^^Benjamin Forbes

Benjamin Forbes.

My wide eyes roamed over his figure as he stood there, panting. Few buttons of his shirt were open and his tie was nowhere to be found. His blond hair was a mess and his lips were swollen from the kiss.

Is Ben...

"What?!" He snarled, making me flinch. Did I say that out loud? His face turned red, and he looked furious.

I shook my head. "N-nothing." Crouching, I grab my book from the floor. "I-I was just passing by..." I choked and looked between them. "Please don't mind me and continue with..." I gestured between them and then sprinted when I heard Benjamin growled.

"Stop!" He shouted from behind but I kept running for my life. Reaching the library gate, I yanked it open and was about to step out.

But luck was not on my side.

He caught up with me and jerked me back. Slamming the door shut, he shoved me against it. I squeezed my eyes shut and nudged myself to the door as much as I could to stay away from him.

Is this how I'm going to die?

No one will realize me missing except for my parents. I'm sure when they'll come here searching for me but wouldn't be able to find me because I never existed here. Even if anyone saw me coming to the library, they wouldn't know who I am.

I felt him hovering over me and didn't dare open my eyes and start rambling.

"Please don't kill me. I'm sure whatever misunderstanding we have, we can sort it out. I wasn't spying or anything, I swear! I heard groans and thought someone was in pain, that's why I came there. I didn't purposely do it. I always come to the library at lunch- "

"Can you shut it!" Benjamin growled. I slammed my mouth shut and pressed my lips together. "What am I going to do with you?" He muttered.

My heart pounded in my chest, and I internally began praying for my life. Everyone knew Benjamin has anger issues, and I have witnessed it too.

One time after school I was going towards my bicycle with Chloe when I saw Benjamin furiously punching someone while his friends tried to stop him. The guy was badly injured and was admitted to the hospital. Benjamin got away with a month's suspension because his mother is the principal.

No one knew why he beat the guy. Chloe told me it wasn't his first time doing that. He goes around beating people without a reason.

But today he has a reason.

"Ben..." I heard Toby's voice from behind. "Let her go." I peeked through my right eye and saw an angry-looking Benjamin, now shocked at what Toby said.

"No way!" He shrieked, then pointed at me. "She's going to tell everyone!"

"I won't!" I intervened. Benjamin snapped his irritated gaze at me, making me squint.

"She won't tell anyone." Toby sighed at Benjamin's reaction and glanced at me with soft eyes. "Right?"

"Tell w-what? I didn't see a-anything." I shuttered and gave a nervous laugh. "I'm blind," I said, pointing at my glasses. Benjamin raised his brows at my stupidity while Toby snickered.

"I will not let her go. I can't take a risk." Benjamin said, and my heart fell.

I'm dead.

"I know her..." Toby said, putting a hand on Benjamin's shoulder. "She doesn't go gossiping around."

I was so grateful to Toby for having my back. The previous term we had a few classes together, and he was once my partner in English. He's a nice guy, and I wondered how he and Benjamin got into this.

Benjamin sighed and rubbed his hands on his face in frustration. "F**k! Two years and no one knew about this and now only a f**king few months left..." He paused and narrowed his eyes at me. "... And this happens."

He whirled his head back to Toby, and they both shared a depressing look. I tilted my head and observed their painful faces. I may be the one who was terrified to die, but Benjamin also looked frightened.

"I won't tell anyone," I repeated, making them look at me. "I promise," I said firmly.

Toby smiled at me, then glanced at Benjamin. He narrowed his eyes at me and when he felt Toby's gaze; he turned towards him and his eyes widened in horror.

"Are you seriously going to believe her?!"

"I told you, Ben, I know her," Toby said, running fingers through his messy dark brown hair.

"And how well do you exactly know her?" Benjamin asked, folding his arms.

"I- uh..." Toby trailed off and peeked at me.

"See! We can't trust her." Benjamin's lips stretched into a wicked grin as he turned toward me. "Now what should I do with you."

My eyes grew enormous when he stepped closer to me. He put a hand over my head and leaned until his face was in front of mine. Swallowing hard, I looked between his dangerous blue orbs.

"Please don't kill me," I whispered again. "I don't want to die."

"Everyone has to die one day." He smirked.

"One day, correct, but not today."

"And why not today?" He asked, raising his brows.

"Because I still have things to do." He waved his hand, urging me to continue. "I want to become a doctor and save peoples' lives," I answered like a child.

He dropped his head to his side and darted his eyes over my face. After a tortured minute, he backed away and sighed.

"You really think she will tell no one?" I blew a breath that I had been holding all this time.

"Yup," Toby answered, nodding his head. "She's nice and definitely not like your sister." He finished with a smug look. Benjamin rolled his eyes and eyed me again.

"Who are you and why is this the first time I'm seeing you?" He asked, observing my face.

"I-I got transferred here last year," I replied.

"What's your name?"

"Lillian... Lillian Smith."

"Okay, Lillian, so this is what going to happen next." He crossed his arms. "I'm going to let you go and you-" he held his finger at me, "- will tell no one about this." I bobbed my head. "And if I hear even a single word uttering from your mouth about us..." He gestured between him and Toby. "I will-"

"- Kill you." I finished for him and give him a thumbs up. "Got it."

"Then it's settled!" Toby announced, clasping his hands and beamed. "It's going to be our little secret."

Benjamin grimaced, and I gulped, looking between them. I didn't know how things were going to work, but I was surely planning to stay alive.

~•~ • ~•~ • ~•~

Just a few minutes left.

I sat in my history class, tapping my foot impatiently as I waited for the bell to ring. The teacher kept on and on about some... I don't know I wasn't paying attention to him. I examined the clock's needle as it deliberately ticked. Grunting, I dropped my head back in my seat.

A second feels like an hour!

It was my first day at school after winter break. I obviously wasn't eager about coming to study but to meet my friends and have fun.

I peeked to my side and saw Fiona giving me a flirty grin. I smirked and drifted my gaze over her body. She bit her lower lip as she put her arm on the desk and leaned her head on her palm, giving me her side view. Her red hair was wrapped in a messy bun, the white uniform shirt tightly clutched her body showing off her curves, and the blue mini skirt barely covered her thighs.

F**k... She's hot.

Why didn't I notice that before?

Wait... Yeah, I was busy with her hot friend Stephanie and then there was Bella and-

The bell rang, cutting my thoughts. Everyone scurried out of their seats. The teacher went on with giving us assignments but everyone ignored him and out of class. I rolled my eyes.

Who gives an assignment on the first day?!

I eyed Fiona as she walked out of the classroom, swaying her hips. She halted at the door and glanced back at me.

"Close it." My eyes darted to Nate as he watched me in amusement, shaking his head. "Or else a bug will get in that big arrogant mouth of yours."

I snorted and picked up my stuff. "You're jealous because I'm better looking than you."

He rolled his eyes as we walked out of our class. "What's with Fiona?" He asked.

"Nothing..." I gave him a lopsided grin. "Yet."

"And what happened to the girl you were dating before the breaks?" He interrogated reminding me of that clingy girl.

"Velma." I groaned, rubbing my hand over my face. "I ignored her texts the whole break, but she kept texting! She doesn't give up." I grunted.

"Don't blame the girl, Drew." He said, giving me a side glance. "You're the one who gives them hope."

I scoffed. "They know what they're getting themselves into. It's not like I hide from them. Everyone knows I'm a Playboy and if they still expect something from me..." I shrugged. "Then it's not my fault."

He hummed and turned in another direction of the corridor when I stopped him.

"Where are you going?" I asked, jerking my thumb behind me. "Cafeteria is this way."

"I know." He cleared his throat, putting his bag on his shoulder. "I need to do some things." I raised my brows, urging him to continue. "Student Council work."

"On the first day of school?" I inquired.

He bobbed his head and beamed. "Have to plan the fundraiser."

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes. "See you after school, Dweeb!" I said whirling towards the Cafeteria.

"Later, Casanova!" I chuckled and strolled towards Cafeteria.

I observed everyone on my way. The guys gave me high fives and greeted me, while the girl gave me flirtatious smile and I shook my head.

Can you blame me for being arrogant after getting those looks?

At the beginning of high school, I tried to date and settled with a few girls. But they're all whiney and needy. They all get insecure whenever I spend time with my friends they want proof and when I talked to another girl, they get jealous.

I wasn't the one to get restricted from whatever I wanted to do, so I stopped getting in any sort of relationship but guys still have needs. So yeah, I dated a lot and everyone's aware of my habits and what to expect from me. But some people can't take a hint.

"Drew! Wait!" I grunted when a familiar, clingy voice came to my ears. Rotating my head, I saw Velma running towards me.

Speak of the devil...

"Hi..." I greeted her and waited for her to reach. She panted and held a finger as she steadied her breath.

"Hey..." She gulped, looking at me with her hopeful brown eyes and a gigantic smile on her face. "How are you?"

"I'm... good..." I replied, looking around. "Do you want to say something?" I said in a bored tone. "I need to get going." Now that made her smile falter.

"I've been texting you all break but..." She fiddled with her finger, looking at her feet. "You haven't replied even once."

"Busy." I shrugged.

"Oh..." she said and smile again. "Are you free now?"

"I am." I gave a lopsided grin. "And I want to spend that time with my friends," I said and turned around, but she continued.

This girl can't take a hint!

"Will you be free tonight..." I plopped my head to my side, and she quickly added. "Or tomorrow... Or any other day. I thought maybe we could hang out again." She stepped closer and put her hand on my arm. "Like before." She purred.

I opened my mouth, but she cut me off by crashing her lips against mine before falling on me. I put my hand on her hips to steady her. She must have taken it the wrong way and wrapped her hands around my neck, pulling me closer.

No doubt she was a good kisser. But I was done with this one.

"Okay... Listen." I said, backing away from her. "You're a nice girl, Velma, and I'm sure one day you'll meet a good guy who will be the one for you."

"What?" she asked, still in a daze.

"I can't date you anymore," I said, unwrapping her hands around my neck. "I had fun with you but now it's time to go on our separate ways."

"But why?" She whispered as her eyes turned glossy.

"Because I'm done."

"But... But I thought we were doing great and and-" She whimpered.

"Exactly, you thought, but we weren't."

"Don't do this Drew. I like you." She said, stepping forward again, but I back away. "Please, give me a chance." She said as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I'll do better this time-"

"I'm sorry, but I can't," I cut her off and turned around.

She called my name a few times but ignored her and continued walking. I rolled my eyes when I heard her sobbing behind me, but I didn't care and entered our cafeteria.

It was filled with students, and their chattering echoed in the room as I ambled towards my table, which was near the window. Our Cafeteria was on the first floor of our building, one side of which was filled with tables and chairs, and the area with the window wall was furnished with couches.

Walking towards my table, I glanced outside the big window, which gave a full view of the high school ground and the West Hills. The grey clouds covered the sky as usual.

I plopped beside Brittany, who was busy texting on her phone. "Took you long." She murmured without looking up.

"Yeah..." I sighed and sunk into my seat. "I got held up."

She raised her brow and smiled. "Who was the lucky girl this time?" She said, with sarcasm dripping from every word.

"Velma and f**k she is clingy." Brittany burst out laughing and finally looked at me.

"You are a heartbreaker, Drew." She said, putting a hand on her chest. "I wonder how you're going to break my heart." She pouted.

I chuckled and poked her cheek. "I will do nothing to hurt you."

"And why is that?" She asked in amusement.

"Because you're special," I whispered.

"That line might work on your usuals but it ain't working on me." She scoffed, leaning back in her seat.

"Hi, Drew." We looked up and saw Fiona. "I heard things ended between you and Velma." She said in a fake, sad tone.

News travels fast here.

"I did," I answered, plopping my arms over the couch's head. "We weren't meant to be together."

"Hm..." She bit her lip and wandered her gaze over me. "Does that mean you're free now?"

"Meet me in the parking lot after school." I winked at her. Now that made her smile widen.

"I'll be waiting for you." She purred and left.

"Who the f**k is that now?" Brittany grumbled.

"That's Fiona." She raised her brow. "We have history together," I smirked.

Brittany snorted and raises her brow at me. "What now? You are Stefan Salvator?"

"Nup." I said, popping the 'p'. "I'm Damon."

"Huh-uh." Her lips lift from one side. "And now you are waiting for Miss Gilbert?"

"Nah. I'm not interested in one." I said and glanced at the cheerleaders walking in their miniskirts. "There are a lot of fishes in the sea."

"Cocky as always." Brittany clicked her tongue. "When are you going to stop?"

"Why stop when you can have all the fun in the world." I waggled my brows at her. She rolled her eyes and tried to hide her grin, but failed.

"Where's everyone?" I asked, looking around the empty seats.

"I don't know about others but Tiana and David are at the cheerleaders' trails."

"You're the captain, shouldn't you be there taking their trails?" I asked.

She gave me a devilish grin. "I told all the new girls to run two rounds off the football ground and they are busy doing it while Tiana is enjoying watching them attempting."

My brows shot up. "The whole ground?"

Our football ground is huge. They will faint even before finishing their first round.

She hummed, giggling at the thought of those girls struggling.

"You're evil." I chuckled, shaking my head.

"Not more than you." She retorted with a smirk.

"I'm famished!" We turned at Maddie's voice as she plucked on the couch. "Get me something to eat, Jo." Jordan raised his brows at her. "What are you waiting for?" She waves her hand, shooing him. "Go now."

He rolled his eyes but still went towards the counter.

"Get me some fries too!" I yelled behind him.

"Get them yourself sh*thead!" He shouted back.

"Why do you get to control him?" I growled and looked at Maddie.

She gave me a sly grin. "Because I'm awesome!"

I rolled my eyes at glanced at Louis, who sat silently. "Why are you quiet today?"

Louis's the goofy one among us, and you never get a dull moment with him.

"Uh?" He blinked his eyes at me. "Nothing." He said, sitting straight.

"Where the hell is Ben?" I glanced around the Cafeteria. "He has a class with you, right?"

"Yeah. He ran off somewhere as soon as the class ended." Louis muttered, leaning back in his seat.

I narrowed my eyes at Jordan as he brought Maddie's lunch. He rolled his eyes at me and placed the tray in front of her sitting beside her.

"This is what I'm talking about!" Maddie cheerfully said, stuffing her face.

"Ew Maddie." Brittany scrunched her nose. "Have some manner, the sight of you makes me nauseous."

"Suck it up B..." Maddie gulped her bite and gave Brittany her sweetest smile. "Cause the sight of you in mini dresses also makes me nauseous, but do I ever complain?"

Jordan, Louis, and I cracked up at that, and Brittany gave us glares.

"A**holes." She muttered and got back to her phone.

"I've got some things to say." Louis got up from his seat and stood in the middle. "We have only a few months left before graduation-"

"Thanks for reminding that," Brittany muttered.

Ignoring her, Louis continued. "-and we should make the best of it."

"What are you trying to suggest here?" I asked, tilting my head.

"I mean dude what do we do except for playing soccer-" I raised my brow as he referred to me, "- or we take pom-poms and cheer-" he said gesturing towards Brittany who flipped him a bird, "- either we are partying and getting drunk or we sat there and do nothing." He finished looking at Maddie and Jordan. "We need a change." He added.

"If by change you mean is getting bald..." Jordan pointed at Louis's new haircut, "... then I'm good." He said, running fingers through his long shoulder-length hair.

Louis didn't exactly get bald. He had curly hair before and they looked good on him, now trimmed them and he looks... Okay, almost bald.

"Dude!" Louis shrieked, looking at Jordan, shocked. "This isn't bald. It's hot! Girls kill to date guys with haircuts."

Jordan scoffed. "Girls go for guys with hair." He said, flipping his hair.

"No. They get jealous of guys with long hair and who wants a girlfriend who gets jealous of him?"

I watched in amusement as they both bickered about their hair. Brittany sighed beside me while Maddie looked at them, annoyed, and finally snapped.

"Shut up, both of you! Or else I'll make you!" I snickered as they both shut their mouths at the murderous look Maddie gave them and dropped into their seats like kids who get scolded by their moms.

"Good." Maddie hummed, satisfied, and got back to eating.

"Ben!" Brittany said, making me look up. "Finally you're here!"

He sighed and sat on my right. "Where the hell were you?" I asked, observing his distressed face. "And what's with the face?"

"Nothing." He mumbled, throwing his head back. "Just tired."

I studied his face as he absently stared at the ceiling and choose to ignore his mood because I know he can take care of himself and if he ever needs me, he'll tell me himself.

He always does.