Chapter 17

Marcel's POV

"Hey, are you okay? Yeah?" I said pulling her close in my arms to a hug "You good? Yeah? Everything good? Yeah?" I added but Tiana just suddenly burst into tears.

Watching her pressing her cheek against my chest with tears streaming down her face made me weak. I had nothing else to do but to hug her tightly close, until she finished crying and started to talk to me.

She told me about Miss Hiddleston's condition for her to cancel Tiana's suspension. Tiana felt really down and I felt sad too. I mean, I know she can do it but her nervousness is eating up her confidence and seeing her like this weakens me.

She's insecure, but what for?

Well, I guess today's not the right time for me to confess my feelings for her.

"Hey, that's okay," I sighed "You can do it, Tiana. I know it. With a 3.89 GPA and 152 IQ test score, you can definitely win the competition!" I said encouraging her as she sniffled a bit.

"But Marcel.. Toronto University students are highly intelligent kids.. Stanford kids are over the top! I don't think I can do it.." she said with less confidence as I pulled her in again closely.

We then sat on the bench as I held her tight in my arms. We stayed like that for a minute or two, just hugging each other with my arms wrapped around her shoulders, her arms wrapped around my torso and her head rested on my shoulder.

"Listen," I said "You can do it okay? Public speaking is your thing. You're best at this okay? Just remember, in every step you make, I'll be here thinking about you and wishing you good luck. I'll be here whenever you need me, okay? Want me to help you prepare tonight at my house?" I finished as she sighed and whispered to my ear.

"Thank you.. You're the best." she said sweetly and then pressed her lips on my cheeks for 3 seconds.

She kissed me.

She KISSED me.

"Uh-Uhm, l-let's head off to-to the principal's o-office," I stuttered as she chuckled.

God, I'm stuttering again! My nerd self is coming back on its tracks. But at least it made Tiana smile.

"You're so cute," she said smiling. "Well, I guess I should go to the principal's office now."

"I'll come with you," I said as she smiled and shook her head.

"You still have class. I'm excused." she said as I checked my watch and nodded.

"Okay, good luck!" I said and gave her one last hug as she headed down the office.

I watched her walk down the hallway. Her wavy brunette hair shining, her skin glowing-- she's perfect.. to me.

And maybe I still need to wait till next week before I confess my feelings for her but in the end, it will all be worth it.

I love Tiana Lynn Carter.

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