How to Stay Afloat

~5: Where He Decides to Fix Her Car~

I found my lips turning down in an involuntary frown at the sudden shift in her body language. Suddenly, I was hyperaware of Chase's presence, and of the fact that Fallon was not comfortable around him.

She gave me one final forced smile before turning to walk away.

"It's important, it will only take a minute." Chase insisted as he used his body to block her way. His hand started reaching out to grab her bicep.

I noticed how her whole posture became rigid and before I even realized I was doing it, I found myself stepping in between the two of them.

He had more muscle on me but I was taller than him. 

For a moment we just glared at each other, then suddenly he got in my face, "The fuck is your problem?" he spat out.

Clearly, he was trying to intimidate me.

He didn't.

I held my ground, folding my arms over my chest as I continued to hold his gaze evenly. "She said she was late for class so move," I gave him a challenging look, "before I make you."

Chase's eyes narrowed, "I'd like to see you try asshole." His gaze turned to Fallon and on instinct I found myself stepping further in front of her so that she was completely shielded from his gaze.

For a moment he studied me and then he shook his head and his lips curled into a sardonic smirk, "Last time I checked you had a fucking tongue, Fallon, so how about you answer me yourself instead of letting your boy-toy over here do it for you."

I'd had enough.

This. Fucker. Is. Going. Down.

I tilted my head to the side. Pinning him with my gaze. "What makes you think you can speak to her like that?" I growled as I got ready to lunge at him.

A small tug on my sleeve caught my attention. I turned my head to look at Fallon. She gave me a look that told me that she knew exactly what I was thinking, she gave me a small shake of her head, her expression firm.

Before I had a chance to react Fallon was stepping in front of me, "You're right I do have a tongue and I'll tell you myself, I really don't want to talk to you, now get out of my way."

I watched as Chase's expression went from confused to completely baffled to almost lost as he registered Fallon's words. He clearly hadn't been told 'no' when he wanted something before. It was almost comical. I would have laughed in his face if I hadn't been so angry.

"Come on, I'll take you to class," I told Fallon, my eyes still throwing daggers at Chase.

She started walking away first and I gave Chase one last warning glare before I followed her.

She was unnervingly quiet as we walked.

"Are you okay?" I finally asked.

My voice seemed to snap her out of whatever trance she was in.

She gave me a shaky smile. "I'm fine. Thank you for what you did and I'm so sorry, for you know. . ." She swallowed, her gaze trained on the floor.

It made me angry to think that she felt the need to apologize for that asshole's actions.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," I told her firmly.

For a moment she didn't say anything but then she suddenly came to a halt making me do the same. Her eyes lifted to meet mine.

Her eyes were hazel with little flecks of gold in them.

"I've decided that I'm going to help you, even if you refuse to help me with my car, I'm still going to help you with Caroline." She said in a determined voice before she started walking again.

I was completely bewildered.

"Why?" I found myself asking as I quickened my pace to keep up with her.

She gave me a small smile, "because Caroline seems like a nice girl and Chase Michelson does not deserve her."

I was dumbfounded.

This girl. . .

She managed to take me completely off-guard with everything she said and did.

She stopped and motioned towards the classroom door we were standing in front of now, "This is me." She gave me a small wave, "See you later, Archer."

"Fallon, wait." I found myself calling out just as she was about to disappear into the classroom.

She tilted her head back to look at me and gave me an expectant look.

I could feel my heart thumping in my chest, the blood rushing in my ears.

"We have a deal." The words tumbled out of my mouth before I even had the chance to fully register them,

"I'll fix your car."