I didn't speak with Paul after that, giving him the silent treatment when he tried talking to me back at home, and even during the dinner I cooked. He tried to make conversation, but I wasn't in the mood to talk to him. After all, he was a hypocrite, making out with my Public Enemy Number One. Why did he lie to me? Was he too much of a coward just to tell me the truth? Every time the moment flashed through my head, a new wave of nausea washed over me. Why Olivia?

"You're jealous," Aspen announced the moment I told her about what'd happened with Paul and Olivia. We were sitting in English class, and I gestured for her to lower her voice. "You're jealous, and you don't even know it."

"Jealous?" I repeated. "Of what? Last I checked, I've had no urges to kiss that blonde bimbo."

"Not of Paul," Aspen corrected, rolling her eyes. "Of Olivia. You're jealous that she kissed Paul."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Why should I be?"

"Because you like him."

"I don't like him like that."

"Then why do you care if he kissed Olivia?" she challenged.

I stared at her. "Because Olivia's a bitch. Duh."

"What if I kissed him?"

My mouth opened, but whatever words were at the tip of my tongue disintegrated. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, I'd be angry if Aspen kissed Paul, even if she is my friend. In fact, I'd be more annoyed. "That doesn't prove anything," I said offhandedly.

Aspen smirked. "Sure it does. That you like him."

"No, I don't."

"Oh, you definitely do. It's a good thing you two live together. You'll have all the time in the world for... certain activities."

My cheeks flamed and I scowled at her. "He's a family friend."

"But he's not family, so it's legal."

"I don't..."

"Oh, come on," Aspen said, frowning now. "Think about it for a moment. He's cute, isn't he?"

"Yes, but—"

"And nice."

"Yes, but—"

"And rich and famous," she pointed out.

I sighed. "Money doesn't matter to me. Besides, you wouldn't know he was rich if he didn't mention it because he doesn't act like it."

"Well, see? Those are some good qualities in a guy. And I mean, he definitely likes you."

Surprised, I glanced at her. "Why do you say that?"

"You're hot."

I laughed. "Nice."

"But seriously," she started again, all humor gone. "I'd reconsider this date with Kyle if you feel so jealous about Olivia and Paul. Obviously he's not the one you're into."

Rubbing my forehead, I exhaled slowly. Kyle was writing something on the board, and I assumed that we were supposed to write it down, but I didn't feel like it. "I like him fine."

"Uh-huh."

"Do your work, Aspen."

"Do your guardian, Allie."

After shooting a glare at her, I pulled out my notebook and decided to copy down what was on the board. At least it would distract me from Aspen. Who was smirking to herself. So what if I was jealous of Olivia? Anyone would be. Paul was very handsome. It was just annoying how it seemed that we were getting along fairly well, but it turned out he's already with her...

Which is why he didn't want her to see us at the ice cream place the other day. Another wave of nausea rolled through me and I closed my eyes, resting my forehead on my desk. How could I be so blind?

When the bell rang signaling the end of fifth period, I stayed in my seat, waiting for the rest of the class to clear out. Aspen gave me a knowing look when she walked by me and I half-smiled at her.

"Why so down, Allie?" Kyle asked when I came to a stop in front of his desk.

"Down?" I echoed.

He smiled kindly at me. "You can't hide your feelings too well."

"Oh," I responded. "Just... you know, life."

"Do you still want to do something tonight?"

"Of course!"

His eyes lit up and his smile grew. "Good! Are you still set on meeting me there? Or can I pick you up?"

The corners of my mouth curved up a little. "I'll still meet you there."

"Damn," he swore quietly. "Isn't it proper for me to pick you up though? You'll at least let me pay, right?"

"I was thinking we could split it..."

He laughed. "That's not a date. That's a dinner among friends."

"Well, aren't you a gentleman?"

"I am."

I glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing I had two minutes to get to piano lab. "You don't happen to have any papers that need filing, do you?"

He tilted his head to the side. "I might, why?"

"I feel like skipping class."

"Is that an excuse to spend more time with me?"

"It could count as one," I said, more flirtatiously than I meant.

Kyle seemed incredibly pleased with my response. Pushing back in his chair, he opened one of the drawers of his desk and pulled out a huge stack of papers. "Well, these are quizzes that need to be graded... if you're up for that?"

"Totally," I told him, dragging a chair to the front of his desk so I sat across from him. "Thanks."

"No problem," he said, smiling widely again.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Kyle seemed completely earnest with me, and yet here I was, going on a date with him tonight, just to see what kind of reaction Paul would have. If Paul would even have a reaction. If he was dating Olivia, it wouldn't matter to him who I was dating.

Or shouldn't, rather. He could take his misgivings about students dating teachers and shove it, because he was doing that exactly.

"Hey, Allie..."

Pulling myself from my thoughts, I looked up at Kyle. "Yeah?"

His expression was troubled, his mouth twisted into a frown. My stomach shifted uncomfortably at it. After a moment he sighed and shook his head. "No, never mind. It's nothing..."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

My eyes narrowed in confusion, but I let it drop. My mind soon wandered back to the night before, and I scowled, violently crossing off answers that were wrong on the quiz I was working on. Hopefully tonight I could get some payback.

*

Kyle was already waiting at a booth near the front of the diner when I arrived at the restaurant, five minutes late. "Sorry," I apologized as I slipped into the cushioned bench across from him. "The rain kind of..." I gestured to my right, where the umbrella I'd been using lay folded up against the wood. "I needed to find one."

A flicker of amusement appeared behind Kyle's eyes. "I would've come and picked you up, Allie. You should've called."

"A little rain never hurt anyone," I responded. "I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you," he said with a small smile. Sliding one of the menus closer to me, he picked up his own. "How are you?"

"Hungry." And annoyed, because Paul hadn't once tried to talk to me when he'd arrived home from school. Maybe he was pissed about me skipping his class, but I didn't care. The silent treatment could go both ways, and I was already doing it first.

Kyle chuckled quietly. "Me too. So what's good here?"

After our waitress, Robin, took our order, Kyle and I immersed ourselves in small talk. Luckily Elliot wasn't working, so I wouldn't have to worry about his disapproving looks. Robin sent me a couple of knowing smiles, but I did my best to ignore her. She didn't know Kyle was my teacher, so she probably just assumed I was on a normal date.

Our food arrived, and at some point Kyle veered off into talking about his family, and how his seventy-five year old grandma still drove around on a motorcycle sometimes. He painted a very imaginative picture that had me laughing for minutes. For awhile I forgot all about Olivia and Paul.

"So has all the bullying stopped?" Kyle asked, once again diving into conversation when our plates were empty.

I frowned. "Bullying?"

"The notes and stuff," he clarified.

"Oh. Oh, yeah," I responded, cupping my hands around my almost empty cup of Pepsi. "It stopped after you caught Olivia in the act."

Kyle nodded. "That's good. Have you decided what piece you're going to do for the festival?"

"Yeah, Canon in C."

"That's a bit simple, don't you think?"

"I don't know... I like it. Mr. Russet said he'd help me with it. Although I'm not sure he's going to anymore," I added bitterly before I could stop myself.

"Why's that?"

Well, might a well see what Kyle has to say about it. "He's got his paws on Olivia."

Surprise crossed Kyle's features. "What?"

"Yeah, I saw them kissing."

If I didn't know better, I'd of thought someone slapped Kyle across the face from how offended he looked. "What?" he repeated.

I blinked at him. "Why are you surprised? Do you know how gung-ho Mr. Russet was about students dating teachers? Or rather, claims to be?"

"Yes," Kyle said sharply, startling me. His eyes were hard and his stance harsh.

Just then the diner door opened with the jingle of bells and I whipped around in my seat, eyes widening as Paul walked through the doors. I'd almost forgotten the whole point of the date. Twisting back to Kyle, I reached over and put one of my hands over his. "It doesn't matter, anyway. Olivia probably goes after every guy."

Kyle squeezed my hand, looking distracted. "I'm more surprised at Paul."

"You don't mind, do you?" I asked, sliding forward in my seat a little. "About teachers dating students?"

"Would I be here if I did?"

I smiled, my eyes quickly darting to the right, where Paul was standing, staring directly at me. His gaze switched from me to Kyle, and an angry frown set in place on his face. Kyle turned his head to look too, and his grip tightened at the sight of the other man. After a moment Paul came striding up to us. "What are you doing?" he demanded.

"What does it look like?" Kyle replied coolly.

Paul narrowed his eyes. "I know what you're doing."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. So get out of here."

"Mm, I don't think so," Kyle drawled.

Paul's hands clenched at his sides. "Listen—"

"Do you mind, Mr. Russet?" I interjected, my heart pounding in my chest. "We're on a date."

"A date?" he repeated skeptically.

Kyle gave him a suave smile. "Yes. And we were just on our way out, actually. Maybe back to my place, so if you'll excuse us..."

And I don't know if Kyle was trying to make him jealous too, but that line worked wonders, even if it made my heart seize up. Paul looked pissed. I only had a moment to revel in it before Kyle was tugging me to the door, and Robin was telling Paul his food was ready. For a brief moment I felt horrible about all of this— making Paul angry, using Kyle— but then I remembered Paul's hypocrisy and how Kyle seemed to be fine going along with it.

It was still raining when we stepped outside the restaurant. We stood under the sheltered part, bathed with light from the street lamp. Kyle frowned at the dark night. "Crappy night, huh?"

"Yep," I agreed, my heart still pounding. Part of me wished we'd dragged the scenario out a little more, but I didn't want to go too overboard.

"My words stand, you know..."

"Huh?"

Kyle nodded his head toward the parking lot. "You can come over if you want."

I froze for a moment. "Uh... I would... but it's a school night... so..."

"Oh. Right."

"Um, so, Paul's face?" I said, grappling for a topic change. "Funny how offended he looked when he was sucking face with Olivia yesterday."

Kyle's stance grew rigid again. "Yeah," he muttered darkly.

"Who knew he'd be interested in her?"

"Who could be interested in him?" Kyle retorted, his gaze locking with mine. His blue eyes were like ice. "An immature brat."

My mouth went a little dry. Obviously I didn't choose the right topic. "I thought you guys were friends..."

"Used to be." The muscles in his jaw were jumping. "What a joke."

I chewed on my bottom lip. What was he so upset about? Even if I was annoyed with Paul kissing Olivia, I wasn't that angry. More jealous that angry. "Maybe I should head home..."

The door to the restaurant opened again, and I didn't need to look to know it was Paul. But even if I wanted to look, I couldn't, because Kyle was suddenly standing way too close. I tried to put some space between us, but my back hit the side of the building, and then Kyle's lips were on mine, rough and forceful. I tried to protest, but all that came out was a muffled sound. My hands pushed against his chest, but he was like a solid wall. I don't know how long it was before he finally pulled away for a moment, letting me breathe. "Stop it," I tried to tell him, but before both words were out of my mouth, he was kissing me again, more possessively this time.

This time the kiss only lasted a few seconds. One moment his lips were still connected to mine, and the next he was forced away from me. I heard the sickening crunch of a fist connecting to a jaw and flinched, opening my eyes to see Kyle on the ground, nursing a bloody lip and Paul glaring down at him. "When a lady says stop, you stop."

Then Paul punched him again. "And give up with your stupid game, Kyle." Another punch, this time sending Kyle to the ground.

"Paul!" I cried, my eyes widening. "Stop punching him!" Crouching down next to Kyle, I looked at his lip that was most definitely split. "Crap."

"No, I deserved that," Kyle told me, wiping the blood off his face with the back of his sleeve.

"No you didn't," I told him.

"Yes, he did," Paul snapped, shoulders tense. "Don't believe anything he says. Olivia told me what's been going on."

My head swiveled back to Paul. "What? What about Olivia?"

"The other day, before she kissed me, she tried cajoling me into persuading the judges of the festival to let her win. When I told her no, she told me it didn't matter, because her only real competition was you, and that Kyle was taking care of you for her."

"Taking care of me?" I repeated. My gaze fell back to the man sitting on the ground. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Guess my game's up. I'm glad though."

"Glad of what?" I said shortly.

"I'm supposed to be distracting you," Kyle told me, sounding regretful. "She told me to make sure you wouldn't get a whole lot of practice time between the auditions and the competition."

I stared at him. "Which is why you agreed to this date..."

"In part," he admitted. "I like you Allie, but—"

"You like Olivia more," I deduced, my eyes widening. "You've been doing what she tells you."

"Yes. But I didn't know she's been two-timing me."

"Like you've been two-timing Allie," Paul said angrily. "You don't have any feelings for her, asshole."

"Paul—"

"No, Allie."

Kyle sighed. "He's right. I like you, Allie, but not like that. I haven't been trying as hard as I could to distract you, not that you should be any less upset with me, but I have been trying nonetheless. But the more I tried, the more I realized how genuine of a person you are."

"But you didn't know of Olivia's crush on me, did you?" Paul asked.

"I assumed she had a crush, but not that she'd act upon it." His voice was hard again. "I should've known that little snake was up to something."

Paul nodded. "After explaining her master plan, she kissed me because she heard Allie coming. She just wanted to stir up trouble."

"I'm sorry," Kyle apologized to me again. "I'm not going to lie. If Olivia hadn't kissed Paul, I would probably still be leading you on."

"That's okay," I told him, because honestly, it was okay. "I was using you too," I said in a lower voice.

He gave me a little smile, lowering his voice as well. "I know."

"You know?"

"It's obvious how much you like him."

A blush spread across my face. "W-what?"

"Don't lie. Tonight. You were trying to make him jealous."

"What?" Paul interjected. "What did you say?"

"Nothing," I snapped quickly. Were my feelings that obvious to everyone but myself?

Kyle shook his head, finally pushing himself off the ground. "Sometimes I wonder how guys get the bad reputation when girls are the real witches."

"Girls get bad reputations too. Like Olivia," I pointed out.

"You know how to get revenge on her?" Kyle asked, a smile growing on his face.

"How?"

He gestured toward Paul. "Use him, and smoke her in the competition. You do that, and I'll purposely fail her quizzes and tests."

I tried to frown at him, but all I could do was grin. "That's illegal."

"So?"

"I'll see you in class tomorrow."

"See you in class," he responded. "Unless you need a ride home...?"

Paul stepped in front of me. "I've got it. Get out of here."

"Sure," Kyle responded. "Makes sense, since you live together after all."

My eyes widened. "How did you know...?"

"That wasn't just any stalker you had a few weeks ago."

"That was you?"

"Not me, but someone Olivia knows," he told me, half-grimacing. "She's crazy. But don't worry, she thinks you're staying with that college kid."

I wordlessly nodded. I should've guessed.

"Well, see ya," Kyle called as he headed for his car.

Paul started walking in the opposite direction toward the front parking lot without a word. I stared after him for a moment, before convincing my feet to follow him. Keeping a few feet between us, I studied his back, noticing how his muscles were still stiff. What was he so angry about? It wasn't like it was him Kyle was fooling.

We both slid into the car in an uncomfortable silence, me going peacefully into the passenger's side. Paul kept the radio off on the way home, making it even more awkward. Then as we arrived back at the house, he slipped inside still without a word to me. Frowning, I followed him in. He headed straight for his bedroom. After kicking off my shoes, I tailed him, feeling nervous. He obviously didn't want to talk to me, but what was I supposed to say? Hey, sorry for thinking you kissed Olivia and being pissed about it? No, that wouldn't work.

"Um," I started when we reached his bedroom door. "Can I come in?"

"I don't care," he responded, opening it and stepping inside. He kept the light off, in favor for heading for his bed. After removing his shoes, he flopped down onto it.

I hesitated a moment before taking a seat on the edge of his bed. "So... interesting night."

"I don't understand you."

"Understand me?"

"Why aren't you pissed?" His voice was muffled by his comforter.

"Pissed about what?"

Rolling over, he frowned at me. "Kyle. He was using you. Leading you on. Trying to make you fail so Olivia could succeed."

"I don't know. Maybe because I have stunted emotions?"

"You don't have stunted emotions, Allie Cat."

Sighing, I fell back onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. "I think I do. Or something's wrong with me. I should be pissed, shouldn't I? I actually kind of liked him."

"You did?"

"Yeah, I mean, come on. He's hot."

Paul snorted.

"No, but he's pretty nice. I think girls can twist even the nicest of guys to douchebags. I've met a few in my life. My ex being one of them."

"Ex?"

"I've never told you about him, huh? We dated for a pretty long time, but then someone else came along, and blah blah blah. You know how the story goes. Once he starting seeing this new girl, he was a total douche. This thing with Kyle isn't as bad, so it's like whatever."

Paul shifted his position so that he was lying next to me. "What a jerk."

"Hey, I think this was the first time I've heard you swear. You called Kyle an asshole."

"I was just stating the truth."

"Mm..."

We lapsed back into silence, but this time it wasn't uncomfortable. This time Paul broke it. "You know I'd never kiss Olivia, willingly, right?"

"What?"

"I've told you before, I don't like her like that. She may be pretty, but she's a pretty ugly person on the inside. You don't need to be jealous."

"I wasn't—"

"Don't try to deny it," Paul interjected with a laugh. "It was written all over you face. And your attitude."

Blushing, I puffed out my cheeks. "So what?"

"So nothing. I think it's cute."

My heart skipped a beat and I glanced over at Paul. I could just barely make out his face with the moonlight filtering through the curtains into the room. "What?"

"And I have to admit, I was pretty jealous to see Kyle kissing you. More pissed that he did it without asking, but jealous nonetheless."

I blinked at him, amazed how he could admit to something like that so easily. "I'm sorry," I finally said. "Jeez, I was acting like a real bitch. Especially since you're not the one who kissed Olivia."

He chuckled, reaching a hand up to brush my bangs out of my face. "It's fine. It made me kind of happy to see you jealous."

"What? Why?"

"Hmm, I wonder why indeed..."

"Paul."

He made a big show of stretching and yawning. "Man, I'm tired. I think I'm going to hit the hay. Now go away so I can take off my pants."

I glowered at him, but rolled off the bed anyway. "Way to be cryptic."

He laughed. "Goodnight, Allie."

"Night," I responded begrudgingly.

"Allie?"

"What now?"

There was silence for a moment. "Personally, I think you'd make a great girlfriend. I don't know why anyone would choose someone else over you."

I paused, processing his words for a moment. Then I smiled. "Thanks, Paul."

"Anytime, Allie Cat."

________________

That awkward moment when you go to McDonald's to update because you don't have internet at your house and your cousin isn't home.... awesome. Oh well. At least it's close xD I don't even like McDonald's though. But yeah.

YAY UPDATE. Too bad I had serious writer's block. I have a lot to say, but I won't, since I'm at McDonald's... Graduation was fun. Now I get to start paying for my education yay. On another note, I'm now obsessed with the Avengers and every movie affiliated with it. Especially Thor since... well Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. Enough said.