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No, her hair is this shade between blond and reddish. It’s long and wavy and, from the few times I managed to lightly brush my fingers through it so that she doesn’t catch me, soft like silk. Her eyes are the color of melted chocolate, and there are few dots that are just a bit lighter than the rest, something between gold and caramel.

“It’s a nickname, from the time when we were just kids messing around. Right, Derek?” Andrew’s words bring me out of my thoughts. He is still looking at me with suspicion. I don’t think anyone else would notice really, but I’ve known this guy my whole life.

“Yeah, I don’t really remember.”

I do.

I remember that day he gave her that stupid nickname like it was yesterday. I’ve never liked it. I’ve never said anything to make him stop, but I’ve never used it either.

The bell rings and the teacher appears behind us out of nowhere.

“Gentleman, if you don’t mind we have a class to go to.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Martins.” I walk into the classroom, thankful for another exit without actually having to come up with some idea to get my friend off my back. For now. I’m not stupid enough to think he’ll forget it. Or let it slide.

I sit on my chair in the back of the class, but I still manage to hear Andrews parting words to Max, who sits a few rows in front of us, right behind his sister. “Don’t forget to invite little Lia.” He squeezes his shoulder as he goes to his own seat next to me. He looks me right in the eyes and smiles in amusement. “This should be fun.”

I force a smile on my face. “Can’t wait.”

* * *

Standing at the door, I let my gaze look through the classroom. Most of the students preferred to stay in the hallways as long as possible, talking to friends, sneaking around with their boyfriends or girlfriends, or simply stretching legs after the whole day of being trapped in the classrooms.

If I were my usual self I would be out there too, talking to Andrew and other guys from the hockey team, making plans for after school, or maybe making out with some nameless girl and trying to sweet-talk her into helping me relieve some stress later after school, but I was far from normal.

Hence, I’m standing here in an almost empty classroom.

Almost, because she is here.

Amelia.

Her wild hair is falling over her right shoulder hiding her face. The sunlight that comes from the window makes it shine brightly, looking almost alive, like fire.

She’s so engrossed in whatever she is doing that she doesn’t even look up. Or maybe she simply wants to stay quiet and unnoticed, invisible, like always.

Taking a few determined steps, I cut the distance between us.

My hands grip the end of her desk and I lean down to get closer to her, moving into her personal space. Her body jerks lightly in surprise. I can hear her inhale deeply before she looks up and her eyes meet mine. There are surprise and fear in those big, brown, doe-like eyes.

“Derek?” Her voice is a soft tremble. Almost a whisper.

Goosebumps rise on my skin. All I can think about is would she sound like that if I kissed her. If my fingers tangled in her hair and my mouth crushed into hers. Would she feel what I’m feeling? Would her heartbeat rise? Would her breathing become harder and uneven? Would she melt under my hands or try to resist me?

“I think I told you something the other day.” My voice is hard and low.

“What…” she visibly swallows before continuing. “What do you mean?”

“What part of stay away from Sanders isn’t clear?” I’m trying to hold onto my anger, but even saying his name pisses me off. What’s with that guy anyway? First, he is all over Amelia and then he is all buddy–buddy with Andrew.

“I am, but…”

I don’t let her finish. “Next time I have to say it again, you won’t like the consequences, little one.”

Straightening, I turn around to go and almost crash into him.

Sanders looks at me. We stare at each other for a full minute, not uttering a word.

He looks away first. “Hey, Lia.”

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