^^Miss Grace

After David vanished around the corner, I ran to the bathroom on the upper floor. Before getting inside I cracked the door and peeked to make sure no one was there. Sighing in relief when I saw it empty, I stepped inside and strode to the mirror. My eyes widened when I saw David’s finger marks forming on my pale skin.

I stepped near the mirror and traced my fingers on the bruise and winced. It hurt a little, but the marks were really visible.

I hated my pale skin when it easily bruises. My sweater shirt had a V neck and I had nothing to cover it. I groaned and hung my head.

What am I going to do with it now?! I can’t go around like this.

After what he did to me downstairs, I didn’t want to know what he was capable of doing with me and my family and I’m not looking for any trouble.

Despite that, it attracts me like a magnet.

All I wanted was to spend the rest of my remaining years peacefully and graduate.

I blew a breath and paced the bathroom, thinking of an idea. I was always the organized one and plan everything beforehand to avoid any kind of complication, but I never imagined getting stuck in situations like this. I stopped in front of the mirror and thought of opening my hair, but that wouldn’t work either.

I had no idea how long I stayed in the bathroom but my phone ringed cutting my train of thoughts. I took my phone out of my back pocket and saw Toby’s name on it.

I took a deep breath and answered it. “Hello?”

“Where are you, Lilly?” He sniffed. “You’ve gone for about twenty minutes now. Is the stain not getting off?”

I glanced down at the sticky milkshake which I forgot about in the whole David situation. “It’s really hard to get it off,” I mumbled.

“Do you need any help?”

“No...” I gulped. “I’m almost done with it.”

“The game is about to end hurry.” He coughed, and that’s when my brain clicked.

“Hey, Toby?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m feeling freezing suddenly, can you give me your muffler?” I fake coughed. “I have nothing to wear at the moment...” I trailed off and bit my lip, not sure if it was working.

“Sure.” He answered without wasting a second.

“Thank you.” I breathe and smiled. “Can you... Uh, bring it to the girl's bathroom on the second floor?”

“Why are you on the second floor?” His voice sounded curious.

“Other were packed.” I gave him a quick answer.

The line went silent for a while. “Alright.”

Thanking him again, I hung up, and while waiting for him to come; I cleaned the stain on my pants. I was almost done when someone knocked on the door. Standing straight, I dried my pants with a tissue and stalked to the door. I narrowly opened it and peeked my head out to see Nate standing with Toby’s muffler in his hands.

“What are you doing here?” I frowned.

“Toby told me you were feeling cold, so I said I’ll bring you this.” He extended Toby’s muffler.

Aw... That’s so sweet.

“Thank you.” I gave him a sheepish smile. “Give me a minute.” Without waiting for his reply, I closed the door and ran to the mirror.

I wore the muffler around my neck to hide the purple bruise. After being satisfied with my work. I walked out of the bathroom.

“Everything okay?” Nate asked. “You look pale...”

“Uh...” I pressed my lips into a tight smile and rubbed my arms. “I was feeling a little cold,” I mumbled.

“Here...” He said, taking off his jacket.

“No.” I hurried and stopped him. “I’m good now you don’t have to give it to me.”

“Are you sure?” He sounded convinced. “I don’t mind-“

“Thank you, Nate, but I’m good.” I gave him an assuring smile.

He pressed his lips and nodded. “Let’s go then?” I nodded, and we walked downstairs.

“Did anyone score?” I asked, trying to make small talk as we walked.

“Nah...” He shook his head. “The game looks like it’s going to draw.”

“Oh...” I mumbled.

“I’m sorry for what Abigail did to you.” He gave me an apologetic look. “I don’t know what’s going in her head.”

I know exactly.

“She’s a kid.” I shrugged. “And it was an accident.”

“I don’t think it was.” Nate sighed. “She did that on purpose. She’s just like Andrew.” He murmured the last part.

“I think she didn’t like me sitting with her crush.” I teased him, and he chuckled.

“She needs to get used to it.” Nate retorted and my mind went blank.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Before I could further analyze what he said a voice called us from behind.

“What are you two doing here?” We turned and saw Miss Grace eyeing us.

She was the youngest teacher of West High, around twenty-four years old, and was a gorgeous one. Her brunette hair reached a few inches below her shoulders and the side bangs fell over her flawless face. Her beautiful blue eyes darted toward me and Nate.

I didn’t get to study with her yet, but Chloe told me about her. She’s an English teacher and a talented one. Every guy in our high school was crushing on her and now that I was seeing her this close. I knew why.

“Nothing,” Nate smirked and put his hand on my waist unexpectedly, making my breath hitched.

“You should be outside watching the game.” She narrowed her eyes at Nate, then darted it to his hand on my waist.

“We’re allowed to leave and take a break, Miss Grace.” Nate pouted. “You don’t expect us to sit there for the entire time.”

I saw her jaw clenched. “Of course, you’re allowed to.”

“Now that we are on the clear.” He plastered a smile on his face. “We need to get going.” He turned us around, and Nate waved his other hand at her as we walked outside. “See ya later Ms. Grace.”

I couldn’t pay attention to what happened as my mind was on Nate’s hand, which was still wrapped around my waist, and I was pressed against him. But there weren’t any butterflies in my stomach nor my heartbeat widely as described in the books. I just felt shy because I have never gotten this close to a boy before.

“Took you long!” I glanced up and saw Louis and Madeleine smiling at me while Abigail scowled. I was so busy with my thoughts that I didn’t realize that we already got to the stadium.

“Was it that hard to get it off?” Madeleine eyed my pants.

“Uh...” I glimpsed at David, who sat beside Louis with a smug look on his face. “Yeah, it was really hard,” I answered, keeping my eyes on David.

He scoffed, and Nate and I walked to our previous seats. I glanced at Abigail, who was sitting in my seat, and she rolled her eyes at me.

“Can I sit with Toby?” I asked Nate.

“Sure.” He shrugged and sat beside Madeleine on my seat with Abigail on his lap, and I sat on Nate’s seat.

“How are you feeling now?” Toby asked and I felt bad for taking the muffler from him. He looked freezing, and his nose and cheeks were red.

“I’m better and I’m sorry for asking you for the muffler-“

“It’s alright,” he smiled and patted my leg. “I’m not that cold. Besides, I have a jacket.”

I gave him a grateful smile and flinched when everyone abruptly screamed. I glanced towards the game and watched Ben and Andrew passing each other the ball as they ran to the opponent’s side. There were five more minutes left for the game.

“Don’t miss it this time!” Madeleine screamed from her place like all the others.

Andrew got the ball and was one on one with the player and the goalkeeper was walking toward him. Instead of throwing the ball in the net, he kicked it to Ben. Ben flipped and hit the ball straight into the goal.

“GOAL!!!” Everyone jumped to their feet and screamed happily.

I smiled, getting from my seat, and clapped my hands over my head as I cheered. Madeleine wolf-whistled, making me laugh. The match resumed and everyone settled in their places. There were a few minutes left and the other team tried to score but failed. The last bell rang, and the match finished.

West High won by 1 - 0.

I watched the players as they bounced on the field and hugged each other. The crowd went wild and ran towards the field. I saw Ben looking at our place and turned to Toby, who had a smile on his face. I grabbed Toby’s hand, and his brows furrowed in confusion.

“What?”

“Let’s go!” I yanked him down and ran with everyone towards the field.

We pushed past everyone and went to Ben. He and Brittany were hugging happily, and that made me smile. I was glad that they got back to talking terms.

“Ben!” I shouted to get his attention when they separated. He turned towards us and grinned when he saw me and Toby. “Congratulations!”

He gave us a toothy grin and clasped his hands around me, and Toby giving us a bear hug. “We won!” He exclaimed and I burst out giggling.

I watched Brittany go to the others and my eyes went to Andrew, who was putting his sister on his shoulders as they shouted happily, and that made me smile.

“You were amazing, Ben.” Toby praised when Ben let go of us.

Ben gave him a toothy grin, and I stood between them, darting my eyes back and forth. I knew they wanted to do more than just hug but they stopped because of everyone around. My eyes widened when I saw Ben taking a step toward Toby.

Is he going to do it?

But before he could do something. “Achoo!” Toby sneezed, making him take a step back.

“Are you sick?” Ben asked, observing him from head to toe.

“Yeah.” Toby sniffed. Ben opened his mouth, but Toby chimed. “And before you say anything I didn’t want to miss your game so yes, I came anyway.”

Ben smiled, then frowned. “But you should take rest before it gets worse.”

“I know-“

“You could have told me you got sick!” Ben scolded him. “God! It’s all my fault-"

“-no Ben-“

“-I shouldn’t have called you last night in rain. It was selfish of me but I wanted to see you before the game-“

“-it’s okay-“

“-no it’s not okay...”

I pressed my lips together to not burst out laughing and watched them like the third wheeler as they talked. It was really cute to see them caring and worried about each other.

“WE WON!” I exclaimed and hugged the guys. The crowd went wild and ran towards us. I high-five everyone as they congratulate us.

“Andrew, you won!” Abigail squealed, hugging my waist.

“We won.” I picked her up and put her over my shoulders as she giggled.

“I would have killed you all if you guys wouldn’t have made that goal, so be grateful to God that you get to live another day,” Maddie said, crossing her arms.

I scoffed and shook my head at her. It was her way of praising us. I was also glad that we won and Ben made that goal.

“That was an epic goal Ben made.” Nate acclaimed and looked around. “Where is he?”

“With Lillian.” Brittany scowled and pointed to her left. I turned and saw Ben with Lillian and Toby.

“Are they fighting?” Tiana asked. Toby and Ben looked like they were in a heated conversation.

“Ben!” I shouted, getting their attention. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah!” He replied and walked towards us.

“Come on, let’s celebrate and eat before the after-party, “ Louis said, rubbing his stomach. “I’m starving.”

“Me too!” Abigail exclaimed as she sat on my shoulders. “I’m so hungry that I could eat a complete cow!” We laughed and walked towards the benches to get our stuff.

“You guys should come with us.” Maddie invited Lillian and Toby.

“That will be great!” Ben grinned, then glanced at Toby and his grin faltered. “Or not...” He mumbled, and I frowned.

“I’m not feeling well so I won’t be able to come,” Toby said, eyeing me. I raised my brows at him.

This guy definitely has a problem with me.

“What about you?” Nate asked Lillian.

She glimpsed at Ben. “Can I invite Chloe?”

“Sure. The more the merrier.” Louis grinned.

“Okay.” She beamed, and I narrowed my eyes at her.

I still didn’t get this girl, she’s either around Ben or flirting with Nate. I just want some clue to know what’s going on in her head.

“Andrew!” I turned to see my mom coming toward us with a huge grin on her face. “Congratulations on the win!” She squealed.

“Thanks, Mom,” I smiled and put Abigail down.

“Mommy! Andrew is going to celebrate, and I’m going with him!” Abigail said. Mom glanced at me, raising her brows.

“I’ll take her.” I shrugged. She smiled and patted my cheek.

“You’re a brilliant brother.” She cooed, making me blush.

“Oh my, Drew is blushing!” Brittany teased.

“Shut up.” I groaned and they laughed.

“I’ll go home then.” Mom walked backward, waving at us. “Bye, kids!”

“Bye Mrs. Pierce!” Everyone said simultaneously.

“We’ll change first,” Tiana said. Brittany nodded, and they went towards the locker room.

“We’ll wait for you guys in the lot,” Nate said and grabbed Abigail’s hand. I watched as he walked with Lillian, Maddie, Louis, and David trailing behind him.

Ben, Jordan, and I walked to the locker room. All the players were there, and the coach came after a few minutes and congratulates everyone, praising how we played. When he left, I took a quick shower to get rid of the sweat and dirt. I wore my white shirt with a beige jacket and black pants.

I waited for Ben and Jordan to get ready, then we walked out. On our way to the parking lot, we saw Principal Morgan. Ben groaned and tried to hurry away, but was stopped when she called him.

“Yes?” He gritted through his teeth. Jordan and I side glanced at each other and stood awkwardly behind.

“Congratulations on the win.” She smiled and glanced at Jordan and me. We gave her a tight smile.

“Thank you.” Ben gave her a quick answer.

“I was thinking of throwing a party so we can celebrate your victory-“

“No need for that.” Ben cut her off. “I’m already celebrating it with my family and friends.”

She sighed. “Ben listen. We should talk-“

“It’s Benjamin for you.” He snarled. “And we have nothing to talk about, so excuse us, Principal Morgan. We’re busy.” He said and stormed off. Jordan and I followed him.

Ben used to love his mother, but when she left him and Brittany with their jerk of a father, he hated her. She tried to make up for it, but the damage was done.

When we reached the parking lot, I saw Lillian talking to Maddie and Louis. Nate was listening to Abigail babbling and Louis resting on Nate’s car hood. After a few minutes, Brittany and Tiana came with Chloe, who was grinning ear to ear.

“We’re going to dinner with Clichés!” she squealed to Lillian, but loud enough for us to hear.

Brittany rolled her eyes at her. “Let’s go.”

“40th Street?” Nate asked, and everyone nodded.

It was an amazing food street diner and was small but with delicious food. It was kind of our place to eat whenever we wanted fast food.

“Meet you there,” David said, putting his arm around Tiana and they walked towards his car. I watched him giving Lillian a side glance, who narrowed her eyes at him.

My face automatically scrunched in confusion.

What was that about?

“I’ll go with Nate.” Abigail beamed, grabbing his arm and side glanced at Lillian. I raised my brows at her.

I think I’m missing something.

“I’ll take Chloe and Lillian,” Ben said and they nodded.

“Wait...” Maddie looked between them. “I’m coming with you guys.”

“What about me?” Jordan frowned.

“You and Louis can go with Nate.” Maddie shrugged.

“And be the third wheeler?!” Louis shrieked and I hit the back of his head.

“Nothing is going on there,” I growled, and pointed between Abigail and Nate.

“Not yet.” Abigail sang and smile shyly. I rolled my eyes and everyone snickered.

She needs to get over this.

“Let’s go!” Maddie screamed and linked her hands with Lillian and Chloe. “This is going to be a fun ride.” She gave her signature smirk.

Everyone walked towards their cars, and I went to mine. Brittany came with me and sat in the passenger seat. I drove out of the parking lot and followed Nate’s BMW.

I side glanced at Brittany, who was furiously typing on her phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Inviting everyone to the after-party.” She answered.

“You’re awfully quiet today,” I said, looking back at the road.

“If you’re trying to ask me I’m planning something then no, I’m not.” She sternly said.

“Don’t get angry B but I promised Ben to stop you if you try something again-“

“I’m not dumb Drew. I know how Ben reacted after what happened at that party, and it took a lot of convincing to make him talk to me again. I mean I had to kick Gabrielle out of the team for him.” She scowled. “I hate that girl but no doubt she was a good cheerleader and an asset to our team.”

“You got Chloe right?”

“Yeah and she’s good that’s why I’m calm or else I would have broken someone’s head by now.” I chuckled.

“So you’re not planning to do anything with Lillian?” I asked again to make sure.

“No...” She shook her head. “I will not jeopardize my relationship with my brother for a nobody like her. Even if something is going on I’m going to wait for him to tell me whatever it is himself.” She concluded.

I nodded my head and parked my car outside 40th street. Nate’s and David’s car were outside, but Ben was nowhere to be seen.

“Where the hell are they?” Brittany growled getting out of the car and slammed my car’s door making me wince.

“Careful with my baby, B!” I scolded.

Since I was a kid I’ve been interested in sports cars and once I turned sixteen, my dad gifted me my first car which was Ferrari but it was overrated, the next time I bought a BWM to test, and last Christmas I got this Aston Martin. So far I’m loving this car.

Brittany ignored me and looked for Ben’s range rover.

“Want to wait for them?” I asked, closing the door carefully.

She nodded. “My brother is alone with one mysterious and two crazy girls.” She sighed. “I’m feeling terrified now.”

I leaned into my car and looked towards the road. I wondered what was taking them so long.