Chapter Seven-Duke

"Hey,Duke! Wait!" I turned to see Joey on the sidewalk. I sighed deeply. I supposed he was going to try and explain everything that had just occurred . Well,I didn't want to hear it,and I'm sure he knew that, well,I let him catch up.

"Joey,I saw what I saw." I told him before he could begin.

"What you saw was a friend comforting a friend,Devlin. My sister really likes you." He folded his arms. "As she was sayin '. Tristan's Ma had a heart attack. He was really upset. You know how Serenity is. "

Now I felt bad. Here I had thought Serenity was playing me, but she wasn't. She'd just been comforting Tristan. "Man. I feel like a real creep!"

"You're certainly actin' like one." Joey agreed. "I can't have ya upsettin ' Serenity."

"I know. Well,I'll go home, and maybe I'll call her or something. I'm really sorry,Joey."

"It's forgivable." Joey turned to go inside again, but then looked at me. "I'm warnin ' you,dice boy. Don't hurt my sister."

I made a face. "Don't you worry about it,Joey. Serenity's in good hands." After that,I went home. I had a lot to think about.

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The next morning, I met Serenity at the front of the school, with a bouquet of flowers.

"Oh Duke....they're beautiful!" Serenity smiled lightly,leaning over to give me a hug. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Listen,Serenity. I'm sorry about last night..."

"I am too. I didn't really know how to explain. You were so mad, I thought you were going to break up with me or fight with Tristan..." Serenity looked up at me. "I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, Serenity. Come here." I pulled her into my arms gently,and petted her hair,while she laid

her head on my shoulder. Neither of us noticed her brother approaching.

"Gah! Hey!" Joey called out in annoyan ce. "Get your hands off my sister like that!"

"Joey!" Serenity turned around,giving her brother a glare. "I'm not six anymore. I can handle myself!"

"Yeah. Relax,Wheeler. I told you before, she's perfectly safe with me." I proceeded to put my arm around Serenity's waist,as the bell rang. "Come on,Serenity. Maybe we can go out after school today?"

"I'd love to." Serenity caressed her flowers gently,as I led her inside.

(A/N:And yet,another short chapter. I've decided short chapters suit this fic better. Anyway,please leave nice reviews, k ? Thanks!!)