Disclaimer: I don't own The Covenant.

Co-Author: SkyyRyder

A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! This is a long one!

Fallen Now Is Babylon the Great

Chapter 12: Take My Breath Away

-Babylon's POV-

I can't believe that I actually cancelled my Student Council meeting. What was I thinking? That's the problem, I wasn'tthinking.

Apparently, I haven't been thinking for the last week or so. I honestly don't know what has gotten into me. I hate Reid Garwin; I despised the very ground that he walked on, yet here I am about to enter the gym to watch his swim meet.

And most importantly I cancelled a huge meeting, just because he asked me to. I had fallen victim to his charm, that same false charm that he had played my mother, Amma and my sisters with. The very charm that I promised myself I would notfall for.

The thought annoyed me. I could be one of those stupid girls that would heed everything he said and be tossed to the side. I honestly never thought I'd put myself in this position.

Taking a deep breath I pulled open the door to the pool area and stepped inside. I never thought I'd see the day where I was coming to watch the Spenser swim team compete, let alone at the request of one of the Sons of Ipswich; my leastfavorite Son of Ipswich.

I looked around the bleachers for the familiar faces of Kate and Sarah. I spotted them both waving frantically in my direction. Wow… is this what it feels like to have friends?

This world never ceased to amaze me.

I made my way to them slowly, silently cursing myself for showing up. I should have told Reid 'no' from the get go. I shouldn't have fallen into this trap. I knew exactly what this was; just some ploy to make my life miserable.

"Babylon, hey!" Sarah grinned at me, her blue eyes bright.

"Hey." I returned her smile, though mine wasn't nearly as sincere. I was just having major regrets about showing up here.

"What's wrong?" Kate asked her brow furrowing.

"I feel like an idiot…" I took a seat next to Sarah and she glanced at me oddly, as if asking me why I felt like this. I shrugged. "I cancelled a meeting for student council because of this."

"Oh c'mon! Lighten up a little bit Baby…" Kate teased giving me a playful grin, thinking the situation was worse from the look I'd given her.

I shook my head. "Yeah, besides, look at it this way; half of the student council is here anyway," Sarah pointed out.

I hadn't really thought about that. I suppose it was a good idea to cancel it. Maybe it wasn't that huge of a deal...

"I still can't believe I'm here," I muttered, looking around at all the girls that filled the stands. It seemed like every girl imaginable from Spenser was here and that didn't include the fans from the other two schools.

"They only come to ogle the guys in their tiny little bathing suits." Sarah lifted her shoulder in disinterest at my words.

"Exactly! It's ridiculous!" Kate agreed, known for her relationship that was known to be fuelled by jealousy on both her and Pogue's ends.

I couldn't help but make my point clearer, hoping some of the surrounding hyenas heard my words. "They only come so they can fantasize about having a chance with one of them... particularly the ones that belong to you."

Kate and Sarah laughed and nodded their heads. "Trust me, we put up with it all the time," Kate grinned. I watched a small smile slip on to her face and she glanced at me. "Looks like we're not the only ones that are going to have to ward off the Sons of Ipswich fan club..."

I was about to question her when Sarah nudged me. I glanced at her and saw she was staring in the direction Kate had been. I figured I'd amuse the two girls and turned to see what the big deal was.

I found it.

Reid Garwin was walking over to us. Or should I say, strutting over to us. He didn't seem like his usual cocky self. He instead looked like a man on a mission. He caught me looking and a genuine smile crept across his face.

I couldn't deny the fact that he looked good— what the heck am I saying? It's Reid Garwin, I will not think of him like tha—

"Hey Babylon." He took a seat right next to me, his half-naked body close to my very clothed one. It was distracting, the lean, long muscled limbs covered only in the gray sweats he wore over his suit and the small spots of ink embedded into his skin.

"Reid." I took a deep breath and tried to avoid eye contact. Or just looking at him in general. I couldn't handle that in this delicate state of mind.

I felt his arm slip around behind me, resting on the spare bleacher between Sarah and I. His tattooed arm leaned into my back. He leaned in closely, placing a small kiss on my cheek, making my entire body go hot.

Okay… so maybe… maybe he wasn't so bad after all.

"I'm glad you came." His breath was on my cheek.

I turned to look at him. I could feel the burning sensation in my cheeks; I was blushing. Curse him for making my body do things it wouldn't normally do under these circumstances. He gave me a small playful smile and grabbed my hand, tracing his soft pads over my pale skin.

"Yeah?" I managed to squeak out.

"Definitely, I'll be sure to beat Riley's time now. You know, so I can impress you and all," he smirked.

He must have been referring to the kid that broke his record last year. I gave him a small smile before looking down at our hands. It actually felt nice to have someone touch me in such an innocent manner.

Perhaps Reid was turning over a new leaf? Could he possibly leave his bad boy persona behind because of me? Was I out of line thinking that he would do that for me?

"I want to hear you cheering for me," he whispered in my ear, giving a short glance to Sarah and Kate who were smiling and giggling like little school girls.

"Reid..."

He put a finger to my lips and shook his head. "Promise me." His nose touched my cheek; he was dangerously close now.

I could feel my heart beating out of my chest. Goodness, he made my body do so many unusual things. It was barely tolerable.

"Okay," I whispered breathlessly.

He smiled, placing yet another kiss on my cheek. "I've got to head over there." He lifted his chin to where Caleb, Pogue and Tyler were standing, watching the interaction between us.

I simply nodded and watched while he got up, not letting go of my hand until he was all the way off of the bleachers. I could hear girls whispering behind us, but I tried my best to ignore them. I watched him walk away, and was brought out of my thoughts when a body slammed in to mine from the side.

I looked over at Sarah, my eyes wide. She and Kate were grinning like maniacs. What the heck was up with them? I forced a small smile while Kate was leaning over Sarah's lap, her eyes large.

"Oh. My. God!" She nearly shouted the Lord's name out. I gave her a stern look and she looked baffled in return, but quickl brushed it off. "Sorry… but seriously, B. What is thatabout?"

"I think Miss Babylon has a crush on blondie!" Sarah grinned rubbing, her elbow in to my side.

Ow, that hurt! I gave her a glare and she stopped nudging me and gave me a sheepish grin. My head shook while I listened to them as they continued to tease me.

"I swear, I haven't seen Reid like this ever!" Kate exclaimed. "And I've known him for a longtime…"

"Me too." I nodded my head in agreement.

"Maybe Babylon's the one who'll finally humble the Great Reid Garwin?" Sarah suggested, her voice rivaling that of a bad talk show host.

"Please." I shook my head and glanced over at Reid who gave me a simple lift of his chin and a killer smile. Okay, that was definitely swoon worthy. I sighed and Sarah and Kate squealed again.

I'm going to go deaf over here.

"I would have neverthought I'd see the day that Babylon and Reid were together," Kate sighed shaking her head with a small grin on her face.

"We're not together," I replied softly. At least, that's what I thought. It's not like he actually asked me out.

Sarah smirked at me. "Yeah right. Puh-lease." She rolled her eyes. "He is so into you and you are so into him. Opposites attract and that means you're perfectfor each other."

"Perfectly imperfect," Kate sighed dreamily.

I rolled my eyes, but really didn't do much to dismiss or deny what they were saying. Why spoil their fun?

The three of us sat there throughout the entire meet. I wasn't too savvy on my swimming terms but Sarah and Kate both gave me their input I was able to keep up with the event.

His meet was coming up next. I peeked over at him getting up on his platform, and found his eyes were set directly on me. They announced his name over the speakers; he looked like he wanted me to do something.

Kate and Sarah both yelled, and I remembered; he wanted me to cheer for him. Laughing I let out a loud yell before they could say the next swimmer's name.

I met his gaze and he looked satisfied.

The guy over the speakers told them to take their marks. I suppose I will never understand the competitiveness behind swimming, but it was awfully exciting with members of both school cheers and shouts echoing of the pool walls. Shrugging, I watched the guy sound a horn and all of the swimmers dove into the water.

I stood up, Sarah and Kate next to me doing the same. We watched lane five as Reid pulled out ahead, all three of us letting out a loud cheer for him, along with other Spenser students; mostly girls and the rest of his team. I couldn't believe how fast he was swimming. It was incredible. He had a full length on the person in second place.

He turned so expertly in the water to head back to his platform. All three of us girls screamed loudly when he tagged the side of the pool. I glanced over at the scoreboard, the record time was in green and Reid's time was flashing in yellow.

He removed his goggles and followed my gaze. A grin fell over his pink lips and he punched the air in excitement. I smiled; that was definitely a good thing.

"And the winner of the men's 100 meter backstroke, with a new state record, Spenser Academy's Reid Garwin!"

I watched him carefully as he pulled himself out of the water. He was immediately surrounded by his fellow swimmers, but more importantly, by the three other Sons of Ipswich. I smiled and Sarah gave me a sideways hug.

"He did it!"

I nodded my head and looked back over at him; he was staring directly at me. I sighed when he gave me a wink before heading back to the bench. I couldn't help but notice how… nicehe looked dripping wet.

Kate and Sarah had slipped into a conversation between heats, so I stuck to surveying the area. I still wasn't really comfortable staring at a bunch of boys my age wearing practically nothing, but I guess I couldn't really complain.

I was in my own world when I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head fully to see who it was and I didn't recognize the person. I could tell he was one of the swimmers by the lack of clothes on his body, but didn't say anything.

He gave me a half smile and I just looked away. I tried to ignore him until he took a seat next to me, bumping his naked knee into mine.

"Can I help you?" I asked, probably sounding like a complete witch, but I really didn't care.

"Actually I was wondering if I could help you..." He gave me a smirk.

I realized that it wasn't nearly as dangerous or as handsome as when Reid did it. I scoffed and averted my eyes over to the other side of the pool, ignoring the guy. I was absentmindedly looking for the blonde Son, but couldn't spot him anywhere.

Where had he disappeared to?

"You lookin' for something babe?" the guy to my right asked. I spared him a glance and a not-so-nice look. He must be incredibly dense if he hasn't gotten the hint yet.

"Get lost."

He smirked and tried to slip his arm around me, "Don't play hard to get baby. I'm captain of Florence's team. You should be glad I'd even consider a Spenser chick like you," he informed me, like I was privileged or something by being in his presence.

"You're a creep and I'd appreciate it if you would get your hands off me and go away," I stated, pushing him away from me.

"Is there a problem?"

I knew that voice; I likedthat voice. I looked up in to the most amazing pair of blue eyes and smiled feeling relieved and saved.

"Actually—" the guy next to me started to say.

"Was I talking to you?" Reid snapped at the guy and then looked back at me. "Is this idiot bugging you Babylon?"

I couldn't help but smile wider hearing him say my full name; he rarely did. I simply nodded my head and Reid shook his, arms crossed over that impossibly toned chest of his.

"See Foster, I was gonna let it slide that you were over here talking to my girl—" Reid tilted his head to the side. A blush crept over my cheeks hearing him call me his girl. "—but when a girl tells you no, it means noasshole. I am so sick of pricks like you."

I heard snickering from next to me and saw Sarah and Kate both covering their mouths trying desperately not to laugh at this guy's expense.

"What the hell Garwin?" The guy demanded, standing up next to me. I cast a glance at where his face was previously and immediately started laughing, covering my own face.

Okay, I did not want to come face to face with that!

Reid smirked and glanced down at what I had just seen; I shuddered thinking of it.

"You might want to go take care of that, Foster... it's a bitch to swim with." Reid snickered as the guy looked down.

My eyes flicked upwards to meet Reid's face as the guy turned twelve shades of red in complete humiliation. Shaking my head, I watched him grab his towel from next to him and awkwardly walk away towards the travelling team's locker room.

Normally, I would have been completely bemused by his antics, but I couldn't help but smile. It was actually pretty funny, and I was glad Reid had come to my rescue.

Yet again.

I guess he was getting used to saving the damsel in distress.

He leaned down and placed another kiss on my cheek. I expected him to head off towards the pool, but he stayed leaning over me, his lips close to my ear.

"Anyone else bugs you, just let me know. I'll take care of it."

I swallowed hard, I don't know if I should be offended because he doesn't think I can take care of myself, or if I should be happy that he's offering to take care of me.

I decided on the latter; he'd really been showing me a completely different side of himself lately and I liked it. There was no reason for me to discourage his efforts anymore. Or at least until he screwed up.

I nodded my head and he grinned, pushing himself back up to a standing position before he glanced over his shoulder and sighed.

"I'd love to stay and chat Babs, but I gotta go babe." He grinned before heading back over to his bench, knocking knuckles with his three best friends as he approached them, surely the other three boys laughing about what they'd just witnessed over here and trying to extract details on what had gone on out of ear shot.

I watched him leave, and I could hear Kate and Sarah giggling and 'awwing' behind me. I snapped a glance at them and they both shut up trying to hide their smiles between their fingers.

"You guys are awful," I mumbled settling back in to my seat, my gaze seeming to be glued on Reid as it returned to him, seeing him demonstrating the obvious discomfort that Foster guy had displayed as he retreated with his tail between his legs and his pride hurt.

Thankfully the rest of the meet was pretty harmless; no idiotic rival team members came and hit on me, and Reid didn't have to save me. I didn't want to be harassed just for some of Reid's attention, but I was kind of enjoying his company, as odd as that may sound.

All of our Spenser boys won their meets. They had completely whooped the other two schools. I was happy to see all four of the Sons of Ipswich in relatively good moods, Reid more so since he had come over and embarrassed the guy that had tried to pick me up.

We watched as the teams slinked in to the locker rooms, and Kate made a crude comment about being a fly on the wall as we got up and left the pool with the waves of other students and some parents.

Now the three of us were waiting outside for the four swimmers to finish up showering so that we could congratulate them and go. Sarah and Kate involved me in a serious conversation about colleges, and we barely noticed the four of them joining us.

"Alright." Reid clapped his hands together, a smile in my direction. "Time to celebrate… we're going to Nicky's!"

Reid reached to scoop my hand into his and follow the others towards the doors that led to the parking lot, but I slid my hand away, tucking it behind my back.

He stopped, letting his friends go ahead, and looked at me confused. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just don't think I can go tonight. Sorry..." I brushed some hair behind my ears. "Congratulations though."

"Why can't you come? Are you working or something?" I sucked my lower lip in as Reid scratched the back of his neck casually.

"No... I just..." Okay, so I really had no valid excuse as to why I couldn't go to Nicky's for the guy's little celebration. And it isn't that I didn't necessarily want to go, I just feel like... this is going too far. I have hardly been home helping my mother and Amma with my sisters between trying to balance school, my activities, work and now hanging around with Reid. This is the kind of thing I promised I would never get distracted by. This is why I'd never shown any interest in boys before.

"You don't wanna come?" I shook my head, looking down at my feet to avoid the scrutinizing eyes of the blonde.

"No, it's not that." I sighed and folded my arms over my stomach, slouching slightly. "It's just that I haven't spent much time at home lately..."

Reid chuckled lightly and shook his head, his drying hair swiping his forehead. "Baby, no offense, but your mom and grandma both looked more than happy you were hanging out with me. You're only in high school y'know. It's okay to act like it sometimes. You don't have to take on the whole world at once."

He was right and I knew it. Amma and Mother were ecstatic that I was somewhat... 'dating' I suppose. Wow, that was painful to admit. My mom was working the late shift tonight, but Amma was home, so it's not as if I really needed to go home. Gen and Shena aren't ever any trouble.

"Is this cause I gave you a few pecks in there? Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you or whatever. I kind of just thought we were past all that." Reid said unexpectedly.

It hadn't even occurred to me at the time.

Reid had somehow managed to charm and distract me well enough to not even realize the entire school was sure to be under the impression I was his girlfriend now. Or whatever it is Reid considers his girls. Ugh, just the thought frightens me.

I don't mind people thinking I'm a bitch; a snob; a prude. All that doesn't matter to me. But I purposely don't put myself in situations where others will assume I'm a slut or something. And I have the worst feeling that after this swim meet that's exactly what people are going to think.

I buried my face in my hands at the thought, wanting to pull my hair out. How could I have let this happen?

Reid's glove-clad hands wrapped around my wrists and carefully pried them away from my face and brought them down to my sides. He cupped my jaw, using his thumbs to brush over my cheekbones. I was near tears because of my previous thoughts.

"Listen, I really like you, and I know you don't want to admit it, but you like me too, otherwise you wouldn't still be standing here. So just come, have a good time and stop worrying about what everyone thinks. Okay?" He kissed the top of my head before reaching for my hand again. I didn't pull away this time.

I am one foolish little girl.

"Can't we just take two cars? I'll drive! That way, you know, it's legal!" Really, the excitement from the police chase after Pogue's party was enough to last me the rest of my life. Right now, Tyler was situated in the driver's seat of his Hummer, Caleb the passenger and Sarah, Pogue and Reid occupied the three available backseats, leaving Kate and I to sit on laps. Kate obviously had already made herself comfortable on Pogue's lap. And I could only guess I wasn't going to be sitting on Sarah's...

"B, just get in the car," Sarah demanded, shaking her head with a grin on her face.

"It's okay to loosen up a little sometimes," Caleb assured me as I climbed into the backseat of the full Hummer.

"And that's coming from Caleb," Reid scoffed, immediately pulling me into his lap. That was a little bit of a change from Reid's recent mild manners to that aggressive of an action.

I almost died when Tyler peeled out of the Spenser student lot and onto the main road. Nicky's was barely five minutes down the street, but still, he was definitely going way over the speed limit. Loud rock music pulsed from the Hummer's equipped sound system and Reid must've been able to feel the tension in my body.

"Will you relax?" he said into my ear. His knuckles rolled over my lower back and I tried my best to breathe evenly and loosen my muscles, but before long we were swerving into the gravelly parking lot of Nicky's and the doors were thrown open before the vehicle even came to a complete stop.

We ordered food as soon as we got there, Reid allowing me to get a salad this time. Not that it was much of a salad, doused in dressing and littered with fried chicken. Nicky gave us our food on the house, claiming it was the guy's Christmas present and congratulating them on a big win. Yeah, Spenser's swim team is a big thing around here.

As we ate and hung around the dark bar, I couldn't help but notice the constant need for physical contact Reid seemed to be displaying tonight. His arm was continuously draped around my waist or shoulders, his hand always looking for mine and when we sat he was sure our knees were touching.

I wasn't offended by the gestures. In fact, it was... quite nice. It made me feel warm inside. Unfortunately though, I wasn't oblivious to the glares I received from a few familiar female schoolmates scattered around the cramped bar.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to use the restroom," I informed Reid. He nodded his head and removed his arm from where it had been resting comfortably over my shoulders and I quickly made my way to the bathroom.

Locking myself in one of the surprisingly clean stalls, I closed the toilet seat and sat on it, resting my elbows on my knees and my forehead on my palms.

I can't understand how this is happening. I'm not supposed to fall for someone like Reid Garwin! This is unheard of!

But it is happening... and I don't think there's anything I can do about it. I don't like not being in control and I can't seem to take control of my heart, which likes to beat out of my chest every time he touches me. This shouldn't be happening. It just shouldn't. A few tears started to drip down my cheeks. I didn't want to feel like this about him; about anyone! Why did he have to like me? I just don't understand it...

I gasped and pulled my feet up and out of sight as two pairs of heel clad feet made their way into the bathroom. "I can't believe him. What the hell does he see in that prude?" I didn't recognize the voice, but I already had a feeling I knew who they were talking about.

Her partner laughed dryly as they found themselves in front of the sinks, more than likely touching up their makeup. "What do you think he sees in her? Perfect D's on a tiny waist with a nice pair of legs to go with it. He is Reid, after all."

"I can't even believe she fell for him! I thought she was smarter than that. He must be doing quite a number on her. Either that or she's just stupid." A chorus of laughter followed and the heels clicked outside of the bathroom, the door thudding shut behind them.

I grabbed some toilet paper and rushed out of the stall, using the mirror to clean up the tear streaks, then I quickly exited the bathroom. I kept my eyes low as I pushed through people, trying to find Reid and tell him I wanted to leave.

What those girls had said... I prayed to God it wasn't true. Was I really being set up for heartbreak? As strong as I like to believe that I am, I don't know if I could handle that. Was I being stupid by letting myself get... attached to Reid? I gulped at the thought alone. I feel horrible. My stomach feels as though it's tied in a thousand knots and I wouldn't be shocked if I felt the urge to vomit sooner or later.

I spotted Reid with Tyler, the two close by Caleb and Pogue who were involved in a game of foosball, the two girls cheering their respective boyfriends on. Reid grinned when he noticed me but it quickly melted off his face, replaced with a scowl.

"Something wrong?" he asked. I now had Tyler's full attention as well.

"I just—I want to go home." I said it shortly and tangled my fingers together, twitching them in a nervous way. I was just uncomfortable now. I felt like everyone was watching, calling me an idiot for being here with the infamous Reid Garwin; player extraordinaire of Spenser Academy. What could I have possibly been thinking? I shouldn't be here. I should be at home, making sure Gen takse a bath and helping Shena finish her homework.

"I can take you back to your car," Tyler offered politely, reaching for his keys buried deep in his pocket.

Reid sneered at his best friend. "No." He then turned to me and lightly held onto my shoulder. "Come outside with me."

Without an argument, I followed, shivering as the cold night air bit at my bare arms. We descended a few concrete steps and Reid turned and faced me. "Why do you wanna go? What happened?"

Reid shrugged his hoodie off as he waited for me to answer, draping it over my shoulders. I eagerly clutched it to my freezing body and instinctively moved a little closer to Reid, hoping to absorb some body heat. Inside, I groaned, wishing he hadn't made such a chivalrous gesture just now as I was thinking about and running from the fact that this all might be some kind of game to him. "I just—I feel like everyone's staring at me."

Reid huffed a short laugh and lifted his shoulders. "So what? Let 'em stare."

"I can't Reid. It's just... it's just not the kind of attention I'm used to. I don't like it. I just have a certain level of… dignity to maintain." I chewed my lower lip nervously, realizing that didn't sound right at all.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Reid actually sounded offended, looking at me with a frown, taking one step back.

"I don't—I mean, I heard these girls talking in the bathroom..." I trailed off, shaking my head, feeling stupid for letting some superficial girls' meaningless words effect me so much.

"Oh, I get it. Let me guess. I'm using you. I couldn't possibly, actually like you. It's all a scheme to get the only thing I could ever want from a girl, right? Because there's no way I could ever genuinely like a smart, attractive girl." His words were bitter and I was shocked at the slightly hurt expression on his face. "Babylon, do you really give a damn what girls like that think of you?"

I couldn't answer that question. Part of me doesn't. Part of me knows they have no idea, they're just jealous. Part of me knows this is what Kate and Sarah go through daily, and they don't let it bother them, so why should I? But the other part of me does care. The other part of me knows that if people started talking, I would be mortified.

"Look B." his hands cradled my face again like they had earlier that evening. "I like you. I want to date you. If I was looking for sex, no offense, but you'd be the last girl I'd go to for it. I know how you feel about that and I wouldn't be wasting my time."

He was either telling me the honest to God truth or he was the Master of Manipulation.

Caleb said it was okay to loosen up, right?

Well I'm going to go out on a whim here and go with the former. Honestly, I believe Reid Garwin has about zero work ethic. Why would he bother going to all this effort just to mess with me? That wasn't very Garwin-like at all. No... he has to be genuine. He just has to be.

"I'm gonna kiss you now." His voice was hushed and my eyes shot up to his. He gave me plenty of time to move before he leaned in, but for some reason, I didn't. I took in a sharp intake of air right before his lips fell on top of mine.

This wasn't what I expected. It was nothing like that time in English where he'd stolen a kiss from me right in front of the whole class. This kiss was sweet and intimate. It wasn't forceful, but he was clearly in control. He didn't pressure me to open my mouth or grab at me like some wild animal. He just let his hands fall to my hips, bringing me in a little closer. My hands gripped his toned biceps, my muscles quivering due to nerves.

I've never voluntarily kissed someone before. It took my breath away.