Chapter 14 - Falling for You

It's been a week since the science room incident. Nan had been punished by the school for two weeks for hitting Savannah. Which was well deserved. Mina shivers at the thought of the slimey dead frog being so close. Wiping her face wildly with her sleeves before making a disgusted noise she continued her way through the halls. Class would start soon so she had a few minutes to spare. It was lonely in a way, Nan wasn't here to talk about every topic she'd seen on her phone. Ever was rarely around now which was…odd. Not hearing her bickers or smart comments made Mina miss her. Maybe Ever misses Nan as much as she does. But there was someone. Brody. She almost felt embarrassed at how he took up the role to take care of her like if she was a child. But it was the thought that counted. He had kept her company while the other two were gone, lunch was more lively and the two developed a closer bond within the week.

"Mina!" Brody jogged up to her.

"Hey Brody" She smiled back.

"Want another ride home?"

Ah she forgot. Rides were becoming a common thing now ever since he brought it up.

–Flashback–

It was drizzling after school, the drops landing on Mina's head as she looked up at the gray clouds. Sighing she knew that by the time she gets home she'll be drowned like a cat after a bath or damp enough that it'll save her from catching a cold. She hurried down the sidewalk lifting her hood over her head as she stared at the concrete floor while walking. Humming to herself while looking at everything she passed by, she didn't hear a car slow down next to her until a voice boomed out.

"Need a ride?"

Startled Mina yelped before looking at whoever spoke with wide eyes. Brody?

"Brody! What are you doing here?"

"Just saw you walking and thought, why not give a girl a ride?"

Brody smiled before noticing Mina's face.

"That was bad wasn't it?"

"Yeah…a bit"

Brody nervously laughed before scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

"I can give you a ride home if you want?"

Mina smiled.

"I'd like that"

–Flashback over–

"Mina?"

Blinking, she smiled at Brody.

"Yeah, same time?"

"You know it" he smiled brightly.

The bell rung signaling class was starting, waving to each other they seperated on their different ways. Another day. Another suffering during Math.

'I hate math…'

The class dragged on for what felt like forever before the bell rang again for another class. Pulling out her withered schedule paper she had three more classes to go through before having lunch, luckily she had breakfast this morning thanks to the Wongs. Her mouth watered at the memory of that fluffy omelet filled with bacon and cheese. Shaking her head she felt a bit of dread, stopping at the door of the room decorated with paper lettering spelling 'Science'. Hesitating, she stood at the door remembering that day. How scared she was. Being held back and not able to even defend herself, what kind of weakling was she? Maybe if she would have tried harder to get away that gross slimy frog wouldn't have touched her skin. Now everyday she feels that phantom weight on her face as she scrubbs her face raw in the morning with soap hoping that it'll just disappear. A boy bumps into her by accident murmuring an apology which snaps her out of her thoughts. Walking slowly inside she heads to the back of the classroom pulling her hood closer to her chin hoping to hide away. As the teacher spoke the lights were switched off as a box tv was rolled in, the class cheered for not having to do any work. Sighing in relief Mina pulled her hood over her head before planting face down on the desk.

'Just a few minutes…'

She thought before closing her eyes. There standing before her was a giant frog, simply staring. She looked around confusedly before hearing a loud buzz, a giant fly with round eyes and a furry body was heading towards her at a quick speed. She tried to move but her legs were stuck in place, panicking she grabbed onto her leg pulling hard to get it to comply. As it got closer she put her arms across her face in defense before a loud twack was heard. Opening her eyes slowly the fly was in front of her before being pulled back and devoured by the frog. Staring in horror, the frog opened its mouth, a familiar person crawling out. Almost as big as her Savannah crawled out murmuring under her breath.

"M…na"

She got closer.

"Mi…a"

The hairs at the back of Minas neck stood up as she stared with wide eyes. Tears building up.

"MINA!"

A painted hand gripped onto her arm. Waking up screaming Mina pulled her arm back before being calmed down by the teacher.

"Mina! Calm down! It's alright sweetheart calm down!"

Lightly putting a hand on Minas back the teacher consoled her into a calm state. Panting Mina looked up at the teacher in shame.

Her teachers found out not long after the incident and constantly gave a pitying look. In fact, every day she tried to come back to the science classroom and just couldn't get over the shadow in her mind.

"I…I'm sorry I didn't mean to, I'm really really sorry!"

"I know I know, calm down."

Mrs. Nancy went back to her desk and scribbled on a yellow notepad. And grabbed a large packet.

"Here. Go to the library. The slides are online, you'll find the link on the inner page. Since you can't stomach coming inside you'll have to deal with being in the library." She fixed her glasses then continued telling her to turn it in on Friday.

Grabbing her backpack quickly, she got up and made a beeline for the bathrooms. She stopped at one of the sinks, turning the knobs and almost drowned herself in water.

She scrubbed her face as if it would scrub away the memories. And the closeness of the dead animals scent.

'Stupid Stupid'

'Stupid Savannah and…and stupid'

"Ugh!"

Mina snatched one of the paper towels from the dispenser before drying her face. Ever since she woke up in the hospital and not remembering what happened or who she was she felt dumbfounded. Like a giant crater in her mind that can never be filled no matter what she does. It was annoying and by far very painful, with every try she strains her brain trying to find answers yet everything stayed as questions. With a final wipe she tossed the paper towel into the trash bin and headed out to her next class. At least going to the library would take her mind off of this, her favorite book was basically calling for her during reading time. The bell rang in time for lunch, swerving her way through groups of students while apologizing for bumping into them as she made her way to the cafeteria. Since her class wasn't as far, she got here earlier than Brody was which left her by herself. Thinking about it Brody did save her life twice and he was kind of…cute.

Humming at the savory flavor of french fries she was forever grateful that Ever and Nan introduced the 'snack' to her. A tray was put down next to her in her peripheral vision Brody sighed heavily.

"Man swim class today was stressful…"

Rolling his shoulders he started chowing down. Making a noise of realization he made a motion for Mina to look and wait as he wiped his hands clean. Pulling a box out of his backpack he swallowed before handing it to her.

"I bought you a phone, I figured since you didn't have one and if you ever needed something or anything were to happen you could reach me faster"

Grasping the box gently Mina was speechless.

"I-"

"Don't worry about the cost, okay? I got it for you to be extra safe"

Brody interrupted with a soft smile. Opening the box she pulled the plastic cover away before gripping the black screen, flipping it over in curiosity the back was a nice cherry red. The smooth back feeling like the whiteboards the teacher used. It was…so pretty she really couldn't accept this but Brody seemed so thoughtful she couldn't tell him no.

"Thank you Brody this means a lot really"

Mina smiled trying to hide her uncertainty.

"But I promise I'll pay you back anyways this is just…just…a big gift!"

Brody sighed with a smile shaking his head before reaching for the phone.

"I can start it up for you if you want, you can help me out with starting on the basics to fit your preferences…" He showed her how to turn it on and how to call him.

Half of the lunchtime was spent with them together setting up her new phone. Laughing when he decided to take a picture of them both as her first picture.

Mina's stomach fluttered as she lingered on her flushed face and Brody's soft eyes in the picture.

"It came out well." He turned and smiled at her. "I have an idea."

Not long after fiddling with the screen he turned it toward her and showed her. "I set it as your background."

Soon it turned to tutoring of some kind as he helped her with homework. She was extremely grateful to Brody. But she couldn't help thinking that saving her twice felt kind of strange. Coincidence or not? She wanted to know.

"How did you know to save me again?"

Brody looked at her confused.

"What?"

Mina turned towards him.

"I mean was it a coincidence that you saved me twice? Or are you some kind of superhero?"

Brody huffed out his nose.

"No not a superhero…my friend TJ told me about what was going on"

Flashback

Brody was by his locker grabbing books for next class when an elbow jabbed into him roughly. Grunting he turned his head quickly to glare at the person.

"Woah chill BroBro just me TJ!"

The boy pointed at himself. Brody lifted a brow at him in a 'Really?' motion before rolling his eyes and going back to changing his books out.

"Dude! I didn't think the teach would let us dissect frogs early in the year!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! They were really rad but stanked a lot though, the best part? The chicks were FREAKING out dude"

TJ dramatically explained while mimicking girl screams.

"Mhm"

Brody hummed, not paying attention to his friend while putting his soaked clothes from water polo into a plastic bag.

"Does Savannah have a twin?"

"Not that I know of…why?"

"Weird…thought I saw her going into the science labs. Not as delicate as she let on huh?"

TJ nudged Brody with his elbow again.

Confusedly Brody shrugged it off.

"Must have not been her then"

"Don't know man it looked like she was showing that new girl around y'know the one you saved at the lake party. Kind of a weird one she is. I thought for sure Savannah would skin her alive maybe even EAT her alive if she felt like it"

TJ rambled on about what Savannah could do while Brody was in surprise. He didn't hear what TJ had rambled.

"She goes here?"

"Sure does!"

He sighed under his breath.

"It's out of character for her. Last time a girl looked at you and I thought Savannah would've gouged her eyes out…"

Brody imagined the girl with beautiful brown hair, a small nose and empty eye sockets.

"Crap…that's no good. I'll be back."

Walking away quickly he left TJ there alone.

"What?! Come on man, we were about to go chow down!"

TJ threw his hands up in the air watching Brody leave.

Flashback over.

"And that's when I saw everything, I wasn't going to let you get seriously hurt I really…"

Brody's voice cracked slightly as he avoided eye contact. His cheeks started to turn pink.

"The thing is, I wasn't going to tell you so early since we've just gotten to know each other a little bit but I like you and want to date you."

He spoke out while looking at Mina with a fond look. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish. She wasn't sure about how she felt. Brody took care of her, got her a new phone and saved her twice.

"I-" She started, but was interrupted.

He spoke quickly as he saw Mina's shocked face trying to calm her.

"Take your time. You don't have to answer me now." He smiled and tried to comfort her.

It was more of a question than a solution if anything. With a nod Mina turned back to her work, the air holding tension and awkwardness after that interaction. The bell rang out and soon students returned back to class, the two separated with silent goodbyes and Mina was alone with her thoughts on her walk to class.

'What am I going to do?!'

—

placed down a steaming bowl of pasta in front of Mina who was distracted by the event from school. Mei greedily scooped some up onto her plate more than usual since she and Mina bantered over who got more. As the Wongs all sat down they noticed the girl's empty plate.

"Mina is everything alright?"

"Hm? Oh…yes I..uh…"

Reaching over to place a hand on hers smiled at Mina.

"You can tell us anything you know that right?"

Mina glanced at the Wongs nervously, even Mei was interested in what was going on.

"Well…there's a…a boy named Brody."

"Ooo that boy who takes you to school? He handsome, but probably not as good as my husband. You should get a kind and good man like him. Do you like that boy?"

The Wongs looked at Mina and waited.

"He has feelings for me and wants to date me but! I also like him too…alot."

She fiddles with her hands staring at Mr. And Mrs. Wong.

"I just…I don't know how to feel about this? I guess I'm just hoping that you would accept Brody like I have."

Mr. Wong sighed, smiling.

"Mina if you think this is something you want to proceed in with your relationship with Brody then by all means we give him our blessings to date you."

Patting her head softly she looked up at him.

"But don't listen to your brain on what it wants, listen to your heart. If that is truly what your heart wants then talk with the boy tomorrow about how you feel."

Mrs. Wong came up to sit next to them both.

"He's right Mina, we can't stop you from feeling this way but we can give you advice on what you want versus what you need."

"Now come on, let us finish up dinner hm? Wouldn't want it to get cold."

She ruffled Minas hair softly before returning to her seat at the table. Later that night when they were ready for bed Mei flipped to her side looking at Mina from across the room

"So…Brody huh?"

She teased lightly. Mina opened her eyes to glare at Mei.

"Hush…"

Mina said while closing her eyes again.

"So is he tall? What color are his eyes? Is he the cool laid back type of guy or the macho man?"

Groaning Mina turned around pulling her pillow over her head. Mei is still talking about what Brody was like and if they'll ever get married. But not even the pillow could hide her questions.

"If I tell you, will you let me sleep?"

Mei nods with a big smile. Sighing Mina turned on her back, naming a few things about Brody. Half the night they bonded further talking about what made Brody charming and coming up with words to say to him tomorrow. Noticing Mei was quiet she turned over to see the girl softly snoring away. Smiling to herself she stared back at the ceiling feeling uncertain. She turned over to her side leaving that problem for tomorrow.

Tomorrow…

"Mina! Brody's here!"

Her eyes opened wide, panicking she threw herself off her bed, tumbling to the floor before quickly getting up and rushing to the bathroom. It was almost cartoonish the way she was running around trying to get ready and grabbing her clothes. Shoving her dirty converses on, she grabbed a piece of toast quickly saying goodbye to the Wongs.

Getting inside the car she sat her backpack on her lap munching on the toast quietly.

"I might be a little late for lunch today so hopefully you'll do fine on your own, don't get into any life or death situations while i'm gone okay?"

He joked lightly while smiling. Mina laughed nervously avoiding looking at him. This was too awkward. Brody noticed but didn't say anything thinking she had a rough morning.

'What do I say?'

'Do I say yes? But the Wongs said if I'm sure..'

'If I say no will he be disappointed? Will I hurt his feelings?'

Stopping in the school parking lot when they both got out, Mina tossed the rest of her toast to the birds, losing her appetite from overthinking.

'I'll have to discuss this at lunch, maybe he'll understand.'

Nodding to herself they entered the building before bidding a 'see you later' and separating. On her way to class she caught a view of a familiar head of hair with 4 streaks of purple from across the hall, coming to a stop she raised a brow in suspicion as a guy she'd hadn't seen before walked up next to Ever talking like they knew each other…maybe even better than her and Nan? Would Ever replace Nan?

She studied him from afar, his honey brown hair shone like gold in the light and complimented his tan complexion and from afar she couldn't see his eyes but she was sure if she was close enough her soul would be sucked out by how bright they were. Any girl would swoon for someone like him, even her.

'Ever doesn't seem like the type to fall for someone like him…right?'

Just looking at him from 15 feet away made her face feel warm and nervous.

Humming in suspicion Mina continued her way to class the questions of who that guy was and what to tell Brody overwhelmed her thoughts throughout half the day. Before she knew it, it was time for lunch. Walking slower than usual she almost dreaded going to lunch, her stomach twisting uncomfortably. Approaching the lively room she sat at their usual table waiting for his arrival. Staring down at her hands she picked at her nails before hearing footsteps get closer. Looking up she saw Brody smiling down at her.

"Hey." She gestured to the seat opposite of her.

"Figured you wanted to talk, this morning you were off. Even in the halls I called out to you but you seemed…bothered."

Sitting down he looked at Mina with concern.

"Are you doing alright Mina?"

She sighed looking down again.

"I'm sorry Brody it's just that this whole dating thing was so sudden and I do like you! I do but…"

Brody stopped her.

"It's okay, I get it. You don't have to tell me today, you know? It could be any other day as long as I know you're sure about your decision. Just don't be so fast to reject me." He smiled self-deprecatingly.

"You don't know me too well so I can understand that it was sudden, don't feel pressured to say yes because you feel like you have to."

Mina met his gaze. His blue eyes were extremely comforting and they silenced all her hectic thoughts.

Nodding she smiled wide and he returned her smile before handing her a carton of juice. Taking it gingerly they settled in comfortable silence.

Not long after a cool breeze from within the cafeteria made her shiver. She shifted in her seat subtly. The cafeteria was getting colder than usual, almost freezing, a hot feeling was growing on her back becoming a bit unbearable before a scream ripped throughout the room.

Mina turned quickly to see what happened. She saw that same guy from the hallway with Ever sitting at a table not far from her Brody's. There was the chattering of students as they saw Savannah on the floor next to them yelling something at the guy. She could've imagined it but he looked at her then leaned toward Ever and must've said something to upset the usually mellow girl. He stood and left the cafeteria while she locked eyes with Ever, a feeling of confusion and uncertainty painted on Mina's face. Ever turned more towards Mina, viewing her face quickly before sighing deeply and walking out, presumably following the boy out.

Just what was going on?

….

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Thanks!

Baphy & MidnightBlue27