White is for Virgins

Chapter 12

.EMERY'S POV.

I walked through the doors with the cake in my hands, determined to keep a straight face for the next hour and a half. "Nina," I smiled as I stepped into her office. She looked up from the desk and returned the smile, especially when she saw the mysterious box.

"Em Gem...?" she asked, tapping her pen on the desk.

"I baked you a cake," I cooed, placing it on the desk in front of her.

"Aww, honey," she laughed, opening the box and grinning, "You didn't have to."

"Are you saying you don't want it?" I asked, reaching for the box. She held it down with her hands.

"No, I'm just saying I don't want to gain a dress size," she smirked, taking a fork out of her drawer.

"Oh, don't worry. The teacher made sure we had the most nutritious, low-cal ingredients ever," I told her, "With it still tasting amazing." She furrowed her brow and then stabbed some cake with her fork. She bit it, and chewed, her eyes practically rolled back.

"Mmm, this is delicious," she sighed, narrowing her eyes. "If I gain a dress size..." she said, her warning drifting off.

"It will be worth it," I joked. She laughed, taking another bite. I laughed too. That was... until Fox popped up in the doorway next to me. And just like that, the mood died.

"Nina, is there anything you want me to do? Like, put up more posters for the Blood Drive or...?" I asked her, anxious for work; for something to keep me busy and away from all things Fox.

"No honey, nothing," she said, eyeing me strangely as she took another bite of the cake, "But thank you."

"Ok, well I'm glad you like the cake," I told her, and headed for the door. Fox moved out of the way, but only after he tried making eye contact with me. I could feel him watching me as I charged my way behind the counter. I looked at him, and just stared. I didn't frown, or narrow my eyes. I didn't move, just glared. He mirrored my gaze, probably studying me as well.

His eyes were dark, and his white blonde hair fell into his face just a bit. It was wispy, and straight. But it didn't stick to his face, it... had volume. His figure was great, I wasn't gonna lie. Toned arms, strong legs... just built overall. He was... too perfect.

I could see why girls swooned over him - it was why I despised him. He was Fox Evans. He had one of 'those names', all infamous and important-sounding. Why is it that when I tolerate time with him, there isn't any? But when I can't stand the sight of him, I've got all the time in the world?

***

.FOX'S POV.

Emery hated me, most likely. She was set on ignoring me, but kept sending me malicious glares nonetheless. It was her signature 'go-get-hit-by-a-bus' type of glare.

"Impressive form of intimidation, Em," I muttered, leaning on the counter while she worked on some history homework. I was pretty sure she's done all of it already, so this was probably extra credit. Something she didn't need at all. "You've mastered the look," I told her again, hoping to get some kind of reaction. "I'm sure you've never had to use it before," I smirked, "You're a quick learner."

Nothing.

"Emery," I said, hoping saying her full name would do something, "Why are you doing extra credit history?" She just shook her head and kept working. "Emery, I didn't mea-" I started, but she shouted over me.

"Nina, I'm out!" she called, grabbing her bag and heading for the door. Damn. I never expected the virgin to be so vicious. It was, dare I say it, hot.

***

I parked the car by the sidewalk and ran to the Daycare. It was down pouring, and I was soaked by the time I ran inside.

"Fox!" Holly called, running to me on her wobbly legs. "Hey Holly," I laughed, picking her up. Emery was smiling in my direction, probably at Holly. Once we made eye contact, her smile fell and she looked away. I took Holly back to the car and buckled her in while I waited for Emery to come out. It didn't take long. She stood there in the doorway for a while, as if she were hoping the rain would magically stop.

I rolled the window down and stuck my head out, "I'll drive you home!" She shook her head, and crossed her arms.

"Come on, Emery! You'll get sick!" I yelled, trying to coax her into it. She looked down at her feet, and stood there for another minute before breaking into a sprint for my car. I leaned over and opened the door for her, and she slipped in. Completely soaked, I might add. Her hair was dark, and was stuck to the sides of her face and her forehead.

"I'm going to ruin your car," she winced.

"It's just leather. I hate the car anyway." I smirked, surprised she was actually speaking to me. She seemed surprised too, but she turned to smile at Holly in the back. I drove in the direction she told me to, and we passed by the local liquor store. I remembered seeing her pass there on the night I got caught with DUI. We were probably close to her house, so I figured it'd be best to speak up now.

"Listen Em," I sighed, and she just kept looking straight ahead. "I didn't mean for the rumors to get worse," I said, turning over to look at her real quick. She was staring at her hands, which were folded in her lap.

"Well they did," she said, her voice coarse.

"I know. I should've thought it through," I told her, and I seriously meant it. She was a new girl, nothing interesting, and people just wanted to talk. She didn't need the attention; she seemed to hate it, in fact. "I'm... sorr-" I started to say, as stupid as I felt to say it.

"This is it," she said, reaching for the door handle. I pushed the button on my side of the car to lock the doors. She shot me a strange look, and moved to manually unlock the door. I pushed the button again.

"Just, hear me out, Em," I told her, "You're mad at me, and when I try to apologize you try to run away."

"You suck at apologizing, Fox, so let's stop pretending you actually mean it," she sighed, reaching to unlock the door again. I smirked and pushed the lock button.

"I do mean it! You think I just go around spreading these rumors for fun?" I asked her, feigning amusement. She looked at me like she was considering the idea. "I'm sorry," I blurted. She just sat there, seemingly annoyed and staring at the handle. "Emery, I am sorry for the shit you've had to deal with because of being in my presence," I said formally, trying to hide my smile as she smirked and shook her head. "I'll fix this," I told her, and unlocked the door.

"Yeah, whatever," she sighed, opening the door, "You've said that already. And look what happened." She slammed the door and ran behind the little white house. Holly started mumbling some kind of song, a mix of ABCs and Elmo's World. I watched her through the rear view mirror as I backed out of the driveway and headed for home. Girls are strange. Very, very strange.