keep watching him as he

intercepted Dane’s every move. It made me laugh out loud how Dane couldn’t even touch him.

Vincent grabbed his arm, and tightened his grip, making Dane shout like it was the greatest pain he had ever experienced. His lips curled up into a white smile as he spoke. “Dane, must we continue this worthless fight? Class is much more important then casting your rage on some new person like myself.”

Dane swung his other arm. “Shut the fuck up you little shit!”

But (not to my surprise) he caught his other arm and twisted Dane so that his back was to him in seconds.

“You really shouldn’t use such foul language. Most people find that very unattractive, you know. “

Although they were in the same grade, it seemed like Vincent was much older and mature.

The cheering and screaming stopped when Mr. Railin came through the crowd. Vincent looked at me,

and winked with an unexpected smile. My face burn with exhilarating heat, so I smiled back.

I guess that gave time for Dane to slip out of his grasp and swing at his face. But he ducked down and punched him in the stomach so hard you could hear the air being deprived of his lungs.

“That is quiet enough!” Mr. Railin screamed over the crowd. “If I don’t see each and everyone of you gone, your going to be suspended for the rest of the year.” The noise died down and students scattered to their classes, chatting very softly. I stood there in front Dane, Vincent, and Mr.Railin. “That means you as well Mrs.Railin.” Okay, maybe I forgot to mention that our English teacher was my Father. But honestly, it’s an embarrassing thing. So I just act like he’s just an ordinary teacher at school, even though all the kids know he’s my Dad.

“I know, I just thought it would be polite to ask if either of them need help going to the nurse.” Usually I’m not this courageous, or willing to do things that involves me missing class, but it seemed like the right thing to do. Mr.Railin starred at me for a moment, then at Vincent and Dane, and smiled back at me. “Well, if you insist, you may escort Mr.Raine to the infirmary.” Dane grimaced, shouting with hatred

thick in his throat. “What about me?!” I almost busted out laughing with my Father/English teacher rolled his eyes and said very calmly. “Do you really think I’m going to let my helpless daughter walk someone to the infirmary that attempted molestation on her? I don’t think so, you can come with me.” He took a glace back at me and winked. If I didn’t know my dad, I would never know I was his daughter. I mean, we look nothing alike, accept for our deep blue eyes, and our oddly peculiar personalities. He turned the corner to the right, taking the short way to the nurse, his muscular arms dragged Dane along with him. Then for the very first time, me and Vincent were alone, and I had no idea what to say to him next.

He talked first, in a smooth, soft tone, like talking too loud would break my ears or something.

“I think I may have a harsh limp in my leg,” He put his right toe to the ground and acted like he had a severe limping pain. “May you escort me to the nurses office?” He smiled a different smile, one that made my stomach do flips, but I planned on playing hard to get. “Well, I guess. Since your so injured, I’d be happy to oblige.” I walked up to him, closing in the space between us. As I stood by his side, I reached for the arm closest to me and gently placed it around my neck so it could sit on my shoulders. Acting like he actually was hurt was quiet amusing. In fact he was so good at playing the part, I was actually convinced he had injured himself. We started walking very slowly down the long hall, passing open doors filled with tired looking classmates and teachers talking in low boring tones.

I sighed and looked at him as we walked, smelling his fresh sweet smelling scent of lavender and tasteful perfume. His eyes seemed absent minded as they stared lifelessly down the hallway ahead. I cleared my throat. “So how did that brawl start anyway?” At first he smiled, then he locked his eyes with mine. Those hazel eyes starred so deeply, like he was looking into the core of my soul.

“I simply bumped into him, and he started bickering to me about you. He just went haywire afterwards.” Why would Dane the asshole/rapist talk about me to Vincent? Did he see the way we looked at each other? Was he jealous that I didn’t want to be with him, and possibly wanted to be with this guy instead? I needed to find out. “Oh, I wonder why he was talking about me to you.”

He laughed, and I swear it sounded like ringing bells to my ears. “I guess he just assumed we had something special.” My god, how could he assume that when he’s only been here for ONE day?! But I like that assumption, I want him to be right. “I see.” There was a long moment of silence until we reached the door to the nurses office. He sighed wistfully, and smiled at me. “Guess this is the part were I leave you.” I smiled back at him. “I guess it is.” He relieved his arm from my shoulders and faced me. We starred into each other’s eyes for a moment, smiling stupidly. He took my hand, and asked me while he twiddled my fingers with his. “Will I see you at the party?” He looked back up at me, his eyes beaming with hope.

I grinned, and was glad I didn’t forget to brush my teeth. “I can promise you will.” Okay, I’ve seen him smile multiple times during the past twenty-four hours I’ve known him. But this smile was like the biggest

upward curve of his lips I’d ever seen. He let go of my hand, and placed it on my cheek. “Excellent, Now I have something to look forward to.” His smooth hands felt so good on my face, I just wanted him to leave it there forever, or maybe make a duplicate of his skin so I could feel it whenever I wanted to (creeper).

I looked up at him, and made a curious, innocent face. “Why is that?”

He took a step closer and wrapped his arms around me In a big, warm and comforting embrace. It was the kind of hug where you just felt so safe and secure. But again, I wanted to play hard to get for a while, so I just stood there, forcing myself not to hug him back. His arms went on my hips and took a small step back so he could look at me. His eyes were thoughtful, and honest. His eyebrows lifted as he spoke, as if he was waiting for me to agree with him. “Because I would like to get to know you more.” My lips curved, my stomach churned, all I could do was nod, and say a dumb comment. “Hope your leg gets better.” He laughed slightly. ”Me too.” Just like that he was in the nurses office and I was standing in the hallway alone, missing class and having the stupidest smirk plastered on my face.

While I was walking back to gym class, the bell rang. I hadn’t even realized how much time

I’d wasted with Vincent. Well, the time wasn’t really wasted, it was more like the best way I could ever

spend my school time. I really do wish my thoughts had an off switch to them though, because all through lunch I looked like I was starring into space to other people, but to me I was starring into Vincent’s eyes, his face, his body. God! I just want this school day to end! You know when you want time to go faster and it goes as slow as possible, which just comes to show that we rarely get what we want. While eating absentmindedly, Adele came and plopped in front of me with her spaghetti and meatballs, with chocolate pudding and apple juice. I starred at her in disgust. I noticed that she always makes me come back to reality when I need to, and sometimes she brings me back a little too soon. Shaking my head I smiled at her. “You seriously have the weirdest taste in of food Adele. Did you loose your sense of taste as a child eating the lead off your crib?”

She looked at her food as she ate. “I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about, and I had a wooden crib when I was an infant, thank-you very much.” I took a bite of my turkey sandwich, and decided to do

my math homework that I didn’t even touch during class. “Well then I guess you don’t know about the fight

that happened second period then?” She shot a surprised look at me, and I could definitely see she wanted details. I rolled my eyes. “You obviously don’t skip class enough.” Adele beamed a smile. “You never leave class. The day you were to ever do that would be the day aliens came to take over the world.” I gave her a look. “Well, today was one of those days, and it was because of this fight.”

The cafeteria was pretty quiet today so we leaned into the table to talk gossip.

Adele’s whispers didn’t really sound any different from when she talked.

“Details.” I sighed, not knowing where to start. So I told her about yesterday, about my dream,

and then I got to the fight. Her face exploded with surprise when she heard who fought who.

“Dane tried to take Vincent? What a creeper!” I took another bite of my sandwich.

“Tell me about it. He was about to spontaneously explode when he saw Vincent wink at me, and when my Dad said that I could take Vincent to the nurses office to have him looked at.”

She took a big bite of her spaghetti, washing it down with apple juice.

“Oh my! I see a potential boyfriend in your future.” She winked at me. “Dane needed a good ass kicking anyway. That rapist got what he deserved.” I blurted the words that came to mind.

“Vincent wants to get to know me at the party tonight.”

“Ou la la. You gotta look your best tonight, and you know who’s the best at it,”

She pointed her thumb at herself, and gave me a confident smile.

I placed my finished homework in my big blue handbag. “We’ll see.”