I was living only through my art. Nothing seemed interesting enough to keep away from my sketchbook. I wasn't an outcast though. I had my best friend Simon always by my side to remind me that there was technology and there was always an Isabell ready to show me into a party. I was having the best of the both worlds. One thing that wasn't one of my interests was dating. I never cared about boys. I saw what dating could do and I didn't want to lose my mind over a silly high school crush. Walking in the schools parking lot, I could see all the different types of boys. There were the geeks, the one that Simon loved to hang out when I wasn't feeling like it; a few steps away, there were the skater boys. They were very athletic in a way, but their large clothes weren't showing it. On the other hand, there were the gym rats that would do everything to show their muscles. A few groups away, there were the kings of the school, alongside their queens who, by the way, could have been describes more likely as sluts. And there was me, a small redhead, quiet, and looking rather faded with my denim clothes. I was friend with everybody. Once I actually tried skateboarding but quickly decided that that just wasn't my thing. I liked to let Izzy play dress up with me when it came to parties but mostly I preferred being comfy.
I turned my back when I heard Izzy's voice calling me. I could hear her high heels, that was how I knew she was approaching me.
-Morning, Izzy. What's up?
-Everything is good. It is Friday, my sacred day after all.
-Yeah, I know. So, what are your plans for afterschool?
-Don't tell me you already forgot!
-Forget what?
That was the moment when the tall, blond guy interrupted us. His eyes locked with mine for a second, than passed onto Izzy. I assured that he saw my indifference and a little of my dsgust for him alongside.
-Izzy, you are coming to my party tonight, right?
-Yeah, I am bringing Clary too.
-I never agreed to that.
-Yes you did. You just forgot. I posed for your drawing, silly.
-Oh, yeah, right.
Jace looked at me with an amused look in his eyes. I was always invited to every single party because, surprisingly, I was kind of fun being around after a few beers. Still, I never went to one of his parties only because I despised him in every way somebody could. Actually, I hated him for everything everybody loved about him. I don't know how I was the only one seeing through the illusion he made. It was like everybody was bewitched by his looks, which I found imperfect anyway. His teeth weren't straight, his skin wasn't perfectly smooth, his hair looked messy all the time. He was too tall and too thin, which for me looked funny. I wasn't just feeling it.
-Oh, it is going to be a first time. You never came to my parties although I made sure that you had an invitation for every single one. I heard you are pretty fun after you forget about your little sketchbook.
I just rolled my eyes and turn my back but he grabbed my wrist:
-Hey, where are you going? I was talking to you.
-And you just finished.
Izzy put her hand on his arm, reminding him to let me go.
-Whatever. See ya, Red, Izzy.
After he took some distance, she asked me quietly:
-What do you have with him? I mean, I never saw him doing something bad to you.
-I know. It is just natural repulsion. Can't blame me for that. It happens.
-Yeah, but still, do you have to hate the most popular guy from this school? I mean, I know you have a thing for Simon but still…
-I don't have a thing for Simon just as I don't have a thing for you.
-I wouldn't mind, you know I like playing both sides sometimes, she said while looking over at Maya, one of the geeky girl we used to hang out once in a while.
- You know what I mean. So just stop being so dramatic about it. C'mon. We are already late.
While we passed through the front doors I swore I could see Jace's eyes lingering on me. I shrugged my shoulders and forgot about it just as quickly as I noticed it.