{Sunday 9 July + Monday 10 July}

~ Charlie's POV ~

I arrive home from work and trudge my way up the stairs after saying hi to my mum and sister. I walk into my room and crawl into bed. Fuck, I'm exhausted. I don't know why I'm so tired, I've only been at work. I decided to take a nap. 

I wake up hours later, eventually dragging myself out of bed and back downstairs. I find mum sitting on the couch watching TV, making me smile at how cute she looks, all snuggled up in a blanket. 

"Hey mum," I say with a small smile as I walk over and sit down next to her. 

"Hey, hun. You okay? You've been asleep for four hours" she says, looking at me with a concerned look. I was asleep for four hours?! What the hell! I must have been tired. 

"Yeah, just tired. Is it's really eight already?" I ask, resting my head on her shoulder. 

"Yeah, it is. Adette is already in bed and you missed dinner. I left you some in the microwave though" she replies, rubbing my leg. I nod and get up to get my food. I reheat it before joining mum back on the couch. 

We sit in silence as I eat and we watch the episode of friends playing on the TV. I finish and put my plate in the sink before walking back over to mum and snuggling into her. 

"I miss dad" I whisper quietly, tears welling in my eyes. 

"I know Charlie. I miss him too" she whispers back, hugging me tightly. I close my eyes and feel myself start to drift off again but mum shifts so I don't fall asleep. 

"Go to bed sweet pea," she says quietly. I nod and get up, kissing her goodnight. I head back upstairs and get ready for bed before climbing back into the warmth of my bed. I grab my phone and dial Ryder's number. 

He picks up after the second ring and hearing his voice makes me smile. I explain that I'm really tired and that I'm going to go to sleep and he agrees and says he'll be there if I need him in the night. 

We continue to talk for a couple more minutes before saying goodnight and hanging up. I put my phone on charge and turn over, snuggling deeper into my bed. I'm out within a few minutes.

My dreams last night were horrible. I woke up twice and each time I called Ryder, balling my eyes out. Maybe I do need to go see Dr. Parken again. 

I eventually drag myself out of bed when my alarm goes off, despite only just getting into a nice sleep about an hour ago. I get into the shower and let the warm water slowly wake me up and I smile at how comforting it feels. Then I remember what today is. 

Today is the first day Ryder and I are officially a couple at school. My mood darkens and something tells me today is not going to be the greatest of days, even though Ryder says he'll protect me. I finish in the shower and head to my room. 

I guess if today's the day then I should nice-ish, especially because I have a feeling I'll be running into Victoria at some point today too. It will be one less thing she can hassle me about. I walk to my wardrobe and pull out my black sweater dress and a thick belt and put them on. I then put on the same lace-up boot heels that I wore on my date with Ryder and look at myself in the mirror. 

Not bad Charlie. I decided to leave my hair out so that it can air dry and I don't bother to put makeup on. 

I put my glasses on and grab my long black cardigan, phone, and school stuff before heading downstairs. I scoff down some breakfast before making lunch for Adette and I. Mum had left early this morning so I would have to take Adette to school which I didn't mind. It would be a distraction to the day ahead that I am dreading. 

I get Adette ready before heading out the door, locking up and getting into my truck. We drive to Adette's school and she happily chats away the whole time which is nice. It's good to see her happy again. I drop her off before heading to Eden's house. 

When I pull up I get a text from Ryder saying he'll meet us in the student car park followed by a winky face. I groan and reply with an okay before going to get Eden. We proceed to drive to school in silence but I can tell Eden is bubbling with excitement. 

Eventually, she can't hold it in anymore and starts to babble on about how she is so excited and happy for us and how she thinks we are super cute and that she doesn't mind having to share me with him. I just continue to drive in silence, rolling my eyes every once and awhile. 

We enter the student car park, I park the car, get out and look for Ryder. I spot him leaning against what I can only assume is his everyday car. He looks up and sees me. I blush as he flashes his signature smile at me and walks over. 

"Morning Angel," he says grinning. 

"Morning" I mumble back. He pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. 

"It's going to be okay, I promise," he says quietly. I nod into his chest and try to believe it. Eventually, he pulls away and lightly pecks me on the lips. I pout as he pulls away smiling. 

"You look beautiful by the way," he says smiling, lust in his eyes. I blush and look down at the ground. Suddenly, we are brought back to reality as Eden squeals behind us. Ryder chuckles and while I turn around and glare at her. 

"Good morning Eden," he says cheerfully as he slips his hand into mine. Warmth spreads throughout my body and I start to feel slightly calmer. 

"Good morning Ryder," she says grinning back. He chuckles and squeezes my hand. 

"You two ready to go then?" he asks looking at both of us. Eden nods eagerly while I shake my head nervously. 

"It will be fine," Eden says reassuringly. I nod and look up at Ryder. He smiles down at me with admiration before kissing me gently. 

"Like I said, I will protect you," he says smiling as he pulls away. I nod and the three of us walk towards the entrance. Ryder on my left, holding my hand and Eden on my right, looking as bubbly as ever. 

Welp here goes nothing I guess.

We get to Eden and I's lockers after having gone to Ryder's locker with nothing but multiple strange looks. I feel slightly upset because I know why they are giving me weird looks. 

The bitch of our school used to be my best friend before Eden but we had a falling out and now I have Eden and that upset her so she started spreading rumors about me. Now I'm one of the outcasts in the school. 

The only reason I'm not bullied on a day to day basis is because I have Eden and the reason why Ryder and I are getting weird looks today is because everyone knows that someone like me is supposed to be with someone like him. 

I get my stuff for stats as I have study first and then stats so I'll just to stats during my study period before we head to our spot. We sit down and Ryder pulls me into him. 

"It's okay Angel" he whispers to me with a small smile. I try to believe him and give him a small smile but he knows I don't believe him. We chat for a bit before the bell goes and then Ryder walks me to the library.

I go to walk in but he grabs my arm and pulls me back into him. He cups my cheek and thumbs it gently before kissing me gently. 

"I'll meet you at your locker at morning tea," he says quietly. I nod and give him a small smile before walking into the library.

The next two periods flew past and I soon find myself in front of my locker. A warm chill runs down my spine and suddenly Ryder is next to me, leaning with his back against the lockers with a beautiful grin on his face. 

"How was class Angel?" he asks happily. I got to answer him when someone calls out his name. Victoria. Fuck. 

"Ryder! Sweetie! How are you?" she asks in her over-enthusiastic sugar-coated voice as she walks over to us. 

"I'm fine Victoria. What do you want?" he replies sarcastically while rolling his eyes. I giggle and Victoria glares at me. 

"Do you need help getting rid of this low life Ryder?" she asks sweetly as she bats her eyes at him. 

"No. Why would I want that?". 

"Because, people like you shouldn't be with people like her," she says, grinning wickedly at me. He chuckles and slides his arm around my waist, pulling me into him. 

"Well it's a good thing that she's my girlfriend then isn't it," he says, smiling down at me. I watch as Victoria's mouth drops open before turning into a smirk. 

"So the rumors are true" she smirks. 

"If you really are together, then prove it". I bite my lip nervously as I watch as a crowd starts to form. I look up at Ryder and he winks at me before cupping my chin and kissing me. 

At first, I freak out but soon everything disappears and all I can focus on it Ryder kissing me. His hand falls from my face and I feel it snake around my waist and he picks me up and wraps my legs around his waist. 

Suddenly, cheers erupt from the crowd and Ryder pulls away smirking. He gently places me back on the ground before turning back to Victoria, grinning cutely. 

"Is that enough proof for you or do you want us to have sex right here on the floor?" he asks smirking. I start to blush hard and I watch as Victoria huffs and pouts her bottom lip. 

"I thought you had a thing for me Ryder?" she says in a hurt voice. 

"Nope, sorry Victoria. You don't do anything for me" Ryder says before smiling at me. She pouts and huffs again. 

"Well, well, I don't need you. You know, I could just call up your cousin and get with him" she says smirking as she pulls her phone out from her pocket. 

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he says smirking. She rolls her eyes and dials his number and puts him on speaker phone. We all go silent as the phone clicks over and Cole answers. 

"Victoria?" Cole asks confused. 

"Cole! I have a question" she says sweetly, the fakeness oozing out of her voice. 

"Yeah?". 

"I was wondering whether you would want to go on a date with me?". 

"Ummm well, thanks for the offer Victoria but I actually have someone else in mind" Cole replies awkwardly. I look around and see many people trying to hold in laughs, causing me to smile. 

"Oh umm, that's okay. Sorry to bother you" Victoria says in a defeated voice before hanging up the phone. She turns to us and glares. 

"Fuck you Ryder" Victoria snarls. 

"I hope you have fun with that bitch of yours". 

"Oh don't worry, I will," Ryder says, smiling sweetly at her. Victoria screams and storms off down the hall. Cheers erupt from the crowd and Ryder receives multiple pats on the back from some of the guys. I smile up at him and he winks at me. 

"See, I told you I'd protect you," he says smiling. Suddenly, Eden appears out of nowhere and envelopes me in a hug. 

"Damn girl, get a room," she says giggling. I blush and look down at my feet as Ryder's hand slips into mine. 

"So Ryder, who's your cousin into?" she asks curiously. 

"Ummmm, well it's you actually" he replies grinning awkwardly. 

"Really?" she says, her face lighting up. 

"Have I met him before?". 

"Umm well kinda. You know the guy that comes into your store at the mall every weekend and asks for styling advice?". 

"Yeah?". 

"Well that's him, he only ever goes to the mall to see you". 

"Aww, that's so cute! I want to meet him properly now" she giggles happily. 

"I'll set something up for you," Ryder says chuckling. I smile and he kisses the top of my head. We then all make our way to our spot to talk more and eat.

Morning tea and PAT fly by and soon enough I find myself walking to English. As I get close, a cold chill rushes down my spine. Like the one I used to get when Ryder was close, except this one doesn't feel right. I no longer feel safe. 

I cautiously walk into class to see a new guy sitting in my usual seat with his head in his hands. I frown and he happens to look up and I recognise him as the guy I meet when I was on my shift at work. 

He smiles at me and waves and I suddenly feel very uneasy and decide to sit at the back of the class to avoid him. Class starts but soon the teacher decides to do an activity where we need to be in pairs, and with just my luck, she pairs him with me. 

I watch as he moves seats to come sit next to me. 

"Hi Charlie," he says smiling as he sets his bag on the ground. 

"Hi" I reply, uncomfortably. 

"My name's Knox" he continues smiling. I start to loosen up now that I have a name to the face. The rest of the period continues and surprisingly Knox and I have more in common than I thought we would. I think I've actually made a new friend. 

The bell rings and we pack up and make our way out of class together and to my locker. We get there and I see Ryder and Eden waiting for me. 

"Hey guys," I say smiling. Suddenly, Ryder's face changes and he glares at Knox. 

"Ummm, this is Knox" I start, confused. 

"Knox, this is Eden, my best friend and Ryder, my boyfriend".

~ Ryder's POV ~

I glare at Knox. How could I have let this happen? I knew he would be here soon but I didn't think he would go as far as to join the school. He smiles wickedly and winks. 

Fuck, he knows I'm not human. I notice Charlie giving me a confused look and I immediately stop glaring at him and drop my eyes. 

Fuck, he's right there, he could kill her. I pull out my phone and dial Cole's number and sulk off across the other side of the hall, away from Eden, Knox, and Charlie. I feel Charlie's eyes on me but I don't care at this point. 

The phone rings and I pray the Cole picks up and thankfully he does. 

"You okay man?" Cole asks concerned. 

"The last one is here" I whisper, running my hands over my face. 

"Shit, who is it?". 

"Knox". 

"Fuck man, I'm sorry". 

"It's okay. I'm just really worried because he's joined the school and made friends with Charlie. I think they have English together". 

"Fuck, ummm just watch over her from now on. Call your sister and see if she can get you a guardian angel till we figure something". 

"Yeah okay. Will do" I reply wearily before hanging up the phone. I slid down the wall and pull my head in my hands. Suddenly, Charlie is in front and gently rubbing my arm. 

"Ryder, what's wrong?" she asks, quietly. 

"I'll tell you later" I reply wearily, giving her a forced smile. Fuck, what am I going to do? He's friends with her now. I stand up and she thumbs my cheek and gives me a concerned look. 

I kiss her gently and we walk back over to Eden and Knox. Charlie and Eden say goodbye to Knox before we head to the girls' spot. We sit down and Charlie snuggles into me while they start to talk about something to do with English work, but I don't quite know what as I stop listening and zone out. 

Today is going to be a struggle. I need to talk to Cole and my sister again but I need to stay with Charlie. 

Fuck, what am I going to do?

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Hey Guys,

Ooooooo, we met the new fallen angel and the bitch of the school! I hope you enjoyed that chapter! What did you guys think? Please vote and comment letting me know what you think!

Thanks,

- Allamy xx