Naomi ~2

Tess approached the school, dreading another unpleasant school day as her phone buzzed in her hand. Theo's name lit up the screen. She sighed and answered.

"You don't give up, do you?" she said, half a groan, half a laugh.

"And you'd be bored if I did," Theo shot back, all smug ease.

She weaved past a pack of first-years, her voice dry. "What do you want?"

"To see you later. Come on, Tess, stop pretending you don't like me chasing you." Theo said back, his voice playful but with that teasing edge that had become increasingly familiar over the past couple of weeks. They'd been spending more and more time together—grabbing lunch, sneaking out together, hanging out after school. At first, it had felt easy, like a distraction she didn't know she needed. But lately, there was something heavier, a quiet push to spend every spare moment with him.

"Maybe I just like watching you embarrass yourself," she muttered, though a reluctant smile tugged at her mouth.

He laughed. "Harsh. So—after school?"

"I don't know. I've got to help Naomi with her campaign. She's up against Cook so she needs a lot of help if she wants a chance."

"School politics? Really?" Theo scoffed. "Sounds tragic. Come with me instead."

"Theo —" Tess started, but he didn't let her finish.

"You've been running around stressed all week. Don't tell me you wouldn't rather bunk it all off with me." His tone softened, teasing but with an edge.

"I'm not stressed," she lied flatly.

"Sure you're not," he said with a chuckle.

She was about to retort when a faint cheer rolled across the grounds. Tess slowed, frowning. "I'll think about it."

"Tess you're killing me here," Theo said, slipping into mock despair.

"Yeah, yeah," she cut him off, eyes narrowing toward the noise. "Something's happening. Gotta go."

She hung up before he could reply, shoving her phone in her pocket as the cheering grew louder.

A crowd had formed near one of the school buildings, and the noise grew louder as she approached. Students were craning their necks, pointing and laughing, some chanting something she couldn't quite make out yet.

Freddie stood at the edge of the commotion, his arms crossed and an exasperated expression on his face. Tess weaved through the crowd to join him.

"What's going on?" she asked, her stomach sinking slightly as the chant became clear: "Cook! Cook! Cook!"

Freddie jerked his head upward, and Tess followed his gaze. Up on the roof, Cook was pacing dramatically, arms outstretched, a massive red poster hanging on the side of the building- a big print out of Cook's face with the slogan 'Cook Forever' written at the bottom.

"Oh, god," Tess muttered,

Cook's voice boomed over the crowd. "I am Cook! Vote for me! Vote for non-stop partying!"

The crowd roared with laughter and cheers.

"Who's up there with him?" Tess asked, still staring in disbelief.

"JJ," Freddie said, his tone a mix of resignation and disbelief. "Think I lost him."

"What? JJ?" she asked, glancing at him like he must be joking.

"Yeah. Him too."

"Of course," she muttered.

Cook threw his arms in the air, grinning wildly as he basked in the crowd's energy. "Vote Cook! Or live a life of boredom and regret!"

Tess groaned, shaking her head as the chants of "Cook! Cook! Cook!" grew louder. Freddie gave her a sidelong look, his lips twitching into the faintest smirk.

"This," Tess said, gesturing vaguely at the chaos above them, "is why Naomi needs my help."

"You guys better do a good job cause I don't wanna know what would happen if he won" Freddie chuckled

Tess sighed "Why do people actually want him to win? I mean they're all over him and his whole campaign is just non stop partying"

Naomi appeared behind them, arms crossed and eyebrows raised, her voice cutting through the noise.

"Because apparently, free booze and chaos are more appealing than actual leadership. Shocking, I know." She said, glaring at the spectacle

Tess and Naomi walked towards the school, the noise of the chanting slowly drowning out

"So I was thinking posters would be good, do you want me to print out your face on massive posters and stick them all around the school?" Tess teased.

"I would kill you!" 

Tess saw Emily slowly making her way over to them but she noticed the way Naomi avoided her gaze, recognising something more going on she swiftly left the pair

"Although, I think someone else has made them for you already," Tess smirked nodding to the posters in Emily's hands before leaving the two to chat. 

-------

Tess sat at her desk, her fingers tapping impatiently on the table as Josie, her English teacher, shuffled through papers at the front of the room. "Alright, everyone," Josie said with a slight stutter. "I'll be assigning groups for the task. You'll be working together to come up with a presentation—research, ideas, all of it."

Tess sighed, trying not to look too hopeful as she waited for her name to be called. She didn't want to end up with someone who'd just waste time and make her do all the work.

Josie cleared her throat, glancing at her list. "First group—Freddie, Naomi, and Mathew."

Tess frowned. One solid trio gone.

"Next, Pandora, Katie, and Ari."

Another three crossed off. Tess's stomach dipped.

Around her, chairs scraped and voices murmured as names were called. People shifted closer together. Tess stayed still, waiting, a knot tightening in her chest with each group Josie ticked off.

"And finally..." Josie's eyes scanned the paper. "Tess, JJ... and Cook."

Tess's heart sank. Of course.

"No no no, Miss you don't understand I really don't think that's gonna work" She pleaded.

Josie just gave her an encouraging smile "Come on, Tess. You three might surprise yourselves. That's what this is about—learning to work together."

Cook turned in his seat at the sound of his name, grinning like he'd just won something. Tess refused to look at him, staring straight ahead.

"Looks like you're stuck with us," Cook muttered low enough for only her and JJ to hear.

"Brilliant," she shot back, flat and cold.

Josie started explaining the task, but Tess barely heard a word. She could feel Cook's eyes on her, steady, needling, and the silence stretched thick between them. JJ sat stiffly on her other side, clearly aware of the tension and desperate not to get caught in it.

When Josie finally gave them the go-ahead to start, Tess opened her notebook immediately, scribbling down bullet points with deliberate focus. If she kept busy, maybe she could block them both out.

JJ, shifting uncomfortably, broke first. "So, um... Tess. How—how's your week been so far?" He laughed nervously, the sound jittery and out of place.

"Fine, J." She didn't look up.

JJ hesitated, then tried again, words stumbling over each other. "And how's your—your, uh... y'know—"

Tess's head snapped toward him, her look sharp enough to cut. Shut up.

Cook let out a laugh. "S'alright I know about your dad anyways." His voice wasn't playful, nor was it mocking—it was cold, calculated. Tess's pen froze mid-air, the question hanging in the air.

"What did you say?" she snapped, her chest tight.

Cook didn't look at her, his gaze fixed on the desk in front of him. "I heard your dad's back in town. Thought I'd ask how you were feeling about it. You know... after everything."

Tess's stomach churned, her thoughts spinning. "JJ..." she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady, though she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

So that's what Cook's text was about.

Cook glanced up at her, his eyes narrowed. He didn't offer an explanation, just a shrug, like he didn't care whether she was okay with it or not.

JJ, who had been quiet up until now, looked over at Tess, his face going pale. "I—I didn't mean to—" he stammered, realising too late that he'd let something slip.

Tess's gaze flicked between them, a sudden realisation dawning on her. "Did you tell him?" she asked JJ, her voice sharp.

JJ's face was full of regret now, his hands fumbling nervously on the desk. "I—I didn't think... I just...I messed up, he asked me about you and it slipped out!.... I'm sorry, Tess." His words came out in a rush, and she could see how genuinely upset he was, but the damage was already done.

Tess felt her anger rise, her chest tightening. "What the fuck JJ" she hissed, her voice trembling with frustration. "You think I want him of all people to know?"

She sank back down into her chair, gripping her pen so tightly it might snap. Her notebook filled with furious scribbles as JJ sat rigid beside her, practically hyperventilating, and Cook lounged in his seat, eyes still on her.

The tension didn't ease. If anything, it grew thicker, suffocating, until every tick of the classroom clock felt deafening.

—---

Tess was leaning against a wall outside, watching the last stragglers filter out of school. She had her arms crossed, her bag hanging lazily from one shoulder, when Katie appeared, her heels clicking purposefully on the pavement.

"Alright, babes?" Katie asked, stopping beside her.

Tess sighed. "Not really. Today's been shit."

Katie raised an eyebrow. "What, because of Cook and JJ?"

Tess groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "Both. Cook's still a prick, JJ's apparently spilled stuff about my dad to Cook— but nah, I'm totally fine."

Katie barked a laugh. "Right. 'Cause you look so fine right now." She paused, nudged Tess with her elbow. "Anyway, fuck them. You coming to that party for this election crap?"

Tess finally looked at her, unimpressed. "Do I look like I wanna be surrounded by a load of sweaty drunkards chanting 'Cook for King'? Sounds like hell."

Katie grinned. "Exactly. Could be a laugh."

Tess snorted. "Tempting."

Katie tilted her head, studying her friend. "Speaking of nightmares... I completely forgot to tell you. I heard some stuff about Theo."

Tess's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. "Oh, god, here we go. What now?"

"I'm serious Tess!" Katie gestured wildly with her hands. "So I was in class, chatting to that chav girl, you know the one with the awful extensions? Anyway, she said her mate used to go out with this guy who's mates with Theo, and apparently—he's a total dick. Like, properly bad news. And then—" She leaned closer like she was dropping nuclear intel. "Leena swears Jack overheard his cousin's best friend talking about Harry Donalds. Remember him?"

Tess groaned. "Oh my god. Harry Donalds. I'd erased that minging little goblin from memory."

Katie clapped her hands once. "Well apparently there's allegations. Like—serious ones. And Theo's floating round with that crowd? Not exactly giving Prince Charming, is it?"

Tess tightened her arms across her chest, staring at the ground. "Brilliant. Cheers for the pep talk."

Katie sighed, exasperated. "Babe, come on. You've said it yourself he's been acting weird. Off. Not suddenly Mr Perfect, is he?"

Tess shrugged, fiddling with the strap of her bag. "He's not all bad. Sometimes he's— I dunno. He's funny, he's confident, he doesn't take shit. I like that."

Katie's eyebrows shot up. "Until he doesn't take shit from you. Then what? You're cleverer than this, Tess."

Tess shook her head, not wanting to get into it anymore. "I appreciate it, Katie but I gotta go. Theo's meeting me."

Katie's voice followed her as she started walking. "Just—be careful, alright? And seriously, think about the party. Wear something hot, forget he exists."

Tess half-smirked over her shoulder, shaking her head. But the words still stuck, sharper than she wanted to admit.

—----

Tess made her way across the green, spotting Theo leaning against a tree surrounded by a group of his friends. Her stomach sank. She was still trying to get used to the fact that he went to some posh private school, and it didn't help that his mates all looked like they'd never done a day's work in their lives.

She slowed her pace as she got closer, catching snippets of their conversation.

"Oi, is that her?" one of the boys said, nudging Theo. "She's fit, mate. Way better than the last one."

"God she was a mess." Theo smirked. "Tess actually has a brain."

Another boy, sprawled on the grass with a cigarette dangling from his fingers, snorted. "Yeah, but have you shagged her yet?" He said it like it was the only thing that mattered.

Tess felt her cheeks heat up, but she kept walking, pretending she hadn't heard.

Theo chuckled, but his response made her stomach twist. "Not your business, is it?" he said, his tone playful but with an edge. "But yeah, let's just say I'm doing alright."

Theo chuckled, but his reply made her stomach twist. "Not your business, is it? But... let's just say I'm doing alright."

The group laughed, and Tess reached them right as the sound burst out. Theo pushed off the tree, grin wide.

"There you are," he said brightly, sliding into host mode. "Guys, this is Tess." He gestured toward them like he was introducing some prize exhibit. "Harry, Elliot, Alfie, Jack. And over there—Sophia and Florence."

The girls glanced up briefly from their spot at a bench, their whispers barely concealed. Tess caught the words Roundview and rough before Sophia smiled sweetly.

"So...nice to meet you," Sophia said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

"Yeah you too," Tess replied flatly, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets.

The blonde girl turned back to her friend. "Interesting," she said sweetly. "Didn't think Theo was into girls like that."

Tess's eyebrow shot up at the comment, her tone sharp. "Girls like what, exactly?"

Sophia didn't even flinch, her smile widening as if Tess's reaction was amusing. "You know, just... different," she said, her words deliberately vague but cutting.

Harry, tall with that sharp jaw and cocky tilt to his head, squinted at Tess like he was piecing her together. "Wait—hold up. I know you. Didn't you go St. Mary's?"

Tess froze. Her eyes narrowed. "Yeah. I did."

That's when it clicked. He was the one Katie warned her about.

Harry's smirk spread. "You were friends with that Fitch girl, weren't you? What was her name... the one with the great tits?" He snapped his fingers, pretending to think. "Katie. Yeah, Katie Fitch."

Tess's mouth twisted. "Classy."

Harry grinned, unbothered. "Just saying. Small world, huh?"

The group snickered. Theo rolled his eyes but didn't exactly shut him down. Instead, he slung his arm around Tess's shoulders, pulling her close. "Ignore him. He's an idiot. Come sit."

She hesitated, glancing at the group. Jack and Alfie were whispering to each other, their eyes flicking toward her, while Sophia and Florence had gone back to their private commentary. The last thing she wanted was to spend more time with them, but Theo was looking at her expectantly, his grip on her arm firm but not forceful.

"Fine,"

She sat down next to Theo, his legs stretched out in front of him. Harry and Alfie were on her other side, while the girls sat a little apart, occasionally casting sidelong glances her way.

"So, Tess," Elliot started, his tone casual but laced with something mocking. "Theo tells us you go to Roundview."

"That's right," Tess said coolly, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Is it true what they say about that place?" Alfie chimed in.

Tess tilted her head slightly, feigning curiosity. "Oh? And what exactly do they say?"

Alfie smirked, leaning forward as if he were sharing some great secret. "You know... that it's a bit, uh... rough around the edges."

Elliot snorted. "Yeah, not exactly known for producing high achievers, is it?"

Tess smiled thinly, her words razor-sharp. "Is that what they say? Funny, because I haven't noticed any of you doing much thinking lately."

The group fell into an awkward silence. Elliot's smirk faltered for a split second, his eyes widening slightly as if he hadn't expected the bite in her tone. He quickly recovered, though, letting out a nervous laugh. "Ouch, touchy. Sorry, didn't know you were so sensitive."

Theo raised an eyebrow at Tess, a small smile playing on his lips. He glanced at his friends, trying to defuse the tension. "She's just messing around, lads. Don't take it so seriously." He put a hand on Tess's shoulder in a casual attempt to smooth things over.

Sophia and Florence exchanged a quick glance, their whispers ceasing as the energy in the air shifted. "God roundview is so not safe."

Harry laughed "Relax girls, Tess here just has a bit of self respect — Something you two are clearly lacking."

Florence's smile faltered, eyes narrowing. "At least we don't have to defend ourselves."

The tension coiled tight. Tess sat rigid, every nerve on edge.

Alfie nudged Theo, grinning. "Careful, mate. If you're punching too high, someone might swoop in and nick her."

Theo's grin stiffened slightly, his arm tightening around Tess's shoulder. "No one's nicking anything."

The air went thick, heavy. Tess shifted uncomfortably under his grip, eyes flicking between the group's smug faces.

"Right," Theo said suddenly, clapping his hands together. "I think we've had enough of your crap for one day." He stood, pulling Tess up with him. "Come on, let's head back to mine."

The boys whooped and whistled as they walked off. "Don't do anything we wouldn't do!" Jack hollered, laughter trailing after them.

Tess shot a glance back over her shoulder, her expression icy, but said nothing. Once they were out of earshot, she exhaled sharply, pulling her arm free from Theo's.

"Your friends are a delight," she muttered, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

Theo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They're just messing around. Don't take it so seriously."

"Right," Tess said flatly, her pace quickening. She wasn't sure what she hated more—his friends or the fact that he didn't seem to care.

-----

Theo's house was quiet as Tess stepped inside, a bit of the tension from earlier still lingering in her chest. She followed Theo into the hallway, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the large, polished space. The house was much nicer than she remembered.

"Stay here for a sec," Theo said, glancing back at her. "I'll be right back, just need to grab something."

Tess nodded and watched as he disappeared up the stairs. Left to her own devices, she wandered toward the living room, the scent of freshly baked bread lingering in the air from the kitchen.

The mantle caught her eye. There were several frames lined up, most of them of Theo and his brothers as a child—with the same mischievous smile. Tess found herself studying one of the baby photos. A younger Theo, maybe five or six, smiling wide, holding a toy car. She couldn't help but smile at how different he looked—so much softer, like a completely different person.

As she lingered, lost in thought, a small voice behind her startled her.

"Hi. What are you doing in my living room?" the voice asked.

Tess spun around, her heart skipping a beat. Standing there, looking up at her with curious eyes, was a boy who couldn't have been more than nine or ten. He had messy brown hair, and held a toy rocket in his hand.

"Oh sorry... I'm Tess, your brothers friend" Tess said softly. 

The boy grinned, clearly pleased with her response. "I'm Henry. Theo told me I wasn't allowed to bother you, but I thought you seemed nice enough."

"Nice enough?" Tess raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "What makes you say that?"

Henry shrugged nonchalantly, his wide grin never faltering. "I dunno. You don't seem all stuck-up like the other girls. Plus, you're talking to me."

Tess smiled, genuinely amused by his bluntness. "Well, I don't exactly have much of a choice now, do I?"

Henry's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Guess not," he said with a grin, and then he added, "So, are you like... dating Theo?"

Tess let out an uncomfortable laugh "Umm I wouldn't call it that but-"

Henry nodded seriously. "I get it if you didn't want to. I mean don't tell him I said this, but he's kind of a dork."

Tess laughed, amused by his bluntness. "I'll keep that between us," she said, giving him a wink. "But maybe I'll tell him a little bit, might keep his ego in check"

Henry's eyes lit up "I know how to fix that! I know all the embarrassing stuff."

Tess raised an eyebrow. "Oh, do you now?"

"I do," Henry said, bouncing on his toes. "I know about the time he—"

Before he could finish, Theo appeared at the door frame, holding a bottle of something in his hand. He glanced at Henry, his face softening. "Henry, I told you not to bug her."

Tess grinned at the younger boy. "I don't mind."

Theo rolled his eyes and walked toward them, shaking his head. "You're not making things easier for me, you know?"

Henry just shrugged, completely unfazed by his older brother's words. "I'm just telling her what she's got herself into."

Theo laughed and ruffled Henry's hair. "Yeah, well, keep your embarrassing stories to yourself for now."

"I'll tell her everything later," Henry teased before dashing off toward the kitchen.

Theo sighed, muttering something under his breath before turning back to Tess. "Sorry about that. He's a pain."

Tess chuckled softly. "He's cute."

Theo gave her a sideways glance. "Oh, I see how it is. Now I'm the boring one."

"Just a little," she teased.

Theo reached out and gently tugged her toward the stairs. "Come on, let's go before he comes back."

"Lead the way," Tess replied, smiling as she followed him.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Theo stepped toward her, his earlier carefree demeanour now replaced with something a little more intense. He reached for her hand, pulling her closer until their lips met in a kiss that was rough and urgent.

They didn't need to say anything—Theo's hands were already tugging at the fabric of her shirt, pushing her backward onto the bed. Tess pulled away for a second, breathing heavily, looking at him with a mix of frustration and desire.

"You good?" he asked, his voice low and sincere.

Tess met his gaze, feeling a knot twist in her stomach, but she smiled. "Yeah," she murmured, "I'm good."

They didn't speak much more after that, their bodies filling the quiet space between them with more than just words.

------

Tess left Theo's house in a strange mood. She couldn't quite place how she felt, but something was off. He was sweet, most of the time, and way nicer than his mates, who were absolute wankers. 

Still, Katie's words haunted her. 

Maybe it was the way he kept nagging her to see him, the way he'd held her down on the bed more firmly than necessary, or how possessive he'd been around his friends—especially when he hadn't even stuck up for her when she felt humiliated.

Tess shoved those thoughts aside. She was hanging out with him tomorrow, anyway. She didn't have time to overthink it. They agreed to go to this party together—mostly about the election, but he insisted on coming. She wasn't sure why, but she figured it was an excuse to spend time with her...or to monitor her actions. What worried her more was the idea of him and Cook being in the same place. The last time that happened it hadn't exactly ended well. Tess could already picture the smirk, the smart arse remarks, the way Cook thrived on tension just to see how far he could push it. 

And then there was the other thing—Cook at school, always hovering at the edge of her vision. He'd even brought up her dad being back in town, like he got some twisted kick out of holding that over her. He'd grinned, smug and knowing, while she burned inside. Cook always liked having the upper hand—liked reminding her he knew things others didn't.

She wasn't sure what to make of it all. Maybe she was just overtired, overstressed, and thinking too much. After all, Theo was a good guy, right? 

But deep down, Tess couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she wanted to believe that more than she actually did.