Because Of You: Chapter Six

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The classes went by steadily. I only have the first period with both Gavin and Irisa, and the rest are by myself. Gavin has yet to say anything about my hair, and I am curious to know how he recognized me. I sat at my desk as the teacher lectured. The note Gavin gave me weighed down my pocket and I couldn’t get his attitude out of my head. I dug through my desk quietly and brought out my calendar. I stared at the picture I drew of him and grabbed the paper. I unfolded it neatly and placed it next to the drawing.

Gavin Holm
xxx-xxx-xxxx

“So his name is Holm.” I thought back to the group of guys calling him an illegitimate child. I want to know if that is true, and I want to know his actual working situation. I thought and thought about his situation until my name was called.

“Nerine.” The teacher smacked my table with his ruler.

“Yes!” I stood up.

“What are you spacing off for? Are you okay?” He blabbed on about the lecture and told me to go to the hallway. I grabbed the slip of paper and walked into the hall and sat down.

“I guess this is my punishment.” I grabbed my phone and typed in Gavin’s number and saved it. I didn’t feel like messaging him. Right as I put my phone away, I heard footsteps down the hall.

“Nerine?” I looked down the hall, and Irisa was walking toward me with a hall pass. “What did you do?” She stood out of view from the door.

“I was spacing off and staring at the number I got from him.” I made a face and she knew exactly who I was talking about. I showed her the slip of paper and she told me that his handwriting was attractive.

“How is it attractive!?” I laughed and the teacher banged on the door. She quickly ran off and I walked into the classroom.

“Sit down, pay attention this time.” He declared. I nodded and took my seat.

The lunch bell rang and I got a message from Irisa about the meeting for lunch. My thoughts clashed in my head since I was supposed to go have lunch with Gavin as well. I decided to lean toward Irisa, I made plans with her first and I wanted to talk with her about this situation. I walked out of the classroom and turned the corner only to run into Gavin.

“I was coming to get you, my short-haired princess.” He smirked and messed with my wig gently.  “Come with me.” He pulled me down the hallway and into the park, the place we were heading to was the location on Irisa’s message. A few feet away I saw her sitting down on a checkered blanket with lunch boxes from the cafeteria.

“Welcome to my picnic party!” She laughed and spread her arms out. “Nerine, I invited Gavin, hope you don’t mind. I saw him walking towards your room and told him to get you.”

I sighed in relief. “It’s fine, I was going to eat lunch with you anyway even though this guy invited me too.”

“Well, you see. She came up to me after first class and talked to me about lunch since she over heard me telling you to come with me. I figured it is a win-win situation since I know no one else.” He laughed and sat down.

Irisa, Gavin, and I talked about the weekend and the summer plans coming up in a month or so. I start listening to Irisa talk about her family’s summer home and she actually invited me and Gavin to join her. Gavin said he would ask his work and I told her that I would ask my parents.

“So, Gavin, why did you transfer here?” Irisa questioned. I felt very awkward since I wanted to know but was afraid to ask about his situation, especially since I over heard people talking about it.

“Well, my father moved nearby and this school was the closest. I don’t live with him though. He is too much of a hard ass.” He scarfed down the rest of his food. “As if you haven’t heard the rumors, I am the heir to Holm industries but I don’t want to be. My dad is infuriated though, so I decided to move out.”

Most of my questions were answered but I decided not further the ‘interview’ with him. Gavin glanced over at me. He pointed at my head and changed the topic 180 degrees into my direction.

“Why are you wearing a wi-” I slammed my hands over his mouth.

“You are speaking too loud!” I said and he nodded, so I released him. I blurted out vague reasons and Irisa stared at me in disbelief.

“So, this is what you didn’t tell me at the club? I knew there was something off about your ‘height complex’ and since you didn’t really explain anymore details. Irisa gave him the same stare.

“You already knew some things?” She looked at him.

“You didn’t?” He laughed.

I blocked off their conversation with a probing question of my own. “Gavin! Why did you tell me you worked night-time at the club and what did you do during the day, and do you pay for your apartment? Or does your dad do it?” I spoke too fast for my own good and only stopped when he cleared his throat.

“1. I used to have a private tutor when I was younger so I already know the majority of the stuff they teach at this school. 2. I left my father’s house before he moved here and I have been living here for 2 1/2 years now above the club that I work at. I manage the night shifts. 3. I used to sell things during the day. 4. The club I work for gives me free food and living in exchange for me to work there. It is somewhat of a win-win situation again.” He sighed. “Did I expose too much?”

Irisa and I shook our heads and laughed at how open he is.

“Master Holm.” A butler appeared from behind him and grabbed Gavin’s arm. “Your father awaits your decision, you have been running for too long.”