Comfy Closets - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

No one will ever catch me admitting this to anyone, but to be honest with you, that hurt my little ego a bit.
I'm not one of the most popular people at school, and my shyness doesn't help me any in that regard. But I'm a soccer captain, and it's led to me being recognised sometimes without any previous introduction.
Well, Alex does sound a bit like Alyssa. I guess I'll count that as a win?
"I-It's Alyssa, actually. Aly works too. And y-yeah, I go to Longman. I think I'm in your Chem class too," I nervously stuttered out, my shyness kicking in. I don't think, I know I'm in her Chem class, but I don't want to sound like a creep. That's just...Bleh.
Her expression first exhibited confusion, then those hazel eyes perked up as she seemed to remember. "Right! Sorry, Alyssa. And oh yeah, from today! The one that nearly knocked me on my ass," she chuckled amusedly, her smile reaching her eyes.
The other girl was looking between us, puzzled, before she spoke up. "Wait, you two know each other?"
"No!" I exclaimed without thought, feeling a heart rising in my cheeks right after as I realised how loud I was. "No. We're just in the same class," I repeated in a more composed manner, tucking my hands into my pockets.
Leah, in the meantime, was gazing at me with a look of curiosity, and what I thought were thoughtful eyes. She tucked a strand of her dirty blonde hair behind her ear, and I couldn't help but follow her hand movements before gazing back at her hazel eyes that were focused on mine. For a moment, it felt like I was in a trance and I couldn't look away even if I tried.
Suddenly, the moment was broken when the other girl spoke up. "Eh, same thing. But sorry again for what happened, I shouldn't have been on the phone. I'm Lena by the way, Leah's sister. Do you have anything else to change into? I feel terrible," she said, genuinely looking apologetic for what had happened.
I waved it off airily. "I'm fine, it was an accident. I have clothes in my car, but I'm heading home after this anyway. It's okay."
"Are you sure? It's getting pretty windy outside. I have a jacket in my car. I can go get it."
Before I could refuse, someone else spoke up. "You can have mine."
I looked to Leah to see her taking off her denim jacket, with the inside lined with faux fur, holding it out for me to take.
My mouth opened to refuse, but her insistent eyes were what made me pause, convincing my hesitant hands to take it from her. I slowly put it on, instantly bombarded by her strong lavender scent, overpowering even the coffee smell in the shop.
I looked to her with gratitude, still feeling a little shy around her. "Thanks," I said in a small voice, not sure if she even heard me.
"No worries, just return it to me at school some time," she gave me a subtle wink and a small smile before she followed her sister out the door, who called out another sorry behind before leaving.
I was left standing there blushing and pondering what that wink meant. Was it just a friendly wink? Or did it mean something more... suggestive? It can't be, she doesn't even know I'm gay. It must be my crush deluding my thoughts and making me see things that aren't there. It was definitely just friendly. I was sure of it.
"Alex, here's your drink," my boss said as she put my coffee on the counter, trying to hide the smile creeping on her face.
I narrowed my eyes at her and trudged my way back, a pout on my lips as I pulled the jacket closer to cover the evident stains. "Jem, why didn't you help? I was dying from embarrassment!"
Seeing as there were no customers lining up, she leaned against the counter, a cheeky grin on her face. "The girls seemed to have it under control. And besides, you got a nice jacket out of it."
I sighed, resigned. "I guess. Well thanks for the drink. Just take it off my pay. I'm coming into work on Saturday, right?"
"Take the morning shift. And it's fine, this one's on the house. Looks like you deserve it..." she remarked as she looked me up and down.
Taking the steaming paper cup, I blushed again and muttered a thanks with a grateful smile before heading home. I got in my car and tried to resist taking in a huge breath, trying to avoid catching the scent radiating off the jacket - I failed eventually.
The scent was just so irresistible, and I couldn't control the calming effect that took over my body. I felt like a creep right now, so I forced myself to stop, but I couldn't exactly stop breathing so I occasionally caught a whiff of the aromatic scent.
I got home soon enough and went about my normal routine: snack, shower, homework, dinner, more homework then a bit of Netflix. I always made time for Netflix; got to treat myself sometimes, and it also acts as a good motivator.
Putting Leah's jacket into my bag, I reminded myself that I had to return it soon. As I got comfy on my bed and was about to start a new episode, I heard a quiet combination of knocks. The realisation that my little sister was behind the door came immediately as I swiftly recognised the secret knock we'd created.
"Come in!" I voiced out, and Addison came in with her little teddy in her arms with her Moana PJs on. "What is it, Addy?"
"Just wanted to say goodnight," she said cutely. She was only seven, and since she was the youngest, she tended to act like a baby. None of us complained though, because we didn't want her to grow up so fast. In our eyes, she was growing up too fast already.
She padded up to my bedside and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Night night!"
I gave her a kiss to the forehead. "Night, Addy bear," I said, unable to keep the smile off my face from all the cuteness.
As she was leaving the room and I started up the episode, I got a text from the group chat with Gia and Ashton.
Ashybaby - So, about what happened after chem class...
GiaTheQween - Wait, what happened?? What did I miss?
I quickly paused the episode and furiously started typing before he could spill the hot, humiliating tea.
AlyssaNaeherWannabe - ASH, DON'T!! IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WON'T.
GiaTheQween - Tell me! SPILL THE TEA!!
Ashybaby - You know I love you, but you also know how Gia gets when she demands for something. She will look for you, she will find you, and she will kill/make you spill.
Resigned, I settled for defeat, knowing it was impossible to stop Gia from knowing. She would've found out eventually; that girl is a secret-finding demon monster.
AlyssaNaeherWannabe - FINE. Fine, tell her, but I'm not gonna be sticking around for the harassment that will follow.
GiaTheQween - It's just teasing... and ammunition we will hold over you for forever. MUAHAHAHA, NOW SPILL!!
I turned off my phone before I could witness the humiliation Ashton would be putting me through. Feeling tired after that convo, I turned off my laptop instead and put it to the side. Netflix will have to wait till tomorrow.
Not looking forward to tomorrow and all the teasing that will follow, I snuggled into my blankets and let sleep take over.
_______________
It was Thursday today, and as expected, Ashton made fun of me the whole way to school with Gia joining in on the fun once we got there. We always did that, teased each other about our crushes, but it was all in good fun. Until the crush rejects one of us or dates someone else, then it's not so fun.
I also never told them about what happened at the coffee shop. Don't want to give them even more ammunition to tease me with.
I was currently in third period, trying to think of a way to give Leah's jacket back to her. For some reason, I was really nervous about the idea of approaching her. I mean, she knows who I am now, so it shouldn't be weird, but I can't help but think that I will make it weird anyway. I felt like the jacket was burning a hole in my bag with the way its presence kept nagging and reminding me of the fact that I would have to eventually return it, somehow.
The bell rang to signal the start of lunch, and as everyone headed out, I started to feel my palms get sweatier with the thought of going anywhere near her.
Arriving at the cafeteria, I scanned the place and spotted Gia and Ash already at our usual spot. I also spotted Leah with a bunch of her friends surrounding her, chatting amiably amongst themselves. I subtly wiped my palms on my jeans and mustered up the courage to walk over. Come on, Alyssa, it's not that hard. Just hand over the jacket and get it over with.
I took in a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and begging that I won't embarrass myself. I slowly took one hesitant step towards that direction, and then another until I was walking in a slow trudge to her table. I was about three tables away from reaching her before I realised something. She had a different presence here compared to when I saw her yesterday. It was an air of untouchability, of unapproachability, and suddenly I felt like a chasm had appeared before us.
I quickly changed my course and headed to the others, blush on my face and the feeling of disappointment surrounding me like a cloud. I sometimes hated how my shyness and introvert-ness got in the way of what I wanted to do. All it takes is a little bit of confidence, but I'm so used to relying on others to step up, that I never really learnt how to open up and be socially confident when around new people.
Arriving at our usual table, Gia and Ashton gave me strange glances as I sat down. "Where's your food?" Gia asked as she raised an eyebrow, confusion in her eyes.
I kept my head lowered to hide the blush and brought out my granola bar from the other day. "Not hungry," I said as I took a bite of it. I honestly didn't have an appetite from all the nerves from just now.
They gave worried looks to each other before looking back at me. "You always eat lunch. What's wrong? You can have a bit of mine if you want. I don't mind," Ashton said. He must be really worried about me because he never shared his food when they were serving nachos.
"I'm fine, really. I just have no appetite today," I brushed it off. It really was nothing, the disappointment I had for myself was just sticking to me a bit longer than I thought.
The rest of lunch was like that; them offering me food and not-so-subtly prodding me about my unusual behaviour. I left the cafeteria to head to my locker a little earlier than usual, just to get away from their prodding for a little bit so I could deal with this feeling that's been bugging me. And also ponder about the fact that I haven't returned the jacket yet.
It's not like I wanted to get rid of the jacket as soon as possible. It's just, I felt like I needed to because I didn't want her to think of me as some kleptomaniac or a creep or something stupid like that. I don't know, my mind is muddled and not making sense right now. Must be the scent of the jacket that's affecting me.
As I was on my way to my locker on the other side of the school, I was walking past the library when the door suddenly opened with a bang. I let out a startled gasp and quickly lifted my arms in front of my face for protection. Fortunately, the wooden door missed my face by inches, making me thankful that I was walking slowly and taking my time.
"What the hell! Watch it, man! You almost slammed my face!" I exclaimed as I lowered my arms, slightly annoyed by the recklessness of this person.
The door closed and revealed the girl that was previously hidden from my view. Her hazel eyes were the first thing I noticed.
"Holy crap! I'm so sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone to be there, especially at this time," Leah spoke apologetically.
The annoyance somehow suddenly vanished from my mind as I realised it was the person who I was so nervous about approaching half an hour ago. I felt my legs weaken as the nervousness came back full force. "I-It's f-fine, I underst-stand," I stuttered out embarrassingly. Internally, I was imagining myself banging my head against the lockers opposite me because of my sheer awkwardness.
I saw recognition cross her eyes as she realised who I was. "Wait, Alyssa, right? Not Alex?" I gave her a small nod, knowing I would still be stuttering like an idiot if I spoke right now.
Her eyes perked up adorably when she knew she got it right. "Hey! Sorry about that again. I wasn't paying attention, and I really shouldn't be doing that, especially to the library door. Mrs Keener will kill me the next time I step in there."
Looking at her now, I realised she didn't have that air of unapproachability she had in the cafeteria, surrounded by her friends. Instead, I found myself relaxing and my nerves slowly disappearing the longer I stood there with her. Feeling like I could talk properly now, I spoke up. "I-It's fine, Leah. At least you didn't actually hit my face," I said, trying for a more joking tone.
She laughed as her eyes glinted with amusement, her hazel ones staring intently into my blues. "Yes, I'm very glad that didn't happen. We wouldn't want to ruin that beautiful face," she lowered her voice towards the end, letting a huskier tone replace her usual melodic sound.
My cheeks instantly flamed red as I registered her flirtatious words, not knowing exactly how to respond to that. I felt my hands get clammy again from all the attention I was receiving from her. I wished I had something witty to say back, but my brain had just shut down on me and refused to give me a good line that would present me as less of an awkward person than I already was. Damn those witty people and their smooth lines. So unfair.
Instead, I decided to change the subject, knowing this was my chance to return her jacket and redeem myself from my previously disappointing actions. "Umm, ah, I have your jacket from yesterday with me. I can give it to you now." I said as I ran my hand nervously through my brunette hair.
She looked at me intently for a few seconds as if in deep thought, tilting her head like a puppy, before giving me a bright smile. I wonder what she was thinking about when she was staring at me like that...
"Yeah, thanks! Glad I could help. My sister can be so clumsy sometimes. She's the family klutz, " she said jokingly, chuckling to herself.
I smiled warmly at her, glad I got the chance to talk to her without her other friends around. She seemed so unapproachable back there. But now, her friendly and open attitude has made me loosen up to the point where I felt like I could talk to her like I've known her for a couple of months, rather than a day. That rarely happened when I met new people, but I've never felt this comfortable this fast before. She's special.
I took the jacket out of my bag and handed it to her, already missing the intoxicating scent. Although, with her right in front of me and her alluring smell currently wafting towards me, I felt a bit better about it. "Here you go, thanks for letting me use it. I didn't have time to wash it yesterday but don't worry, it shouldn't have any stains," I reassured her.
"Thanks, and no problem. It is quite a comfy jacket, isn't it? You seemed to like it a lot. You even look good in it, better than I do. I'm kinda tempted to just let you have it..." she trailed off as she took a small, minuscule step closer to me. I froze in my spot as her intoxicating aroma became even stronger. I didn't know what to do. All I could do was stare into her hazel orbs and be transfixed by it, noticing even the small details of her small gold flecks that speckled across her forest green and warm brown irises.
She stepped back after a few seconds, giving me a soft, gentle smile. "I'll see you around, Lyssa."
As I watched her walk down the hallway, all I could think to myself was: She was talking about the jacket, right?