Bad Boys Don't Cry

Chapter Twenty Three: Welcome To My Safe Place

I was absolutely fuming at what he was saying, "You wanna know what's my problem?" I asked, "My life has turned into complete shit ever since I got involved with 'Mr. Bad Boy.' I can't get my books without one of you breathing down my back. Parker actually catches my drift when we go on those adventures. I go with him because I know you'd rather me go with someone you know than go alone. I'm doing this for you dammit. Honestly Grayson, have you ever relaxed?"

I could feel his piercing glare into my soul. I looked into his eyes, meeting his deadly glare, "I can't relax, Winters." He said in a low voice.

"Why can't you?" I asked, exasperated, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Your life's been easy as pie, even without your dumbass parents who died leaving their child." He said, making me widen my eyes at his words, "My father is pressuring me to do something I don't want to do."

I didn't say a thing to him for a while. I couldn't believe what he was saying. I was surprised, but it hurt more than anything when it came to Grayson saying that. I tried to compose myself, but I failed miserably, "How dare you say that!" I screeched, tears leaking out of my eyes. I glared at his eyes, noticing a hint of regret for a second, "You're a dick, Grayson. I can't believe I even considered liking you." I said, my voice cracking, backing away from him.

"You like me?" He asked in disbelief.

I shook my head at him, "Of course I do! It's impossible not to." I blurted out, making me regret what I had just said. I shut my eyes before turning my back and take a few steps towards the door. I heard him stand up from his seat, "You're welcome to stay. Take my bed. I won't be coming home tomorrow or the next. Don't wait up and don't tell the others." I muttered over my shoulder.

"Bailey, wait." He said, weakly, reaching out to touch me.

"Don't touch me." I hissed, yanking my arm away from his touch, my breathing becoming heavy, "I... Just stop."

I walked out and closed the door. I walked across the street and went to Parker's front porch. I knocked on the door, loudly, hoping that anyone of them would hear and waited for someone to answer. I knocked a few more times, when Parker answered the door, "There you are!" He said, soberly. Parker, too, like Gra- him, has changed since he started hanging out with me. Since he knows that I'm afraid of drunk people, I'm guessing he stayed sober just for me, "I've been searching everywhere for you." He said, giving me a goofy grin, which soon faded as he examined my face, "What's wrong?" He asked.

I stared at him for a moment. I didn't know what to say, "Hey, um... Do you wanna go on an adventure for a few days?" I asked, stuttering a bit.

He examined my facial features, making me relax my face, before answering, "Sure." He said, taking a glance at my eyes, "Let me just tell the guys-"

"Don't." I said, immediately after he mentioned them.

He stared at me for a while, examining me again with a frown until he nodded, "Let me pack then." He said, reluctantly stepping back in, leaving me at the doorstep

"Okay." I said, "Make sure none of them see you."

"They're all drunk. I doubt they'd question me." He chuckled, "I'll be quick."

He left the door open as I waited for him outside. When he was done, he tempted a smile at me. When I examined what he brought, I was surprised when I saw Malfoy's and Teddy Bear's head sticking out of a medium sized duffle bag he brought that I assumed had his clothes, "You brought them?" I asked.