"A burger, fries and a strawberry milkshake."Henry announced as he placed my order on the table.

He had basically ordered the same thing except instead of fries he had onion rings.

"You know I didn't take you for the cutting class kind of guy but I like this side of you. Tell you what, anytime you want to skip just text me and I'll help you break the rules."I grinned taking a bite of my fries.

"Just don't get used to it, the bad boy in me only surfaces once in a while."Henry replied making laugh.

I thought I knew everything there was to know about the cute nerd seated across me but he proved me wrong at every turn. Seeing him stand up to his brother was a huge turn on. He was lucky we weren't having sex yet, otherwise I would have found the closest janitors closet and had my way with him.

"So there's something I've been meaning to ask you."Henry said.

"What's up?"I asked taking a sip of my drink.

"So all day I've been getting questions, comments and weird remarks about us. People think we're dating and its causing quit the stir because apparently you're the hottest girl at school which I totally agree with. Anyway how are you doing with all the attention? Because it's kind of freaking me out. I'm not used to getting all this attention."Henry expressed.

My strong personality had always led me to gaining quite the popularity wherever I went. Crescent wasn't any different but I'd always tried to distance myself from the cliques so I wasn't associated with anyone. Henry was the only one I really talked to because he was genuine and real. Everyone else had a motive behind wanting to be my friend besides actual friendship.

I'd been asked out by a lot of guys but I had always said no. When I said yes to Henry I hadn't really thought of the repercussions it would have on both of us and our reputations at school. When we walked in, hand in hand I'd ignored the stares and the gossip. It had only gotten worse as the day progressed but I was good at ignoring people so it didn't bother me much. But I had to think about more than myself because Henry was involved now.

"I'd say don't listen to them because they don't matter but high schoolers can be mean and I don't want you having a rough time because of me."I sympathized not knowing what to say to make it all better.

"It's not your fault. I knew dating you would change my life and it has in so many great ways. Now I just need to figure out how to get past this hurdle of our meddlesome schoolmates."Henry replied.

"Running away from them will only work today."I teased.

"I know."Henry groaned biting into his burger.

I could see that he was struggling but unless he directly told me what I could do I would not be much help.

"What if we actually just prove them right and become official."Henry suggested out of the blue.

I was so shocked I choked on my milkshake. I grabbed a napkin to wipe the mess I'd made as I tried to calm myself.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have been so blunt about that."Henry apologized looking at me sheepishly.

"Where did that come from? We've only been on one date."I asked once I regained use of my vocal cords.

"I know but I liked you way before I asked you out. What difference does it make if I ask you to he my girlfriend now or if I do it after five dates."Henry reasoned.

There was some truth to his words but being his girlfriend was a big step. I'd never been anyone's girlfriend before. That was uncharted territory for me. The whole thing with Henry was new and I didn't want to rush into anything. I liked him and had no doubt that he liked me too but was I ready to commit to him.

"I don't know Henry."I sighed not knowing what to do.

"Willow please stop overthinking this. I can see the wheels in your heard turning so please stop. I'm not sorry I asked but I do apologize for making you feel like I'm rushing you. I like you and I want to do this at a pace we're both comfortable with."Henry consoled patting my arm comfortingly.

"Thanks Henry and for the record I like you too."I replied giving him a genuine smile.

The fact that he could sense my despair without me laying my heart out for him showed just how great he was. I would say yes when there wasn't a single doubt in my heart. Henry deserved someone who was all in and until I was sure that was me I would just keep getting to know him and strengthening our bond.

"Since we're already breaking the rules why don't we do something exciting and fun."I suggested changing the topic.

"What do you want to do?"Henry asked.

"We could go play paintball."I replied.

"I didn't do anything wrong? Why do you want to shoot me?"Henry whined.

"Shooting things is fun but shooting people is so much more fun."I grinned winking at him.

"Can't we do something safer like a movie or go back to the go kart place."Henry bargained.

"You're such a party pooper."I whined breaking out the sad eyes.

"Okay fine we can go play paintball."Henry groaned caving into my request.

"Perfect."I cheered starting on my bugger.

If I knew cutting school with Henry would be so much fun I would have started doing it a while ago. It was our last lap of high school and I was going to make sure we made the most of it.

After eating Henry drove us to the paintball outdoor arena for an afternoon filled fun. Since it was my idea I decided to pay as my treat to Henry. We found a group of college students who were short two team members. They asked us to join and I was all too happy to agree. Henry was a little skeptical but he gave in after I broke out the pout and sad eyes again.

Much to Henry's dismay we were paired in different teams. He hated it but his teammates were great and cheered him up fast enough for the real fun to begin. I was right, shooting people was real fun, it made me feel like I was in war except I wasn't really killing people, just stunning them. The outfit, equipment and terrain also made the whole experience fantastic. It almost made me have an interest in joining the military. Key word almost, I hated all the violence involved in war and would never have the guts to take another person's life.

By the end of the session the frown on Henry's face had turned to a smile. My team won but the fun we'd had was unfathomable.

"You cheated."Henry whispered in my year as we returned out gear.

"No I did not."I defended trying to maintain a straight face.

"Yes you did. You knew I couldn't shoot you in the ass that's why you bent over. It's the only reason you guys won."He replied making me chuckle.

"I was just tying my shoe lace, I have no idea what you're talking about."I grinned.

"I'll get you back, don't worry."Henry said.

"Ill be waiting."I concurred knowing he'd not really do anything about it.

After saying goodbye to our new acquaintances we walked out of there and back into the car where it was much warmer.

"As much as I loved that, it was too damn cold."Henry lamented turning the heater on in the car.

"I heated up as soon as I started shooting people but I agree, it was cold but I definitely had a lot of fun."

"Me too."

I loved hanging out with Henry. He made me feel safe, happy and like I could do anything. I hadn't felt the way I did towards him for anyone ever and as scary as that was, it was also thrilling. As long as I wasn't freaking out then Henry and I were on the right path.

"We spent longer than expected playing paintball, your shift at the arcade is in half an hour."Henry informed me.

"You've been driving me everywhere today. How about one last drop of?"I requested.

"It's not like I have anything better to do."Henry replied.

"Great then lets go."

When we got to the arcade Henry walked me in even after I assured him he didn't have to. Jack looked up from the counter, his lips stretching to a grin after seeing us walk in together hand in hand.

"Ah if it isn't the two lovebirds. Finally got tired of dancing circles around each other did you."Jack teased.

"Well we had to prove you right otherwise you'd keep pestering us about it."I replied.

"Call me cupid."Jack grinned looking proud of himself.

"Not going to happen. Where's Charlie?"I asked looking around for my little brother.

"He isn't here yet. Speaking of, why are you both here so early?"Jack asked eyes narrowed at us.

"School let out early."Henry shrugged without messing a beat.

If I didn't know that we'd skipped I would have believed him.

"Oh okay."Jack replied believing him.

I looked at Henry my eyebrows raised in question but he just winked at me. It's not like Jack would have gotten mad if we'd told him the truth. He was always supportive of our rebellion as long as we didn't cause anyone harm or did anything dangerous.

"Willow before you get to work I have something to say to both of you. Since you two are dating now we need ground rules."Jack started taking me by surprise.

"What rules?"I demanded.

"Don't get so defensive. It's for the best. These are very simple and I expect you to adhere to them. Rule number one is for Henry, no distracting Willow while she's on the clock, two no kissing in front of customers and last but most importantly no sex at the arcade."Jack demanded.

"We're not going to have sex, not here or anywhere else."I defended.

"We're not?"Henry asked looking confused.

"That's not what I meant."I replied trying to make sense of what I'd just said.

"Then what did you mean?"Jack inquired.

"We'll follow your rules."I assured him trying to untangle the web I was weaving around myself.

"Great, now get to work. Henry remember rule number one."Jack pointed out.

"You just said it like a minute ago, I didn't forget."Henry retorted.

"Okay boys enough, Jack I'm going to work. Henry is leaving."I said pulling Henry away from Jack.

"But I don't want to leave, who'll drive you back home?"Henry asked.

"My shift is five hours. I can't ask you to wait for me that long."I reasoned.

"You're not asking. I'm offering."Henry grinned.

He kissed my cheek before leaving me standing there stunned as he walked towards the den. Rather than follow him I decided to get to work and let him have his fun. Charlie came in a while later with a boatload of homework that I let Jack help him with.

I was restocking the vending machine by the door when a group of girls came in laughing like a babbling band of baboons. We didn't discriminate customers and had nothing against girls being into comic books or vintage games but the girls who entered looked like they were in the wrong place. They were all dressed in high heels, short skimpy skirts, tube tops and fashion handbags. I didn't care what anyone wore considering I wasn't the most conservative dresser but at least I knew how to check the weather and dress accordingly. The girls looked like they were on a trip to the beach yet it was freezing outside.

"Hi ladies, can I help you with anything?"I asked approaching them because they looked lost.

The tallest of them all, probably their leader looked at me and that's when I recognized her. Her name was Aubrey, queen bee at Maple Ridge. She was always trying to talk me into joining her clique but I drew a line between dressing like a skank and actually being one.

"Oh, hi Aubrey. What brings you to my neck of the woods?"I inquired hoping she was just lost and needed directions to the mall or something.

"Hi, Willow, so nice to see you. We're here because we heard this is the hottest new spot in town and thought we'd check it out."She grinned her red painted lips contrasting perfectly against her pearly whites.

Aubrey was the picture perfect kind of girl with long tanned legs, gorgeous facial features, long dark hair and always in trend with the latest fashions.

"It's not new, the arcade has been here for years probably long before you were born."I corrected her.

"You're so funny, Willow."Aubrey replied laughing.

I had no idea what I had said that would be deemed as funny but I let her have her moment.

"You guys probably won't like what we have here. It's only games and comic books."I informed them hoping they would leave.

"Don't be silly, we know how to have fun. Right girls?"She asked turning to her posse.

They all murmured their okays even though I could see the looks of disgust on their faces. I had no idea their reason for coming but I wasn't about to let them cause any problems. Before I could chase them all away, Jack approached us. I thought he was going to understand the situation and help me kick them out but he did the exact opposite.

"Hello ladies, looking great this fine afternoon. Why don't you try our new photo booth? It's a fan favorite."Jack invited trying to sound all cheery and nice.

He pulled me away before I could contradict him and chase them away.

"Why did you do that Jack? I want them gone."I demanded.

"They didn't do anything wrong, let them have their fun. Maybe if they tag us on those hashtags we'll get more business."Jack argued.

"We already have good business."I huffed feeling betrayed.

"I'm the boss and I say they stay."Jack concluded.

"Fine but if they break anything it's on you."I gritted out before turning around and getting back to work.

I still couldn't understand why Aubrey and her minions had decided to visit the arcade but if Jack said it was okay for them to stay then I would let them be. I'd been part of a clique once in my freshman year but when I witnessed them bully someone just because she wore glasses and baggy clothes I'd cut them off but not before getting justice for the poor girl. I'd always been a straight up person and would always stand up for what was right.

Ignoring the gut feeling that something was going to happen from Aubrey's visit I continued with my work. I just kept praying for them to give me a reason to kick them to the curb. I hadn't had a fight in a while but I was always ready for one.

After half an hour I got a few free minutes so I decided to pop by the den to check up on Henry. He wasn't there so I went looking for him around the arcade. We had a fair amount of customers walking around so it was hard to spot him. When I finally did, what I saw made my blood boil in my veins.

Henry stood next to the photo booth, clinging to it for dear life while Aubrey and her minions surrounded him. I had no idea what she was saying to him because I was a little bit further away and there was noise but when she put her hands on him that's where I drew the line.

I barged towards them ready to rip her fake extensions out but people kept getting in my way. Henry looked like he was trying to tell her off politely but she was not listening. Finally I got there just in time to catch Aubrey's words.

"Come on Matthias, I'm sure you and I can work something out. I can make it worth your while. You and I can have some fun together."Aubrey proposed in a slutty voice.

"I already told you that I'm seeing someone."Henry chocked out.

It made me happy that Henry was standing up for himself and me but Aubrey's hands on him weren't making it easy for me to control myself. Her next words drove me crazy enough to get in the middle of them.

"I'm better than her."Aubrey insisted.

"Oh no you're not, you man stealing bitch."I yelled pushing past her posse to get to her.

Everyone looked shocked to to see me especially Aubrey who looked like a deer caught in headlights. Henry just looked relieved to see me.

"Willow? What-what are you doing here?"Aubrey stuttered.

"I work here remember or is that information too much for your chicken brain to recall. Now get your hands off my man before I break them."I gritted out my hands fisted together.

"You're dating her?"Aubrey asked surprised dropping her hands off his chest.

Before Henry could reply I did "Yes he is, do you have a problem with that?"

"No, yes, but everyone at school was saying that Matthias was dating the prettiest girl in school so I thought he was making it up to pretend he was dating me. I heard he hung out here a lot so I came to tell him off but once I saw how cute he is I thought we could make it work."Aubrey explained.

"Well sorry to burst your bubble but apparently you aren't the prettiest girl in school anymore and Henry, not Matthias is my boyfriend not yours."I laid it out for her hoping she'd take the hint and leave.

I only realized that I'd called Henry my boyfriend after the words had already left my mouth. I'd been reluctant to say yes earlier but once our relationship was threatened, all that fear flew out the window. Henry looked at me surprised trying to understand my words but I didn't have time to explain until Aubrey left.

"You can't have both brothers."Aubrey challenged.

"You can have Matthew, he's all yours."I offered.

"Fine, good luck dating the pathetic one then."Aubrey grinned as if she had just won the lottery.

"You were literally begging him to date you a few minutes ago."I spat at her.

"Well now he's all yours."She retorted unable to come back with a better reply.

"You better leave on your own volition before I drag you out by your hair."I threatened.

My stand and the seriousness in my voice clued her in to the fact that I meant business so she gathered her crew and left. Henry and I were finally left alone and since the little confrontation had attracted a few onlookers I pulled him inside the photo booth.

"Before you say anything I just want to point out that this was definitely not how I thought I'd say yes to being your girlfriend. I didn't want to just blurt it out like that but I was threatened and I felt like I needed to protect my place in your life. I like you Henry and yes I would like to be your girlfriend."I expressed.

"I don't want you to ever feel like you have to defend your place in my heart. I like you and only you."Henry replied grinning widely.

We both leaned in and our lips met in a soft sweet kiss as we sealed the deal on our new relationship status. The flash went on in the booth taking a picture of us kissing. We didn't stop just kept at it. Henry's lips were addictive and I didn't want to stop.

"Goddamnit Willow what did I say about the rule of you two kissing at work?!"Jacks voice bellowed outside the booth.

"Oops gotta go to work."I exclaimed jumping out of the booth and running past Jack with a happy grin on my face.

I was finally Henry's girlfriend and even though I was a little scared about what the future held for us, I was even more excited and thrilled about the prospect of being with him and being called his.