I forgot my tongue when his voice fell in my ears.

On my left, Harry gave an encouraging gesture of his hands and on my right, Emmy gave an encouraging nod, taking a hold of my free hand that wasn't holding the phone to my ear.

I turned on the speaker and cleared my throat, bringing the speaker of my phone close to my lips. Hi, I was er... I was asked to call to this number... I trailed off awkwardly.

Adam chuckled softly from the other end of the line. Hayline, right? he asked.

Yes? I pretended I don't know who's the caller.

Thanks for calling, I wasn't sure you would. I'm impressed. a hint of mocking was in his voice.

I don't want to be rude but, who are you? I asked, and soon received a proud smirk and a thumbs up from Harry.

You don't recognize my voice? Adam frowned.

There was no point in saying no, so, Your voice sounds a bit familiar but I can't catch it right. Do I know you? I asked.

Honestly Hayline, where did you get the paper piece of my phone number from? Adam asked amused.

I bit back a chuckle, I know you're somebody from my school because that's how you were able to slip your phone number into my locker but that doesn't mean I can possibly know everyone who studies there! I defended myself.

So are you saying you still don't recognize my voice? he asked me, teasingly.

Yes?

Where are you now? he asked.

And why should I tell you that? I asked.

Oh just... maybe I can come and reveal myself... in person?

I would love to see him try. Harry mumbled, rolling his eyes. I tore my hand out of Emmy's grip and clasped it over his mouth; even though he was only mumbling, it was a bit loud.

I think it's better if you could tell me who you are in the phone. I said, narrowing my eyes at Harry who smiled sheepishly and mouthed a sorry, when I released my hand from his mouth.

Come on, it's fun, I bet you. Just tell me where you are now. I'll come to there. Are you still here around somewhere in the school ground or are you on your way back–

Tell me already or this is going to be the end of this call and I'll block your number. I threatened.

This is the millionth time I'm saying this, girls are stubborn. I heard him mumbling. I opened my mouth to protest but Emmy shook her head. Fine, Adam then said out aloud, Adam Lerch. Hope you know such person.

I bit back a giggle this time and continued pretending. Wait! You're Adam? How come I didn't know? I gasped actingly, not sure if it was enough to make him believe I'm being real.

Adam laughed, So you know me. he said.

Of course but, why did you wanted me to call you? I asked the question I had been having in my head ever since Harry told me it's Adam's phone number.

Oh it's.. I thought it'd be fun and we've never been friends before, have we? So, yeah. I can imagine him shrugging.

So what? I inquired.

So we can be... friends maybe? he said.

Oh. I've known Adam for a long time, ever since I joined this school, and he only understand just now that we haven't been friends and wants to do so?

So where are you now? Adam asked.

I hesitated and glanced at Harry for his help. Truth or not? He nodded as if reading my mind.

I'm at Harry's Pizza Hut with Harry and Emmeline. I said and Harry facepalmed. I shot him a cofused look but he waved his hand dismissively as if saying, nevermind.

Oh, I thought you guys only go there in the weekends. Adam said, So you're not alone, are you?

I'm never alone. I muttered.

Alright then, I'll call you or text you somehow later. Hey, don't block my number, okay?

I rolled my eyes too hard that my temple hurt a bit. Agreed. I said.

Bye then. he said.

Bye. I said and hang up quickly because Harry looked like he'd burst out laughing at any moment and he did.

What? I snapped, but an uncontrollable smile trembled in the corner of my lips.

Don't tell me you've got– Emmy started.

A wicked idea in my head? Yes. Harry finished the sentence.

Hailey, you can't listen to him anymore. This is going to be out of our hands. Emmy grabbed my hand and warned me.

Don't play the Hermione here, Em. Harry chuckled at her.

And you don't play the Harry Potter here either. Emmy glared at him and turned to me; but before she opened her mouth, Harry cut in.

Keep the moron in your contacts, don't block him. Am I the only one who's getting the feeling of messing him around? Harry asked, leaning pleasantly back on the seat.

That's rude to take advantage of it, Harry. Emmy told him and then turned her eyes to me, Don't let him.

You better should. Harry murmured to me.

Shouldn't.

Should.

Shouldn't.

Should.

Shouldn't.

Should.

Can we get a Pizza, please? I cut off the silly argument between my two best friends.

Emmy and Harry, who kept on glaring at each other, decided to give up at the mention of Pizza. I knew that was the only possible way to distract them and it worked.

Right. I'm hungry. Harry said as he opened the door and jumped out. I even forgot we're at Harry's Pizza Hut. he repeated my words which I said to Adam previously, with a hint of sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes and moved to the door but Emmy caught my arm in time. Hailey,

I know. I cut her off, sighing, knowing what she's trying to say. She seems to be more concerned about me than I am about myself, not wanting me to get into another mess like how it was with Nott. I won't get into any trouble, I promise.

*****

After a pizza dump, Harry's driver, –or bodyguard, whatever– dropped us both, Emmy and I to our houses. Mom asked me why we went to the Pizza hut today because she knows as everyone does that our pizza hut day was Fridays. I told her, It's just nothing, Harry wanted to go there I think, so we accompanied him.

She did ask anything more nor was suspicious. It was just my feelings.

Later that night, once we finished our dinner, Haxsel and I were sorting out everything in the kitchen before bed. Mom had a headache since evening, so we send her up to bed and dad left us some minutes ago when we told him that we'll handle everything.

Haxsel was telling me how he had a mini heartattack watching Maxell nearly crashing his Lamborghini to the back of an enormous tourist bus. I gasped on top of my lungs. He lost the control of his car? I asked but I knew that was stupid to ask because Lamborghinis wouldn't have those kind of problems, right?

Apparently, he lost his control. Haxsel turned to me from the sink, His cousin called and told his godmother is in hospital.

What happened to her?

Fainted. But she's totally fine. Haxsel shrugged, and turned back to the sink.

And why didn't you tell us before? I asked.

Sorry, I forgot about it when I saw mom with headache, or I should've dropped it as soon as I arrived. my brother said, I was just beside him when he almost had a crash. I warned him not to hurry but he wouldn't listen, especially since he has the news that his godmother is in hospital. She's like a mom to him, since his mother died.

His mother. Their mother.

That's when I remembered Harry's words from earlier that day, of which I've planned on asking my brother. I've always wanted to get a chance face to face with Bobby Khuller, after what he stole from us.

Jonny, can I ask you something? I turned to him from the oven and asked nervously.

Of course, anything. he answered, locking his blue eyes with mine.

I looked away, feeling under pressure and gathered my thoughts. No matter what I say, I shouldn't accidentally slip the matter of Adam. I reminded myself and looked up to meet his eyes again.

Today Harry brought us both, Emmy and I, to the Pizza hut and unfortunately we came across the matter of Bobby Khuller. I paused.

Why?

It started with a talk about his new bodyguard, that, the reason he is forced to have one is because... their lives are under some threat. I swallowed hardly. A threat because Bobby Khuller is somewhere hiding in there and might want a revenge on his rivals who are celebrating his breakdown. I said.

My brother wiped his hands in a towel after he set the dishes into the dishwasher, still holding the gaze with me. And? he inquired, motioning me towards the chair as he sat in one of them.

I followed him to the table and took a seat beside, adjusting our positions face to face. He also told me Emery is under threat too. I said.

You spoke about her? my brother asked, a slight shocked.

No, he told us by himself saying she's the one who's needed more protection than any of them should. I said, I couldn't believe when I heard that Canfields are Bobby Khuller's rivals too.

I watched as my brother stroked his chin and thinking deeply. Max told me about it. he said, glancing somewhere behind me.

So you knew! I pointed out.

Yes, but what is it that you want to ask me? my brother asked.

Do you know anything about their mother? I asked.

What made you ask? he asked, tilting his head.

Do you know? I pressed my question.

I don't. Why did you ask? he asked again.

I sighed, Harry told me, um... not really told me but he was mumbling it and I heard him. He said that, Bobby Khuller stole something from their family, like years ago and he's like he wants a revenge. I know it sounds stupid that a teenager trying to take down a fully grown Mafia leader but, what I want to ask is, do you think his mom's death was caused by Khuller? I asked suspiciously.

My brother's shoulders tensed up a little and he rubbed his fingers over his forehead when he saw me watching his reaction. I don't think I can tell you that, little one. he said, proving the reason that I'm too little to know the answer, by addressing me, little one.

I frowned and lowered my gaze.

But I can tell you one thing, I looked up immediately as Haxsel spoke. Bobby Khuller is the reason why Harry and his siblings lost their mother.

I gasped silently to the truth I had only guessed. So Bobby Khuller didn't only runied my life, he also destroyed my best friend's life too.

You don't have to worry about Harry or Emery, you know? They're safe in God's hands, Haxsel said, grabbing my shoulder, and so are you. God won't let anything bad happen.

I smiled sadly at my brother's reassuring words; after all, all I can do is to pray for them.

Thanks. I said, standing up to hug him, Thanks for telling this to me.

Haxsel didn't say anything but hugged me back, we stayed there like that until we heard a beep sound from the oven which meant the leftover I've been heating up is done.

I did wanted to ask him something more about the Canfields because I knew he know more about them then I ever do. But Haxsel, somehow reading my thoughts, dismissed me to my bedroom, reminding me I should wake up early tomorrow for school; as always.

He's hiding something from me; maybe it's because Max might've trusted him not to tell anyone; but, one day, sooner or later, I'll find what that is.

When I got back to my room and took my phone, I had a message from Adam, with just a Hi. For a moment I hesitated and was brought back to my nightmares about Nott which after all, started with a friendly chat. I did wanted to ignore him but that was not possible because I'll definitely have to face him in school, with no way to hide from. So I finally made up my mind to reply him.

That was a tragedy. Because as soon as I sent my message, I received his call. My phone began to ring loud as always and I quickly silenced it. My heart was pounding in my veins and I texted him not to call me if he don't want to be murdered by my brother.

He soon replied me with an apology and said he'll see me at school tomorrow and we ended our chat wishing a goodnight.

Adam continued messaging me on Whatsapp for the rest of the days that followed and I replied as well. We also got sometime to talk in person at school as well. He even invited me to sit with him in the cafeteria for lunch but I kindly refused. Emmy was already against this connection and so when Harry too slowly began to dislike this, she reminded him that he's the one who put me into this in the first place. But I assured them that everything is fine. Adam was funny, cool, intelligent, a gentleman and handsome. But not handsome enough to captive me as he did once enough to be my first crush; it's now Rilden who still has a place in my heart..

Not everyone can be as bad as Nott, can they? But that was until two weeks later, on a Wednesday everything turned upside down.

We were having our last class of the day at school and it was my most hated subject, Maths. Our math teacher was a kind woman in her early 40's named, Mrs Hollingsworth. But she wasn't the kind woman to me today when she gave the whole class a riddle to solve. At least, that how I felt like, from the look of it, a riddle.

I've been wrestling with the riddle for twenty minutes since the class started and I began to wish if my genius mathematics brother was here. Haxsel was brilliant in maths like our dad and it always had me awestruck. I never used to listen to my teacher at class because no matter how much she explain, it just never get into my skull and so, after arriving back at home, I've always depended on my brother.

Harry was brilliant in maths too but to my worst luck, he sat on the other side of the class, really far away. I've been giving him a lot of puppy eyes but he smiled at me hopelessly.

I twisted my book in every direction to see if I can solve from upside down or something. What are you doing? Emmy hissed from my left, from her table.

I shrugged, not wanting to let my voice out because Mrs Hollingsworth has told us to be in pin-drop silence. I could ask for her help and she would accept it, but the thing was, both of us had the same problem with this subject.

Only if I had a calculator. Then I could calculate the riddle under my desk without anyone noticing....

Calculator.

I almost gasped out loud and a few heads in front of me turned to my direction. I pretended to write as if I got the answer and when they turned away, I reached for my pencil box from beneath my desk.

How can I ever thank Harry for this wonderful pencil box with a calculator!

Don't.

Huh? I turned to Emmy's hushed voice.

Don't you dare... she mouthed with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes at her. What is the use of a calculator then? I wanted to ask as much as I knew what I'm trying to do is cheating.

I pulled my hand back up to my desk and continued staring at the riddle. Oh Hax, how I wish if you were here!

Just then, out of he corner of my eye, I saw someone's hand shots up to the air. My head snapped to the direction along with the rest of the class; it was Adam.

I forgot. He was good at maths too.

Another hand shot up to he air in his back; Harry. He looked at us and winked before standing up and walked to the table of the teacher as she told them to come.

The whole class watched curiously –from what I understood that I'm not the only one having a trouble here– as the teacher examined both of the boys' work. A pleasant smile danced on her lips as she glanced from Harry's to Adam's. She murmured something to them, to which they both nodded brightly.

Anyone else solved the riddle? Mrs Hollingsworth asked. So it was an actual riddle?!

A few more hands were raised in the air, not confidently as Harry and Adam but, awkwardly. When they were called to bring their books to the teacher, she send Harry to the right and Adam to the left side where we sat, to help us if we need.

Adam got caught up with a whole front row needing his help desperately and Harry's side was waving at him for help as well, so our hope of having his help was empty. Orlana, who sat at the front row of his side, was taking advantage of her chance to talk with him at least in this case.

I leaned back on my seat with arms folded across my chest, watching Mrs Hollingsworth examining other students' works. Some of them looked happy at what the teacher told them while some frowned. And, less than five minutes later, a tall figure that belonged to Adam approached me.

Need a hand? he asked, smiling down at me.

I looked up, Yeah, please. I'm gonna die with this. I added a bit of sarcasm, gesturing my hand to my book before me and he chuckled.

He leaned down with one hand gripping the back of my seat and one hand over my desk; he was close that I could even smell his sandalwood perfume. You haven't worked anything out? I blushed at his question.

I haven't. I mumbled.

That's fine, he said and took my pencil that was laying beside my book and drew lines, crossing each numbers. There, now you need to calculate this, and this, and that one too. he said, encouraging me to try calculate the number lines he had crossed over and finally I understood, this riddle somehow was easy.

Thanks Adam. I said shyly, looking up at him, once I was able to solve the riddle.

My pleasure. he winked, straightening himself before walking up to Emmy.

I think I got it. Emmy said, seeing him coming to her. I was watching closely when you helped Hailey. she smiled at him.

Okay then, good luck. he smiled and walked past us, to our back.

I glanced down at my now done riddle work. I really should concentrate in class as my brother always tell me. I shook my head at myself before standing up and walking to the teacher to submit my work.

Anything but maths makes it the best day in school. Emmy said. Our school day was just over and we were keeping our books in our lockers.

That's why I love Fridays, the only math-free day of the week. And a pizza hut trip with Harry makes it even more wonderful. I said, locking up my locker.

Emmy smiled, before scowling at her locker. Can you give me a help here, please? she asked and I moved to her side to carry her books.

Hayline! Adam's voice rang behind me.

We both turned back, Oh hi, Adam. I greeted him, not knowing what else to say.

Do you have a moment? he asked, adjusting his backpack over his shoulder. To talk.

I exchanged a quick glance with Emmy before turning to him with a nod, Sure. Just a moment. I said, gesturing my head to the books in my hands.

It's fine. Take your time. he said, leaning his back against a pillar behind us. I expected to see him looking at his phone or so –after I helped Emmy to place her books back in the locker and turned– but he was watching us, watching me. I felt my inside burn.

Done? he asked.

Yeah, I nodded and turned to my friend, I'll see you by the gate. I told Emmy and then with a small wave, I followed Adam as he led the way outside to the school courtyard.

What's it that you want to talk about? I asked him eagerly, glancing briefly over my shoulders and caught Emmy disappearing into a corner by the corridors.

He ran a hand through his dark blonde hair, making a mess in them. Oh it's just, you can ask me if you want any help with maths, you know? I'll be pleased to help you. You can call me or text me or, maybe we can study together here in the library at free periods or at my place if you like. Adam said, dropped his free hand –that wasn't gripping his bag belt– into his side pocket and gave me a sideways look.

I felt a strange feeling in my heart. Oh. That's... that's so kind of you, Adam. Thanks for the kind offer but, I've got my brother at home to help me. I said, giving him an apologetic look. I really am sorry, I–

Hey, it's fine. Adam cut me off, raising up his one hand to stop me apologizing. I just wanted to help. But if you don't need it–

I will appreciate your help at school, you know, like how you did today? I cut him off, feeling awful for rejecting his kind offer. It's just, I've got my brother to help me at home, or to say, it's his help I've had to survive math all these years. My brain refused to let the teachers' lessons in, only in math, though. I said sarcastically, to lighten up the mood.

Then that's a stubborn brain you've got there, I guess. Adam joked.

I giggled, I guess so. I noticed that Adam is leading me near to the basketball court. And I began to wonder, is this the only matter he wanted to talk about.

Is that so? I asked, after a few seconds of awkward silence. I got a confused glance from Adam, and so I added, You told me you want to talk with me?

Are you in a hurry? he asked me, stopping the walk at once.

Not really, but it's fine, Emmeline will wait for me. I said and took a look around us. I've never been to this place often unless we had a basketball match. This area was a desserted place mostly and I only saw some students of upper classes standing thereby, laughing and talking with their colleagues, some of them where smoking too. I didn't know if they could see us because we were standing behind the basketball court entrance.

Then a thought hit me, reminding me if Harry's words. Adam smokes weed. My eyes widened a bit as I remembered it, but when I turned my gaze back on his face, I couldn't believe or imagine him doing such thing. But Harry was my trusted best friend and I know he doesn't lie, at least, to us; even if he does, as a part of joke, he used to admit to us some moments later that he was lying. And so, I had to trust him.

It's something else I wanted to talk with you. Adam spoke gently, running his hand through his hair again. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and then looked down at me, deep into my eyes, me who was slightly shorter than him.

I swallowed the hardness that crept up to my throat. What's it? I asked him when he was keeping silent.

He didn't answer but kept staring, his hazel brown eyes into my dark ones. He lifted his hand from his pocket once again, this time, bringing it towards the side of my face.

I tensed at his touch, my heart began to accelerate. Adam..–

I know we've known each other for a long time but I've never got a chance to tell you that, he paused to suck in a deep breath and continued, that you're so beautiful.

I felt my cheeks burning and I looked down at the ground. My feelings inside me would've been pleasant if this was some years ago, when I had a secret crush on him; but now, all I can feel is fear.

Adam's fingers gripped gently under my chin and lifted my face up to meet his, Would you... like to go to a date with me? he asked, tracing my jawline with his thumb.

A shiver shot down my spine; strike two Hailey, that's your second date proposal.

I gulped, I–uh, I-I can't, I'm sorry. I shook my head slowly, briefly looking him in the eye because I felt no courage.

Why not? Adam inquired, frowning.

I can't date someone who doesn't share my belief in Jesus. I said, picking up my courage to look him in the eye as I felt a new courage in me at the mention of Jesus' name.

Adam snorted, Don't be ridiculous, I believe in Jesus too!

It's not just about believing in Jesus, you know? It's something more than what you say as believing. I told him.

Hailey, he sighed, I'm willing to do anything for you, I'm willing to become anyone for you. he said, tucking a loose lock of hair behind my ear. I just want you.

My knees shook and I felt the beating of my heart in my throat, making me unable to swallow. You shouldn't do anything for me. You can't become this someone for me... I trailed off, running out of words to say.

That's for me to decide, don't you think? he asked, with voice drenched in lust as his eyes travelled down to my lips. He brushed his thumb over my bottom lip and slid his bag down to the floor, taking a step closer to me.

My heart rose and fell against my chest rapidly as I watched him licking his bottom lip and leaning down to me. I looked to my both side through the corner of my eyes to see if anyone's watching, anyone who could help me; I don't want this to happen.

Adam.... I called him with a pleading in my voice and put my hand against his chest, gently trying to push him away, but he was stronger.

Hush Hailey, relax. he whispered very low, grabbing my hand by which I tried to push him away and pulled me closer to his body instead.

I felt his hot breath on my face, and his strong sandalwood perfume as his wet red lips neared mine with lust. I wanted to cry, I wanted to scream, I wanted to kick him in the center but I was too weak, I felt no strength in me; my whole body was shaking. I called myself stupid, I have to do something, I can't let him take away my first kiss without my permission. I knew if I use all my might, I can break away from his hold but why wasn't I reacting? I felt too naive.

Adam, please... I whimpered.

I shivered as he brushed his lips against mine as he spoke, Just let me in, sweetheart, and you'll feel–

Get off her! a male voice thundered from behind me.

Adam pulled back his head and glanced behind me and I quickly freed myself from his clutches, turning back, looking for the owner of the voice.

Harry?

There was no one there, coming towards us than Harry and Emmy following him behind. But could that voice possibly be his voice?

Relief flooded through my veins at his sight but at the same time, I feared to witness a worse scenario.

What do you think you're doing, Lerch? Stay away from her! Harry snarled at Adam, standing between us.

What's your problem, Canfield? Mind your own business. Adam snapped completely in dislike at the sight of my friend. I'll kiss the girl I like, got a problem with that?

Emmy came up to my side and wrapped her arm around me, pulling me back from the boys. You alright? she whispered concernedly, eyes filled with terror. I nodded shakily at her, watching Adam and Harry.

Oh yeah? Harry sneered at him. Got bored of Orlana already?

What? Adam gaped at Harry, so did Emmy and I.

Aren't you the one I saw snogging Orlana at St Bernard's Square three days ago? Harry asked, raising his eyebrows at him. And now you're lurking around her?! he growled, pointing his finger at me.

My eyes widened as I stared from Adam to Harry. Emmy gasped from my side.

Adam swore loudly, He's lying! he yelled glancing at me, throwing his hand at Harry's direction, He's a liar! Don't believe him, Hailey, I haven't done such thing.

Do you really think you can make her believe? I'd love to see you success. Harry challenged him, folding his hands across his chest.

He's jealous! Adam's exclaimed madly, Hailey, I like you. he walked towards me.

Stay away from her. Emmy and Harry said in unison and Emmy stood in front of me, blocking away his reach.

Hailey, you don't believe him. Adam kept on saying.

I do. I said, stepping forth past Emmy, I believe him more than I do you. He's not a liar. I defended my friend. I trusted you, Adam, as my friend. But you disgusted me. You thought I'm a use and throw material?!

What? No! You don't know anything about me! Adam defended himself.

I straightened myself, Well I think, all I now know about you is enough for me. I said and turned to my friends, Come on guys, let's go.

Emmy grabbed my arm and led me out and Harry followed us right at my side, after giving him one last warning glare.

So the rumors were true then. we heard Adam calling out loud to us. Harry Canfield and Hailey Houston are indeed dating.

Wait what?!

I stopped still at the spot along with my friends and turned back to see Adam with a smug smile on his face. I heard a few cracking of knuckles and saw Harry gathering his fingers into a fist. That's it. he growled lowly and turned back, throwing himself at Adam.

Harry went straight to him, grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and punched him on face. Everything happened in a blink of an eye, and when Harry pulled back his hand, Adam winced so hard and clasped his hand over where Harry had hit him. When he moved his hand away at once, I covered my mouth in horror; his nose was bleeding.

Do you like to say that again? This time I can surely make you toothless like an old crap. Harry threatened.

Harry, no! I cried but he raised his hand for me to stop.

I don't know who started this rumor but I'd appreciate it very much if you could be the one to stop it, showing your bleeding nose as a proof for talking it out loud. Harry spoke casually, just as intimidating as his brothers.

Adam gave him a deathly glare before throwing himself at Harry, with his hands on Harry's throat and pinned him to the ground. Emmy and I screamed out for help and some older students, I saw earlier standing thereby, ran up to us, asking what's going on. Two of them pulled Adam away from Harry as other two helped Harry to stand up. Harry, when he got a grip, went straight to Adam again but those guys held him back.

Chill out dude, what's the problem? one with a cigarette tucked over the side of his ear, asked.

He was drooling on my friend! Harry yelled.

And you punched him? A blonde guy asked, amused. Nice work. he said and laughed.

You, another guy spoke to Adam, jerking his chin at his bleeding nose, Go and get an icepack before it gets worse.

Adam pulled himself out of the hold of the two guys who held him and walk past us, shooting us a glare. The blonde guy chuckled, Aye, I think you're in trouble. he told Harry.

Do I care? Harry asked annoyed and turned to us, Come on. he said and walked away without saying another word.

Emmy and I muttered a thanks to the boys who helped and followed Harry. A nasty temper, your friend has got, you know? Tell him to be careful. the blonde guy said as we left them.

He's not wrong, Harry has indeed got a nasty temper at times, besides the angel he was always. What if something goes out of our hands and Haxsel finds out about this? Oh no, I'm going to be in a huge trouble!

You didn't had to do it. I said to Harry as we caught up with him.

What? he asked, not caring to stop or turn around.

You didn't had to punch him. I said.

What else am I supposed to do? You heard the nonsense he said, didn't you? He deserves it. Harry said, shaking his fists.

The rumor. I didn't even know such thing existed. How cruel!

If we had just ignored and walked away...if you hadn't gone for him... none of this would've happened! What if he spread this news? I'm doomed if my brother finds out! I said, throwing my hands in the air at my growing frustration.

You should've to think twice before putting yourself into troubles or we wouldn't even have to be there in the first place. Harry snapped, finally turning around to meet me.

I'm not liking this. Guys, it's all over, just leave it. Emmy said in a hushed voice.

But I was too busy taking Harry words in than Emmy's, So I'm the troublemaker now? Hello? You put me into this in the first place, remember? I wasn't willing when you told me that number belongs to Adam and Emmy was all against it too! I said.

I told you already that I regret I did it, okay? But I did told you to cut the connection when I understood I was wrong! Harry defended himself.

Course you did, but it had no use! It was out of my hands already! He just wanted to be friends –at least that's what he told me– and so it wasn't that easy to push him away! I wanted to exclaimed but kept my voice down because there were people around the place we stood.

And look where it has brought you to! It would've gone completely out of your hands if we hadn't arrived in time! he said.

As if I cried for your help. I rolled my eyes. I was capable of defending myself without your help, thank you very much.

What? He's getting on my nerves!

Fine! Go defend yourself then! he said, throwing his hands in the air, taking a step back. I'd love to see how it goes.

I will. I know how to solve my problems. I don't need you to be around me to solve all my problems while I'm capable of doing it on my own! I said, glaring at my friend, ignoring the voice in my head that kept on telling me to stop arguing.

See? Harry turned to Emmy, pointing his chin at me, Don't come to me for the rescue of other people, unless it's for your own need. Do you understand? he asked, equally mad as he's with me.

Emmy blinked but didn't say a thing and Harry took that as a yes and walked away to where his driver was waiting for him in the car.

What did he mean? I asked Emmy, staring after Harry.

I went to call for him when you left with Adam because I had this bad feeling that he's up to something. Emmy said, rubbing her arm. I'm sorry Hayles, but you shouldn't have spoken to him like that.

But he... I started and trailed off immediately and sighed. She's right, I shouldn't have. I was supposed to forget what's in the past and to thank him for his help but what have I done? How unchristian of me!

Come on. I told her and ran to the gate, hoping to talk with Harry and apologize to him. I saw him opening the door to his car when I reached to the gate and ran to him.

Harry! I called.

He didn't listen.

Harry wait! I called as I reached to his car but he ignored me and got into his seat, shutting the door close, not ever caring to look even though I was there.

I felt a stab in my heart, Harry, I knocked on the closed window glass as tears spring into my eyes. His bodyguard Kent looked at my direction and threw me an apologetic look as Harry muttered something to him and they took off.

What have I done?

A lump formed in my throat and I bit back the sob that made its way out of my lips. I had countless arguments with Harry before, yes, but this one looks like, it's not going to be that easy to solve like how we used to.

I looked back to see Emmy standing a few steps away with tears in her eyes as well.

Oh Hayline, what have you done?!