Adam's POV

School had finally let out. Backpack swung over one shoulder, I made my way down the front steps. It was a cold October afternoon, and the air was so crisp that it almost hurt my lungs to breathe it in.

I would be walking home today, since Drew had football practice and I didn't want to wait until 5:30. Mom would only make one trip to the school, and it would be then.

I was walking across the basketball court when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. They widened slightly as I saw who it was. Owen.

"Hey, buddy!" He sneered, mock friendliness in his voice.

"A-aren't you supposed to be at football practice?" Was all I could think to say. He was silent for a moment, as if pondering it.

"Yeah, but beating you up is more fun. I don't normally hit girls, but for you, I think I can make an exception."

"Iam not a girl!" I said, my voice suddenly filling with rage. Before I could stop myself, I punched him in the jaw. He laughed, not even phased. Was he on steroids or something?

Before I even had time to think, his hand made contact with my eye, sending me staggering into the silver chain link fence. Inky black dots filled my vision, and I swung at him blindly. Of course, I missed.

My throat felt dry, and I tried to suck in some of the cold air. Goosebumps dotted my skin as the area around my eye throbbed in pain.

I felt another hard punch land on my mouth, and I shouted out a curse as I felt a warm liquid fill it. It tasted coppery, almost like pennies, and I felt a groan of pain escape my lips. I saw him raise his arm again when a female voice called out.

"Stop!" I instantly recognized it as Clare's. She pushed Owen away from me and he, startled, fell back a few feet.

"Adam, what happened?" She asked. I could hear the worry in her voice.

"This, this lumberjack freaking attacked me!" I could feel the anger welling up inside of me, and I wanted to have another go at him, but I knew that Clare would not approve. She put her hand gently on my shoulder.

"Let's just go home." She glared at Owen, who smirked.

As we walked away, she fished some Kleenex out of her purse, handing it to me so that I could wipe the blood from my mouth. The whole area was numb, and I guess I missed a lot of the blood, because she laughed sadly and took the tissue away from me. Color rushed to my face as she wiped the blood for me, throwing the soiled Kleenex into a garbage can as we approached my house. Once we got to the doorstep, I felt myself blush again.

"Um, thanks, Clare. For helping me and all." I managed to choke out through my embarrassment.

"No trouble. Owen really is a jerk."

I felt a smile cross my lips when she said that. I thought that it was kind of cute that she never cursed.

I knew now that this was my chance. It was now or never. I leaned forward slightly. I could hear Clare's breathing slowing down. Her blue eyes peered up at me, and that's when I did it. I leaned farther forward and pressed my mouth against hers.