Garrett's p.o.v.

I watch Smith dress from the corner of my eye, and a faint smile tugs at my lips when he struggles to pull on his jeans. I pull mine on easily, and then I step up behind him and wind my arms around him from behind. I lean in close to his ear, and whisper, "We should do this again soon."

Smith peeks over his shoulder at me, and grins as he replies, "You know I'm free whenever you need me."

I smile and slide my finger under his chin, angling his head back as I softly reply, "I know." And then I seal my lips over his and kiss him deeply, my hands kneading his ass while he presses his body close to mine. When I break the kiss, I smile at him again, and brush my thumb over his cheek before leaving.

I push the locker room door open with ease, and readjust my backpack as I walk, my body and mind lighter after spending time with Smith.

Smith has always been a close friend, and more often than not, he was more than that. He's my best method when it comes to relieving stress, and he never flinches away from me when I get too rough and feel the need to rip into him. He—-

"Garrett! We need to talk," someone calls out from behind me.

My steps slow as I pivot around, and I cross my arms and set my jaw, as I reply, "Talk about what?"

+ + +

I stand in the lunch line with Peter and Megan, while Jordan and JoAnna stand behind us seemingly arguing over something. I purse my lips and pay for my lunch, that consists of a soggy dinner roll, a slab of mystery meat smothered in brown gravy, and pale watered down corn. It seems I won't be eating this mess . . . I think, as I follow Peter and Megan to our lunch table.

Kat is already in her seat, eating her homemade lunch with Abby. I frown and sit down, as I glance at the empty seat beside me, and wonder where Christian is at being that I haven't seen him since he left my house yesterday for work. I hope he's not avoiding me . . . He was acting really weird yesterday. I sigh and slide my untouched tray of food away, as Jordan and JoAnna join us at the table. They still seem to be arguing over something, so none of us dare break apart their conversation, as we start on talking about our days without them.

Kat tells an interesting story about the science experiment she performed in chemistry; Megan talks about the music compilation she's been putting together; Abby complains about how much she hates gym class and the annoying guys that ogle her when she runs during the warm-ups; and Peter remains quiet while picking at his roll and pinging the dough balls across the table. I'm quiet for the most part too, and I'm chewing on the cap of my pen while I work on my math homework, when I notice Christian walk into the cafeteria.

My heart jumps at the sight of him, but then my smile slips away. Something's wrong . . . I think, as I watch him approach the table, his lips not giving away to his easy and natural smile that always lights up his eyes. I feel my heart pick up for a different reason, as I sit frozen to my seat, while all I can do is stare at his long and lean stature as he gradually draws closer.

And then he's standing behind me, and my breath catches as I glance up at him. Christian's face is unreadable, and I feel a tightening in my chest as I open my mouth to say something, only for him to shake his head and say, "Please, don't say anything, Beau. Just come with me, okay? We have to talk...."

"A-A-About what?" I ask.

Christian sighs and holds his hand out, as he quietly replies, "Please, just come with me, Beau."

I bite my bottom lip as I slowly stand up, and hesitantly accept Christian's outstretched hand. Did he find out? I wonder. That would explain his sudden change in behavior yesterday. Damn it, I didn't want Christian to know . . .

I follow behind Christian quietly, my eyes trained on the space between his shoulder blades, as he leads me through the quiet hallways. I wonder where he's leading us? I think, as I continue my small forward shuffle.

He leads me pass the lockers and empty classrooms, around corners and up a familiar stairwell until he stops and turns around. I stop too before I can accidentally smack my forehead against his chin, and nervously twisting my hands together I peek up to meet his disappointed gaze, and my heart cracks at the sight.

Christian glances around us before he slowly settles his gaze on me, and softly asks, "Do you remember the first time we stood on these stairs together?"

I feel my cheeks immediately flush, as I recall my embarrassing stumble down the steps, and Christian's kindness even after I had accidentally knocked out head together. My blush creeps further down my neck, as I quietly reply, "Yes."

Christian's expression remains neutral, as he slowly steps toward me and lifts his hand. He places his warm hand over my burning skin, and I bite my bottom lip as he draws closer —- so close I can see the different flecks of green in his chocolate colored eyes. "Beau?" he gently breathes, while he slowly caresses his thumb over my cheek, a simple touch that renders my body completely at his mercy.

"Y-Yes?" I whisper.

"Why do you have inappropriate pictures of Garrett on your phone?" Christian breathes, as he continues to stroke my cheek, and very so often lean down to brush his lips over mine.

My body is quacking and my heart is pounding. "I-I-I needed something a-against him so he'll
l-leave me alone," I stutter.

"I understand, but the way you're going about it, is wrong," Christian tells me.

It's wrong? I think, as the daze Christian's closeness has been casting over me is lifted. What's wrong is the way Garrett thinks he can treat me. I tear myself away from Christian, and square my shoulders as I yell, "How can you stand there, and tell me I'm in the wrong, when from the moment Garrett found me on that damn field he's made me feel like I've owed him everything!? I deserve to have a peace of mind, Christian! And so what if I have to spread those damn photos all over the school to get it!"

"Beau, are you hearing yourself!?" Christian yells back. "You're not thinking rationally. Garrett hurt you more times to count, I understand that, but retaliation to that extent is wrong. You'd be going against everything that makes you you, Beau, and what if you can't come back from it? You'll be so full of guilt and God knows your strong, but you'll crumble if you hurt Garrett this way. So please, my sweet Beau, don't do it. Don't stoop to Garrett's level, be better than him."

I don't say anything for a long moment, and then I breathe in deeply before quietly saying, "I'm sorry, Christian, but I guess you just don't understand like I thought you did . . ." I whisper, before pivoting around on my heel and jogging back down the steps.

"Beau!" Christian yells after me. "Wait! Beau!"

But I don't stop. I can't look at Christian, and get lost in his eyes again when I have something more important to do, than get dazed staring into my boyfriend's chocolate colored eyes.

Sorry, Christian, but Garrett has to pay for what he's done.

Word count: 1,309

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A/N: Hello, lovelies! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! So are you beginning to feel differently about Garrett's character —- perhaps there's a story behind his actions? Do you think Beau will really make Garrett pay for what he's done, or do you think Christian's words will break through his subconscious? Hmm, I guess we'll have to wait for the update to answer some of our questions . . .

Thank you so much for reading, and please, don't forget to vote and comment and share this story with your friends. Have an amazing day/night!

Love from,
BunnyBaekkiee ❤️