"You don't need to ask such a question…They have a crush on each other. I wouldn't say they're dating but it'd obvious they're in love," Gerald cut in while Matilda's eyes grew wide with shock. Her jaw dropped and she was speechless for some moment. The whole class turned to stare at me with audible gasps. I could see the fury on most girl's faces as they stared at me with such contempt and disgust. I didn't believe Gerald could say such a thing… Why would he reveal that we're dating?
"How sure are you Gerald? Derek can't stoop so low by dating a nerd like her. Mason's dumped garbage…she's got nothing so why would someone as hot as Derek go for her?" Chloe, one of my bullies, snapped out of the blue, grabbing everyone's attention.
"I agree with Chloe. All because she got the chance to sit with Derek doesn't mean he's interested in her,"
Maria chipped in, rolling her eyes as she glared at me. She chewed on her gum and blew it in the shape of a round ball before taking it back in her mouth.
"What makes you think they're dating?" Matilda turned to ask Gerald, her eyes reddening. She looked so angry and her eyes stung with unseen tears. It looked like she could burst out in rage and cry at the same time.
I wriggled my toes in my shoes as I averted my gaze away from them. I didn't have the courage to look into their faces. Moments like this were something I always wanted to prevent. I always detest being the talk of the town. I always detest getting attention from everyone.
My stomach churn immediately as Matilda's furious eyes met mine.
"Why would you say they're dating, Gerald?! Derek won't leave me for someone like her…" Matilda snapped at Gerald as if he was the one she was furious with. She held Derek's hands and fondled it lightly, her eyes brimming with sadness. She knows how to act like a little doe in front of Derek. She knows how to pretend just so she could get attention from him. If only she knows that it doesn't suit her.
"I said what I said because I could see the bond between them.." Gerald admitted and added with a smirk, his hands tucked in his pocket as he gave me a wink. I know he's interested in me but why would he announce my relationship with Derek publicly? Is he trying to make all the girls hate me? So they can bully me and then, he'd act as my hero by saving me so I could probably be with him?
"What bond? They aren't dating.. Derek can't do that…Derek can't date a plain Jane like her,"
Matilda scoffed as she assessed me like I was a piece of steak. She turned to face Derek before holding his chiseled jawline.
"Derek.. It- it isn't true right? You can't be dating someone like Isabel.. You can't. It's not possible,"
Derek only ignored her while I got on both feet before clutching my book to my chest. My intention was to leave her seat before she snarls at me. I just want to leave here as soon as possible.
My gaze met with Gerald and a mischievous smile tugged his lips, his grayish eyes boring into mine.
"Derek… It's because of you I had my hair dyed yesterday. Do you like it?" Matilda asked Derek, gliding her fingers into her bicolored hair. Her hair was pure blonde but then, she decided to tint some strands at the sides with pink. I'll admit that she looks quite beautiful with her tinted hair but her previous blonde hair suits her perfectly.
"It's not bad…" Derek replied, shifting his gaze from her hair to his notebook. He let out a deep sigh before closing his notebook, obviously getting tired of Matilda's silliness and crave for attention. He slipped his hand off her grip and her eyes widened slightly.
She grasped his hands once again but he freed himself from her grip.
She swallowed the lump in her throat as she witnessed his rejection. He wasn't rejecting her, but he was only trying to avoid her.
"Derek. Do you.. do you really love me?" Matilda asked and I could feel the brokenness in her voice and the longingness for the truth was evident in her face.
"Tell me, Derek! Don't you love me?" She asked again while Derek smirked before giving her a reply.
"You're just Matilda. You're just my classmate..Why are you asking if I love you when we were never in a relationship?" Derek inquired before slipping his fingers into his dark raven hair..
"So tell me.. If you are not In a relationship with me, then tell me who it is…Isabel?!!!"
Matilda questioned angrily as she shot me a scathing look. Her piercing gaze made my skin crawl and when I was about to move, she pushed me backwards before grabbing my arm.
"Tell me, Derek! Is it her?!"