I didn't slow down until I was certain that I was a good distance away from Seth and out of his sight. Taking a sharp right, I allowed my back to rest against the cold, marble wall as I tried to catch my breath.

I lightly touched my right wrist and traced the fading red lines where his callused fingers had been gripping on. My left hand slowly lifted up to touch my lips, where his lips had been only a few seconds ago.

He was right. I did kiss him back. It did affect me.

That doesn't mean that I'm going to forget everything that happened between us. He used me. He used me for his own selfish reasons and I was never going to be able to forgive him for that. Besides, who knows whether everything he's saying to me now is the truth or still a part of the act.

No, I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. This time, I'm going to go with my instincts and not let my feelings and emotions consume me.

I was going to move on.

After three weeks of successfully avoiding Seth, I was starting to feel myself revert back to the way I was. The way I was happy. I don't know why I ever thought getting into a relationship would be a good idea. I was not made to function in relationships, I was never the sappy kind yet somehow, with Seth, I forced myself to believe that I liked those things. I never did and I never will.

My parents, on the other hand, were more heartbroken than I was. My dad, in particular, was devastated when I told him that Seth and I were done for good. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration but the smile from his faded and wrinkles appeared on his forehead and he just looked genuinely sad. Just like Seth had managed to blind me with his 'love', he seemed to have blinded my father too. I must admit, he's got charm.

Other than trying to avoid Seth, I channelled my time and energy into trying to fix things between Tyler and I. My main focus was helping Tyler pass his subjects. I didn't realise how invested I had become in helping him. We spent countless hours going over complicated concepts from every subject that he found difficult. The only subject he seemed to be enjoying was Math, which made things easier for us since Math and I never got along well. The table in the right corner of the library became our second home. Seth did happen to see us more than once but other than shooting daggers in our direction, he didn't react. I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy to see him disturbed by the fact that I was hanging out with Tyler.

I exhaled and intertwined my hands together whilst resting my elbows on my knees. A quick glance at the clock told me that Tyler had been in the principal's office for about a minute and forty seconds. After over a month of intense studying, the time to receive the verdict finally arrived.

My legs continued shaking alternatively whilst my teeth bit down on my bottom lip, waiting to draw out blood any minute. What was taking so long?

After watching the second hand tick for twelve more seconds, the door opened. I stood up immediately, my eyes searching Tyler's face. His eyes averted my gaze as he shut the door behind him, a piece of paper grasped in his left hand.

"What happened?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

His eyes finally flickered to meet mine. He pressed his lips together, flattening his mouth out. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed slowly.

"Did you pass?" I questioned softly, afraid to hear his answer.

His pressed lips broke out into a grin as he took two long strides towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist. Lifting me off the floor, he spun me around, causing a squeal to escape my throat and echo in the silent office. My arms reflexively wrapped around the back of his neck as I tried to maintain balance.

He set me down but didn't let go of me. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, bending down to match my height.

"So, I'm guessing you passed," I whispered in his ear.

He didn't say anything but nodded his head twice, causing a grin to break out on my face. I tried to pull away to look at his face but that only made him tighten his grip on my body.

"Tyler," I tried again but it had no effect.

I let my body go limp, giving up. He continued hugging me and after what seemed like an eternity, he pulled away. His face was glowing with pride when he looked down at me. I found myself beaming back at him.

"Thank you," he whispered, reaching for my right hand. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Really."

"Don't mention it," I brushed him off, pulling my hand from his grasp. "All I did was guide you. It was your hard work at the end of the day."

"Don't be so modest," he said, giving me a knowing smile.

We walked out of the office and into the semi-crowded hallway.

"I want to take you out tonight," he announced, causing me to stop in my tracks. My mouth parted, ready to object. He cut me off, "Just as a thank you, nothing more than that. Nothing fancy, we could go for pizza or something. I don't know how to thank you and I know that pizza isn't sufficient but I've got to start somewhere."

I licked my lips with uncertainty.

"Please," he pleaded, his oh-so-blue eyes taking me down the guilt trip for even thinking about saying no.

"Alright, sure, of course," I agreed with a few vigorous nods.

"Great, I'll come pick you up?" he asked and after my hesitation, he added, "or I could text you the address?"

"Yeah, text me the address, that'll be more convenient for you," I said with a small smile.

We walked aimlessly to the end of the hallway. The 'Spring Fling' booth appeared into view with two very frustrated Student Council members sitting on the other side, trying to sell tickets.

"Are you going?" Tyler asked, bringing my attention back to him.

I shook my head as I shoved my hands in my back pocket. "Don't think so, you?"

He shrugged. "Don't think I'm going to go either."

I nodded, slightly relieved that he didn't try to force me like Kyla did.

"Spring Fling is so pointless honestly," he said as we turned left and continued walking down the hallway. "We're going to have prom and then graduation soon, anyway. Why do we need a Spring Fling?"

"Exactly," I agreed. "Why do even need Prom and a thousand different types of dances?"

Besides, last time I went to a dance, it wasn't the most pleasant experience. Not only did I push someone into a fountain but it was the unfortunate day Seth Riley entered my life.

"Right?" he responded, making me raise my brows and nod enthusiastically.

I glanced at my watch and said, "I should get going, I'll see you later tonight."

Tyler nodded. I was about to walk away when he said, "Ava?"

I turned around to look at him. The sides of his mouth lifted up and he said, "Thank you."

I smiled in return and nodded.

When I neared my locker, Kian was waiting for me with something in his hands.

"There you are," he exclaimed, pushing himself off my locker. "I've been waiting for so long. Why weren't you answering your phone?"

"I was in the principal's office," I said and when his face transformed into one of confusion, I added, "Tyler's results. He passed!"

His jaw dropped in amazement. "Look at you, Ava Nelson; helping students pass, conquering the world as a strong, single woman."

I rolled my eyes as I chuckled. "Why were you waiting for me?"

"So," he started, "I know you made it very clear that you don't want to go to the Spring Fling but I really don't want to third-wheel Kyla and Derrick. I bought two tickets for both of us, please don't say no."

"But I told you I didn't want to go, Kian," I whined, frowning.

"I know, I know," he agreed, "but I'd have to spend the night all alone then. If you come, the two of us can have a good time together. Find us some smexy guys."

I exhaled through my nose to stop myself from yelling profanities at Kian.

"Please just do it as a favour," he begged. "I'll owe you one."

"I'm going to get you back good for this," I said, snatching a ticket out of his hand. 

A/N- Quite a short chapter but I didn't want too many things to happen in one chapter.
First of all, thank you for all the supportive and positive comments all of you have sent to me. It really means a lot, thank you. 
Secondly, I'm sorry for no Seva but buckle up, you'll be getting some intense stuff coming your way soooon ;) 
Just waiting for my exams to finish on the 21st and then I have holidays for 2 weeks so I can update a lottt (hopefully) 
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