Pov. Sab

In my mind, I was screaming, arguing with myself, challenging everything that was close. What happened, shouldn't. I blamed myself for letting it happen and letting my thoughts and feelings totally blow out. I was carefully analyzing every moment of this whole situation that happened a few hours ago. All day at school, I couldn't focus on anything. My only thoughts circled around my kiss with Cooper. I know a lot of girls would like to be me right now, but I have two bloody wonders. The first, why he did it, and the second, whether it had anything to do with his words yesterday.

I was just sitting at one of the tables in a nearby cafe, in the company of Nessa, who was a witness to the whole situation and together with me she is looking for a logical solution to all of this. Though I think both of us will never find him.

- Ness, with each fucking thought I get lost in it. - I gasped nervously, hiding my face in my hands and rubbing it lightly

- Sab, take it easy. It was just one kiss.- The girl was still trying to explain, but for a few minutes she hadn't been doing very well

- But isn't it fucking weird to you that he says something like that to me, and the next day he kisses me in front of practically everyone!? - I was getting more and more impatient and I felt bloody unsatisfied that I did not explain the matter right away

- It's kind of weird, but Sab.. Cooper is just like that. Complicated in every way. Nobody can ever fully understand it. He is my best friend and I love him very much, but all I wish for you is not to fall in love with him. He will destroy you, and most of all, he will break your heart, that's for sure. I don't want this for you. So please be careful. - she said, in a very convincing way, which made me regret this kiss more and more with each word

- I don't want that either. I never ever want to feel anything for him. And it's never gonna happen okay? - I looked at her questioningly, trying to read her expression if she understood and agreed with my words

- I'm afraid you've already done it .. - She whispered suddenly, and my whole body was overwhelmed by a terribly strange feeling that I could not even define

- What? - I don't know why I even shouted, staring straight into the eyes of the dark-haired girl, and in my mind a hundred times analyzing the words she said

- Maybe you do not feel such "love" for him, but you can see that he stopped being indifferent to you. He has become someone for you. I don't know who that is yet. But you certainly are not indifferent to you, Sab. But please don't get too deep into this. Finish it before it's too late. - the girl stroked my hand gently, then got up from her seat and headed for the exit from the cafe, leaving me alone with millions of thoughts per second

Over a dozen times in my mind, I repeated the words of my friend, and each time I got lost in it even more. I felt like I immediately lost control of everything. My life was so perfectly in order until this mystery boy showed up and ruined everything. He broke the order in my teenage world. He was like a tornado that suddenly appears and destroys everything around it.

But I still had that one thought about that kiss. Yes, I realize that Cooper and this type of entertainment is the norm for many people. However, something does not suit me in this whole situation and does not leave me alone. I knew I had to find out what was going on. I began to wonder exactly from whom I could hear an answer or a clue. And then Jaden Hossler- Cooper's best friend, avid musician and songwriter - flashed into my mind. A typical rebellious teenager who tries to take advantage of everyone who gets in his way, mainly because of his problems and failures in life. He often finds it difficult to control his emotions, which often causes him to get into a lot of trouble.

I was pretty sure he knew the truth, but something I was fucking afraid of was going to him. Hossler is not a nice person, he is nice only occasionally to his closest relatives. I was afraid of how he would react to my questions, or whether he would even want to devote some of his attention to me. I knew that the place where I could look for him is square next to garages located a bit behind our school. The boy spent a hell of a lot of time there, mostly in the company of his buddies. Unfortunately, this place is not a safe one. A lot of pathological teenagers and even adults spend their time there. I didn't want to get hurt, but this time my curiosity won it all.

As soon as possible, I tried to get to the desired place, for some time feeling very confident, but when I saw these people up close and there, I felt my legs weaken. There were a lot of groups of drug addicts who, under the influence, seemed to be damn aggressive. In some places there were also drunks who were eager to open more bottles. I hurriedly looked around for Jaden. Once I was able to locate my target, I moved smoothly towards it, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone. Happiness, however, was not written to me. In front of me stood a bald man, much taller than me, a muscular man, probably in his thirties, with a lot of tattoos on his arms and a killer gaze. He looked bloody creepy, and I felt my heart beat faster and faster. He measured me closely, and I felt as if his irises were actually burning my skin.

- What are you looking for here, baby? There is no place for people like you here.- He replied suddenly dryly, inhaling another smoke from his cigarette, staring at me curiously

- Like me? Which are what? - I raised one eyebrow up and at that moment I wanted to hit my face with my open hand that I even spoke to that asshole

- Ladies from good, rich houses, with an ego fired into space, but the only thing they are suitable for is a brothel. - he came closer and closer to me, and with each of his steps I felt how my legs were getting softer and my breathing quickened

- What the.. - I wanted to shout in his face what I think about people like him, but my speech was interrupted by someone hoarse, confident, loud voice

- Leave her alone, or I'll get you so that you can pick your teeth off the sidewalk on all fours.- next to us there is my today's goal, i.e. Jaden Hossler, who currently took the man away from me with a quick but sudden movement of his hand

The older guy looked at me one last time, scrutinizing me again, then snorted softly and walked back to his colleagues who were watching the situation with curiosity. I watched them for a moment, until Jaden blocked my visibility, just standing in front of me.

- What the hell are you doing here?- he asked in an emotionless voice, staring impassively into my eyes

- I need to talk to you, Jaden. - I quickly rubbed my slightly chilled shoulders with my hands, then crossed my arms over my chest

- I don't know if we have anything to talk about. All I know about you is that we go to class together. - he replied, showing no willingness to continue conversation with me with his attitude, therefore he turned and returned to his previous place

- - I shouted suddenly, causing the boy to stop immediately and after a few seconds he turned towards me

- Yeah? - he began, coming closer to me so that no one else could hear our conversation going

- You saw my kiss with Cooper at school. Explain the situation to me, please. - I looked at him with pleading eyes, hoping that I would finally get what I wanted so much

- It's just a kiss. Nothing unusual. - he sneered, inhaling the smoke of his cigarette, then he let it out, and I started waving my hands in front of my face, trying to get the smoke from me

- Jaden, at least you fucking tell me what it's all about! I can't believe Cooper just kissed me like that. There must have been a reason, especially since the day before, he told me that from tomorrow I would be completely safe. - My tone of voice changed completely, to be much more confident, louder and more irritated

- I have nothing to say to you. - He was still the same, and I felt my irritation starting to reach its zenith

- I'm sure you know something! That's why I'm asking you to kindly explain to me, because I want to know what the fuck is going on here! - I gestured lively with my hands, showing my emotions, and the boy carefully watched my every move

- Fuck! The point is, some time ago we made a rule with the other guys. That if a boy kisses a girl in front of everyone in the meantime, showing such a certain sign with his fingers, it means that this girl belongs to him and no other has the right to touch her - he said quickly, seriously looking into my eyes, watching how with everyone With his next word, my face grows pale and pale

- What the fuck !? - at this point, I didn't know what I was thinking, I just felt as if the whole world had stopped, as if I hadn't contacted at all and only closed in an instant

- Yeah. Cooper did hell to protect you! - this time, the voice of Hossler standing in front of me became much more firm and stronger, which made me feel unpleasant chills running through my whole body

- So I just belong to him now? Why the fuck why? - I grabbed my head with my hands, twirling it in disbelief what I heard a moment ago, this sudden surge of emotions definitely did not work for me well, because I felt like I was about to pass out there

- Sab, let's face it, you're a damn attractive girl. Cooper knew that a lot of the boys at this school liked you and they would like you. In addition, once he heard a conversation between Jack, the one who tried to rape you, with his buddies, in which he confessed to them that he was going to get closer to you at this party, and if you resisted, he would even go as far as rape. - with the last words, his voice lowered significantly, and his eyesight became more calm and compassionate at the same time, and my eyes began to be filled with tears

- Oh my god..that's why Cooper appeared there . - the whole truth suddenly began to appear in my head, and I tried in every way to refrain from crying, because I really did not want to cry right there, additionally in front of the school an asshole

- Yes! Because he knew perfectly well that you were going to be there with Nessa, that's why he knew that he had to watch you at this party and thanks to that he managed to save you.- he explained, and I felt a strange warmth begin to seize my whole body

- As for the fact that a boy after doing something like this makes a girl his, how many girlfriends can each one have?- I asked, after a moment of awkward silence that reigned between us, then looked him straight in the eyes in his head, coming up with millions of different scenarios for what he can answer me

- This can only be done once.. And Cooper did it to you. That should show you something.- He smiled at me in such a strange, slightly bossy way, then turned and walked confidently towards the place where he had been before

I stood there for a moment, analyzing his words. Cooper Noriega used his quota on me? Just to protect me? I still wasn't saturated enough. I still needed some answers, more questions that haunted me. I felt as if they were multiplying more and more, and I was more and more lost in everything I felt.

And suddenly, in my mind, an idea was born. Maybe I didn't fully analyze what I want it all to look like, but finally I shook off my thoughts and started walking down the sidewalk in a certain direction. I was getting closer and closer to the desired goal. My eyes were already seeing familiar regions that I had passed not too long ago. And suddenly this house appeared to my eyes. His house. Residence of the Noriegs. I didn't understand why I was going there at all and what I was going to tell him, but for some unknown reason I didn't want to let go.

As I stood in front of the huge door, I knocked quite hard so that I was perfectly heard. Hopefully, I waited for someone to open the door for me. After about a minute, I heard the sound of the lock turning, and the housekeeper, smiling as always, stood in the doorway.

- Sabrina! Hello! - she greeted me cheerfully, and in her eyes you could see happy sparkles, at which I smiled gently

- It's very nice to see you. - I greeted, taking the most pleasant tone and expression on my face, although unfortunately I didn't feel so well - Is there maybe Cooper at home?

- He should be back from training soon. Go inside and wait for him. - she moved slightly to the side, making a transition for me, which I immediately took advantage of and marched inside, enjoying the wonderful pleasant scent of cupcakes

This house smelled exactly as I remembered it. A mixture of wonderful homemade pastries and lavender. There was such a warm, homely atmosphere, although when I learned about the history of this family, I know that it is not like that here. The woman headed towards the kitchen humming a song that I unfortunately didn't recognize and resumed her duties. I stood and watched it closely.

- Can I help you somehow? - I asked suddenly, wondering what the private life of this woman looks like, since she spends practically all her time here and in every possible way helps the Norieg family, giving her whole heart to her work

- No. Thank you, but I can handle it.- She turned her head in my direction, wiping the freshly washed dishes, then began to put them into the appropriate cabinets

- Have you been working here long? - I continued the conversation, feeling a strange need to get to know this nice woman closer

- Fourteen years. Fourteen beautiful years.- she smiled at the very thought of all this, then her happy gaze turned to me- Cooper is my second child for me

- Oh, I didn't know you had a child. Boy or girl?- I leaned my hands on the table top, feeling a pleasant coolness from it, which was perfect for my body warmed by emotions

- A daughter.. Natalie. - Suddenly, sadness and worry appeared on her face, and her voice broke a little, she put the last pot back in the cupboard, then looked straight into my eyes- My wonderful Natalie.

- Woah! Natalie is a beautiful name. She is definitely a wonderful person. - I complimented, at which the woman smiled slightly, but her eyes still remained sad

- She was always so full of energy, always smiling, laughing. She introduced such a wonderful atmosphere and was able to cheer me up with her positivity on even the worst day. She was like such an angel. Such a good soul. And then she suddenly fell ill. For cancer. Her illness was a huge shock to me. I saw my beloved child suffer and lose his will to live. I was also concerned about her treatment, which is very expensive, and I was never one of the wealthy people. That's why I started looking for a job and then somehow I got here. This job is hard but well paid. I try to donate all funds to the treatment of my child. She has been fighting cancer for 14 years. The disease is constantly attacking, metastases to other organs are constantly appearing. - she said, and in her beautiful, usually beautifully sparkling eyes, there were tears and her hands began to shake

I didn't think much longer, just walked over her and hugged the woman to me. At that moment, I felt that she needed it, and it broke my heart to hear this story. After all, she is such a good woman who deserves the best of the world, while her life is a total drama. I can't even imagine what she is feeling, not knowing whether her daughter will wake up tomorrow or not.

This moment was interrupted when we heard the sound of footsteps getting closer and closer to us, and after a while we could hear a loud grunt. I pushed my head gently away from the woman, my arms around her all the time, then turned my head towards the incoming sound. Cooper Noriega was standing right at the entrance to the room, apparently confused by the whole situation. He wore gray tracksuits, a slightly oversized black hoodie, and white sneakers. His hair was a bit disheveled, but I know it was due to training, and on his shoulder hung his bag in which he probably kept his sports outfit.

For about a minute, we just stood there, staring at each other without a word or a gesture. As always, no emotion could be inferred from his eyes. They were as indifferent as ever, penetrating and mysterious at the same time.

- What are you doing here? - He broke the silence, speaking with his characteristic sexy hoarseness that still made me shiver all over my body

- I came to talk to you. - I announced, taking a few steps away from his housekeeper, who returned to her duties

- I don't think I want to talk. - he replied dryly, then ignorantly turned his back to me, intending to walk away

- I don't ask you for your opinion. - I snorted, trying to sound as firm as possible, not wanting to let him do another "asshole" behavior

- You won't let go, will you? - He turned his head slightly towards me, peering at me from the side

- Never. - I nodded, and he clearly rolled his eyes

- Okay, let's go to my room. - he replied, and without even waiting for me, he walked towards the stairs leading to his room

It was just like that. Ignorant, asshole, selfish self. He was driving me crazy, he was the only one who could make my irritation reach its zenith, but at the same time he had something that attracted me like a magnet, even when I didn't want to. And it's all because of one stupid project.

Before I left the room, however, I looked at the working woman again.

- Remember that you are a wonderful and very strong woman. And I believe with all my heart and keep my fingers crossed for your daughter and her health. - I smiled after saying these words, and then I moved quickly after the boy

And that's how I found myself in his bedroom. It was a really big room, but very nicely decorated. But it smelled of cigarettes which the boy smoked quite a lot, and those of his cologne because I guess that's where he prepares himself every day. The boy sat down on the black leather sofa opposite the large TV on the wall. He looked at me questioningly, then patted the seat next to him with his hand, signaling me to sit down.

- So, how did I deserve Sabrina Quesada to come to my house and willingly talk to me?- the boy sneered, looking piercingly straight into my eyes, as if he wanted to detect something from them, to find, understand

- I found out why you kissed me then, Cooper.- I replied in a neutral tone, trying not to show how my emotions were raging at that moment

- Acknowledgments accepted. - his extremely strange humor and ease today, slightly irritated me, because I was trying to have a serious conversation here, and he wanted to joke

- Now nobody in this school can make an appointment with me.. Maybe you didn't think that I would like to meet someone someday and try feelings again?! - my tone rose slightly, at which the boy frowned, and his fists clenched tightly at the last words

- They only care about one thing. - he snorted ignorantly, assuming a different sitting pose to be able to see me more clearly

- Just because you are like that doesn't mean everyone else is like that, Cooper. - I hissed, and my tone of voice became damn serious, the boy was staring at me with an unidentified face

- Is it so bad that I'm trying to help you not turn yourself into a whore? - he suddenly shouted, tensing his entire body, his irises burning my body

- I'm not like all your girls. - I murmured, growing angrier as I watched the renewed indifference on his face