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"Up and at 'em, Allie Cat!"

I groaned loudly as a pair of cold hands jostled my spaghetti strap clad shoulders in an attempt to rouse me. Swatting them away, I snuggled into my covers more, now covering my entire body. Somewhere in the background I heard my phone alarm going off, wailing Smoke on the Water. For a brief moment I wondered how long it had been going off for. "Go die," I grumbled when Paul commenced poking me in the side.

He faked a hurt gasp. "Allie!"

"I mean it. Go jump off a cliff. Hold your breath until you die."

"You're really not a morning person, are you?" he chuckled jovially. "And technically you can't kill yourself by holding your breath."

In the early morning, I didn't find his comment amusing in the least. "Why am I even alive?"

Heaving a quiet sigh, he patted me on the back. "I'll let you sleep in another half hour, but that means no shower. I don't know about you, but I like personal hygiene."

"I'm getting up," I grunted, throwing my covers to the floor. Luckily for me, Paul liked to keep his house at a constant, toasty seventy-five degrees. Sometimes at night it was a little too warm, but for the chilly mornings, it was perfect.

Respectably, Paul adverted his eyes away from me. It wasn't really necessarily, seeing as how I was wearing long cotton pajama bottoms and my tank, but it was still admirable. Now looking at him for the first time, I realized he was already dressed and ready to go. Like usual, he was striking in a pair of black slacks, a white dress shirt, and a cobalt colored tie that brought out his eyes.

"You'd think after two weeks, you'd be used to waking up early," he teased, a handsome smile growing on his masculine features.

"Whatever," I muttered crankily, dragging myself from the comfort of my soft mattress. Eerily resembling a zombie, I staggered across my room to the dresser in the far corner to collect a clean uniform. Paul watched me with an amused expression as I turned and stumbled to the door. "What?" I snapped as I brushed by him.

"Nothing. You're just funny."

I forced a smile. "Glad to be a source of amusement. Now get out of the way."

Laughing, he gestured for me to pass him with a wave of his arm. "Yes, your majesty. I kind of feel bad for Chris and Holly now..."

Opting to ignore his last comment about my parents, I headed straight for the shower. Yawning widely, I undressed myself, and twisted the faucet to a degree just below burning before stepping in. The water was freezing at first, giving me a nice wake up call. By the time I was finished scrubbing my body and lathering my hair, my hygiene as well as my mood increased tenfold. In fact, I was humming when I entered the kitchen twenty minutes after my grumpy awakening. Paul just smirked at me.

"Morning!" I chirped, making a beeline for the fridge.

"I see friendly Allie has finally emerged."

Nodding, I poked my head into the refrigerator, searching for the milk. Even after two weeks, I still had trouble figuring out where Paul placed it. Unlike normal people, he didn't buy gallons in the plastic bottles. No, he made it difficult and bought every single liquid he could in the cardboard, half-gallon boxes. Half-and-half, milk, orange juice, other types of juices, heavy cream... Literally everything. Finally locating the dairy product, I pulled it out and placed it on the counter. "Paul, can I have—"

"Allie, what have I said about asking me for things?"

Sheepishly, I turned to grin at him. "Right... I should just take. What yours is mine and mine is yours here."

He nodded. "Exactly. So have whatever you want."

"Okay," I mumbled, stealing a box of Reese's Puffs from off the top of the fridge. Eating Paul's food without paying didn't feel right to me. In fact, it made me feel a bit like a moocher. But I didn't exactly have a way of earning cash at the moment, so it wasn't like I could pay him back for anything.

"Do you want a ride to school today?" he offered, glancing up from the newspaper he'd randomly picked up from off the table.

Seeing a man his age reading a newspaper came as a strange sight to me. Paul acted a lot more mature than most men his age. "No, thanks," I responded after my initial reaction to his activity choice.

"Since I leave early, I hardly think anyone will catch you riding with me—"

"It's fine," I assured him. "I'd rather not take the chance. No offense. But some of these girls are really in love with you." Grimacing, I remembered the first day of my second week. Rumor had spread I was in the piano section, and everyone wanted to know what I thought of the teacher and what he was really like in class. Not wanting to lie, I'd mentioned I thought Paul was cute and friendly, and immediately received some death glares. There is no limit to a young woman's jealously. "Yeah, definitely rather be safe than sorry."

A slight pout came onto his lips. "But it's getting colder out..."

"I'll just wear a heavier jacket," I promised, waving him off. "'Sides, you literally live five minutes away."

"Fine, fine," he said dismissively. "I have a quick teacher's meeting this morning, so I'm going to take my leave now."

"Aren't you going to eat breakfast?" I asked, sounding a bit too much like my mother.

Nonchalantly, he held up a to-go mug, probably filled with coffee. "I'm all set, Mom."

Rolling my eyes, I went back to pouring my cereal. "Never mind. Get out of here."

"See you later, Allie Cat."

"Oh, Paul?"

He paused, turning back at me with curious eyes. "Yeah?"

"Go get those high school girls, tiger," I said with a wink.

A light blush dusted his face and he scowled at me. "I don't... I wouldn't... I'm only twenty," he muttered defensively after a moment.

I laughed, turning my back on him. "Have a good day."

Twenty minutes later, I was trudging into the school's towering gates, my cheeks flushed a cherry red from the cold. Weezer blasted from my headphones, canceling out all other noises. Other students were driving through them in their fancy automobiles with names I would never be able to pronounce. Someone honked, the sound cutting through my music, and startling me. I glanced over my shoulder to see Oliver driving by me in a Mustang. I smiled wryly. It must be really nice to have money.

"Oh," I said with sudden realization. Why hadn't I thought of it earlier? The one surefire way of earning money, was acquiring a job. Grinning, I made a mental note to find some neighboring shops to apply to.

Instead of going through the main entrance to the school, I cut around to the path that led around to the furthest entrance. I'd learned it was much easier to walk around the building to the staircase that led to my homeroom than through it and have to try to dodge the many students loitering about in the halls. Not to mention I enjoyed the last moments of alone time I had to myself. As soon as I entered the school building it seemed one of my new found friends attached his or herself to me immediately. Not that I really minded. I was actually over enthusiastic about the fact I'd managed to make friends so quickly.

My iPod switched over to She's Got You High by Mumm-Ra, and I just began to click the volume button up when a familiar silhouette entered my vision. Immediately I yanked my headphones out of my ears, hastily stuffing them into my pocket as I eagerly increased my pace, opening my mouth to call out to the young man. "Hey—"

When my gaze landed on the blood tricking from the right corner of his mouth, I cut myself off, my steps coming to an abrupt stop. Worry replaced my excitement and I began jogging toward him. "Elliot! What's wrong?"

His eyes snapped toward be, burning in anger. Once more I stopped dead, surprised by their intensity. "Go away," he yelled.

"I..." This was new. Even if Elliot acted like a total asshole to me every day, and acted like he didn't like my presence around him, he'd never yelled at me. Not once. Over the past two weeks, I'd actually thought he finally started thinking of me as a friend. Instead of feeling hurt, I grew angry. "Go away? Who the hell do you think you are—"

Another student stepped out from around the corner, swinging his fist toward Elliot. My jaw dropped as I took in the scenario. A fight. I'd walked into a fight. Against my rational feelings, a thrill of excitement shot through me. Sometimes my dad would tell me stories about how he used to be in a gang. Of course, I never believed him, but he had a rather good imagination when it came to describing fights...

But I also knew it was bad.

But I also knew it wasn't my right to step in.

The two men in front of me began to duke it out, taking no further note of me. I studied the young man going against Elliot. He seemed familiar, but I couldn't place his face. His rather feminine face that matched his feminine physique. And it didn't exactly help that his blonde hair was long enough to be tied up into a short ponytail at the back. The only thing assuring me he wasn't a girl, was how flat his chest was, and the slight masculine features on his face, like his chiseled jaw. The phrase pretty boy wafted through my head.

Chewing my lip, I debated with myself about what I should do. The more rational part was screaming at me to find a teacher and report it, but I figured Elliot wouldn't be too happy about that. Could I just walk by and pretend I hadn't noticed? That way they could still have their little dispute and I wouldn't be interrupting anything? It was worth a shot...

As to not attract attention to myself, I hunched my shoulders and lowered my head, slowly slouching around the building. Judging by the looks of the brawl, the two men were pretty evenly matched. I silently wished Elliot luck. Hopefully he would come out victor... For the third time that day, I came to a sudden halt. Ahead of me, another student had stepped out from around the corner. This young man wore his sandy colored hair short, and his figure was a lot more built than the other unfamiliar face. It didn't take long to realize it was two against one, the one being Elliot.

I frowned. That was so not fair.

Hesitating, I thought about going around the other way, but I realized there was no way I'd leave Elliot here alone if it was two against one. Clicking my tongue, I came to the conclusion the best way to end this was to announce my presence. I mean, who fought in front of a girl? Tromping toward the three now in all out brawl mode, I came as close as I dare before clearing my throat.

Nobody turned.

The blonde guy grabbed Elliot's arms, wringing his limbs around to his back painfully. I grimaced, watching Elliot's face twist in pain. Now the second guy stepped forward, raising his fist threateningly.

Well, I guess my dad hadn't taught me how to fight for nothing.

Rushing forward, I tapped the shorthaired man on the shoulder. The moment he turned to face me, I punched him straight in the face. Taken by surprise, he stumbled backwards, and I managed to land a second blow.

"What are you doing?" I heard Elliot cry from behind me.

"Helping your ass," I snapped back at him, stupidly turning to face him.

His eyes widened. "You idiot, turn around!"

Casually, I twisted back to face the young man I'd just punched twice. I blinked innocently, holding my palms face up. "You wouldn't hit a girl, would you?"

"Not this time," he growled at me, clenching his fists. "But if you punch me again, then I won't think twice."

"Oh, you're such a gentleman."

He shot me a sarcastic look before turning to Elliot. "We'll finish this later. Come on, Peter."

Peter, the blonde, scowled and released Elliot. "Whatever. I can take a guy that needs a girl to come to his aid whenever."

"I didn't come to his aid. I just happened to be passing by and noticed two douchebags ganging up on one guy," I informed him calmly.

The two offending men shared a quick glance before shaking their heads and walking away. As soon as they were out of sight, I wrinkled my forehead and shook out my fist. "Ow."

Wiping the blood from his lip, Elliot scowled at me. "You're a grade-A idiot, you know that?"

"Actually, I like to consider myself a grade-A friend."

"I didn't need your help."

"I never said you asked for it."

He stared at me quizzically for a moment. "What...? Never mind, don't do that again. Now they're going to think I can't take them on by myself."

"Well, I suppose you're going to prove that after school, aren't you?" I said, flexing my hand a few times. "I won't be there to stop them, so you guys can have as much fun as you want."

"If you don't care about later, why did you step in now then?" he demanded.

I frowned at him. "I saw my friend being bullied. Of course I'd step in."

"First of all, I was not being bullied. That's called a fight. Something I like to do," he clarified for me brusquely. "And second, you're not my friend."

"One of these days you're going to hurt my feelings..."

"I don't care."

Now it was my turn to scowl. "You're a jerk."

Rolling his eyes, he headed toward the school building. "You're just realizing this now?"

"No, but I just felt like stating it," I expressed, falling into step next to him.

"Let me see your fist," he ordered abruptly, holding out his hand. Without waiting for my permission, he snatched my hand and examined it briefly. "Your knuckles might bruise. Go to the nurse and get some ice."

I blinked at him. "Aw, you care about me—"

"Just tell her you tripped so she won't know you've been fighting," he cut me off. "And don't follow me at lunch today."

"Okay, I'll be there," I teased with a grin. No matter how hard Elliot tried to be a bad guy, I couldn't help but see the good in him.

With an aggravated groan, he hurried the rest of the way into the school. I strolled leisurely toward it, my blood still pumping from the fight. If it was considered a fight. Chuckling, I wonder what my dad would say. While he was off playing imaginary gang, I'd actually punched someone.

Later on that day, in English, Aspen decided to bring up my little grapple. A wide grin appeared on her face as Mr. Tucker allowed us to have the rest of the period to ourselves as he finished up teaching a short lesson on etymology. "So," she began, nearly shaking in her seat. "I heard you got in a fight earlier."

"Er... where did you hear that from?" I questioned, trying to play clueless.

She gazed across the classroom, where a familiar sandy-haired student was seated. Our gazes met and an awkward chuckle escaped my lips. So English class was where I recognized him from. My chuckle turned into a sharp bark of laughter as I noticed the bruise on his cheek. He immediately scowled at me.

"So it's true!" Aspen cried in a whisper.

"It wasn't exactly—"

"Geez, Allie, you're so badass," she commented, grinning like a maniac. "I always knew I wouldn't regret becoming friends with you."

I smiled at her. "I only did it because he and his friend were ganging up on Elliot."

Aspen stared at me admirably. "Standing up for a delinquent? You have balls, Allie."

"It's not really..." As modest as I tried to be, I couldn't help a silly grin from slipping onto my face. "It felt pretty awesome to punch him."

"I'll just pretend I didn't hear that," an amused voice stated from above me.

Both Aspen and I both turned our heads up to see Mr. Tucker staring down at us, an eyebrow cocked. My expression immediately became sheepish while Aspen blushed. "Thanks," I mumbled quickly.

"I'd watch how loud you talk about these things ladies," he continued, lowering his head and then his voice. "But honestly, it's nice to see someone beating up the bullies." With that, he moved on, walking over to Joey, who was waving him over.

Aspen gazed after him dreamily. "He's so—"

"The guy I punched is a bully?" I asked, cutting her off.

Pursing her lips, she crossed her arms. "How are you not affected by that sexy thing?"

"It's not like I don't find him attractive... I told though, I just don't find dating teachers to my liking," I explained for what felt about the hundredth time. "In fact, I don't feel like dating anyone. For a long time."

She furrowed her eyebrows. "Why?"

"I'll tell you if you answer my question."

"Yeah, he used to pick on this one girl Sarah all the time. She transferred out eventually. And now he picks on all the freshmen. Like, all of them. But they're all too scared to report him, so he never gets in trouble. The teachers hear things, but never see things. And also, he beat up a couple underclassmen last year. Got suspended three times... The list could go on for awhile."

I glanced back at him, narrowing my eyes. "So why is he still at this school?"

"His parents are loaded."

"Society is so corrupt."

"Amen, sister. Now your turn to answer."

Nodding, I leaned back in my seat. "Ready to here my tragic story of woe?"

"Yep, I've got tissues," she responded, gesturing blindly to Mr. Tucker's desk where a box of tissues lay.

"I'm going to save you the gory details, so I'll give you the short version," I told her, feeling my stomach twist. Since school began I'd barely had any time to think about my ex-boyfriend. In fact, I'd almost forgotten about him. But it would be nice to get something off my chest. "We dated for two years, had the whole love thing going on, and then he dumped me for another girl."

Aspen's eyes widened. "He cheated on you?"

"No," I said, shaking my head. "Sam wouldn't cheat on anyone. He's a sweetheart."

"But..."

"Well, it's better isn't it?" I said glumly. "Better to break up with me and then get with her than to get with her while still dating me?"

A frown flittered onto Aspen's face. "Still, it's kind of a dick move."

I laughed dryly. "Yeah. I haven't talked to him since. He said he wanted to be friends, but you know, that hardly ever works. Especially when you love someone so much and then they go and break your heart. As cheesy as that sounds."

"No, I understand completely," she responded, nodding eagerly. "I'm surprised you don't sound more angry."

"I'm mostly over it..."

Reaching across my desk, she patted me on the hand. "You'll be over it entirely soon. Once you realize how much of a stud muffin Kyle is."

"Mr. Tucker," I corrected her, grinning. "Geez, Aspen, are cute guys all you can think about?"

"Better than thinking about some scum of an ex, right?"

"Well, I guess you're right," I agreed with another laugh. Shifting my eyes over to Mr. Tucker, I took a moment to appreciate his build. "He is pretty attractive."

"He's got a nice ass."

My eyes dropped lower on the English teacher automatically and I felt my cheeks burn. "Aspen!"

She blinked at me innocently. "What? I'm just stating a fact."

Still blushing furiously, I focused my attention to the blunt tip of my number two pencil. As much as I hated to admit it, Aspen was right.

He had a really nice ass.

___________________________________________

A lot of people have been asking me if Allie ends up with a teacher, but I just want to say I haven't decided yet. It could end up being that way, but who knows? I'm not going to give a definite answer because I'm not sure. And a lot of people have been asking me why another student/teacher story. I just want to say, if this were to become one, that it's what I'm known for :P Obviously. And who hasn't had a fantasy of wanting a hot teacher? Sadly, I've never had one... which is a good thing, I suppose. Otherwise I probably would never have written a student/teacher story. Because that would be awkward. Sooo awkward lol.

I suggest you go listen to She's Got You High. Such a good song. And watch the Supernatural video I made xD To the right.