When I'm With You Chapter 8
	“Umm… you guys, excuse me for a sec.” Toni said as she got up from her seat. She was about to leave as Mark held her hand. “Where are you going honey?” he asked, looking up at her. She looked a bit annoyed. “To the ladies room, cookie. Why? Do you want to follow me there as well?” she asked. A tiny hint of sarcasm filled her voice. All of the others laughed except for Mark, who just smiled as he watched her walk away. Shane looked at him and instantly saw the hurt in his eyes. Nicky, Kian and Bryan were busy talking about the latest movie that they had just watched in between eating their lunch. They were in a restaurant, and the other girls, Anya, Jannica and Camille were chatting about how great the new-year party was. Georgina on the other hand couldn’t make it. Nicky said that Georgina had to go somewhere with her father. “What’s wrong mate?” Shane asked before taking a bite on his sandwich. “Nothing’s wrong.” Mark said, sipping on his drink. “Feehily, I see it in your eyes. Something’s up between you and your girl.” “My girl has a name Shane and her name is Toni.” Mark said, irritated. “Sorry! I forgot! I just met her two days ago so don’t get angry if I’m forgetful!” Shane said, rolling his eyes. “Okay, something IS wrong.” Mark said, unable to keep it in. Shane remained silent, waiting for him to continue. “She hasn’t been herself since New Year’s Eve.” Mark said, sighing. “Maybe it’s her New Year’s resolution.” Shane joked. Mark didn’t even look slightly amused. “She’s been pretty out of everything Shane. She doesn’t feel comfortable around me anymore. She’s so stiff and uneasy whenever I touch her. There are times I’d kiss her and she’d kiss me back like mad then all of a sudden she’d pull away.” Mark complained. “Mark, New Year’s Eve was just three days ago. Three days! Maybe it’s just a phase she’s going through. Who knows? Maybe it’s that time of the month!” Shane whispered, making Mark laugh a bit. “You’re right. I’m being paranoid.” he said, shaking his head. As if on cue, Toni came out of the rest room and started walking toward them. She was sitting in between Mark and Nicky, which was all by coincidence. She took her seat, and Mark suddenly took her hand from under the table and held it. He moved his chair closer to hers. “You know, I was hoping to hear something from you over the phone earlier when I told you I love you.” he whispered. Toni blushed and squirmed in her seat. She just smiled at Mark. “I love you.” he whispered, making her heart pound harder against her chest. “Umm… I…” she began. Mark looked at her, anticipating the words he so wanted to hear from her. Toni suddenly leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “Maybe she isn’t sure of what she feels just yet.” he thought, disappointment filling him. Toni was still looking at him as she reached for her glass of water. She suddenly gasped, and turned to her left. “I’m sorry!” she said. Instead of getting her glass, she accidentally took Nicky’s hand, which was placed on the table. “It’s okay.” Nicky said, laughing softly as she quickly took her hand away. “God, he’s so gorgeous when he’s laughing.” Toni thought as she watched Nicky’s eyes as they sparkled. Nicky smiled at her, and she just had to look away abruptly. It was awkward looking into Nicky’s eyes while Mark continued to hold her hand. Toni looked at her almost untouched plate filled with food in front of her. She couldn’t bear to look at Mark when her heart was crying out for Nicky. She tried to eat even if she didn’t want to. It was all she could do to prevent herself from reaching out to hold Nicky’s hand. It felt like heaven as she felt the softness of Nicky’s skin. For the whole time they arrived at the restaurant, Toni couldn’t stop herself from sneaking and stealing glances at Nicky. “So, what do you guys say? Should we go to the beach later after this?” Shane asked everyone. There were murmurs of approval from everyone except for Mark. “I dunno. Maybe Toni and I could go somewhere else. We were already there yesterday. What do you think Toni?” Toni looked over quickly at Nicky and she saw that he suddenly had this sullen expression on his face. “Umm… I don’t think we should go. I mean, I still haven’t gotten the chance to know the others better…” she trailed off, looking at Mark. “…but, if you really want to go somewhere…” “No angel, we don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.” Mark said, smiling at her. “Well, you guys go on ahead. I’m kind of a third wheel anyway and I don’t want to get in your way so I’ll just leave after this. I have something important to do anyway.” Nicky told everyone. “Like what? Sit around and mope all day?” Kian asked inquisitively. “You don’t have to go. You can come with us. Besides, I’d love to get to know you better, just like I’d love to get to know everyone else.” Toni said, suddenly regretting that she did. It was so obvious that she liked Nicky so much. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Nicky said, looking at Mark. Toni looked at Mark and saw that Mark had an annoyed expression. She nudged him slightly at the ribs. Mark got the message and changed his expression, much to his dislike. “Oh, come on Nicky. Look, you and G used to make me go around with you guys at times so it’s your turn to come along with us now.” Mark said. “Well… yeah, okay. If you insist!” Nicky said, smiling at Toni and Mark as all five of the lads started digging into their pockets to pay for the bill. “If only you knew what you’re asking for, Mark.” Nicky thought. Shane and Camille stood up, hand in hand, followed by the rest. Bryan draped his arm around Jannica and planted a kiss on her cheek. Kian slipped his arm around Anya’s waist. Mark and Toni just walked out of the restaurant side by side with Nicky following them behind. Mark was about to reach for her hand when she gave him a look. Mark raised his left eyebrow as if to ask her why. She looked at Nicky and looked at Mark again before she glanced away. Mark understood and called Nicky, letting Toni walk ahead. “Come here you!” Mark said, putting his arm loosely around Nicky’s shoulders and wrestling with him playfully. Toni smiled wryly to herself. If Mark knew that she was starting to fall for Nicky, he would’ve wrestled him for real and probably broken Nicky’s neck for sure.
			Chapter 9