Piercing Chill
Chapter 4

I quicklylooked down without acknowledging him. I swallowed and sighed before taking myusual seat in front of Jason. I could feel him following my every move. I triedto ignore it but his gaze gnarled into my skin making me more nervous than Ialready was. I dropped my books onto the desk in front of me. I was shockedwhen I glanced at my hands. They were shaking uncontrollably. I couldn’tremember the last time I felt like this. I quickly folded my hands onto my lap.

“You know; youcould at least thank me for not letting you crack your head open.” I heard hishusky and modulated voice speak behind me.

An involuntaryshiver ran down my back making the hairs on my neck stand tall. I didn’t reply.I didn’t want to talk to him, I was glad he saved my head from cracking openbut I couldn’t forgive him or thank him after what he had done. I heard himchuckle behind me before Mr Bradley the chemistry teacher walked into the roommaking everyone recline to their seats.

I sighed,grateful for Mr Bradley’s entrance, saving me from this wicked man.

“Morningclass,” Mr Bradley sighed, wiping sweat from the top of his brow with the backof his hand. How could he be sweating in this kind of weather? After all, hewas a short chubby man, with greying hair and beard. Probably in his latefifties.

“Right. Shallwe begin?” He said writing ‘Periodic table’ on the whiteboard. “Today, we’regoing to look at the Periodic table.”

I could hearsome people groaning in annoyance. I sighed. I loved the Periodic table. I hadmemorised it from top to bottom. Yes, I guess you could say I was a sciencegenius. I rubbed my neck, trying to shake away the feeling of Jason’s gaze onmy back. Did he think I was going to tell someone right now? I wasn’t thatstupid. I tapped my foot on the ground and started biting my nails. An act Ihad never engaged in before. The desk in front of me shook along with my foot.I glanced up at the clock, I wanted to be out of there, far away from Jason.However, the clock seemed to be teasing me by its slow ticking.

“Miss Belrose.”Mr Bradley’s booming voice brought me back to reality.

“What?” Iblurted out without thinking. I looked around and all eyes were on me. I couldfeel Jason smiling behind me, “I’m sorry sir, what was the question?”

“Are youalright? You seem to be a bit tense.” Mr Bradley continued glancing at mybobbing foot. I quickly stopped before glancing at him.

“Oh, no.Sorry.” I apologized. “I’m concentrating now. Please repeat the questionagain.”

“Ok. Are youcertain you’re listening now?” He questioned raising his right greying eyebrow.

I noddedfuriously and concentrated on him hard, trying to block out Jason’s gaze thatseemed to be causing all sorts of disturbances in my body.

“What period isLead in?”

I searched myhead for an answer but nothing came. What lead? What was he talking about?

“I’m sorry sir.No lead is ringing any bells.” I replied shaking my head confused.

“Lead, as inthe soft, malleable and heavypost-transition metal with the symbol Pb?” When I didn’t reply, Mr Bradleyshook his head before turning away from me in frustration. “Since, Miss Belrosecan’t even answer the question, I doubt any of you would know. So, I’m going togive each and every one of you a copy of the periodic table. Make sure youmemorise the metals in the first, second and third periods.”

I couldhear people moaning and groaning behind me. I looked at my desk feelingashamed. Lead, lead was in the sixth period. How come this answer didn’t cometo me when he was questioning. I heard people muttering whispers around me. What has happened to her? A girl voicesounded. She normally saves us from extrahomework. A boy’s voice sounded from my right. I hate her now, another girl whined from my right. I whirled myhead towards her. She quickly darted her gaze from me. Did she hear me? Her lipsdidn’t move.

Shakingmy head in disbelief, I turned back to my desk. Maybe it was someone else whospoke.

Whatannoyed me the most was the realisation that people depended on me to answertheir questions. I scoffed, luckily not too loud. It was all Jason’s fault. Hewas the one who sent my strong demeanour quivering after scaring me one nightago. I resisted the urge to whirl around and shout at him to stay away from meand stop making me have thoughts that disrupted my learning. Thankfully, MrBradley’s voice saved me from my predicted outburst.

“Comeeveryone and get a copy while I mark the roll.”

Everyoneshuffled towards his desk. I waited for everyone and especially Jason to gofirst before I could join them. However, Jason wasn’t anywhere in line. I glancedbehind me. Jason was watching me, a small smirk on his perfect lips. I shook myhead at the weird thought I just had. I stood up, so did he.

“Ladiesfirst.” He smiled.

Ilooked at him in disbelief. What was he planning on doing to me as soon as I turnedmy back to him? So, I shook my head and motioned for him to go first, scared toopen my mouth. He eyed me curiously before covering the distance between theperson in front of me and him. I scrutinised him curiously. The smell of mintand lavender wafted through my nostrils. I couldn’t help but breath in theunique smell. Again, I questioned God as to why he made such a treacherouscreature smell so good.

Iheard Jason chuckle. He whirled around to face me. My breath got caught in mythroat when I witnessed his beautiful face leaning towards me. Tranced, Iobserved his face. He was beautiful, thick hair, amazing eyebrows, thickeyelashes, two blue diamonds for eyes, a slightly crooked nose – the only thingholding him back from being perfect - , dark plump lips and finally a smalldimple that formed as his smirk turned into a grin.

Unableto tear my eyes from him, I felt his breath hit my neck. “You should’ve thankedme earlier. I could’ve saved you. Lead is in period six.” He whispered in myear, before teasingly moving away from me.

Icouldn’t breathe. Before I could process what he had just said, he whirledaround. Leaving me an exclusive view of his back. His tight black shirt hidlean muscles that struggled to escape from imprisonment. I found myself tracinghis hair. It was thick and looked soft to touch. My hand wanted to reach up andconfirm my assumption. I urged my hand to not disobey me before drifting myeyes down his bulging arms. Did he work out? I’m sure he did, after all, helifted me off the ground twice that night as if I didn’t weigh anything andalso carried me to the sickbay.

Ishook my head trying to get rid of these obnoxious thoughts. He was my enemy. Icouldn’t possibly have any feelings towards him. I could see Jason taking a fewsteps forward. I copied his suit, however, I didn’t see him coming to a halt. Icrushed my face into his back before I could stop myself. Jason turned aroundwith a smirk on his face.

“Couldn’t keep yourself away from me forthat long? I didn’t know I was that irresistible in your eyes” Jason winkedcasually.

Iscoffed in disgust, “You wish.”

“I do.” He replied without fluttering. “Youshould go in front of me because I need to speak to this chubby man whose sweatcould water my whole garden and result in beautiful fruit.”

Shockedby his reference towards Mr Bradley. I pushed in front of him and grabbed acopy of the periodic table from the desk before bumping Jason’s shoulder as Iwhizzed past him in anger. I heard him chuckle but I didn’t turn around towitness this. I plunged onto my chair before my legs could buckle under me. Hewas such a rude jerk. Even though I did call Mr Bradley a chubby man, Icouldn’t tolerate him teasing this old man’s sweat. How dare he? I felt myhands clenching in my lap. I glared at Jason as he chatted with Mr Bradley.

Idecided then and there that I hated Jason with passion and I wasn’t going toget involved with him one way or another. I saw Mr Bradley turn his attentionbriefly towards me before nodding something at Jason. I furrowed my brows inconfusion. What was Jason telling Mr Bradley about me? Panicking, I watched asJason shook the old man’s hand before turning around making his way towards hisdesk. He leered and winked when he caught me staring at him and probably amusedby my confused expression. He broke eye contact before passing by me. I heardhim take his seat behind me. I willed my body to not turn around and questionhim about what he had just told Mr Bradley.

“Okeveryone. We’re going to do an experiment this whole week.” I heard some cheerscoming from around me. “It’s going to be in pairs. Every pair will be given twohydrocarbons similar in structure or weight. You’ll investigate to see if theyburn the same. Making sense?”

Everyoneagreed in response.

“Excellent!”Mr Bradley responded. “I’ll give you all five minutes to replace a partner.”

Everyonestarted whispering. I looked around trying to replace a familiar face to workwith. However, no one made eye contact with me. The girls were already floodingJason’s table asking him to be their partner. The rest of the boys had alreadypaired up among themselves eyeing Jason jealously.

“Mary-Kate.”I heard Mr Bradley’s voice in front of me, making me turn my head aroundconfused. “I thought you could work with Jason since he is new and probablyneed some guidance with how our syllabus works.”

ShockedI gaped at the man, “I can’t sir. Please let me choose someone else.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t say that.” Hesighed, “You’re the only person I believe would be able to help Jason catch up.Besides, you’re the top student in class. It will be a great way to expand yourknowledge.”

Ifonly this man knew the reason behind my denial.

“PleaseMary-Kate.” He pleaded and I just eyed. “Ok, how about I give you my exclusivepin to accessing the Cosmos monthly for free.”

Ibeamed at his suggestion. “Really?”

“Yes,I can write it down and give it to you right after the lesson.”

Icouldn’t turn the offer down. I was all about free stuff. Besides, I loved theCosmos magazine, I just didn’t have money to waste on it when I could put it togood use such as my university fund.

“It’s a deal then.” I replied.

“Excellent.” Mr Bradley said walking towardsthe back.

Whatdid I just get my self into? I thought at the sudden realisation of what thismeant. A week will be spend stuck with Jason, my pursuer, stalker and everyhorrible word that could be found in the dictionary.

Ifelt someone take a sit on the chair next to me. I turned my head to see who itwas. I nearly jumped out of my seat at the sudden surprise. I didn’t know I hadto share a desk with him as well. Jason didn’t seem to be taken aback. Helazily placed his books on the desk before turning his head towards me. Was thiswhat he was talking to Mr Bradley about? Change of sitting plan as well ashaving him as my Chemistry partner? I swore to myself. I had get out of thissituation by the end of the day.

Ifelt Jason shift on my left. “Thank you for letting me be your partner.” Hespoke, dangerously close to my ear.

Ishuddered at his breath hitting my face. Mr Bradley came to our desk anddropped two cards. One had methanol written on it and the other ethane. BeforeI could get his attention he progressed to the next table.

“He’snot going to allow you to ditch me.” Jason whispered as if he read my thoughts.

“Mybusiness with Mr Bradley is not your concern.” I snapped at him.

“Youtwo have business together? Please don’t tell me.” Jason didn’t finish his sentence.I could see from his expression what he was implying.

“No.”I replied waving my arms furiously in front of him.

“Thankgoodness, because I was going to cry myself to sleep knowing I didn’t have achance with you.” Jason wiped invisible sweat from his forehead.

Ivery much wanted to tell him that he had no chance with me either way however,Mr Bradley’s voice interrupted me.

“I’mhoping that all of you will work accordingly and well together. I’ll give youthe rest of this lesson to research about your given hydrocarbons and tomorrowwe will begin the experiments.”

Ididn’t talk to Jason for the rest of the lesson. I just shoved the card withmethanol written on it hoping that he took the message that that’s what he wassupposed to research on.

Bythe time the bell went, I couldn’t handle being close to Jason. I quicklygathered my books ignoring Jason’s stare. I was the first one out of my seat,for the first time. I stopped abruptly when I heard Mr Bradley calling my name.I whirled around immediately confused as to why he wanted to talk to me. Hewaved a piece of paper in the air. Then I remembered his bargain. I smiledbefore making my way towards his desk. I snatched the piece of paper from himand said a quick thank you.

“Wait.”He stopped me before I could take a step away from him. “I have another favourto ask from you?”

ConfusedI asked, “What is it sir?”

“Wouldyou maybe be able to tutor Jason. I mean, he is far behind with what we havelearnt already and as I mentioned before, you’re the only person I trust withthis job.”

“Ican’t sir, I already have so much on my plate right now. I can’t possibly fitanything else.” I whined. The truth is I had plenty of time however, giving upmy nights tutoring Jason was worse than wasting my time on the internetwatching cat videos.

“PleaseMary-Kate, just this once.” Mr Bradley pleaded. “Sleep on it and we can discussthis tomorrow, ok?”

Inodded my head, but I was certain the answer was going to be the same “No”. Iwalked out of the classroom, making sure not to glance at Jason. I made it outsafely.

Laterthat day, I was perched on a bar stool at work. As usual it wasn’t a busyTuesday. The doorbell chimed signalling that someone had just entered. I wasthe only free waitress, hence I jumped at the amazing opportunity to dosomething productive other than sitting down. I turned around, a smileplastered on my lips. I felt my smile decline on me. How could this be?

WithBrittany hung onto his left arm, Jason walked into the diner. My brain willedme to run but it was too late. Jason had already seen me. I didn’t know if itwas coincidental or he was really stalking me. He beamed, probably at myreaction. I turned my body away from him and faced my manager who was lookingat me confused.

“Whyaren’t you serving the customers?” He asked.

“Ican’t serve them sir. The girl hates me with passion and she takes pride inmaking my life hell.” I informed him. I couldn’t divulge that Jason made mefeel the same way, terrorised and frightened.

“It’sok. I’m sure she wont try any stunts in a public place like this.” The managerchuckled. He was always relaxed and made me feel good about myself.

“Youthink so?” I questioned. I looked at the couple as they took a seat in one ofthe booths. At this moment I was more afraid of Jason’s presence thanBrittany’s. The manager nodded with an encouraging smile on his face.

Isighed before making my way towards the couple’s booth. I forced myself to takebig breaths to calm myself. When I reached the booth, I was a bit calm however,my composure went wild when Jason lifted his gaze towards me.

Icleared my throat ignoring him, “Welcome to Amoris Diner, what can I get foryou today?”

Itook in a deep breath waiting for their answer.

“Oh,its you.” Brittany spat. I ignored her and waited for her to order. “I’ll havemy usual fries and garlic aioli sauce and a lemonade. What do you want baby?”

Baby?I turned to Jason with my eyebrow lifted.

“Justwater thanks.” He replied politely.

“Areyou sure babe? You can share my fries with me.” Brittany replied lovingly,stretching her arm across the table towards Jason’s.

Heretreated his hand from the table before glancing towards me. I saw a frownform on Brittany’s glossed lips. That made me smile a bit. Why? I don’t know.

“Anythingelse?” I asked when Brittany followed Jason’s gaze which was aimed at me.

“No.”Brittany said bitterly waving her arm as if to shoo me away.

Itook my turn and left the couple’s sight. I told the manager the order beforepouring water in a tall glass and lemonade in another. I took the two glassestowards Jason and Brittany’s booth. Jason turned his gaze towards me as Iapproached. Brittany whipped her head around to face me and scowled at me. Sheturned her attention back towards Jason and said something. He replied but hisgaze not leaving mine. My stomach was filled with panic. Why was he staring atme like that?

“Here are your drinks.” I said when Ireached the booth. I placed the water in front of Jason and then shaking turnedtowards Brittany. I tried to steady my hand from shaking using my left one butI didn’t succeed. Therefore, I ended up spilling cold lemonade all overBrittany’s designer skirt. I gasped and she squealed before I could apologize.She stood up with her arms raised in rage.

“Lookat what you did, you freak!” She spat at me before storming towards the femalerestroom. I turned towards the table, drenched in lemonade. Then back atBrittany as she retreated behind the restroom door. I heard Jason chuckle nextto me. I whirled towards him anger flashing in my eyes. It was his fault thatmy nerves had become out of control. I huffed before leaving his presence.Everyone in the diner had their eyes trained on me.

“Whathappened?” The manager questioned me as soon as I budged into the kitchen.

“Iaccidentally spilled lemonade all over Brittany’s skirt.” I informed himgrabbing a clean towel from our supply.

“Goand grab her some trousers from the back. I’ll clean up the mess for you.” Themanager quickly replied.

Shockedby his calm demeanour, I thanked him before heading towards the crew room. Itwas located at the very back of the store. I opened the room and searched mysurroundings for the box of uniforms. I found them tucked away in the corner ofthe room. I quickly began my search for some trousers. I cheered in successwhen I pulled a pair of trousers from the box. I was startled when I heard achuckle behind me. I whirled around clutching the trousers against my chest.

“Howdid you get in here?” I whispered, out a breath.

Jasonjust watched me with a smirk on his lips closing the distance between us. Iretreated back but was met by a wall. An evil smirk on his lips and darkness inhis eyes. I had nowhere to escape and he was going to finish what he startedthat night. His gaze and smirk didn’t quiver at all as he invaded my personalspace.

“Whatdo you want from me?” I whispered.

“You.”He replied, only a few inches from my face. I could feel his breath hitting myface.

“Me?”I retorted trying to sound strong but confusion and fright radiated from mywords.

“Idon’t like repeating myself.” He replied casually.

“Whyme?”

“Becauseonly one of you is enough to make me powerful.” I gaped at him confused. “Don’tworry your pretty self because you’ll know when the time comes. At the momentyou need to tutor me.”

“What?”I questioned, “You don’t even need tutoring.”

Hehad told me the answer to Mr Bradley’s question during Chemistry class.

“Iknow, but it is you who I want.” He replied casually.

“What?”I asked again confused, then a memory came to my mind. “Do you by any chanceknow where I live?”

“No,but would you like to tell me? I would like to see your room especially. Do youhave a single or double bed?” He asked leaning towards me biting his bottomlip.

Horrorstruck me. I knew what he was implying by that. I shook my head beforecomposing myself. I turned away from him. I felt his lips graze my cheek. Aweird sensation ran through my body. I heard him chuckle before moving away. Iturned my head facing him once again.

Hesmirked before begging, “And please do me a favour, stay away from Craig. He’snot good enough for you.”

Iscoffed, “And you think you’re good enough for me?”

“Yes,I’m way better than that guy. I can treat you better. I can give you twentytimes more than that guy can give you.”

Ilaughed at the irony in his words. He was the bad guy in this situation, notCraig. Jason whirled around and exited the door before I could give him a pieceof my mind. I sighed and breathed in deep at the sudden thinness in the air. Itouched my burning cheek, clutching my heart with the other. My heartbeat waswild. However, a thought came to me. If Jason didn’t know where I lived. Whodid that figure belong to? Or was Jason lying about it. I grabbed the trousersand charged after him. When I reached the dining area he wasn’t there.

“They’re gone.” The manager informed behindme.

Iwhirled around at his words. How was it possible? What was up with that guy? Isighed before retreating back to the crew room. The rest of the night wentslow. Half of the time, my thoughts were occupied by Jason’s words.