Twenty two

Katherine Thorne:

I was speechless. Why was he asking this question? What did he know? Had he overheard Katie’s and I’s discussion by chance? Was he eavesdropping on us in the bathroom? Or was Samantha eavesdropping on us and went ahead to snitch to him? My mind was racing as possible scenarios played in my head and I was panicking that our plan had been exposed. And it was taking everything in me to not let my worry show on my face, I can’t let him see it.

But now, I have to answer his question. What made me suddenly change my mind and agree to date him after explicitly refusing to do it so many times in the past week?

“Well, it’s because I— I really—” I was finding it hard to lie to him that I had feelings for him, the words wouldn’t just get past my throat. I really hope he would mistake my silence for cold feet.

“You really what, Katherine?” He urged, his eyes still not leaving the road. I swallowed hard. Briefly shutting my eyes, I had to convince myself to say the words that lodged in my throat. But oh, how hard was it to say them!

I sighed, it was now or never. “I have feelings for you, Alex. I like you.” There, I said it and I’m mentally gagging at myself for admitting to such a blatant lie.

“Oh.” He simply said and then his lips curved into a sweet smile. Phew, for a while I thought the plan was going sour. You could hear the relief in his tone though, it was obvious that he hadn’t expected this answer. What had he thought was my reason for dating him?

“Well, I like you too Katherine and that’s why I want to date you so badly. I’m so excited you agreed to my proposal.” He added and my mind finally relaxed at that. Great, everything is working just as planned.

“I haven’t fully agreed to it yet,” I said and this time he finally looked away from the road and flashed me a confused stare. He looked so puzzled, I would’ve laughed.

“Why? What’s wrong?” He questioned, his eyes were back on the road.

“Because you haven’t agreed to my conditions yet.” I began and he shot me an even more confused look.

“What conditions? What are you talking about Katherine? You never told me about any conditions.” I could sense the apprehension in his voice, it felt good taking him unawares. Just because I’m agreeing to date him for Katie’s and I’s plan doesn’t mean it’s going to be business as usual for him. I won’t be like the other girls and certainly, this relationship won’t be like the one he’s had with other girls.

I would be different. And I have my conditions which he must fulfill or else I have no reason to get out of the car and put an end to the plan.

“Well, for starters you have to take your studies seriously. And you must not fail the examinations, if you do I will break up with you.” I stated.

He nodded, “Already on that, remember I asked you to tutor me.”

“Sure, but that’s not all. You’re not allowed to flirt with other girls as well. You have to be with me and me alone.” I added. The idea of Alex going behind my back and flirting with other girls made me feel bad, not only that, but it would also make me seem like an idiot and a laughing stock for girls like Samantha. It would be glaring that Alex doesn’t take me seriously.

“Done.” He replied unhesitatingly, he didn’t even break a sweat. I thought he would find it difficult to commit to me. Wow. He really is interested in this.

“Are you sure?” I had to clarify.

“Yes, don’t doubt me. I promise.”

“Okay.” I breathed. “If you say so.”

“Also, you’re not allowed to touch me,” I stated and this time he shot me a glare, one that could almost kill me.

“Seriously? No touching? As in no kissing, no sex, no makeouts? Nothing?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” He stared at me with so much horror on his face, it was almost comical. Okay, I guess I can bend the rules a little at least. “I can allow holding of hands and a hug occasionally, not more than a second long hug though, and no groping! Nothing more.” I stated and Alexander’s eyes widened, almost like they were about to pop.

“What the fuck Katherine? Are we in kindergarten?” I narrowed my eyes at him, I did not appreciate his sass. Listen, if he thinks I’m going to go around kissing him or let him have sex with me or walk around the hallways with my ass in his hands. No, I have thrown away a fair share of my dignity by just agreeing to date a notorious guy like Alexander. I will not risk much more, like the rest of my dignity, or throw away my virginity to him just at the expense of a stupid plan.

“Those are my rules Alex, you have to live with them.” I wasn’t changing my decision at all. I looked away from him and stared out the window.

“So you mean, no sex?”

I shook my head in naught, “No, nothing of such.”

“How about a kiss?”

“No.”

“A tiny kiss, maybe?”

“Nope.” I disagreed, popping the ‘p’.

“Okay, what about a peck?”

“Just a second–long and only on cheeks, forehead, and hands. But I am still reviewing this and would get back to you on it.”

“So I can’t get any of those from you and I also can’t get it from other girls too?”

“Yes, Alex.”

“What the hell.” He muttered underneath his breath, but it was audible enough for me to grasp it.

Alexander went silent for a while, I looked away from the windows and took a little peek at him. He was focused on the road but his face showed that he was battling with his thoughts.

“Fine.” He agreed and I was a bit shocked. I stared at him with arched brows. He’s really agreeing to my conditions? Well, that’s a first.

“You’re sure? There’s no room for slacking.”

He nodded in affirmation, “I know and I’m willing to take the challenge. I really like you so much, Katherine. You’re so special, smart, and fucking beautiful. Hell, you’re every man’s dream and I’m so excited you picked me and seemed me worthy to date you. I am not the best, but I will try my best to be the best for you. I would do anything just to keep you and make you mine Katherine.” He said and I felt flustered at his compliments. It took everything in me to resist the smile threatening to curve my lips. However, I know my cheeks must’ve betrayed me by flushing beetroot red.

“Thank you, Alex.”

“So, we’re boyfriend and girlfriend now Katherine?” He asked with a cheeky grin and at this point, it was impossible to hold back the smile.

I let it playfully on my lips, “Yes Alex, we are boyfriend and girlfriend now.”

“Sweet.”