I've been here before, sitting in the headmaster's office, ignoring the slew of condescending remarks being tossed at me. It's the same thing every time.

We warned you. You knew the consequences. We are so disappointed in you. This was your last chance. What were you thinking? Suspension. Expulsion.

Blah blah blah.

Where's the originality? You'd think the way in which teachers reprimand their pupils would alter between continents. It's like there's a universal handbook that gets tossed from school to school. I got to give it to Headmaster Rothland though, at least he's trying to get through to me. His size and baritone voice make his recycled gibberish somewhat entertaining. If I cared more, I might actually feel bad. But the thing is... I don't care.

I don't care because...better me than Kennedy. She'd probably be crying if she were sitting here listening to him soldier on about responsibilities and futures and mistakes. I don't think she'd be able to handle it. But I can.

I never thought I'd finish school. I didn't think it was possible. The fact I've lasted this long is impressive enough. The only reason I wanted to graduate was to throw the diploma in my parents' faces. A big 'fuck you'. I wanted to show dear old Mum and Dad that, despite their preconceived notions of the type of person I was, I am indeed smart enough to finish school. I guess that plan is no longer in the cards.

And neither is my inheritance. Well...at least not for another twelve years. That's fine though. I don't actually want his money. I don't need his money. Frankly, I don't want anything to do with those people. The only thing I've ever wanted from him was respect. And I know, even if I did graduate and go to college, I'd never get it. Dad's already painted me out to be a disappointment. And his paint is expensive, permanent, not easily erased. It was idiotic to think that he'd be proud. I'm doing myself a favor now. I'm saving myself from disappointment.

And I'm saving Kennedy.

It's better this way.

She actually does care.

"Mrs. Rocco," Headmaster Rothland pushes out his chair as he stands up. "I understand that the school year is almost over but Hilton does not tolerate the use of illegal substances. The rules are very clear." He hands her a document. "Your nephew has two hours to clean out his dorm room." He clears this throat. "Perhaps he'll have better luck at a public school."

"Thank you, Mr. Rothland," my aunt says, a sour expression on her face as glances over at me, "And on behalf of Oliver's parents, I want to apologize for his behavior. We were foolish to think sending him to America would change anything." She sighs, slipping on a pair of oversized sunglasses before adjusting her Chanel purse. "Some children are beyond saving, no matter how hard you try."

I snort, rolling my eyes as I stand up. God, as if she actually gives two shits about me. I'm sure she's more concerned about my dad reaming her out for not checking on me enough. 'How could you let this happen, Elizabeth?!' I laugh internally. There goes her monthly babysitting cheques. Knowing Dad, he might actually make her pay it back. See? Always a bright side.

"We wish you the best of luck, Mr. Knight," Rothland says passively. "Whatever it is you decide to do." He holds out his hand for my aunt to shake, his eyes scanning her face in a way that makes me feel super comfortable. Isn't he married? "It was a pleasure meeting you, Bessie, although I do wish it were under better circumstances."

"The pleasure was all mine," my aunt's lips curl into a cunning smile as she holds the Headmaster's hand for a beat longer than she should. "Steven." Gross. Husband number four here we come. Poor man. He doesn't know what he's started. Bessie pulls away, tucking her hair as she turns to me. "Well, I suppose it's time for you to pack now, hmm?"

"Looks like it," I mumble, heading out of his office. When the door shuts behind us, I add, "I don't need two hours. I can be packed in thirty minutes."

"Is Steven single?" Bessie asks, shoving the expulsion document into her purse before pulling out a mirror.

"What happened to that protein powder guy?" I ask. "Didn't work out?"

"He was too young," she says, applying lipstick. "I need someone older." Wealthier, more like it. "So? Is he single or not?"

I shake my head. "No, sorry, Bess. I think he's married. Better luck next time."

"Oh," she hums letting out a sigh. "Well, that's okay. I don't mind a challenge."

Really?

"You're a horrible person," I note, glancing over my aunt. "You know that, right?"

"Your opinion means nothing to me, Oliver," she chides back, glowering. "At least I'm not a seventeen-year-old degenerate with no high school education."

"No, you're not," I state, smiling at my aunt. "You're just a whore." Her jaw drops. "Which is much better, no?"

"God, I can't wait to send your ass back to London," she says, grinding her teeth as we stop near the staircase. "You insolent little brat."

"Whatever." I roll my eyes. "But you should know that Steven probably doesn't make enough money to afford you." I cock my head. "You're what people call a high-end hooker."

Anger burns in Bessie's eyes as slaps me upside the head. "Go pack! There will be a car waiting for you downstairs in an hour."

"You're not going to wait for me?" I ask, rubbing my head. Ow. "My loving aunt?"

Bessie expels an exhausted sigh. "Just go, Oliver. I've got to get home and explain this to your father." A little smirk. "I can't wait for you to talk to him. Should be a thoroughly entertaining conversation." She laughs. "It might even call for a glass of champagne. Oh look, my headache is going away."

"I am so happy you never had children, Bessie," I comment, heading up the stairs. "God only knows what kind of psychos you'd raise."

Her response doesn't reach me as I hustle up the stairs, turning the corner to the dorm room.

"Oliver!" Kennedy exclaims, jumping to her feet, concern plastered across her face. My body relaxes as I approach her, a sense of peace spreading through my veins. I did the right thing. I know it. "Are you okay? Are you expelled? What happened? I tried to-"

"I'm fine, Kennedy," I interrupt her, pulling a key from my pocket and unlocking the door. "You don't need to worry about me, okay? I'm fine."

"What?" Kennedy blinks, following me inside the room. "They didn't expel you? Really?"

"Oh, no," I say, digging a suitcase out of the closet. "I'm definitely expelled." I look up at Kennedy's, her eyes widening in horror. "It's fine, Kenny. No big deal, really."

"No big deal?!" she yells, marching towards me and smacking the suitcase out of my hand. "Are you fucking kidding me, Ollie? It's a huge deal! What were you thinking? Why would you do this for me? I didn't ask you to do this. I would never ask you to do this for me."

"You didn't have to ask," I explain, picking up the suitcase and dropping it on the bed. I turn to the dresser, opening a drawer. "It was the right thing to do."

"Will you stop fucking trying to pack!" she cries, slamming the drawer shut, almost nipping my fingers. "You are not taking the fall for this, okay? I'm not letting this happen." She riffles through her jacket pockets, pulling out prescription bottles. "These might not be enough to prove that the Adderall was mine but it's worth a shot."

She's impossible.

"Leave it alone, Kennedy!" I grab the bottles from her hands, chucking them across the room, my pulse quickening with frustration. "Don't you dare bring these to Rothland, understand? Not a chance."

"Are you crazy?!" she yells. "You're throwing away your entire future, Oliver! You're throwing away your internship! A chance to do what you love! And for what? For me? Why? Why would you do that?"

"Because your future is brighter than mine!" I yell, chest rising, breathing rapidly as I take in her pained eyes.

She's been through so much. She's worked so hard for her dreams. She deserves to have a wonderful life. She deserves to get everything she wants. Everything.

"No." Kennedy sucks in a sharp breath, tears welling up in her eyes. "You don't get to make that decision, Oliver." She shakes her head, taking a step closer to me. "You don't get to decide whose future is more important. You-" She lifts a hand up to my face, her thumb caressing my cheek as she whimpers away sobs. "You can't do this. Please, Oliver. Please."

"Kennedy-" I close my eyes, her warm touch spreading to my heart, making it beat like a kick drum. My voice comes out softer as I breathe, "It's okay to protect the people you love even if it means losing everything."

An audible airy gasp slips past her lips. "What?"

I place my hand on top of hers, leaning into her palm as our eyes connect in a way they've never done before. Like we're seeing each other for the first time. The real us. No masks. No pretenses. No games. I see her. She's so fucking beautiful. And it's not the type of beauty that fades over time. It's the type of beauty a blind man could see. It radiates off of her. An energy that fills me with so much joy. So much comfort. So much hope.

"I love you, Kennedy," I whisper, a weight lifting off my chest, making it easy to breathe. "I love you so let me do this for you." I rake my fingers through her silky hair, tilting back her head so I can look into her glossy eyes. "Please?"

"No," she breathes, blinking away tears as they roll down her cheek. "I still can't let you do this."

"Why not?" I ask, tightening my grip around her hair, hoping that she believes me. That she knows I'm never going to hurt her. That I'll always put her first. Always.

"Because..." She slowly circles her arms around my neck, pushing her body against mine as she raises herself on her tiptoes, her balmy breath blowing against my lips. "Because I'm also protecting someone I love."

It's funny. I've kissed many girls. Dozens. Some of them I truly liked. Some of them were just for fun. And some I don't even remember. I've even kissed her before. But as Kennedy's plush lips press against mine, so urgent and tender, I don't think I've ever experienced a kiss in my whole life. Not like this. This is something otherworldly. Something ethereal. Like locking lips with a goddess. Perhaps I've died. Perhaps this is heaven. Maybe God is a woman.

"I love you too, Oliver," Kenny whispers against my lips. "So please..." She pulls away, looking up at me, pleading, "I won't be able to live with myself if you go down for something that's my fault. Let's figure this out together, okay?"

I love you, too. Four words. I never thought I'd feel such relief from words. Actions are loud, it's true. But sometimes actions aren't voluntary. They're instinctual. Reflexes. Like Kennedy always looking at me. Me at her. But words? Especially sober words? They're intentional. So when actions and words finally line up? It's the most powerful combination.

A combination I've been waiting for for so long.

"You are a very stubborn person," I whisper, pulling her against my chest, my heart fuller than it's ever felt before. I rest my chin on the top of her head, feeling a high I've never felt before. Everything feels so new. So light. "Are you aware of that?"

"I'm aware," she mumbles into my shirt, hugging me tighter. God, I could stand like this forever. With her in my arms. That's all I need. "I'm going to fix this, Ollie. I promise."

I stroke her hair, closing my eyes. It's time to admit defeat. I don't stand a chance. Not anymore. I tried to protect her. But I've lost.

"How?" I ask, swallowing. "How will you fix this?"

Kennedy pulls back, eyebrows furrowed as she sighs. "I don't know," she admits. "Maybe I could-"

"Later," I say, brushing hair out of her face as I smile down at her. "Let's just enjoy the next forty-five minutes okay? Let's pretend that everything is fine. Just for a little bit."

"I'm tired of pretending, Ollie." Kennedy lets out a somber sigh as she leans into me. "I don't want to pretend anymore."

"And you don't need to," I say. "Not with me."

A part of me doesn't want her to fix this. I did this for her. And I don't regret it. But if spends the rest of her life blaming herself or feeling guilty, then this was all for nothing. It was pointless. I want her to be happy. Fully and wholehearted happy.

So she better fix this.

Not for me.

But for us.

__________________________

GYAH

THOUGHTS? PREDICTIONS? How da heck is Ken gonna fix this??

only 3 left