I glanced out my window every few seconds, waiting for Connor's car to show up. I had to leave soon or I was going to be late for school. I knew he was just dicking with me. He'd done it before after an argument we'd had a year before. He was messing with me to make sure I wouldn't disobey him the same way I had Saturday night. It made me feel more like a pet then a boyfriend, but I put up with it because I had to. If I was late to school though, my first period teacher would have my ass.

Finally, with only ten minutes until the first bell, Connor came around the corner and parked in front of the house. I grabbed my backpack and hurried downstairs, not wanting to give him the chance to come inside. My dad shouted me a goodbye that I ignored as I ran out the door. I met Connor halfway down the drive and he smiled. "Morning, Angel."

I mumbled a quiet greeting, but looked desperately at the car. "We have to go. I'm almost late," I said.

Connor chuckled like it was the least of my problems and we got in the car. The drive only took five minutes by car, but Connor was going slow, taking his time and talking to me leisurely. It was driving me crazy. We reached the school and I had two minutes before the bell. I opened my door, but Connor grabbed my arm, a warning look on his face. Slowly, I shut my door again and sat back. He brushed my bangs out of my face; I wished he wouldn't touch me. "Saturday night's outburst has been forgiven," he said. "But remember how you talk to me in the future. You know I'm all you've got."

I didn't look at him as I nodded. "I know," I said.

He smiled. "Good. Now get to school."

I got out carefully, but as soon as I was out of sight of the stairs I ran up the school steps as fast as I could. I didn't even stop by my locker. I made it into class and to my seat with just a couple seconds before the bell. I sighed in relief as I pulled out my stuff. My teacher was giving me a funny look, but I ignored him. As class started, I slumped into my chair and looked out the window. I could still see Connor's car as it pulled away from the school and disappeared down the street. He'd done it on purpose.

I didn't really pay attention in class, so when I was called on to answer a question I just gave the first thing I thought of when I looked at the board and hoped it was right. It's actually a very well working technique; Fifty/Fifty chance isn't bad. However, by the time class was over, I was falling asleep in my chair. I hadn't slept much the past two nights and it was taking a toll on my brain. I went to my locker to put my things away so I wouldn't have to carry them anymore and sighed in relief once the weight was off my shoulders. Lockers were made for a reason.

"Where were you this morning? We usually walk to school together."

I jumped at the sound of Ryan's voice and glanced at him. "Don't just sneak up on me like that," I grumbled, hoping I could worm my way out of an interrogation.

It didn't work and Ryan frowned. "You avoided my question," he said. "I thought we were going to walk to school together. Where were you?"

I hesitated, not sure what lie he'd believe. "I slept in. My alarm didn't go off, so I woke up late," I said confidently.

I saw hurt in his eyes over knowing I was lying and I looked away. However, he didn't call me out for my lie and simply shook his head. "Never mind," he said. "Anyways, I have to get to class. We're still on for after school, right?"

"Yeah," I said.

He nodded and waved as he hurried off. "See you later!" he called.

I waved back, but soon frowned. He'd seen right through me and the more he did that, the less I would be able to hide my episodes. But he knew I was lying and he didn't say anything. I couldn't help the crease that appeared on my forehead. People could only accept lies for so long before they caught on to bigger things and decided they didn't like the deceit anymore.

I walked to the rest of my classes with my head floating in the clouds. I didn't like lying to Ryan, but what else could I do? I couldn't tell him Connor was back. Ryan was a nice guy, too nice sometimes, and I knew for sure that he'd try to do something about it, which would get me in trouble with Connor. That was the last thing I wanted. When my last class ended, Ryan told me he'd be out in a minute and to wait by the school gates. He said it was something about having to talk to the teacher about an extra credit assignments.

I shrugged, but walked out of the school and leaned on the brick wall that surrounded the school's property. I'd wait as long as I needed. A day with Ryan would clear my mind and I would soon forget all about Connor and his threats. I watched cars go by and sighed. That's how my life felt sometimes. Just instances flashing by before being gone forever. It was a stupid analogy, but I kind of liked it and filed it away to remember for later.

Suddenly, there was a tug to my arm and I was pulled sideways into a kiss. I gasped and Connor let go, chuckling. "Thought I'd come pick you up," he said, pulling me close. "Now we can have that alone time."

We were in front of my school. I bit my tongue to keep from saying something I shoulder. "I can't. I'm... busy. Can't we wait until the weekend?" I asked, trying to contain my nervousness.

Connor frowned. "No," he said, his tone growing tense. "I gave you time already. Let's go."

He pulled me with him without giving me a choice and I glanced back. I didn't see Ryan anywhere and I felt my heart sink. I was going to leave him wondering what happened again. I doubted Connor would even let me text him. Maybe he'd let me run back in for forgotten homework then. I pulled my hand away. "Wait," I said. I opened my mouth to make an excuse, but Conner gave me a warning glance and I swallowed it back. "Yeah. I'm coming..."

However, just as I was about to follow him, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I glanced back and saw Ryan, an annoyed look on his face. He was glaring at Connor who had taken my arm again. "Who are you?" Ryan asked.

Connor narrowed his eyes. "I should be asking you that. What business do you have with my boyfriend?" he asked.

I saw Ryan's eyes flash with an instant of confusion and he glanced at me. I looked away, unable to face his gaze or contradict Connor's words. Ryan frowned and looked back at Connor, moving to stand in front of me. "You're obviously upsetting him, so please leave," he said firmly.

Connor's eyebrows drew together before he smirked. "So, you're the one. I knew he'd found someone," he said. "He's like a leech sometimes, you know?"

I felt a small lump in my throat getting bigger and I tried to walk around Ryan to stand with Connor. Ryan moved his arm in my way without even looking at me, refusing to let me near the man. "I don't know what you're talking about, but boyfriends don't usually call their partner something like that," he said. "If that's how you treat him, I don't think he's in good hands. So, back off."

"You don't know who you're messing with, kid," Connor growled. "Jacob, come here. Now."

I flinched, but didn't move. Connor's eyes sparked with anger. "Jacob-" he started, moving toward me.

"Leave him alone," Ryan said, clenching his fists. "He doesn't have to listen to you."

I shook my head. "Ryan, please," I begged. He was angering Connor and I would take the brunt of that anger.

Ryan glanced at me and he smiled. "You okay?" he asked.

Connor gave a small laugh. "You think you can just say that? You don't know anything. Besides, I'm the only one who cares about that kid," he said.

I contemplated running away, but Ryan seemed more confident than I. He narrowed his eyes. "I care. I care a whole lot more than you do," he told Connor. He raised his head high in a challenge and said, "And I'll show you."

The next thing I knew, Ryan had turned around and grabbed my collar, dragging me forward into a kiss. I froze, my eyes as wide as possible, heart practically stopping and exploding with fireworks. Ryan's eyes were closed, but I couldn't seem to close mine. I just stood there, horrified, but completely in love I couldn't function.

When Ryan finally pulled away, I was breathing hard and he pulled me in front of him, his arms going to hug me to him from behind. He glared at Connor and spoke in a low growl. "He's mine," he said. The words echoed in my head, bouncing around like loose change I couldn't quite seem to catch. My heart skipped a beat as I blushed, my eyes wide as I stared at the ground. Connor clenched his teeth, but to my surprise, he turned on his heel and got in his car, slamming the door and driving away.

I swallowed roughly and tried not to show how surprised I was. Ryan didn't release me until Connor's car was long gone. Then he finally loosened his hold and let me go. I didn't move away, or say anything, really. I just stood there, the confusion very evident in my eyes as they bore holes in the cement sidewalk. Ryan was watching me with a worried frown until he grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him. "We can't talk here," He said quietly. I didn't know what else to do so I let him lead me.

*******

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