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"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." —Dolly Parton

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Chapter 54
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Kade handed me the medium sized coffee as soon as I was inside. I thanked him with an abundance of gratitude. Since it was December, the temperatures outside were relentless.

"I got grilled cheese with bacon," he told me, handing me one of the plates.

I opened it, breathing in the delicious scent. I lifted the bread, dropping it when I heard Kade.

"I told them no eggs," he noted, nodding towards my plate.

He remembered.

I bit back a smile. "Thank you," I said to him. "This looks so good."

He nodded, starting the car up. My eyes ran over him carefully. I could sense something was off.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

His fingers tightened around the steering wheel. Other than that, it seemed as if he were in a trance.

"Kade."

I didn't receive a response. I decided to reach out, placing a hand on his arm.

I jumped in my spot as Kade reacted to my touch. He swung his arm away from me, retreating into his own space. His eyes were glossed over as he glared at me.

"What?"

I stared at him in shock. "Maybe you should pull over." Whatever was bothering him, I wasn't sure if driving was the best idea right now.

After I left dinner last night, I spent the entire night digging into BPD. I wanted to be able to understand a bit of his mind, to compare and contrast the information to him. I wanted to know.

I thought over it for a minute before asking, "Did something happen last night?"

His eyes remained ahead. "No," he responded with a curt voice.

I nodded, even though I didn't believe him. "Kade—"

"Kimberly," he snapped at me. "Just leave it alone."

I froze with shock. "I just wanted to know—"

Kade swerved the car into a different lane, his eyes narrowing at the road. "Did you ever stop to think that I didn't want you to know?"

He never met my eyes. Instead, he continued to glare at the road. I bit my tongue to stop myself from responding. Whatever it was, he could come to me on his own about it.

I recalled some of what I read: to leave them alone if they asked it, but to reassure and provide support if they asked of that, as well.

Whatever was bothering him had pulled him in, so I'd leave him alone until then. I'd seen some topics on a borderline's anger, at how it unleashed when constantly provoked. I wasn't going to do that to him.

I'd speak with Kade about boundaries in order to instill the respect on either side. If he felt like he was getting too close to the edge, a simple code word would ensue it. I'd do the same, since with my anxiety, there were days where seeing someone breathe too hard would send me into an annoyed frenzy.

The rest of the ride to school was silent. The tension was thick, but to stop my mouth from running, I ate my breakfast. I stared out the window, contemplating on what could have happened between yesterday afternoon, last night, and this morning.

My questions halted as we pulled into the school parking lot.

"I have to do something before classes start," Kade mumbled, stepping out. "You can finish your breakfast here."

I nodded. I watched as Kade walked to Luke and Levi, who soon looked at me. I averted my gaze immediately.

I wondered if they knew everything. They were his best friends, so that was a likely yes. Even though it was months ago, I remembered when Luke, in one of his temper tantrums, said that I ruined Kade's life. Perhaps, that was why he was so persistent on hating me. But, if Kade revealed our joint pasts to his friends, why wouldn't Levi share the same attitude as Luke?

Maybe Luke was just an ass naturally.

I chuckled at that, taking another bite of the sandwich. In order to avoid the pressing thoughts, I watched as the students went and passed.

A group of students turned in their spots, a moment later. The hairs on my neck rose in curiosity. I followed their gaze, my eyes widening once I saw her.

Amber.

My body froze for a minute, my mouth dry to the top.

What was she doing here?

I thought she would have been expelled for the extensive amount of times she'd been reported. At least that was how Mr. Collision made it sound.

I felt my hands tighten into fists. Her 'perfect' appearance was back to normal. As if she hadn't snapped on me for no good reason less than a month ago. At least I got my lick back, though.

I still remembered the crazed look in her eye when Kade placed himself in front of me. I wasn't sure what she got out of their time besides pleasure, but whatever it was, I didn't know for sure if Amber was dangerous or not. I wouldn't be taking any chances either.

Whatever she felt for him, the feelings weren't mutual. There was nothing that could be done about that. I just hoped that she could find it in her to accept that. He'd been sleeping with her for years, probably, and she never became his girlfriend. I'd been here for a couple months, and here we were. That wasn't my fault.

I stepped outside of the the car once I was finished with my breakfast. I dumped it in the trash, hauling my bag up onto my shoulder. I gripped the warm coffee a bit tighter as I entered the school.

It was a bit easier to coexist with my peers, but a large majority of the school still brought their conversations to a whisper when I passed them. Even with my earbuds in, I could see their lips moving since Kade wasn't around. I wasn't sure if it were about my relationship or Amber's return.

I headed to first period, and I anticipated every step. I knew Amber would be there with her group of friends.

Then, I remembered Maggie. She would be happy to knock a couple of their heads off just for entertainment. Kade had taught me a couple moves as well, so whatever occurred didn't spark that same type of fear they'd all grown so accustom to.

I stepped into the classroom. It looked the same as yesterday and the previous days before, except the tension in the room was thick.

You can do this, Kimberly.

I voiced my independence in my head. I chuckled as I realized how ridiculous I looked. I had just as much right as her to be here as any of them. To be happy. To be confident. To be in a relationship.

I held my head up as I walked to my chair. Amber glared me down, and before I could stop myself, I caught her gaze. For a minute, I froze. That was what I was used to. Except, I wasn't the same girl she met a few months ago.

Her expression dropped once I threw a glare in return at her. Fuck her.

A smile tugged at my lips as I continued to hold myself up, walking to Maggie. Placing my things down, Maggie watched me with a raised brow. I chuckled as she grinned at me.

"What?" I questioned.

Maggie propped her head on her fist, a smirk building across her lips. "Shit. I think you just made me swoon a bit."

I giggled at her. "You're ridiculous."

The pride in her eyes shone. "No, I'm just proud of my sister," she paused, eyeing the coffee on my desk. "And thirsty."

"Have at it," I nodded towards it, leaning back in my chair. "I'm just sick of people like her. Entitled little bitches."

Maggie shot me a look. "Jesus. You're even starting to sound like Kade."

I chuckled before rolling my eyes. "Whatever. She can stare and stare all she wants, but unless she touches me again, I could care less. She's not worth another suspension."

Maggie picked up the cup of coffee. "No way in hell she's touching you again after you knocked her ass into next year." She feigned a moan as she sipped the coffee.

I laughed at her. "Scratch ridiculous. You're something else."

Her eyebrow raised, taking more sips from my coffee. "What? The best girl you've ever known? A babe? A Kung-Fu master?"

"No," I snatched the cup from her. "Thirsty is more like it."

She chuckled. "Thanks." I nodded, then we both pulled out our books for the class.

"How do you think you did on the project?" Maggie asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I hope I did good, but if I didn't, I probably deserved it. Carter switched our papers so that he would take the fall."

As I searched the room, Carter was nowhere to be found. I remembered how Kade mentioned that Carter was in a rehabilitation center with Levi's sister, so maybe his absence had something to do with that.

"Yeah, I saw that," Maggie nodded. "By the way, do you have any extra pencils?"

I nodded, unzipping my bag. "Yeah, I got you." I handed her a couple.

I leaned down in my chair to zip the bag back up. As I raised myself up, I wasn't surprised when I caught Amber staring back at me. Maggie caught her, as well.

She scoffed, flipping a middle finger to Amber. "The fuck is she staring at? She's obsessed."

I couldn't help but chuckle at that, but felt my eyebrow raise at Amber. Her expression was sinister and vengeful.

"Ok class, eyes to the front," our teacher demanded, as if she was going to really put her all into the lesson today. "Phones away."

Everyone, including Amber, turned towards her. She flickered off the light as the lesson began.

"That was weird, right?" I whispered to Maggie, who was attempting to scoot my coffee closer to her.

"Mhm, she's a little bitch," she responded with a chuckle. "Little bitches talk lots of shit, but get knocked on their asses when the time comes. That's exactly what happened to her."

"Don't mind her," she added. "Like you said, she thinks that she's superior." Finally, she managed to grab my coffee again. Her fingers curled around the cup as she tilted it at me "Amber's like a lion, she hates who challenges her authority. Don't be bothered by her, she'll get over it."

I nodded, returning back to the lesson. Though, my mind was still on Amber. What Maggie said made sense to me. I could tell Amber didn't like being questioned or challenged, much like a lion.

I could only hope I wasn't the sheep.

***

I placed my things down in my fourth period class. I sat down, though I was eager to see Kade. A couple of hours of the day had passed, so perhaps that had a reflection on his mood.

Seconds before the tardy bell, Kade walked in. As usual, the girls' in the room watched him as he walked to his seat. Just his presence could make a girl drool.

"Hey," I greeted as he took a seat beside me.

Nothing, but a nod of the head. I sighed.

I chewed on my bottom lip as I reviewed the words in my head over and over again. Once I had it, I side-glanced him.

Slowly, I placed my hand on his. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm here for you if you need me to be. You can talk to me anytime, Kade."

It was quick, but I saw his blank expression break for a slight second. But, as quick as it came, was as quick as it left. Something in my words had gotten to him. Whatever it was, I hoped he could use that to open up to me about his problem.

Mr. Crawfield entered the classroom, hushing the students. "Electronics up class. It's time to learn." Half of the classroom groaned in union.

I took a chance to glance at Kade. His chiseled jaw was clenched under my stare, though his eyes were on the teacher.

"Remember what I said, okay?" I whispered the words to him so that only he could hear. "I'm here."

I wasn't sure what I expected this time. But, I was surprised when I felt Kade squeeze my hand in response. Still, he said nothing, but I wouldn't take that for granted. I squeezed his back, keeping my eyes on Mr. Crawfield.

For some reason, my thumb began to move on it's own. I began to rub his hand with the pad of my thumb.

Just as I saw his jaw relax, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I took it out with my other hand.

Maggie: I'm puking back here y'know.

I rolled my eyes, turning in my chair to look at her. She made a gagging motion, earning a weird expression from her partner, in which she returned. I turned back around, chuckling to myself.

The rest of fourth period went by quickly, too quickly for my liking. Slowly, I could see Kade relaxing into my hand. His expression was still blank, but at least responsive now.

In silence, Kade walked me to my fifth period. As usual, there were stares, but today, they barely mattered.

"I am..." I snapped my head in his direction as Kade spoke. He cleared his throat. "Sorry for snapping at you in anger."

My head bobbed. "I forgive you," I responded. "I just want to know what's wrong."

His eyes fell to mine, an undeniable emotion glowing behind the jewels before he met them fall. "You should get in there."

It was then I noticed that we were by my fifth period. I sighed, looking at him.

"I'll see you at lunch," I told him, squeezing his hand once-more before entering the class.

My fifth period passed slower than the others. I had no one in this period to talk to, so I sat in the back with my earbuds. Today though, I found it far much more comforting.

Finally, the bell rang for lunch. I walked to the lunchroom, smiling as Jax waved at me from the lunch line. I waved back, placing my things down.

I saw his gaze lead to Amber, his expression twisting. I shook my head as he rolled his eyes, doing the same gagging motion that Maggie had demonstrated earlier.

Raven was the first to sit down in the chair next to me. "Hey."

My hands clasped together at the sight of her. "Hey," I responded.

I couldn't lie. It was a bit awkward between us after our last talk. I had pushed the argument to the back of my mind because I had begun to feel bad for snapping on her. I knew that she was wrong, but so was I, especially in that moment specifically.

She was already upset, and I knew I didn't help. I didn't like fighting with anyone, especially her.

"Raven," I called out.

Her eyes raised from the pudding she was attempting to open. "Yes?"

I took the pudding from her, peeling the seal back. "I'm sorry about what I said to you. I didn't like what you said, but I should have confronted it differently. Just know I'm sorry. I promise I am." Maggie sat down after I finished my apology.

Raven took the pudding from my hands, before placing hers on mine. "Kimberly, you don't have to apologize. I was the one who started it. I should have shut the fuck up, because what I said wasn't true, at all. I should have never judged you then, and I never should at all. You know your body better than anyone else, and what you two do isn't any of my business. I'm so sorry."

I wanted to cry with relief. "Thank—" I began.

Maggie cut me off with, "Ugh, can we just agree that we're all bitches? Apologies accepted. Best friend's forever. There."

Raven and I looked at each other with matching expressions. We laughed in union.

"And, you're the biggest bitch of them all," Jax added as he placed his tray on our table. His grin went to Raven and I. "How are my pretty ladies doing today?"

Maggie drilled her brother with a glare. "Don't make me throw this spaghetti on you."

"How could you even tell what this slop is?" Raven scoffed, using her fork to toy with the food.

"The noodles, duh," Jax responded.

"If I plant something in the food and report it, won't they be forced to give us better food?" Maggie questioned, propping her elbows on the table in thought.

The three of them began to elaborate on this idea. I looked up from their conversation as Kade entered the cafeteria. His eyes landed on me, immediately.

I wasn't sure if I were more glad to see the bag of food, or him. "Hey," I smiled.

He placed the bag in front of me, as well as a beverage. My brows furrowed once I saw one plate.

"I can't stay," he answered my obvious question.

My head tilted with disappointment. "Why not?"

Jax, Maggie, and Raven shifted toward our conversation. Kade paid no attention to them as he leaned closer to my ear.

"There was a problem in the cages so I have to leave," he whispered. "I wanted to make sure you ate, so I went and got you something, but I'll have to leave in a second."

I nodded in understanding before I rendered. "Are you still driving me home?"

He cursed. "Fuck, how did I forget? Okay, I'll just call Luke and tell him that it'll have to wait." He went to grab for his phone, but I stopped him.

I shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'll get a ride with Raven."

"Kimberly," he sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know."

I sighed. "Kade, nothing's going to happen to me," I reassured him.

Kade thought it over, but I could see that he didn't want to accept it. Finally with a sigh, he said, "Fine, just please head straight home, okay? And, text me when you do. Call me if you want, just please let me know."

I nodded with understanding. "I will. Is everything okay?" I glanced in his eyes to try for the truth.

His glance flickered to mine. "It will be," he responded.

I bit at the inside of my cheek before stuffing. "Please don't get hurt," I whispered back to him.

For the first time today, his lips twitched. "I'll keep that in mind, sweetheart." He leaned forward, planting a kiss to the side of my head before standing. I watched with sizzling skin as he left the cafeteria.

When I looked up, I could have jumped out of my seat. Half of the cafeteria was glancing my way. My friends were the main instigators as the three of them watched me with curiosity.

Once I glared, the stares died down. Jax, Maggie, and Raven attempted to pretend they weren't invested in Kade and I's conversation a couple of seconds ago.

"So, uh... let's see, what's something to stop this shit from being awkward?" Jax scratched the back of his neck. "Got it. You guys coming to my game, tonight?"

"Of course," Raven replied.

I shook my head, chuckling. "Nice conversation starter, Jax."

His expression remained serious. "Actually, I do have a game tonight," he corrected.

"Oh."

His hand reached over the cafeteria to grab mine. "Yep, and you're coming to cheer me on," he decided with a growing grin.

My gaze fell. "I don't know, guys..." I started.

As much as I wished it wasn't true, Chivo and his guys could be watching any minute, waiting for a moment of weakness. A moment to attack. A moment without Kade.

Maggie threw her head back with a frown. "Don't ditch us for your boy toy."

It was frustrating that we had entirely different reasons as to why I couldn't attend, and I couldn't give them the right one.

"I'm not," I replied.

"Then say yes," Jax pleaded, squeezing my hands. "You know you want to. Besides, when was the last time we all hung out without alcohol or bitchy cheerleaders in our minds?"

I sighed. Maybe they were right. Besides, I don't think Chivo and his guys would attempt anything at a school with security. I would head home right afterwards. No harm in that.

Jax was right. The four of us hadn't been out together in a long time. It was about time we started back up again.

"Fine," I succumbed in a grumble.

Raven and Jax grinned at each other. I rolled my eyes in response, but I was excited about being with them, nonetheless.

"Great," Raven said, shifting to turn to me. "Before the game, we have to stop by the food stands to get those nachos."

"And, candy. Don't forget candy," Maggie added. "I have to satisfy my sweet tooth before I go mad."

Jax laid his head on Maggie's shoulder, in which she shoved off with an eye roll. "You're already there, baby sister."

"You're literally two minutes older," she corrected.

"Which makes you two minutes younger," he retorted, booping her nose with a cocky grin. 

I opened my plate to take a couple of bites of my food. "What time does the game start?" I asked him.

"Seven," he responded, snatching a couple of my fries.

I nodded. "Well, just to warn you ahead of time. I know nothing about sports." Both girls agreed.

Jax sighed, shaking his head at us. "Just stand up and clap whenever everyone else does."

"I'll try," I laughed.

In the corner of my eye, I caught movement, causing my head to turn. Four guys were walking up to our table. It wasn't hard to decipher that they were from the soccer team from their apparel. They were all pretty good looking and in shape, as well.

A brunette player with the most wolffish grey eyes slapped Jax on the back. "What's up, Jax?"

Jaxs' cheeks began to resemble the Red Sea once the guy didn't remove his hand.

"Nothing much, man. Guys, these are Maggie, Kimberly, and Raven. Girls, this is Eli, Rodrick, Tyler," he paused to look at the brunette. "And, Sam."

We all waved hello, and they returned it. Sam looked at Jax again. "We were gonna head over to the field and practice a bit before tonight. Wanna join?"

Jax's eyes' brightened like Christmas lights before he looked to us. "Are you guys okay here?"

We waved him off.

"Yeah, of course," Raven responded with a smile, dropping her arms across the table. "We'll see you tonight, babe."

"Have fun," Maggie dismissed, drawing out fun when she looked at Sam.

Jax glared at his twin, before leaving the cafeteria. We all laughed at his reaction to Sam.

"I honestly think that Sam knew what he was doing to your poor brother," Raven chuckled, taking a fry from my plate.

I picked up my soda, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I think he's done for."

Maggie leaned back into the chair, an amused chuckle following. "Yeah, he's definitely getting fucked after the game."

We scolded her before laughing again. Raven then said, "Well, we have time on our hands after school. How does my place sound?" I nodded in agreement, as did Maggie.

Maybe this could help get my mind off of Kade and the cages. Whatever happened, it had to be urgent in order for him to leave school like that. In the short time we had, I knew he couldn't tell me right here. I just hoped that it wouldn't be too dangerous, but I highly doubted that since Luke and Levi weren't in the cafeteria either.

I didn't know if it was completely safe to go out anymore. But, I didn't want Chivo to control my life as well as my friends' lives. I just had to remember that there was school security during the game, and I would be home before I knew it. I was going to have fun with my friends without thinking about the dangerous possibilities.

I finished eating just before the bell rang. "See you guys after school." Then, I walked out of the cafeteria doors to my next period.