Disclaimer: I don't own The Covenant.
Co-Author: SkyyRyder
A/N: Sorry for the wait. We've been getting a great response for this story. And don't forget to check out our new one, Heartbreakers. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
Fallen Now is Babylon the Great
Chapter 11: Sabotage
-Babylon's POV-
"Shewas drunk and all over that guy. Then he put the moves on her and she's suddenly all virtuous again."
"It was some loser from the public. Sleaze."
"I heard he slipped her a roofie. Reid got there just in time."
"She was asking for it. Did you see what she was wearing?"
"Reid paid the guy to do it. I mean, come on, how else would he get her to even look at him?"
"She looked hot. I can't blame the guy."
"She was all over that guy first, then next thing you know she's humping Reid's leg all night. Make up your mind!"
"I wish Reid hadn't done anything. She deserves it. Put her in her place."
"Jesse told me she almost got raped!"
"She was into it. Reid just got jealous and butt in."
"She's dating Reid now, can you believe it?"
"Poor thing. She looked really scared."
"Tease."
It's difficult to walk the halls with dignity when you know all those whispers are about you.
This has never happened to me before. I've never been the topic of gossip like this. Sure, people talk about me, but not for a reason like this, never for some stupid Spenser party scandal. I kept away from that scene for this specific reason. I should've known better...
I silently cursed Reid for bringing me there. How stupid of me. Why? Why did I go? This isn't going to die down until something else happens. I can only pray there's a party this weekend; the incident between Reid, that drunken guy and I will be old news then.
Stopping in front of my locker, I noticed a group of giggling girls quite a ways down the hall. I saw a certain smug blonde's face in the middle of the group, vaguely hearing certain words dropped and figuring out he was bragging about his heroic efforts on Saturday night.
Half the girls were clearly invading his personal bubble, not that I'm even sure Reid has a personal bubble...
As if I wasn't confused already, he has to do this. I'm struggling with my feelings here; I have been since Saturday night, and it's Monday morning now. I've never really had to deal with these conflicting feelings towards someone before...
I don't know what to do.
Let's analyze. Reid is sometimes, a perfect gentleman, and I can't even believe an element like that exists in his personality. For the most part, he's respected my virtues on our 'dates'. My family seems to be thrilled with him. And he did save me from that barbarian at Pogue's Halloween party...
But then he does something like this; let's girls hang all over him. And all his crude comments; I'm sure he'll never give those up. I could never trust someone like him...
I've never been so confused about a boy before in my life.
But I guess I shouldn't worry about it, should I? Our bet is over, my debt is paid. The deal was that he'd leave me alone afterwards.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I tried to concentrate on which books I needed for class next. Picking the correct two, I gently clicked my locker shut and spun to go to class, but stopped when Tyler offered me a smile and a greeting. His locker was only three down from mine.
"Hey Babylon."
"Hello Tyler." He shut his locker and stepped forward, apparently interested in a conversation. Well, this is new.
"Are you okay? You know... after Saturday." He seemed shy asking about it. I'm sure he's heard all the whispers today as well, being who he is.
"I'm fine. I was a little shaken up, but I'm fine now." I've never had a man put their hands on me in such a threatening manner before. I was petrified. "Thanks..."
His hand rubbed at the back of his neck as he leaned against the lockers. "I've been trying to straighten out people's stories but... you know how high school is. People believe what they want and repeat it even if they don't believe it."
I felt shy for some reason as I laughed lightly at his all too true comment. Okay, so, I will admit, long ago, when I was a mere sixth grader, I had the slightest, most insignificant crush on Tyler. Surely it meant nothing now, but I always saw him and Caleb as... the good Sons I suppose.
"Yes, I've heard some of those stories. I suppose that's what I get for letting Reid dress me though, hmm?" It came out a little more bitter than it was supposed to and Tyler certainly detected the tone.
"He's not that bad. I mean, I have to give him credit, he can be a dick but he'd never act like that guy at the party did. He has some morals and believe it or not, he's not as tough as he pretends to be." Typical best friend defense. What else could I expect? The four of them were more like brothers than friends; it had always been that way.
I threw my head back and laughed at Tyler's defense, placing a hand on his arm as I did so. It as a simple friendly gesture...
-Reid's POV-
I can't believe that fucker left me this morning. I told him to wait and he didn't, like he has something better to do. But, I'm not going to let my best friend bring me down.
Hell no!
Baby was under my spell; and who could blame her really?
Friday night went great. Saturday… damn, it couldn't have gone any better than if I had planned it myself! I looked like some big, protective hero type now to her. She was bound to come around any day now.
I strolled down the hall of Spenser Academy on my high horse. I had every reason to. I was kicking Aaron Abbot's ass, while bringing down the biggest snob in school. We were the talk of the school. There is nothing I love more than to hear my name on the tip of everyone's tongue.
"Hey Reid! I heard what you did on Saturday." Ah, the ladies, forever drawn in by my acts of chivalry and good looks. Why not bask in the glory?
I live for attention, so fucking sue me.
I was having a pretty decent morning so far. I wanted to find Babylon before first period. I needed to make sure she was okay. Brownie points were always a good thing in my book; the better I look, the easier it is for me to get in her pants. But there's no reason I can't stop and brag a little bit...
The small group of girls that surrounded me hung onto every word I said as I told them about Saturday night.
That's when I saw her, a huge smile on her face. Licking my lips I smirked knowing that I was the reason for that very smile. She was probably talking to one of her hyena friends, telling them what a great time she had with—
Tyler! She was talking to Tyler!?
I excused myself from the group of girls and stared towards them. I think my mouth is hanging open; what the hell? Tyler was leaning against his locker; he actually looked like he was trying to act cool, like he was James fucking Dean or something. His hands were shoved in to his front pockets, that grin on his face.
I know that grin. I taught him that grin.
The little bastard!
My jaw clenched shut seeing her. Babylon. She was standing close to him, too close to him. That amazing body was squared off in Tyler's direction. This wasn't normal.
Fuck.
My eyes narrowed seeing her reach out and touch his arm, her head thrown back as she laughed at something he said.
What could she possibly find so funny?
Tyler is notfunny.
At first it looked like they were just talking, which is fine. But that touch I saw. The way she touched his arm, and gave him a short look, almost as if she were embarrassed, and the way she tossed her head back, the grin on Tyler's face. I know all of those signs.
I used all of those signs, more times than you could imagine.
They were flirting.
An odd sensation ran throughout my body. I didn't really know how to explain the feeling, or identify it. It was something I definitely haven't felt before. All I know is I don'tfucking like it.
Gaining my motor skills back I marched over, I couldn't have this. My best friend could notruin what I've worked so hard for. What the hell was he thinking?
I slipped my arm around Babylon's shoulders and smirked at them, looking from one guilty party to the next. "What's going on guys? What's so funny?"
"Oh nothing." Babylon gave me an odd look.
"Are you telling Babs about the time that Aaron and the boys stole your clothes at swim practice, Baby Boy?" I grinned. I felt the need to embarrass Tyler. He's making himself look way too good in front of Babylon; she's myconquest. "And you had to walk out to your car in your speedo?"
I laughed, that was fucking hilarious. I wish I would've thought of it first.
Wow, if looks could kill, I would be fucking dead. Since when did Baby Boy give nasty looks like that? I glanced down at Babylon, who wasn't laughing, at all.
Hey, Ithought it was funny.
Tyler opened his mouth, about to say something, when the bell rang. I felt Babylon stiffen under my arm and she glanced up at me and then at Tyler.
"I've got to get to class. I'll uh— talk to you later Tyler…" She smiled at him and then slid from under my arm. "Bye Reid."
"Later Babylon." Tyler's cheeks were flushed from my story.
I grinned at her and winked. "Catch'ya later B."
I watched her slink away and as soon as she was out of range I turned my attention back on my best friend.
"What the hell are you trying to do Tyler?"
"What are you talking about? We were just talking!" He looked angry. Why the hell is he angry? Ishould be the one who's furious!
"You're trying to sabotage me, aren't you?" I accused him. He was soft for chicks like Babylon; girls who spent more time studying than partying. But he couldn't have this one. He's had plenty of time to make moves on her in the past, and now suddenly when I want her, so does he?
"Are you kidding me?" Tyler snapped at me. "Why the hell would I try and sabotage you? We were just talking! We were just having a friendly conversation."
"A little toofucking friendly," I pointed out.
"Whatever man, you're losing your mind, aren't you?" It's true it wasn't like me to get this possessive over girls; I had no problem taking sloppy seconds or handing them out usually. But I didn't want anything getting in my way this time.
"No, I'm perfectly sane right now, but you on the other hand, you'reout here trying to ruin my plan. Are you in this with Aaron or something?" I knew that wasn't true, but I said it anyway.
I watched closely as Tyler's face distorted. "Do you really think that I would be in on anything with Aaron? Especially something that has to do with you?"
He shook his head and I was quiet, trying to contemplate whether I believed him or not. Something about the way they were just pissed me off. I didn't like it. At all. And I don't want to see it again.
"Look, just drop it, okay? Babylon and I were just talking. I'm not trying to sabotage you or your stupid little plan." I knew from the beginning Tyler wasn't keen on this plan, but it didn't involve him.
"Oh, so now it's stupid?" I asked him narrowing my eyes.
"Yes, it is. She's nice Reid, and she doesn't deserve what you wanna do to her." Letting his true feeling show, huh?
"You suddenly have a conscience now?" I snorted.
"As I recall, you're the only one here without a conscience."
I couldn't really argue with that, now can I? He knows me better than anyone. I want to ruin the Bible humping bitch, and feelings are bound to get hurt. I licked my lips and shook my head. We're going to squash this; I can't stand arguing with him.
"So, what are you going to do next?" he questioned, his eyes giving me a look that challenged my skills.
"I'm not sure yet… but I'll think of something," I grinned as we headed towards out first period class.
"Dude, Babylon Arnardottir is notgoing to sleep with you, period. I don't care what you do."
Oh, he did not just go there. That little fucker, he thinks he knows what she's going to do because he talked to her for five minutes? Fuck no, I've got the little abstinent tease right where I fucking want her.
"Look Baby Boy, I know you're jealous," I grinned as he shot me a look that said 'yeah right'. I shrugged it off. "But I've got a hugeopening after I saved her fucking ass at Pogue's party."
He looked at me, rolling those blue eyes in that condescending manner. I hate him sometimes. I really fucking do.
You know, if I didn't know better, I would think that Babylon was avoiding me. Seriously, I went to all the usual places where I'd see her, and guess what? No Babylon. What the fuck?
I had spotted her once; she was talking to Sarah and Kate. Those traitors. But I could use this. She is getting in close with Caleb and Pogue's girls. I'll have to convince them to put in a few kind words on my behalf.
I might have to beg and plead with the two self-righteous broads, but it'd be worth it to see Aaron Abbot go down in flames and the demise of one Babylon the Great.
Here I am now, roaming the halls, trying to think of what I could possibly do next, on my way to Study Hall in the library. She can't be avoiding me. It's all in my head. Hell,
I'm pretty sure she's into me now. I mean c'mon! A girl like that does not tell you they had a great time and then avoid you.
It doesn't work like that… or does it?
What the hell do I know?
I'm not exactly in to the whole 'dating' scene. I never really have been. A couple of dates here and there, and usually I get what I want at least after the second date. This one however, is a lot harder to crack, and I knew it would be.
I walked in to the library; I'm just going to wing it. That's all I know. I noticed her sitting in the far right hand corner of the library. She had a mountain of books around her and looked, dare I say… cute.
She was hunched over her notebook, jotting down notes from the open textbooks around her. A small smirk tugged at my lips as I strolled over casually. Shoving my hands in to my front pockets, I leaned in behind her.
"What are you doing?"
She jumped, just as I had expected. She turned around, holding her chest, a look of pure horror on that pretty face.
"You scared the life out of me…" she breathed heavily.
I couldn't help myself. My eyes lingered down to her chest. The first couple of buttons on her blouse were undone, her tie was loosened and her sweater vest was MIA. I can't say that I really blame her. The sweater vest thing is an evil invention made by the dickheads that forced us to wear these God-awful uniforms.
She cleared her throat and I smirked at her. "How are you doing?"
I placed myself in the seat right next to her and she looked a bit uneasy at first. "Okay I guess," she breathed.
"You know, I've been thinking about you all weekend…"
Now that is definitely not a lie. I had been thinking about her, and how much I'd love to ravage that generous little dancer's body. She was built good for a dancer; they usually had no tits or ass. She was gifted though.
"You have?" Her brow furrowed and I smirked seeing her reaction. She looked genuinely surprised, maybe even taken with me.
"You're not the only one that had a good time, Babs."
"Yeah?" Her tone showed that she was a bit disbelieving, but hey, she hasn't bitched at me for calling her by the many nicknames I'd come accustomed to calling her. We're making progress.
"Yeah…" I gave her a charming smile, and I think; yep it is. That is a blush forming on those pale cheeks. I grinned and pushed her dark hair out of her face. "So, I have a swim meet after school tomorrow…"
"I know. I'm class president; I organize the sporting events schedule over summer and winter breaks so nothing clashes." she offered shortly, but the corners of her lips were slightly upturned.
She's still got that fire under her ass; I love it. I smirked and nodded my head.
"True, but, this one is different."
She looked hesitant, her pen still clutched in her hand, looking like it was ready to write, but it just stayed still near the paper. "How so?"
"Because you're gonna be there."
I watched her face contort to one of confusion. "Excuse me?"
"I want you to come to my meet." I gave her a small grin, cupping her cheek with my hand, my thumb gliding over her pale, smooth skin.
"I—I can't…" Her eyes focused on my hand and the way it was touching her. I was surprised that she was letting me keep it there.
I couldn't fight the look of disappointment on my face. She couldn't? Why not?
"Why?" I pulled my hand back, resting it on the table.
"I have a student council meeting tomorrow," she revealed, and I swear she almost looked disappointed.
"Skip it." Simple solution, right? She's the president; she makes the rules.
"Reid, I'm the Student Council President. I can't just skipa meeting." She put her pen down and turned to look at me fully.
"Then postpone it." I pulled her hands in to mine and gave her a pleading look. "I really want you to be there." I looked her dead in the eyes as I said it and saw them flicker away form mine.
She looked like she was having some kind of internal struggle. "Why?"
Good fucking question; why the hell would you want her there? I want to be inside of you isn't a good reason, or at least not one she'd consider. Fuck, c'mon Garwin think! Who are you swimming against? Broderick and… Florence; Florence. The fucker that broke my record last year swims for Florence.
"You might be my good luck charm." And just like that, I was back in the game.
"What?" Her eyes lit up a little, looking more blue than gray at the moment.
"The asshole who broke my backstroke record last year swims for Florence. That's one of the schools we're swimming against tomorrow." I pulled her chin in to my grasp and made her look at me. "And I can't go wrong with you in my corner now, can I?"
She gave me a shy smile, then nodded her head and I grinned. I am too fucking amazing for my own good. I smiled and leaned in closer; I saw the nervous glint in her eyes and laughed to myself.
I'll save her the heart attack, I turned her chin and placed a light, almost sensual kiss on her jaw line before getting up and leaving the library, my work here was done. At least for now.
