Richard and I were quiet as we made our way to class. The fight that took place seemed to catch everyone's attention, and so I had a few minutes grace from the heated glares, but maybe people also didn't try anything with Richard around me. I glanced to the side to see Ryan getting helped along by two of his friends towards the nurse's office.
I bit my lip and looked away trying to ignore the way my stomach churned at the memory of Cole's fiery eyes. But I couldn't help but wonder why. Why did he attack his cousin? He hasn't fought with anyone for ... over a month. So, why now?
When we entered English, I wasn't surprised to see Cole not present. When my friends pressed me for answers, Richard was the one to tell them what they needed to know. Apparently now because I spend four hours with him every week, I suddenly know Cole's every thought. If only it was that easy.
"I always knew he was bad," Betty said with an adamant nod of her head.
I didn't respond as I stared at my lap, still slightly shaken from the fight. I felt a gaze on me and slowly lifted my eyes to see Anne looking at me. A silent conversation passed between us. She also couldn't believe his actions. She was the only one who knew how he comforted me in the bathroom. No-one else had ever seen that side to him.
I looked away. Or maybe he had just been pretending all along.
-
Soon the bell rang signalling the end of English and the day. I never heard a word of the whole lesson, my mind felt blank and in a daze. I gave my friends half-hearted goodbyes and I knew they picked up on my mood, but thankfully they didn't say anything. I felt my anxiety levels rise at the thought of having to go to tutoring now.
I felt Richard grab my hand and I slowly looked up at his comforting gaze. "If you don't want to go, I can always take you home and tell your mom you weren't feeling well," he offered with a kind smile making my insides warm.
This is why he was my best friend.
"Thanks, but I think I'll be fine," I said softly.
Despite my anxiety, I couldn't help but succumb to the need to see Cole. I needed to get some answers.
Richard looked like he wanted to object, but then he sighed and squeezed my hand. "I'll walk you there then."
I gave him a small smile and we slowly made our way to Mr Tuttle's class.
-
"It's empty," I muttered as I looked around the classroom.
"Figures," Richard mumbled and I looked at him.
Even though he was scowling, I could see the relief clearly evident in his eyes. He didn't want me alone with Cole and, to be honest, I sort of didn't want to be alone with him right now either. But I knew that if he did decide to come back, if he was in a bad mood, it would be made a thousand times worse with Richard's presence. I don't know why they hate each other so much, but anyway...
"Thanks for walking me here, Richard," I said and let go of his hand. "You should probably get going before you get shouted at for being late for football practice."
Richard nodded and shocked me by pulling me into a hug. "Stay safe, okay?"
I blinked for a moment. I wasn't too fond of being touched, although I didn't seem to mind Cole at all. I shook the thought away and wrapped my arms around him, but I didn't get a chance to reply as a voice as cold as steel spoke from the doorway.
"When you're ready, Elizabeth. I would like to start the lesson."
I jumped out of Richard's arms and my eyes widened as I saw Cole standing in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest as he stared at us coldly. I gulped and saw Richard tense next to me before moving slightly in front of me to conceal me from Cole's irritated gaze.
Cole raised an eyebrow at his subtle action. "Oh, so now you're protecting her? Funny, because I didn't see you doing that earlier."
I stared at Cole shocked. What's going on with him? I saw Richard's gaze fill with guilt for a moment before he straightened his posture. "I didn't know."
"Bull," Cole growled. "You're just too much of a coward to stand up for your girlfriend."
The way he spat out the word instantly showed Richard that he knew our relationship was a farce.
Richard's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
I thought now might be a good time to intervene before another fight broke out.
"Richard, I think you better go," I whispered and he looked at me about to object, but I shot him a pleading look.
He sighed and nodded his head. I watched as he walked passed Cole and I saw them stare at each other for a moment before Richard disappeared down the hall.
I slowly turned around, avoiding Cole's piercing gaze, and made my way to the desk. But I didn't reach it as I felt a firm grip hold my wrist and spin me around to meet deep, brown eyes. My heart kicked up in my throat out of fear and I instantly tried to shrink away from him, but his grip on my arm wouldn't allow it.
He didn't say anything as he stared at my face, but I kept my gaze locked on the ground and shifted my weight uncomfortably from foot to foot.
"Look at me," Cole said, but his voice sounded completely different to what it had been a moment before that I couldn't help but do as he said.
I slowly lifted my eyes to meet his. They weren't black like they were an hour ago. No, these were so similar to the ones in the bathroom and I instantly felt calmer.
"Are you afraid of me?" Cole asked in a low voice and my eyes widened at his question.
His eyes were so focused on mine that it felt as though he was trying to look right into my mind to understand my thoughts. But my mind raced back to that fight, to that look he gave his cousin and I felt my insides tremble.
Without realising, I slowly looked back towards the ground and that was all the answer he needed. He slowly released my arm and I heard him curse under his breath. I winced slightly from the harsh word.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him pause before he suddenly walked out the room without another word.