You Never Knew Me (Never 1)

“It winds Amias up and I think you’re a distraction for him, which means I’ll have the advantage come match day. Plus, you’re fun to irritate and Chelsea hates you.” His tone is silvery and there’s a sing song quality that isn’t unpleasant to listen to. I don’t think he’s lying, he’s too self-centred to put the effort in.

“What about the other guys in your group, I barely even see them,” I say, genuinely curious.

“Declan has been having it away with a secret lady, apparently he’s going to call it quits with Britney and no doubt leave our little group. The poor sap is apparently in love. As for Drew well, would you spend all your free time with a girl like Octavia, that bitch is needy,” he says with a laugh, and I have no idea why he’s telling me all of this.

“Enjoy your two weeks, things are going to get a lot worse for you when school starts back up. The girls have it out for you and Harrison is done biding his time, see you around brownie.”

He kisses his fingers before blowing them my way and I choose this moment to launch myself out of the water, grab his wrist and pull him in. He’s spluttering as he comes back to the surface, and I blow him a kiss in return as I climb out of the pool and hear his intake of breath as he takes in my form.

Looks don’t mean a lot to me, but I know I’m considered attractive, if a guy only cares about that then I’ll never give him the time of day but it is fun to torment them just a little.

I’m walking back to my room when a group of girls approach me, great guess these are the sheep.

“Hey, you’re Henleigh right, I’m Bella and this is Leah. This is Mikaela, who won’t say much as she prefers her friends to be in print, and Roxie here dislikes everyone. How you doing?” Information overload or what, what do they want from me.

“I’m good thanks,” I reply, and I can hear the scepticism in my tone.

“Don’t worry we’re good people, we just thought we’d come say hi and see if you wanted to come over to the hall later. A bunch of us are setting up a projector and having a movie night. What do you say?” She sounds genuine but her over friendly attitude and timing has my back up.

“No offence but you’ve never tried to speak to me before, as far as I know you could be working for that psycho Octavia. Gods know she doesn’t do much of her own dirty work. Her or any of those damn Shepherds.” Bella is smiling at my reply, confusing girl.

“Oh honey, no one likes her. Her fans would stab her in the back given half the chance but she’s popular, and that means a lot to the simple-minded buffoons here.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder and rolls her eyes along with her derisive tone, she clearly doesn’t think much of her fellow students. “We haven’t approached you before because you’re either with your friends or pounding the track. But seeing as your staying here as well over Christmas break, we thought we’d extend the offer to come and hang out with us. Look, we’re going to get something to eat, we’ll be meeting in the dinner hall at six. If you fancy it come on over and if not, then no hard feelings.” She gives a beautiful smile and it almost makes me agree right here and now.

She gives me this enthusiastic wave as they head off to the canteen and I’m left standing here and wondering if I should risk it or not.

Come half five and I’ve got on a pair of black leggings, a red mid-thigh shirt dress with a black belt around my waist and a pair of red ballet pumps. My hair is curled softly, my lips are painted with a subtle red and black kohl lines my eyes. It feels nice making an effort, and even better that none of the guys I’ve been crushing on will be here so I can hopefully just relax and have some fun.

I’m heading straight for the canteen and I wonder if it’s all a ruse and no one will actually be meeting me here. Nope, I’m shaking those thoughts off. I can at least get something to eat whilst I’m waiting.

“Don’t get anything too filling, we have loads of snacks waiting,” comes from Bella and I don’t understand the relief that washes through me.

“What do you recommend then?”

“I’d go for one of their chilli chicken tortilla wraps, they are delicious and then I can pre warn you about Roxie’s boyfriend,” her words fill me with dread, but I grab what she recommends and when head over to my usual table.

“Okay, Roxie is kind of currently seeing Declan. Now we know you have an issue with the Shepherds but we’re hoping you’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.” Her eyes are wide and hopeful but she’s also wringing her hands, I don’t want to make her nervous.

“I’ll treat people the way they treat me. But I have to ask: if he’s so great, why is he cheating on his girlfriend with your friend and how can you all be okay with that?” I’m screaming indignation and although I try not to be too judgemental, I can’t help it right now.

“Because I’m an idiot who chose the only girl who didn’t want everyone to know I was dating her.” I spin around and come face to face with Declan.

He’s got blonde hair with blue eyes, well-toned with wide shoulders and a narrow waist and long legs, he’s cute that’s for sure.

“He’s been asking me out for years, but I kept telling him no. His dad is in business with Britney’s mother and I didn’t want to cause problems between him and his dad. But he is relentless, and I found it hard to keep resisting. Not that he gets to enjoy the girlfriend experience until it is over between them,” says Roxie as she sits down beside me and winks at Declan.

“Okay fine,” he says with a smirk before pulling out a phone and typing something out. I can guess where this is going and his now ringing phone confirms it.

“Is this a joke, you are breaking up with me over text,” screeches Britney, as he puts the phone on speaker.

“It was a crappy thing to do and I couldn’t think of a person more deserving than you. Say what you want, your mother won’t call it quits with my dad just because I dumped you, besides I’ve found someone worth risking his anger for. And I’m not messing around this time, see you around Brit,” he hangs up the phone with the biggest smile I’ve even seen.

Roxie looks shocked but she’s soon laughing as he prowls around the table and picks her up, claiming her mouth in the hottest kiss I’ve ever witnessed.

“Well, they won’t be watching the movies tonight,” says Bella, laughing, and it’s such a melodious sound.

He finally lets her go but this time she sits in his lap and they can’t stop looking at each other, it’s crazy. I’m not saying I’m a fan, but they won’t find any judgement from me, I’ve done a lot worse than that in my seventeen years on this earth.

“I’m sorry for what happened in your room, I swear I didn’t play a part in that, but I can help you in the future,” offers Declan and I’m hesitant to accept.