9pm and I had calmed down once I explained to Bellamy what happened over is homemade tomatoe soup, which was delish by the way.  Now I was chilling on my bed wearing one of Bellamy 's shirts I'd pinched to wear as pj's the white shirt covered me enough coming mid thigh.

Tap.

Tap.

There was a sound somewhere in my room, looking good from my book I scanned the room.

Tap.

There it was again.  Shutting my book I stand up warily I was thinking of all the horror films running through my head when there's a bang and the stupid teenage girls goes and investigates, only to find a masked killer and then gets stabbed to death and left to rot. Oh what an imaginative mind I have. Going to my window I peel back my thin curtain and see Nathan at the side of the drive. What the hell!? Heaving my window open I stick my head out.

"You scared the shit out of me Nathan!" I whisper shouted trying not to draw attention.

 "Can I come up?" His gruff voice spoke from within the darkness. Holy crap. Did he just say what I thought he said? He wants to come in my house...or, correction, in my room!?

 "Um ok?" I reply more as a question than an answer but without any hesitation Nathan began to climb up the side of my house using the coincidental drain pipe beside my window.  Once he reached the top of his effortless climb he swooped in through my window and shut it behind him.

 "Uh...ever heard of a front door?" I teased clicking the lock on my bedroom door just in case.

 "I doubt your brother would let me in at this time and especially as I came to see you." he smoothly replied.

 "Okay. Three questions; How do you know I have a brother? How do you know where I live? And why are you here?!" I exclaim.  Truth is I am shocked, I would be so totally killed if Bellamy knew he was in here at this time so would my parents but they're still not here.  This was one of the ground rules: No boys are allowed in my room..at all. So as you can guess he's taken me by surprise turning up in his dark jeans, white top and leather jacket.

 "He picked you up at the party. Grace told me. I wanted to check on you." Damn it! Why would Taylor and Grace give away valuable information of my life to this gorgeous boy! Wait what?!

 "Check on me?"

 "The thing with Max. Got you pretty pissed off earlier. Nice slap by the way although you should of punched him in the face." Nathan shrugged and sat on my computer chair. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear I make my way back to my bed, although I could of sworn his eyes travel down to my legs in the process and in general let his eyes roam.

 "I would've punched him but I have delicate knuckles," I speak the truth gently rubbing my knuckles.

 "Wow. You just won the award for best excuse ever."

 "Heyyy drop the sarcastic comments," I smiled throwing a cushion at him which he caught with no problem.

 "I can teach you how to punch, we can strap up your knuckles though," he rolled his eyes. A flush of heat rose to the surface of my cheeks, he was being really sweet. Wait...

 "What's the catch?" I ask.

 "No catch."

 "Really?"

 "Really."

 "Positive?"

 "Positive."

 "Ok....so wait no catch?"

 "There is no catch whatsoever Gretchen." He chuckled. "I'm hurt that you don't trust me," he clutched his chest dramatically.  Jeez this boy could win an oscar.

 "Ok good." I smiled. I couldn't believe that Nathan just offered to teach me how to punch.  I hadn't seen him speak to anyone else in school yet apart from me which made me feel unique.

 "So you sure your ok?" Nathan interrupted my trail of thought.

 "Yeah I'm sure. They just really piss me off the fact they think it's they're birthright to spread it round the school." I shrug, tucking my feet underneath me.

 "I've only been in the school for two days and the jocks and cheerleaders are worse here than at my old school." Nathan complained standing up. "You want anything?"

 "Huh?" Way to go Gretch, I sounded like the most unladylike homeless druggie tramp going.

 'Do you want anything from the shop?" He asked again with that sexy but cute half smile he does. I think I just melted onto the floor.

 "Um no, thank you for offering though," I say feeling the need to also stand.  He walked over to me still holding the cushion I threw at him, he came so close he almost towered over me, I could smell his sweet breath on my face and at this close proximity I literally turn into a nervous wreck.

 "Here." He placed my pillow on the bed. "See you tomorrow."

 "Mmhhhmm." I manage to say or mumble more like I was trying to hold in a gasp of delight. I saw him chuckle and he opened the window and climbed out.  Wandering to where her left I lean on the windowsill and watch him climb back down the drainpipe with a great big grin on my face.  Watching him leave till he disappeared into the darkness where he came from I shut my window and collapse on the bed.

 What.the.hell.just.happened.

                                                            ***

 "So he just climbed up to your bedroom?" Grace asked clutching her folders.

"Yeah. I was pretty shocked and lucky that Bellamy didn't catch me!" I sigh shoving a book into my locker.  I had explained everything to Grace because I'd knew she'd keep it to herself.  "Ugh its so hot!"

"Why are you complaining? Your wearing shorts and a vest top!" Grace frowns looking down at her jeans. "I'm so glad that this days over. I just want to go home and relax,"

 "At least you don't have an older brother that ropes you into cooking for dinner," I role my eyes closing my locker.

"Oh yeah when are your parents back?"

"They're staying there for another week, but I think I prefer it being just Bellamy and I." I smiled closing my eyes "Plus Bellamy's cooking is lush." When I hear no reply I look at Grace who's pulling a slight face and pointing behind me turning round Nathan was a few feet away with his hands stuffed in his pockets looking right at me.

"You know, most people would clear their throats or say hi." I frown crossing my arms over my chest.

"And you of all people should know I'm not 'most people'"

"Mmm I guess I have to agree with that one." I mentally slap myself for not coming up with some sassy comment.

"You coming?" He nods in the direction of the school doors and begins walking off before I even register what he said.

"Go!" Grace shoved me smiling from ear to ear.

"See you..." I call trying to catch up with Nathan. "Uh where are we going?" I ask.

"Somewhere."

"Should I be fearing for my life?" I ask slightly unnerved by his not so helpful reply.

"Perhaps." he held the door open for me and we stepped through.  Not really knowing what to say I childishly match my footsteps to his until they stopped.

"Get in the car." He said walking round to the other side of the car. Getting into the car I'm immediately hit with the smell of colone and it's lovely! If I could save smells this would be one of them.

"I love how you use the please word so often," I say sarcastically watching him run a hand through his dirty blonde locks then start the car. "You have a Range Rover....That's so cool."

"What have you got?" He asks checking his mirrors.

"Uh well you see..." Dammit this is going to be embarrassing, "I don't have my license yet...." I hear Nathan chuckling under his breath. "Hey don't laugh! I don't understand why you passed you haven't even got your seatbelt on!......seriously you should put it on."

"Put my seatbelt on?" He’s laughing again pulling out of the school gates and onto the main road. Rolling my eyes and crossing my arms across my chest I try to ignore Nathan as he's in the Douche bag mood.

The car journey was silent.  I daren’t ask him again where we're going as he might rip my head off. He's in that mood where the slightest sound pisses him off; even if I sigh I would get a glare.  I don’t understand this boy at all, last night he was fine, happy even and now he seems fed up like he’s being forced to take me wherever we’re going.   The rover slows down and I notice that we’re pulling into the car park of the mall.  Once he’d parked the car quite close to the entrance may I add thank God, Nathan killed the engine and unbuckled his seat belt.

 “Get out.” He muttered opening his side of the door and jumping out slamming it behind him. Egh jerk.  You know what? No. I’m not getting out of the car unless he calms down or says please. I’ve never met a boy like Nathan before, okay I know that I’m not the politest of people but after last night he could at least show a bit of a positive attitude around me.  Nathan walked round to my side of the door and opened it, I knew he was staring at me expected to hop out the car but I stuck to my guns and crossed my arms.

“Are you going to sit there all day?”

“I will if you don’t drop the attitude.” I retort. Hearing him sigh heavily I see him run a hand through his hair and I can’t help but bite my lip and stare.  I’ve noticed that this is a trait that he does when he’s frustrated. “Are you…okay?” I ask.

“Can you…please….just get out the car?” he looks me straight in the eyes.  I can’t help but give in; silently I get out the car.  Without warning Nathan grabbed my wrist and locked the car and started pulling me along to the mall entrance.

“Hey! I’m quite capable of walking Nathan, I’m not a dog.” I frown.  Who does he think he is? Being in this mood, not telling me where we’re going and now he’s yanking me like I don’t have a choice to go elsewhere. He totally blanks me and pulls me into the mall.  The smell of new clothes and shoes hits me and the faint smell of dohnuts with icing on tickles my nostrils sending my belly to rumble.

 “Nathannnnnnn…” I moan. Again no reply.  I literally have no idea where he is taking me, we’re heading towards the back of the mall where I’ve actually never been, I guess its because all smaller shops are.

“We’re here.” Nathan finally speaks, letting go of my wrist and walking in to the shop in front of us. Looking up I read the sign ‘Cutie Smoothie’ I silently scoff. This is a bit…cheesy for Nathan isn’t it? Quickly I caught up with Nathan.

“What do you want?” He asks gesturing to the smoothie board.

“Ummm the berry-licious blush please.” I smirk a little. 

“Go grab a table.” Nathan said queuing up in the line, despite the cheesy name the place was fairly busy and I couldn’t see many tables.  I wiggled my way through tables and chairs till I reached the booth seat sections and found a free one.  Sliding into the 80’s styled booth I wondered why Nathan bought me here, I thought he was going to teach me how to punch not testing smoothies.  

“Here.” He placed a tall glass filled with a deep pink thick liquid in front of me.  It looked fancy with the rim of the glass covered in sugar, a stripy straw and a carefully placed strawberry and cherry on the side.

 “Aren’t you having anything?” I ask looking over at him noticing he has nothing in front of him.  

“No.”

“Oh…” I simply reply sipping a little of my smoothie, “This is really good!” I smile as the taste of fresh mixed berries danced on my tongue.  A small smile tugged at the corner of Nathans mouth…got he looked adorable when he did that.  Pushing my tall glass aside so I could see him properly I propped my head up with my hand.

“I would have thought this place would be too cheesy for you,” I smirk a little as I hear the beginning of Mr.Bluesky come on, I loved this song I only like it because its in the movie The Magic Roundabout when the dog Dougal accidently releases the evil Zeebad from inside the roundabout with his constant craving for sweets and trapping Florance and her friends in the frozen over Roundabout.

“Well…It’s nice in here….calming.” That’s a reply I wasn’t expecting.

“Why did you bring me here? I thought you were going to teach me how to punch…” I ask twirling my ponytail.  A grin spread across his face which I’m guessing is because he remembered his late night visit to my room last night when I was only wearing an oversized shirt.

“I thought it would be more business like if we got to know each other before our training sessions.” He smirked glancing sideways placing his crossed arms on the table.

“Business like?” I repeat.

“Yes Gretchen.”

“Oh. So…have you got any family?” I ask breaking the ice.

“Yes. I have a mother, father and…begrudgingly two brothers.” He answered his blue eyes searching my own hazel ones. I smile a little, he’s calmed down now with whatever had him bothered. “What about you?”

“Err well I have a mum and a dad too but they’re always away on business trips and when they’re not they’re more interested in my grandparents….but I have my brother Bellamy as you know…” I force a smile drinking some more of my smoothie.

“I’m sorry about that.” Nathan whispers.

“Don’t be. I’m used to it by now.” It’s true my parents can’t look after themselves let alone help provide for their two children.  It’s hard to believe that Bellamy is their son; he’s completely different he’s protective, a good cook and caring. I pushed my now empty glass aside and looked a bit sheepish that I’d finished my smoothie so quickly.

“That good huh?” Nathan chuckled a little at the empty glass.  A figure caught my eye as I realised a waitress was making her way over to the booth we were sitting in. 

“Can I get your girlfriend another smoothie or a snack?” she asked Nathan with wide eyes like she hit the jackpot or something and then sending me a dagger look.  Girlfriend?! Why would she automatically assume that? And what with the death stare? Unable to say a word but able to mirror her death stare, Nathan spoke up. 

“No thanks.” I immediately shift my gaze to Nathan who’s eyes have darkened since the waitress appeared.

“Kay.” She muttered glaring at me again.

“Maybe try smiling next time?” I cock my head to the side sort of challenging her.

“What?” she turns round sort of disgusted that I had even tried to speak to her.

 “Smile darlin’ it’s not hard.” I smile sarcastically.

“Keep that on a leash will you?” She says to Nathan turning.  That got a reaction; Nathan stood up like a bullet and stood right in front of her.

“Don’t you dare talk to her like that.” He said threateningly up in her face, she didn’t reply as he was so close just like how I reacted when he was that close too me, I guess it affected all females. 

“Let’s go Gretch.” Nathan said not removing his gaze away from the waitress who was still frozen on the spot.  I slipped out the booth and noticed we had an audience.

“Nathan…” I say. No reaction. “Nathan.” I say again shaking his arm, he broke his gaze away and looked at me. 

“It’s fine she’s not worth it.” I whisper with pleading eyes. Nathan took my hand and led me out of the now silent ‘Cutie Smoothie’, something tells me I’m not going back in there.  Nathan let go of my hand and ran it through his tangled hair.

“You didn’t deny it.” I speak.

“What?” He asked looking down at me.  I met his gaze and smiled again “You didn’t deny that I was your girlfriend.” I feel my cheeks flush slightly so I look away.

“Yeah well….” He nervously scratched the back of his neck, “There was no need to waste my breath on that fucking pathetic girl.” 

“Hey it’s fine now okay? She’ll probably get moaned at the manager for the disturbance. It’s all good.” I try to convince him.

“I’ll take you home.”