Chapter 4

Two days has passed since my visits to Liam's and he was back to being the cold, emotionless boy at the back of the class. We have worked on our project in those days and we have finished it. It was hard to imagine us swimming together only two days ago. Well, we didn't exactly swim together, because he just stood there. I would talk to him, but he would withdraw and placed those hard to break walls around him. Some of the times he looked really sad, but I never question him about it, figuring he needed his personal space. People would give me weird looks wondering why I was talking to Liam and I would hear people whispering in the hallways, but I didn't care because I really liked Liam and I think he could use a friend. Right now I was in math class with Beth working out problems on the sheet of paper that our teacher gave us. Beth calls my name and I look over to my left at her. "Are you going to the school dance next week Friday?" She whispers. "I totally forgot about that. But yeah,?I'm going." I whisper back. She smile and her face lit up with excitement. "Then we are going shopping after school." I sigh. This was not necessary. I'm sure we can find something suitable in our closet to wear. I open my mouth to argue, but was interrupted by the bell. We pack up our stuffs and exit the classroom. I turn to Beth. "We will talk at lunch, okay?" She nods and head to her class. I turn in the opposite direction and head to English class. I went into the classroom and I saw Liam at the back as usual. I went and sat beside him. He looks up at me and I notice a frown creasing his brow, but he didn't say anything. The teacher was not here yet, so we sat in silence before I spoke. "Do you want to sit with my friend and I at lunch?" "No." "What's up with you, Liam?" I ask. "Look, did I gave you any indication that we were friends?" He asks irritated. I look at him, shock at his response, then shake my head. "No." "Then don't talk to me. Why don't you just leave me alone?" He snaps. I was baffled by his behaviour. I was about to say something, but the teacher walks in. I look at him confused for another second before turning my attention to the front of the class. The rest of the class went by quickly and I didn't say anything more to Liam. As soon as the class was over, he took up his things and left the classroom without another word. I gather my books as well and went to art class. "I don't know what's up with him. He was okay when I went to his house and now he is pretending like he doesn't know me." I relate to Beth at lunch. "Why don't you leave it alone, Julie? It's obvious he is troubled." Beth said concerned. "I know, but I can't." I sigh. "There is just something about him." "Maybe he's an undercover spy with super powers and he can't talk to anyone else his cover is blown." Beth speculates. I look at her with a raise eyebrow. "Are you even hearing yourself right now? I tell you, you have a weird imagination." I said shaking my head. "What? It's a possibility." Beth took a bite of her?PB&J sandwich. "Of course, Bethany. Of course." The lunch bell rings ten minutes later and Beth and I parted for class. The rest of the day ended quickly after that and Beth and I were at her locker. "I'm sorry to cancel our shopping trip, but Brian and I are going out. It was the spur of the moment thing." Beth apologises for the tenth time. "It's okay. Really." I reassure her. "We can go a next time." "Are you sure?" I nod my head. "You're not mad at me?" "Don't be silly, Beth. I'm not mad." Beth close her locker and a big smile spread across her face. She flings her arms around me in a tight hug. "You're the best. Thank you." She said as she pulls away. I give her a smile in return. "I know." I said cockily and Beth burst into laughter. "Now go ahead and have fun with Brian." She give me another hug, then wave goodbye. I was walking through the hallway towards the main door, when someone called my name. I turn around to see it was Simone Riley, one of?my friends who was in senior year. I give her a smile. "What's up, Simone?" I ask as she approaches me. "Hey. I'm so glad I catch you." "What is it?" "Some of the guys on the decorating committee for the school dance are not at school today and we are a little short on hands. I've been looking for people to help and I know you're very good at art." She said. "Today?" I question. "Please. The dance is a week away. It would be much appreciated." She pleads. "Okay. Of course." She smiles her gratitude and lead me to the art room. I didn't mind helping out really, because I love art and I love helping people out. There were about eight people in the room and they were all busy doing something. They were either making streamers, banners or decorating table cloths. I took up a scissors and went over to a girl name Rachel to help with the banner. An hour later, I was done. I put down the materials and stationery that I was using and took up my bag on a nearby table. "Bye guys!" I shout to the remaining three persons in the room who were committed to what they were doing. "Bye Julia. Thanks again for your help." Simone calls back. The other two people in the room bid me goodbye and I left the room. I reach the school's main door and step outside. The wind blew in my face and swept my hair around. I took out an elastic band from my bag and caught my hair in a messy ponytail. I took a deep breath and relish in the cool air. I was about to walk off and head home, when my eyes caught something in the distance. I shade my eyes from the sun and look closely. It took awhile to make out the person, but I saw who it was. Sitting under a tree on the court yard with his back to me, was Liam. What was he doing here still? I don't know why, but I took a step and head in his direction.