Chapter 7

Letting out a yawn I tried to pay attention to my teacher droning on about some kind of mathematics equation. It was never my thing. The girl sat next to me, her name was Sammy, was continuously scribbling notes down in her book. How was she doing this? I honestly didnt get it at all!

Instead of paying attention to my teacher I ended up evaluating the girl. She had red hair pulled into a messy ponytail, pale skin and black framed glasses sat upon her tiny nose. She seemed quite small from what I could see and it didn't help as she was wearing a baggy blue hoodie. Overall, despite everything, I found her quite pretty.

Letting out a relieved sigh as I heard the bell go I gathered my things and exited the room. Walking down the hallway heading to my next class I bumped into Violet. She had a very grumpy look on her face and I didn't want to know why. Entering my History class I slipped into my seat next to Justin giving him a quick hello.

I mostly paid attention to my class as I chattered to my new friend also. Apparently we were going to be starting a new project soon and we were allowed to pick our own partners, however we weren't told when yet.

"So, partners?" Justin asked me with a grin. I nodded my head yes and gathered up my things as class ended. It was now lunch. Justin stayed with me as I headed to the lunch hall. We lined up together talking about Justin's sister. She was five years old and her name was Hollie. He was telling me about how she had a dance recital coming up as she did ballet and he didn't want to go on his own.

"Are you asking me to come with you?" I grinned, looking at him over my shoulder. He shrugged his shoulders, putting his hands into his pockets which instantly reminded me of Tate. I quickly pushed it away.

"No offence to my sister but I will be bored." he muttered. "Ballet really isn't my thing."

"When is it?"

"In two days. So Thursday." he answered. I hummed as we moved further down the line. I turned to look at him and noticed the shy look resting on his face.

"I'll go." I told him as I picked up a tray. He gave me an award winning smile as he thanked me. I waved him off as I plated up some food on my brown tray. I waited for Justin before we headed for a free table. It was then I realised Violet wasn't here. Glancing around the hall I spotted Leah and her cronies, who also noticed me. Rolling my eyes at the glaring girl I sighed in relief.

Even though my sister wasn't here Leah was, which meant she was fine. Lunch soon came to an end and so did school. I found Violet waiting for me outside. I jogged over to her, giving her a smile as we started our journey home. I eventually got out of my sister where she was during lunch - apparently she was hiding from Leah in an empty classroom just in case the girl tried something. It saddened me to know she was sat all alone throughout lunch.

Dropping my bag next to the stair case I made my way to the kitchen where I could smell the aroma of roast chicken. Nibbling on the succulent chicken I watched as my parents talked. My mother seemed happy I guess, I mean she was smiling as she was talking to my father but it could be fake.

After eating I retired to my room after a long relaxing bath. Plopping down onto my bed I stayed there completely exhausted. Letting out a groan I rolled over onto my back just staring at the ceiling. Suddenly the hairs on my arms stood on end and an overwhelming feeling spread through my veins like poison.

I wasn't alone.

I let out a muffled scream as a hand clamped over my mouth. I was pulled backwards across the bed until I was pressed against a hard chest. Hot breaths were floating onto my ear and neck, my heart beating furiously against my chest as though it was trying to break free.

"Guess who!" said an amused voice. My eyes widened. I twisted around furiously when I felt his hands loosen on me. I slapped my hands against his chest, wet hair falling in front of my eyes. He was smiling hugely at me, eyes bright with mirth and small crinkles appearing next to his eyes. I huffed, irate.

"What the fuck Tate?" I snapped. "What is it with you trying to scare me all the time? How did you even get in?" The smile didn't leave his face despite my tone. He shrugged nonchalantly.

"Try? No I always manage to scare you and you left the window open." I frowned as my body sagged. I didn't remember leaving the window open and as of right now it was closed. How would he have been able to shut the window without making a noise? He suddenly walked over to me placing his hands on my shoulders.

He tilted his head as he looked to me. "What?" I asked. He didn't reply he simply smiled at me as he shook his head. He moved away so he could lie down on the bed, opening his arm as an offer. Who was I to refuse such an offer?! I crawled up the bed, into his arms and placed my head on his chest.

We didn't really talk this night, we just laid there with me in his arms and I loved it. He always held me so tight and lovingly it made me feel protected and safe. Always.

School passed relatively quickly the next day without much happening. Violet avoided Leah again so I didn't see her during lunch. I spent the evening with my mom and night with Tate. It was now Thursday and the day I was to go with Justin to see his sister's ballet recital.

Eating little of my dinner after I got home from school, gaining worried glances from my mom which I ignored, I rushed to my room to get changed. I slipped on some black ripped skinny jeans, black heeled boots, a flowy white top and black leather jacket. I added a little more makeup as it needed a touch up then brushed my hair and put it into a fish tail plait.

Turning round I gasped as I saw Tate stood in the middle of my room. How did I not hear him? What was he even doing here? He usually came during the night. His face was void of emotion - a blank slate.

"Tate what are you doing here?" I asked cautiously. He didn't reply, he just kept looking at me with his arms by his side. I took a tentative step forward and when I noticed he didn't move I kept walking forward until I was right in front of him.

"Where are you going?" he asked me. His voice was quiet with barely any emotion to it but I could hear the underlying anger in it that he was trying to keep back.

"To a ballet recital."

"Who are you going with? Violet?"

"No." I said softly. His eyes narrowed causing me to shift. I suddenly felt fear rush through me like when an animal knows it's being hunted.

"Then who?" His voiced hardened slightly and it put me on edge.

"A friend from school. It's their little sisters recital and they didn't want to go alone." There was literally only a small gap between us which he now closed so we were flush against each other.

"What's their name?" he asked, a dangerous tint entering his voice causing me to gulp.

"It's Justin. Remember I told you about him?" I laughed shakily. He didn't laugh. He just stared at me with a hard look. "Look I really have to go!" I turned to leave but his hand shot out to grab my arm.

"You're not going!" he snarled, his eyes lit dangerously.

"Tate let go of me. I'm going to be late." His grip tightened causing me to wince. "Tate, you're hurting me."

"You aren't leaving!"

"Let go!" I shrieked trying to yank my arm out of his hold. He pulled me towards him so he could hold both my arms with his large hands. I gaped as he seemed to growl with anger. "Please Tate" I begged, trying to keep my tears at bay. His eyes seemed to soften then he let go of me. I stumbled backwards before rushing out of the room.

Sprinting down the stairs I left the house and out of the gates. I ran down the street and made my way to the shop I was supposed to meet Justin at. He was already there waiting for me. I made myself slow down and calm down so he wouldn't suspect something was up. Forcing a smile onto my face I walked to him.

We hugged each other in greeting before he lead me to where the dance recital was held. He led us to our seats and I shifted uncomfortablely registering how many people were actually here. Taking a calming breath I closed my eyes for a few seconds to let myself calm down.

It wasn't long before the curtains were drawn and the music started. Justin pointed out his sister the minute he saw her. She was a cute little girl. She had her blonde hair pinned back into a neat little bun on the top of her head and was wearing a pink leotard with a cute little tutu.

I had to admit that she was actually very good for her age. The show finally finished and we all stood up to give the kids a round of applause. Heading outside I grabbed Justin's arm as people bashed into me a few times but he didn't seem to mind.

He introduced me to his sister and I immediately fell in love with her. She was absolutely adorable and his parents were kind. They invited me to their house for dinner this Saturday and I happily agreed.

Soon I was back home. I washed the paint off my face and slipped into some more comfy clothes. As I was laid in bed I started to think about Tate and what had happened. As though by magic there he was tapping his knuckles lightly against my window. I slowly slipped out of bed and made my way over to him.

I just stood there as we stared at each other through the glass. He was wearing a sad look as he stared at me. "Please let me in." he begged, placing his palm against the glass. I didn't know why but something compelled me to let him in. It was like some force was dragging me to that window and forcing me to open it. I took a step back to allow him entrance.

Now stood opposite each other with both of us inside no one said anything. I didn't want to be the first to speak. It was about a minute later before Tate broke the silence that was threatening to strangle me.

"I'm so sorry." he said sincerely. I bit my lip but didn't reply. He slowly made his way towards me then cautiously lifted his hand. Noticing me not flinching he stroked my cheek softly, apologising once more.

"Why?" was all I said.

"Because I like you." he responded. It was a couple of seconds before he started to speak again. "I didn't meant to hurt you. I just got jealous and I... I don't even know."

"Tate..." I didn't know what I wanted to say. I was still trying to process things. So I said the only thing I could think of. "Just hold me." And he did just that.