Class Clowns
Chapter 19: Trouble
Claire's POV
"Just one date! C'mon Claire, don't leave me hanging here." Craig begs sweetly, and I roll my eyes. 10 days after my little altercation with both Zayn and Harry, I'm back and better than ever... for the most part anyway. Who wants to hook up with teachers when I have a dreamboat of an ex boyfriend who is still crazy about me?
"One date." I reply, and he immediately wraps his arms around me tightly. To be honest, I've never really been without a boyfriend during any school year, I always have someone. Craig is a good distraction and I'm comfortable with him so why not?
"Alright, tomorrow at 8?" He asks nervously as the bells rings and a small smile forms on my face.
"That sounds perfect." I tell him, and he starts pulling me down the hallway with him. "Craig wait!" I stop him, and he looks at me confused.
"You're seriously skipping art again? You haven't been to it for the past month since you were out for your mom, and then the last two weeks you've been skipping and--"
"I'm just not into anymore so I'm gonna head out early. Alright?" I smile, heading out the backdoor and towards my car.
I know how childish this is, but I have been avoiding Zayn at all costs. I don't care if I'm failing his class, I don't care if he's as upset as everyone has been gossiping about. Zayn isn't the same as he was in September. I miss the fun Mr. Malik. What the hell happened to the fun art teacher? I feel guilty, but at the same time I just can't face him. He broke my fucking heart. He toyed with him, made it love him and then ripped it to shreds.
And then I have to sit in a classroom and respect him? No thank you.
As for Harry... I don't really know about him. I realized that I can't skip math considering I completely suck at it, so I've been attending his classes. He and I are on speaking terms, but not real speaking terms. I answer questions, laugh at his jokes during class and pretend that nothing ever happened between us. When I explained the situation to Cassidy, she persuaded me to believe that he was 'trying to protect me' but I just don't know. Maybe that's true, or maybe he's just as selfish as Zayn.
I haven't got the slightest clue, but I'm not going to hold a grudge on him. He helped me release all my tears and sorrows and for that I am grateful. I can forgive, but I won't forget. As for getting my fake ID back from him and attending extra help and math club... I'm done with that. Luke got me a new one and I'll only go to extra help if I need him. No teachers are going to push me around anymore.
Before I know it, I'm at my dad's place--home, in just four hours. Lately after school I've been going to Starbucks and getting all my homework done there and just waiting for time to pass. It does pass, but very slowly.
I walk inside and something is different-- the TV is blaring loud with sports center like it usually is and I can hear angry chatter coming from the kitchen. I make my way inside and see my father sitting at the table, house phone in hand and a scowl on his face.
"What's wrong?" I ask in a casual way. I now notice Andrea who is sitting on the kitchen counter in her work clothes looking just as unhappy as my father.
"Your art teacher just called." He says angrily, and I pause in place. Zayn called my dad? "He wants to know why you've been skipping his class for the past two weeks. You're failing." My father growls.
"We would also like to know why." Andrea buts in, and I immediately feel enraged. She is not my fucking mother.
"First off Andrea, you're not my mother so don't pretend to me, ok?" I say as calmly as possible.
"This isn't about Andrea, this is about you and what the hell you think you're doing in school. You love art class and now it's bringing your GPA down! Don't you want to get into college?" He pesters me. "Why have you been skipping his class? Have you been skipping other classes?"
"No, just art." I say calmly, trying to keep my voice under control.
"Why?!" He shouts, and my brain is scrambling for an excuse, but I can't find one... Well a reasonable one of course.
"I don't know, I don't like it anymore." I lie, and he rolls his eyes and slams his hands down onto the table, making me shudder.
"You know what Claire? I don't care why. All I'm going to say right now is that you better start going to his class and getting some extra help or doing whatever you need to do to get your grades up because this," he points to the phone and then to the clock, "this right here is unacceptable!"
"Understood." I sigh, gathering everything I'll need for the night including two sleeping pills, and make my way to the stairs.
"Aren't you going to eat dinner?" Andrea says in a small mousey voice.
"I'm not hungry." I sigh, and charge up the stairs.
Fuck Zayn! I know need stress from him about art class, nor do I want him. I lock my door, log onto my computer and check the assignments page of the school website. There are about four projects that I've missed, I can pull it off. I toss the sleeping pills in the trash and go into my closet to grab some paper and art supplies.
If I can get all this done now, then I won't have to stay after and deal with him at all. They want me to get my shit together? Fine, I'll do it and I'm have a big fucking smile on my face the whole time.
Walking into school the next morning, I'm nervous. I have not faced Zayn since that day in his apartment, the day he pinned my against the wall and told me how sorry he was and how much he loved me. It still sounds like a lot of bullshit, even almost two weeks later.
I meet up with Craig and Luke before class, thankful that they haven't went in without me yet.
"Have you decided to come back to art Clairebear?" Craig smiles, and I punch his arm softly at the use of that disgusting nickname.
"I figured the class could use it's best artist back to show them a trick or two." I smirk, carrying my four paintings under my arms with me as we walk into Zayn's classroom.
His back is turned, and I immediately take the opportunity to put the paintings on his desk while he isn't looking. Right when he's about to turn around, I turn on my heels and sit down between Craig and Luke. I don't care that Zayn is my partner, I don't want to sit near him let alone work with him.
"While you've been gone Zayn has been a real dick." Luke whispers, making me giggle softly. I guess the sound of my giggle alerted Zayn that I was here because his head shot up at the sound of it.
"Welcome back, Claire." Zayn announces from the front of the room, a small smile forming at the corner of his lips.
"I wouldn't be back if you hadn't called my dad to let him know about my absenses." I smirk, and the rest of the class releases an orchestra of 'ohhhhs.'
"Funny. See me after class?" He asks, and I shake my head. "That wasn't a question, it was a demand. Let's not forget I'm the teacher, hmm?" He says in a nasty tone, and I want to stand up and slap him in the face or storm out of the room after lighting a match on his desk.
"Fine." I grumble, and sink down into my chair.
Thankfully, he doesn't force us to work in partners today. I get to stay in my seat and talk with Luke and Craig while Zayn sits in his desk and sulks, grading paintings and figurines. However, their table is right beside his desk and I can't help but keep looking up at him.... He looks tired, frustrated and angry. If my heart wasn't already broken and mending, it would probably break even more.
"Earth to Claire!" Craig snaps me out of staring at Zayn and I look back at him, a goofy smile on his face.
"Sorry, what were you saying?" I say in a loud, cheery voice. I notice Zayn's head pop up at my obnoxiously happy tone--that's right bitch I'm trying to move on.
"I was asking if you're excited for our date tonight." Craig nudges me, and I blush with embarrassment.
"You two are going on a date?" Luke interrupts, and we both nod. "Holy shit, I never thought I'd see the day where Claire gives Craig another shot." Luke laughs, and i bury my face in my hands.
"Maybe you should ask Cassidy out, get the whole gang back together?" Craig shoves Luke a bit, and Luke's tan cheeks turn a shade of red.
"You are still into Cassidy!" I gasp, and he nods his head with a stupid grin on his face. Craig and I are buzzing in our seats now, excited about this little reunion that could possibly be taking place.
"Come out with us tonight, I'm taking Claire to KiKu." Craig suggests, and my jaw drops.
"KiKu? That's expensive as shit." I gape, and another dumb smile appears on Craig's face.
"Only the best for my best girl." He jokes as the bell rings, signaling that class has ended.
"So cheesy." I giggle, leaning into him playfully. He quickly leaves a surprise peck on my lips, leaving me speechless. I was not expecting that.
"See you later, babe." Craig whispers as he and the rest of the class pile out of the room. I stay there, frozen and excited for a short moment before the door slams and I snap back to reality. Haha, Zayn just saw that. I love this.
I look up at him, his carmel eyes are dark with fury and anger meanwhile I can't get rid of the smile that's on my face. I don't know what I'm happier about, the fact that Craig really is trying or that Zayn just saw that whole thing. I'm gonna go with the second part.
"What the fuck was that?" Zayn barks, walking towards the art closet and opening it, motioning for me to follow.
"I'm good." I reply flatly. "Let's not forget, you're a teacher, hmm?" I mimic his dick statement from earlier, only making him more angry.
"You and Craig are back together?" He asks, and I shake my head. "I just saw him kiss you!" His voice is loud and intimidating.
"God Zayn, can't you just leave me alone?" I shout, anger boiling inside of me ready to erupt. I look up at him and his face is straight sadness now.
"Claire," his voice cracks, "I still love you and I want you back." He sniffles, slowly coming closer and closer towards me. "I've missed you in class. I've missed your giggle, your beautiful smile, your sense of humor... all the little things that make you you." He explains, and my heart drops.
"I--I can't." I stammer as he comes closer towards me. I stand to walk away, but he gently pulls back to face him.
"You can. I would never hurt you ever again Claire. I need you. Do you really think I would have called your dad if I wasn't going crazy missing you?" He chuckles, making me laugh a little bit too.
"Zayn..." I groan, tilting my chin up to look at him. His manipulative ways are captivating and strong, but I know that I can't be with him.
"Please." He whispers, leaning down so that our lips are just inches apart.
"You're a cheater." I remind him, and his body tenses in front of me.
"Let me prove how much I love you and show you how much you love me." He breathes down my ear, sending me goosebumps all over the place.
"How do you know I still love you?" I whisper so low I don't think he can hear.
"Because what we had was real." He says barely audibly. I stand there as a statue when his lips graze mine for a moment and his tongue swipes across my bottom lip. Every time he's this close to me, I feel like I'm radiating fire, so different from when Craig--
Craig.
"Stop." I push Zayn away, disconnecting our lips. "I can't." I mumble, grabbing my bag and rushing out of the room without another word. Zayn is bad news and is a constant push for problems while Craig is easy and fun. That's what I need. I don't need seriousness and sensuality, I need fun...
Even if I still love Zayn. I can't and I won't do that to Craig or myself. Like Harry told me, I don't deserve it. He's right. He's always right.
That stupid sentence haunts me though... Because what we had was real. How does he know exactly what to say? Manipulative bastard, he's so much trouble.
Harry's POV
I fucking miss her. I know this is selfish but I really do. Seeing Claire in class is alright but I miss when I was a friend to her, when she was a friend to me. The only bit of relief I have is that she has been slowly warming up to me again these past few classes, laughing at my jokes and making a few of her own.
Zayn has been a wreck without her, and he deserves to be. He did this to himself and he doesn't have a clue how to get her back. I don't even know if I want to be with her anymore, I'm afraid I'll hurt her...
Who am I kidding. I want Claire for myself, there is no denying that. I just don't know how to--
"Harry, have you got a minute?" Zayn knocks on my door, a stupid smile on his face which only leads me to believe one thing.
"You guys made up?" I ask, and he shakes his head no. Well that's a relief.
"Nope, but we kissed. Well I kissed her. She's going to dinner with Craig tonight and--" he starts off, but I stop him.
"You cannot crash her date, Zayn. That's fucked up and will look obvious." I groan, and a devilish smirk crawls to his lips.
"I'm not going to crash her date... We're going to crash." He smiles, and further explains his plan. I have to say, he's a sneaky bastard but maybe this will work in my benefit. If we end up there will them and sit at the same table (which is how KiKu sits pairs, more than one to a table), I'll get her to trust me again.
"This is a bad idea." I sigh, secretly loving it, for myself of course.
"It's gonna work, I'm gonna get her back." Zayn smiles like a little kid.
My silent hope is that she finds Zayn to be an asshole and I let her know that I thought it was a terrible idea to begin with. This could either go great, or horribly wrong.
"Whatever you say, mate."
"Just one date! C'mon Claire, don't leave me hanging here." Craig begs sweetly, and I roll my eyes. 10 days after my little altercation with both Zayn and Harry, I'm back and better than ever... for the most part anyway. Who wants to hook up with teachers when I have a dreamboat of an ex boyfriend who is still crazy about me?
"One date." I reply, and he immediately wraps his arms around me tightly. To be honest, I've never really been without a boyfriend during any school year, I always have someone. Craig is a good distraction and I'm comfortable with him so why not?
"Alright, tomorrow at 8?" He asks nervously as the bells rings and a small smile forms on my face.
"That sounds perfect." I tell him, and he starts pulling me down the hallway with him. "Craig wait!" I stop him, and he looks at me confused.
"You're seriously skipping art again? You haven't been to it for the past month since you were out for your mom, and then the last two weeks you've been skipping and--"
"I'm just not into anymore so I'm gonna head out early. Alright?" I smile, heading out the backdoor and towards my car.
I know how childish this is, but I have been avoiding Zayn at all costs. I don't care if I'm failing his class, I don't care if he's as upset as everyone has been gossiping about. Zayn isn't the same as he was in September. I miss the fun Mr. Malik. What the hell happened to the fun art teacher? I feel guilty, but at the same time I just can't face him. He broke my fucking heart. He toyed with him, made it love him and then ripped it to shreds.
And then I have to sit in a classroom and respect him? No thank you.
As for Harry... I don't really know about him. I realized that I can't skip math considering I completely suck at it, so I've been attending his classes. He and I are on speaking terms, but not real speaking terms. I answer questions, laugh at his jokes during class and pretend that nothing ever happened between us. When I explained the situation to Cassidy, she persuaded me to believe that he was 'trying to protect me' but I just don't know. Maybe that's true, or maybe he's just as selfish as Zayn.
I haven't got the slightest clue, but I'm not going to hold a grudge on him. He helped me release all my tears and sorrows and for that I am grateful. I can forgive, but I won't forget. As for getting my fake ID back from him and attending extra help and math club... I'm done with that. Luke got me a new one and I'll only go to extra help if I need him. No teachers are going to push me around anymore.
Before I know it, I'm at my dad's place--home, in just four hours. Lately after school I've been going to Starbucks and getting all my homework done there and just waiting for time to pass. It does pass, but very slowly.
I walk inside and something is different-- the TV is blaring loud with sports center like it usually is and I can hear angry chatter coming from the kitchen. I make my way inside and see my father sitting at the table, house phone in hand and a scowl on his face.
"What's wrong?" I ask in a casual way. I now notice Andrea who is sitting on the kitchen counter in her work clothes looking just as unhappy as my father.
"Your art teacher just called." He says angrily, and I pause in place. Zayn called my dad? "He wants to know why you've been skipping his class for the past two weeks. You're failing." My father growls.
"We would also like to know why." Andrea buts in, and I immediately feel enraged. She is not my fucking mother.
"First off Andrea, you're not my mother so don't pretend to me, ok?" I say as calmly as possible.
"This isn't about Andrea, this is about you and what the hell you think you're doing in school. You love art class and now it's bringing your GPA down! Don't you want to get into college?" He pesters me. "Why have you been skipping his class? Have you been skipping other classes?"
"No, just art." I say calmly, trying to keep my voice under control.
"Why?!" He shouts, and my brain is scrambling for an excuse, but I can't find one... Well a reasonable one of course.
"I don't know, I don't like it anymore." I lie, and he rolls his eyes and slams his hands down onto the table, making me shudder.
"You know what Claire? I don't care why. All I'm going to say right now is that you better start going to his class and getting some extra help or doing whatever you need to do to get your grades up because this," he points to the phone and then to the clock, "this right here is unacceptable!"
"Understood." I sigh, gathering everything I'll need for the night including two sleeping pills, and make my way to the stairs.
"Aren't you going to eat dinner?" Andrea says in a small mousey voice.
"I'm not hungry." I sigh, and charge up the stairs.
Fuck Zayn! I know need stress from him about art class, nor do I want him. I lock my door, log onto my computer and check the assignments page of the school website. There are about four projects that I've missed, I can pull it off. I toss the sleeping pills in the trash and go into my closet to grab some paper and art supplies.
If I can get all this done now, then I won't have to stay after and deal with him at all. They want me to get my shit together? Fine, I'll do it and I'm have a big fucking smile on my face the whole time.
Walking into school the next morning, I'm nervous. I have not faced Zayn since that day in his apartment, the day he pinned my against the wall and told me how sorry he was and how much he loved me. It still sounds like a lot of bullshit, even almost two weeks later.
I meet up with Craig and Luke before class, thankful that they haven't went in without me yet.
"Have you decided to come back to art Clairebear?" Craig smiles, and I punch his arm softly at the use of that disgusting nickname.
"I figured the class could use it's best artist back to show them a trick or two." I smirk, carrying my four paintings under my arms with me as we walk into Zayn's classroom.
His back is turned, and I immediately take the opportunity to put the paintings on his desk while he isn't looking. Right when he's about to turn around, I turn on my heels and sit down between Craig and Luke. I don't care that Zayn is my partner, I don't want to sit near him let alone work with him.
"While you've been gone Zayn has been a real dick." Luke whispers, making me giggle softly. I guess the sound of my giggle alerted Zayn that I was here because his head shot up at the sound of it.
"Welcome back, Claire." Zayn announces from the front of the room, a small smile forming at the corner of his lips.
"I wouldn't be back if you hadn't called my dad to let him know about my absenses." I smirk, and the rest of the class releases an orchestra of 'ohhhhs.'
"Funny. See me after class?" He asks, and I shake my head. "That wasn't a question, it was a demand. Let's not forget I'm the teacher, hmm?" He says in a nasty tone, and I want to stand up and slap him in the face or storm out of the room after lighting a match on his desk.
"Fine." I grumble, and sink down into my chair.
Thankfully, he doesn't force us to work in partners today. I get to stay in my seat and talk with Luke and Craig while Zayn sits in his desk and sulks, grading paintings and figurines. However, their table is right beside his desk and I can't help but keep looking up at him.... He looks tired, frustrated and angry. If my heart wasn't already broken and mending, it would probably break even more.
"Earth to Claire!" Craig snaps me out of staring at Zayn and I look back at him, a goofy smile on his face.
"Sorry, what were you saying?" I say in a loud, cheery voice. I notice Zayn's head pop up at my obnoxiously happy tone--that's right bitch I'm trying to move on.
"I was asking if you're excited for our date tonight." Craig nudges me, and I blush with embarrassment.
"You two are going on a date?" Luke interrupts, and we both nod. "Holy shit, I never thought I'd see the day where Claire gives Craig another shot." Luke laughs, and i bury my face in my hands.
"Maybe you should ask Cassidy out, get the whole gang back together?" Craig shoves Luke a bit, and Luke's tan cheeks turn a shade of red.
"You are still into Cassidy!" I gasp, and he nods his head with a stupid grin on his face. Craig and I are buzzing in our seats now, excited about this little reunion that could possibly be taking place.
"Come out with us tonight, I'm taking Claire to KiKu." Craig suggests, and my jaw drops.
"KiKu? That's expensive as shit." I gape, and another dumb smile appears on Craig's face.
"Only the best for my best girl." He jokes as the bell rings, signaling that class has ended.
"So cheesy." I giggle, leaning into him playfully. He quickly leaves a surprise peck on my lips, leaving me speechless. I was not expecting that.
"See you later, babe." Craig whispers as he and the rest of the class pile out of the room. I stay there, frozen and excited for a short moment before the door slams and I snap back to reality. Haha, Zayn just saw that. I love this.
I look up at him, his carmel eyes are dark with fury and anger meanwhile I can't get rid of the smile that's on my face. I don't know what I'm happier about, the fact that Craig really is trying or that Zayn just saw that whole thing. I'm gonna go with the second part.
"What the fuck was that?" Zayn barks, walking towards the art closet and opening it, motioning for me to follow.
"I'm good." I reply flatly. "Let's not forget, you're a teacher, hmm?" I mimic his dick statement from earlier, only making him more angry.
"You and Craig are back together?" He asks, and I shake my head. "I just saw him kiss you!" His voice is loud and intimidating.
"God Zayn, can't you just leave me alone?" I shout, anger boiling inside of me ready to erupt. I look up at him and his face is straight sadness now.
"Claire," his voice cracks, "I still love you and I want you back." He sniffles, slowly coming closer and closer towards me. "I've missed you in class. I've missed your giggle, your beautiful smile, your sense of humor... all the little things that make you you." He explains, and my heart drops.
"I--I can't." I stammer as he comes closer towards me. I stand to walk away, but he gently pulls back to face him.
"You can. I would never hurt you ever again Claire. I need you. Do you really think I would have called your dad if I wasn't going crazy missing you?" He chuckles, making me laugh a little bit too.
"Zayn..." I groan, tilting my chin up to look at him. His manipulative ways are captivating and strong, but I know that I can't be with him.
"Please." He whispers, leaning down so that our lips are just inches apart.
"You're a cheater." I remind him, and his body tenses in front of me.
"Let me prove how much I love you and show you how much you love me." He breathes down my ear, sending me goosebumps all over the place.
"How do you know I still love you?" I whisper so low I don't think he can hear.
"Because what we had was real." He says barely audibly. I stand there as a statue when his lips graze mine for a moment and his tongue swipes across my bottom lip. Every time he's this close to me, I feel like I'm radiating fire, so different from when Craig--
Craig.
"Stop." I push Zayn away, disconnecting our lips. "I can't." I mumble, grabbing my bag and rushing out of the room without another word. Zayn is bad news and is a constant push for problems while Craig is easy and fun. That's what I need. I don't need seriousness and sensuality, I need fun...
Even if I still love Zayn. I can't and I won't do that to Craig or myself. Like Harry told me, I don't deserve it. He's right. He's always right.
That stupid sentence haunts me though... Because what we had was real. How does he know exactly what to say? Manipulative bastard, he's so much trouble.
Harry's POV
I fucking miss her. I know this is selfish but I really do. Seeing Claire in class is alright but I miss when I was a friend to her, when she was a friend to me. The only bit of relief I have is that she has been slowly warming up to me again these past few classes, laughing at my jokes and making a few of her own.
Zayn has been a wreck without her, and he deserves to be. He did this to himself and he doesn't have a clue how to get her back. I don't even know if I want to be with her anymore, I'm afraid I'll hurt her...
Who am I kidding. I want Claire for myself, there is no denying that. I just don't know how to--
"Harry, have you got a minute?" Zayn knocks on my door, a stupid smile on his face which only leads me to believe one thing.
"You guys made up?" I ask, and he shakes his head no. Well that's a relief.
"Nope, but we kissed. Well I kissed her. She's going to dinner with Craig tonight and--" he starts off, but I stop him.
"You cannot crash her date, Zayn. That's fucked up and will look obvious." I groan, and a devilish smirk crawls to his lips.
"I'm not going to crash her date... We're going to crash." He smiles, and further explains his plan. I have to say, he's a sneaky bastard but maybe this will work in my benefit. If we end up there will them and sit at the same table (which is how KiKu sits pairs, more than one to a table), I'll get her to trust me again.
"This is a bad idea." I sigh, secretly loving it, for myself of course.
"It's gonna work, I'm gonna get her back." Zayn smiles like a little kid.
My silent hope is that she finds Zayn to be an asshole and I let her know that I thought it was a terrible idea to begin with. This could either go great, or horribly wrong.
"Whatever you say, mate."
Notes
i feel like this was a very long chapter hahahai had a snow day today! woo
busy week ahead of me again at the SATs are Saturday so I'm going to cry.
please comment and VOTE for more!! x
love it
1/25/15