Tethered

Chapter 2:

*Elizabeth POV*

The anger in me seemed to have multiplied to a hundred times for no obvious reason. How could that imbecile induce such an intense reaction from me? I lividly strode down the hallway to collect my schedule slip, not knowing why I was that disturbed with a newbie who had just stepped into the school.

Who was he? No one knew his name! He was new, freak, bad tempered and ill mannered. He was a nobody and I was a Babe. Guys died to hold my hand, laid their coats on the ground for me to walk on. I was rich, beautiful and popular. I had things that he could only dream of. Then why was I feeling this agony and annoyance? Was it because my ego was hurt? The pride I took in myself was broken by a mare being? Never before had anyone dared to attack me emotionally. I shook my head pushing away those thoughts.

I swiftly walked into the office and only to see Ms. Anderson blushing, profusely. Taking that my mind was hallucinating, I closed my eyes to clear my head. When I opened my eyes again, I found the same scene intact. How was it possible? It was the once-in-a-blue-moon phenomenon to witness her smile, much more rarer than seeing a comet but blush? I blinked my eyes again to confirm if I am awake.

It was a miracle! The emotionless robot came to life! My gaze drifted away from her feeling the amusement spark up just to stop at the cause of the entire rationale. And only one sentence came into my mind. 'It was that asshole again.'

My eyes stayed glued at him. He was way too handsome, I'll give him that. Maybe, Ms. Anderson experienced the phrase 'love at first sight' as she also happened to be a young lady in her mid twenties. Judging by her plain looks and her dull blonde hair, I didn't think he would reciprocate her feelings. She wasn't much of a catch for the eyes.

"Oh, Ms. Marshalls, you can have your schedule," stated Ms. Anderson on catching my eye who I taken to actually be mute that just left me dumbfounded. Holy shit! She knew English! And could even frame sentences without stammering! I had never heard Ms. Anderson talk. It felt really weird at the moment.

"Mr. Mathews, can you please pass this to Ms. Marshalls? And Ms. Marshalls, be kind enough to show Mr. Mathews the way to his locker," my heart skipped a beat when Ms. Anderson asked me for the favour making me look at Rome. He silently took the slip from Ms. Anderson who seemed to have tingles on his touch as she shivered a bit unintentionally before he walked towards me to hand over the slip. I slowly took it from him, trying very hard not to blush. Why was I feeling as if he was handing over a love letter rather than a schedule? Yeah right, like he would ever!

Only in your dreams, Lizzy! Only in your wildest dreams...

Just as his fingers brushed past mine, it felt like butterflies fluttered in my stomach. And the stupid blush! It gave me away! I didn't know why I couldn't hide my emotions around him. Why was I such a timid little cat before him?

I looked up to meet his gaze but he was ignoring me completely as if I wasn't there.

"Let me--" he cut me off rudely by grumbling, "I can find my own way."

All throughout the words that came out from his mouth, his anger never seemed to have dulled even a bit. He pushed me out of his way roughly before walking out. I didn't miss the disgusted look he wore, like the one people wear when walking through a dump yard! Embarrassment filled my entire being as I glanced at Ms. Anderson who was trying not to laugh at my face. It just inflamed my anger even more! If I were a kettle, people would have literally seen the smoke coming out.

He was a total bastard! Who did he think himself to be? He will be sorry for this! I stomped my foot irately before marching off to my locker. My mind was so messed up that I wanted random stop a person and slap them for no reason! And that asshole was to be blamed for my current thought process! I glanced through my schedule to distract my mind which was only getting more violant by every passing second and then up to find that reason for me probably rolling into the future anger management classes, trying to break into my locker!

That did it! I almost ran up to him and pulled him off my locker as I yelled on his face, "what the fuck are you doing?" I was so stiff that I could feel all my facial skin stretch as my muscles hardened up, ready for even a physical dual, if any was on its way. Though I highly doubted my victory looking at his athletic physique.

Did he think that he could look into my locker and see what my secrets were? Did he think that he could walk all over me whenever he wanted? I didn't think so, Mister.

He stared at me like a retard before shock hit his features which was at last replaced by anger.

"Can you ever stop poking your stupid nose in my matters? My body, my mind, my things. I will do as I wish," he exclaimed arrogantly. From the corner of my eye, I could see a crowd gather around to watch the free show. Elizabeth Marshalls couldn't be embarrassed, not here, not ever. If I backed down now and let him win, I will be a laughing stock! I had to fight to show who I was!

"Yeah, yeah. Do as you wish, but not with my things. Nobody dares to touch my things, how dare you?" I hissed in dominating voice.

"What things?" His expression changed to puzzled making him look even more cuter! I was awing at him on the inside and my fury lowered a degree or two.

Get a grip Lizzy! You are supposed to be angry at him not adore him!

I shook my head, mentally slapping myself a dozen of times trying to gain control over myself and getting pissed off again.

"The non-wrest-able locker you are trying to break into is mine. This is the girls' row. The opposite row is for freaks like you!" I spat out irated, pointing my index finger towards the opposite row.

Yup! A nice girl can turn into a perfect bitch at times like this, so never mess up with a girl.

He stared at me quite shocked or surprised, I had no idea. I didn't want any idea either. I took a deep breath and counted slowly till ten before going up to my locker. My eyes watched him from peripheral without my permission. What was with this guy that made me want to swallow my pride?

I groaned in defeat, feeling my fury subside. As long as we were going to stick around, why couldn't we at least be friends? If not something more...

I exhaled at the realization of the fact that the opposite row had the same numbers, were just different in the color. Girls' lockers numbers were in pink color while boys had blue. I remember the first time I came here, I had opened the opposite side locker to come face to face with the smelly socks of a jock. That imbecile hadn't even cared to change the default lock code, to my surprise. So, being a victim to the same type of confused with the system, my guilt started poking me beneath the skin making me sigh in frustration. Swallowing my pride again, I turned to face him. He was having the same trouble there, he couldn't open his locker.

Thanking god for the crowd being dissolved and leaving us to ourselves. The corner of my lips involuntarily turned up on their own as I moved up to him and gently pushed him aside. It didn't even take a second to open his locker for him, with the default code that is.

My small smile was replaced by a full satisfactory one with the expectation of an apology or a gratitude on its way from him. My ears longed to hear a friendly word, while my eyes were dying to see his beautiful smile but he wasn't sharing the same thoughts. He didn't utter a word instead he gave me more of his annoying glares. He exhaled loudly before harshly banging the locker close and walked arrogantly after pushing me out of the way as if I was a boy!

For Pete's sake! I was a girl! A delicate, sexy, hot, attractive girl! He can't keep pushing me around like I was a push and pull door! Maybe I was right to have been rude to him, he deserved it. I exhaled loudly as I angrily made my way back to my locker and took out my chemistry book.

The sound of footsteps made me turn around to find Liam running towards me.

"You okay Lizzy? Did that dick head hurt you?" He asked all worried. This was what I deserved, care. I couldn't help but smile as I subconsciously reached out towards his dirty blond hair and messed it up.

"I'm alright, champ. Thanks for your concern, though," I giggled.

Boy! He was so tall! His face lit up like a Christmas tree causing his brown eyes to sparkle.

"You sure?" He confirmed and I nodded childishly. We started walking towards our class.

"So... If he ever bothers you again. Let me know. I will straighten him up," he winked at me before climbing up the stairs. Maybe he had arts. I couldn't help but smile like a loon. I shook my head dismissing the silly thought which was immediately occupied by the event that took place before Liam showed up. My blood started to boil again as I made my way to my first class.

The saying 'gossip spreads faster than fire' was hundred percent accurate in my case as I heard a few giggles at my sight. The girls looked at me and whispered making me shoot a few death glares in their directions immediately silencing the whole hallway. They didn't dare to look me in the eye as they rushed to their class.

I had never lost my cool before but now I was been laughed at because of that fool! I didn't want to get all grumpy again because of that piece of shit and these paled yellow wallpapers were definitely not helping to distract my frustrated mind! Seriously, who chose these wallpapers for cheerful school environment? I sighed before entering the chemistry class.

Since I was one of the last students arriving, the places were almost filled. Only the last table had three chairs left in a row. I checked for any sign of something strange with the neatly arranged chemicals on the table hoping that no one had messed with then like last time.

Paris had all of a sudden turned into a smurf in the middle of the class because someone had thought it would be fun to mess up with her chemicals. I conquered the chair nearest to the board that had a window beside. Just in case, to prevent myself from choking on the chlorine gas that someone might accidentally release by adding excess of concentrated sulfuric acid foolishly.

I looked up to find Daisy walk in, she rose her eye brow in disbelief at my sight. Her curly red hair wasted her yet another effort of straightening them. Her dull gray eyes were as cold as ever. She was not much taller than me unlike my friends and was only around 5'3. She was the same old bitch, wearing the old black party dress that she wore last year. I was pretty much sure that she noticed my new clothes when I could smell jealousy all over her, very badly might I add.

Our rivalry had been going on for five long years and maybe it was never going to end. All that I wanted was to get all the Barbies barbecued!

She sat on the last chair leaving a chair gap between us. Guess, she had seen what we did with Sheena and feared that she would shower in chemicals if she sat beside me. Smart girl.

But then again bitch, a chair couldn't stop me from giving you hell!

I rolled my eyes and smirked at her in a sarcastic manner which usually irritated her very much. She gritted her teeth and averted her gaze muttering profanities making me like the feeling that I wasn't the only one having a bad day. Maybe she too might have collided into that grumpy bear.

A middle aged man with a lip-tearing smile and formal wear, Mr. Nicholson, our chemistry teacher stepped in. His blond hair neatly brushed back and his spectacles sat low on his nose. As he entered, everybody came became silent and faced him.

"Hello students! Nice to see you all again, this year. I see all the familiar face. No new students in my class. You all know the drill but, since this is a new year and new beginning--" he was cut off in the middle when an attractive voice called out, "may I come in, sir?"

All eyes shot up to see Rome. Gasps emerged from all around the class. That was the first time I had seen his face without any irritation on it.

"You must be the new student. What's your name, my boy?" Mr. Nicholson asked him.

"I'm called Rome Matthews. Recently, moved here from New Jersey," he announced in his fluent ascent, his voice now held a politer tone and his lips wore a breath taking smile. I could feel my mouth drop open. It wasn't surprising to see the same with the rest of the class.

Even Mr. Nicholson was stunned! He shook his head slightly coming back to present as he allowed Rome to take his seat, "please take the only remaining seat, my boy. I hope you don't turn late to my class again."

"Sure, Sir," was all Rome replied before flashing his hypnotizing smile which surprised us again. In fact it made my heart skip a beat or two as he walked up to us to take his seat between me and Daisy.

"Okay students, everyone's settled down. So, let's begin our class," Mr. Nicholson announced as he turned towards the board.

"Excuse me, Mr. Nicholson. Can I speak to you for a moment?" Mrs. Starc interrupted standing by the door.

"I'll be right back," Mr. Nicholson announced to the class before disappearing behind the door.

"So, you are Rome, huh?" I could hear Daisy's annoying voice squeaky, in the hopes to sound sexy. So she hadn't bumped into Mr. Grumpy head today? Well, this was going to be entertaining! Knowing Rome, he would glare at her silencing her for the rest of the day after she mutters a few curses. She really didn't know what she was jumping into and I wasn't going to stop her because she wasn't my friend! I slightly adjusted my seat to get a better look at the duo, my ears impatiently waiting for Rome to piss her off, leaving her grumbling under her breath.

Three

Two

One

"Well yes, that would be me," he replied to her! And to my surprise, his voice had a flirtatious tone!

"You knows you look more like the Greek to me, I mean Greek god, Adonis," Daisy flirted back making him chuckle making her wink at him.

"You are sweeter than honey with your words, aren't you sweetheart?" She blushed profusely at his comment.

He laughed, smiled and flirted with her and didn't even care to say a simple thank you to me! How rude! All I got was his livid glares! I felt my blood boil inside me.

I immediately averted my gaze when Daisy smirked at me. Something in me hurt very badly. I was on verge of crying. I agreed that I was a bad, mean, spoiled rotten brat but I never treated anyone like he treated me. Did I deserve to be punished this way? Why was I feeling so bad due to this freak that I didn't even know about?

"Worthless jerk," I grumbled under my breath as I turned my face towards the window.

Why didn't I have everything others had? My parents didn't stay with me. I never found the right guy and this asshole was being a dick to me!

Soft breeze blew over my face blowing my hair in all directions making it dance to its own rhythm. It calmed my nerves down a bit. Nature always had her effect on me.

Suddenly, Mr. Nicholson grazed us again with his presence as he brought in the salt containers along with him. Unintentionally, I looked at Rome surprised to see him staring shamelessly at my hair. What was he staring at?

I turned to make an eye contact with him and he did the same. I rose my eyebrow questioning him and it didn't take a second for him to go all ice cold on me. He looked at me expressionless as if I wasn't there before him, as if he saw right through me! My mood started turning sour again making I rudely turned away from him to face Mr. Nicholson.

It wasn't helping at all to feel his gaze at my back during the whole period. I tried to focus on Mr. Nicholson but my mind kept on driving back to Rome and his misbehavior. Mr. Nicholson barely looked like a background movie without audio.

I didn't even know how I completed the qualitative analysis today with the biggest distraction of my life sitting right beside me! I could still make out the hushed flirting going on between him and Daisy that just got me all jealous. I mostly spaced out trying not to cry. My day was already so bad and I couldn't believe it, that it was after all the starting of the first day of the year, not even the last!

I impatiently waited for the bell to call of the period already. As soon as my salvation was heard, I ignored everything and walked out of the classroom carelessly even before Mr. Nicholson did. I just couldn't take it any more.

I got into the girl's washroom and locked myself in one of the toilets as I cried silently. Why the hell was I even crying? He was nothing to me! But why did I feel something ache inside of me? It was so damn weird. I know my make up was all ruined and I was going to be late for my next class, but I couldn't take it anymore. I got out when the bell rang and looked at my smeared make up.

Gosh! I had to redo it now. I cleaned my face and reapplied my make up. Just my eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss. T

I thanked my lucky stars that no one saw that way. Lizzy couldn't afford to be embarrassed any more in public. I had to be strong for I had to face that asshole for rest of the year, fighting my battles with him all alone...

I made it out for the next class and Mrs. Sherman wasn't pleased with me coming late on the very first day.

"This is first and last warning, Ms. Marshalls. You will not come late to my class again," she warned.

"Yes, ma'am," was all I said before slumping into the nearest seat available. At least I didn't get to see his face again for next two periods.

At last, the bell rang signalling the lunch break. And I needed distraction my stupid brain that wasn't letting the thought of Rome slide away and my friends were going to help me get over it more than ever!