Disclaimer: We don't own The Covenant

Authors: SkyyRyder and Cara Mascara

A/N: Sorry for the wait. Completely my fault. I've just been having a hard time concentrating on any story but my Lords of Dogtown one at the moment. Anyway, Skyy took over this entire chapter for that reason. Thank god for her, huh? Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Fallen Now is Babylon the Great

Chapter 19: Study Sessions

-Babylon's POV-

I was wiping down one of my tables when I noticed him walk in. I couldn't help but smile seeing Reid swagger in like he normally did. He noticed me and winked before taking a seat at the counter, waiting casually for my shift to end.

I had such a great time last night hanging out over at Caleb's and I think he had a pretty good time too. Though Reid is the kind of guy that wouldn't admit it out loud, at least not to anyone he didn't know.

Unfortunately for me, I had to get up and open Sock Hopper's the next morning. It was one of our busiest days of the year; I was lucky I got Thanksgiving off. I finished wiping down the table and headed over to the counter.

"Can I get you anything?" I asked him politely, knowing that my boss was probably lingering behind me. He usually did when Reid came in, or any of Ipswich's Elite for that matter. He grinned and pointed to the coffee pot behind me. "Black?"

He grinned at me. "You know how I like it, babe..."

I could feel the blush creeping up to my cheeks. He always knew how to do that to me and it drove me crazy. I pulled a cup out from under the counter and filled it with black coffee.

I could see the corners of his mouth twitch and I sauntered to the back to grab table twelve's lunch. When I came back out he was mindlessly staring in the direction I had just exited, as if he hadn't moved an inch since then.

"Reid, are you ok?" I asked him carefully managing the two plates in my hands and trying to balance on my skates.

He looked up, those bright cerulean blue eyes staring up at me. "I'm fine babe, you almost done here?"

"Couple more minutes. Just let me drop off this food, okay?"

He nodded his head and I watched him take a sip of his coffee out of the corner of my eye. It looked like something was bothering him, but I couldn't really put my finger on it. I chose to ignore it and delivered the food to my last table and waited patiently for the next several minutes to tick by.

As soon as the clock hit two o'clock I marched back to the time machine and clocked out. I shouted my goodbye to my boss and the cook and snuck out taking off my apron. Reid stood up and left a few bills on the counter with my replacement and gave her a small smile.

I couldn't help but feel a small tinge of jealousy reek havoc on me. I never thought I'd be a jealous girlfriend, but then again I never had a boyfriend like Reid Garwin before and I certainly never expected to. Girls literally flocked to him like a pack of hungry vultures, and he had chosen me from all of them. He was giving me the 'I'd jump in front of a bullet for you' stare as Kate and Sarah had put it.

Though, I knew that he cared for me, it still bothered me to see him send those charming grins at girls like that. And it bothered me more when they returned them. I came up next to him, giving him a hello kiss right on the mouth in front of the new girl.

"Hi babe." I smiled cheekily at him.

Reid grinned turning to me fully. "Gorgeous."

He reached over and pushed my bangs out of my face. He sent a small wave to the girl behind the counter and I tossed her a glare over my shoulder. She was going to have to learn that Reid Garwin was off limits.

Wow, I sounded like a possessive girlfriend. I shook my head and enjoyed the comfort of Reid's arm around my waist. He guided me out to the car, resting his backside on the grill of the SUV.

"C'mere I got something for you," he said with a sly, all too knowing grin.

I stared at him for a second. Was he being the sweet Reid Garwin, or was he being the perverse Reid Garwin? He gave me a boyish grin and I shook my head. He reached out and grabbed my hand pulling me flush against him.

"I didn't mean it that way." He read my mind. "Unless you want it." I gave him a patented look and he quickly erased that thought from his mind. "I've got an early Christmas present for you."

"Reid—" I started to protest but he put a finger to my lips.

"Don't..." he told me, shaking his head. His hand slipped into his pocket and he pulled out a shiny, sleek phone and handed it to me. "Merry Christmas Baby."

I stared at it strangely; I had never had a cell phone before. After my father left we were kind of stuck in the Stone Age. It was tiny, and probably weighed only a few ounces. I was afraid I might break it if I held it too hard.

"I can't take this," I stated shoving it back at him.

Reid grabbed my hand and cupped my fingers around the piece of technology. "It's a gift; you have to keep it," he told me pushing my hand back towards my body.

"Honestly Reid, this was really sweet, but I can't afford to have a phone," I urged him.

"And that's why I'm paying for it, so shut up." He kissed me softly on the lips, but I wasn't giving up that easily. I was just as stubborn as he was, if not more.

"No, I can't let you do that," I told him sharply.

"Yes you can. You don't have a choice." He grinned at me. "It's got a two year contract, can't break it. Sorry Babs."

He was so annoying sometimes and he sure as hell didn't look very sorry. Smug brat. "Fine..." I sighed heavily.

"You're going to hurt my feelings if you keep rejecting my gifts," he mused, wrapping both arms around me again.

"I told you not to buy me anything."

"Couldn't help myself." His grin was lopsided and ridiculously handsome.

I stood there glaring down at the phone and he grabbed it from me, pushing the screen up and showing me how to function it. I felt like an absolute moron not knowing how to function one of these things, but it was one of those complicated new ones that I hadn't even seen anyone use before.

"My number's programmed in already," he stated scrolling down to the contacts. I was half-expecting the contact name to read something like 'Sex God' or 'Sexy Beast' or something equally atrocious, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it simply said 'Reid'. "I also programmed your house number and your mom's work number in…"

I smiled at him taking the phone back. "When did you become so sweet?" I asked him an eyebrow lifted in his direction.

He grinned, pressing his lips to mine again. "Shhh…." He shook his head slowly. "Don't tell anyone. I like to keep them guessing."

He already had. He had me wondering what he'd do next all the time. There wasn't a time that I didn't sit back and look at everything that had happened over the last few weeks and say 'Whoa!' It was all so much. I smiled at him and simply nodded.

"What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?" I asked changing the subject. I slid the phone in to my pocket, not really bothering with it.

"Actually, that's one of the reasons I came to pick you up…."

"Oh." I looked at him a bit down at the fact that he hadn't picked me up just to spend time with me. He had an ulterior motive.

"Don't 'oh' me like that Babylon," he smirked gripping my chin in his long, slender grasp. "There's this huge test on Monday, and I really need your help with it…"

"You do?" I asked carefully.

"Yes. As my Peer Tutor I think it's a must for you to help me study for any huge tests that I have coming up, right?"

I grinned and nodded my head. I kind of like that he appreciates my intelligence. He pulled me closer and kissed me again.

"C'mon, I work the morning shift tomorrow, so I can help you tomorrow night too," I stated.

Reid pursed his lips together satisfied with my answer. He pulled me to the passenger's side and opened the door, letting me slide in then closed it and jogged around hopping in next to me without missing a beat.

We were silent most of the trip to the dorms, but I didn't mind; it was a comfortable silence. The trip back to Spenser was quick. We climbed out of his truck and headed up to his dorm room.

As we were walking up the steps to the dorm, I decided to ask him how his parents were doing. I watched his body visibly tense and wondered if I should have kept my question and my thoughts to myself.

"They're fine," he replied, his tone uneven.

"I'm sorry," I quickly apologized. I didn't want his mood to dampen because of my obvious ignorance for his relationship with his parents.

He glanced back at me, grabbing my hand and giving it a tight squeeze, "It's okay." He smiled. "They're in love with you though; they think you're perfect."

I couldn't read the expression on his face before he turned back to the empty space in front of us, dragging me behind him. Did he not like me as much as his parents did? Did he not want me to meet his parents in the first place? Why was there such a huge rift there?

I had so many questions; I wasn't really sure if I should push them all aside or if I should open my mouth and voice them. I surveyed his body language. His shoulders were slumped forward, his grip on my hand was loose, and his face looked pensive.

I decided to keep my mouth shut.

We arrived at his room and he hunted around for something for several minutes before cursing under his breath. I furrowed my brow a bit confused; he had been in a much darker mood ever since I brought up his parents, which unnerved me just a little bit.

"What are you looking for, maybe I can help?" I offered casually sitting down on Tyler's bed.

"My book," he mumbled. "Fuck, I think I left it in my locker…" His eyes lifted up to meet mine. I smiled at him and he shook his head. "I'll be back, okay? Don't move."

He headed to the door and stopped short before turning around quickly and heading back over to me. I sat as still as I could as he leaned down and kissed me hard on the lips.

"I'm sorry, I'll be back okay?"

I nodded and watched him leave.

I didn't have much time to think when the door opened and I wondered if Reid forgot something else. I was surprised to see Tyler entering the room, his book bag tossed over his shoulder. He looked surprised to see me, more importantly me sitting on his bed.

"Hey Tyler," I smiled warmly at him.

There was always something about Tyler Simms that I liked. It was probably because he was the most approachable of the four Sons. He was very down to Earth and he was a sweetheart to everyone.

"Hey Babylon." He grinned, his face flushed and I smiled just a bit more. "What are you doing here?"

"Reid and I were going to study for his test on Monday, but he forgot his book…"

Tyler laughed at his best friend's expense and started rummaging through his things. I glanced behind me at his impeccably clean desk and smiled.

"Looking for something?"

"Yeah, I was studying down in the library and forgot about a book I needed." He thought about his words and shook his head. "Guess I'm not much better than him, huh?" He rubbed the back of his neck shyly.

"Forgetful boys," I shrugged my shoulders.

I watched him search for his book and he finally found it under a stack of what appeared to be dirty clothes; which Son they belonged to I wasn't quite sure. Though, I had a pretty good idea by the difference in the sides of the room; one immaculately clean and the other a mixture of chaos and filth.

I didn't even have to guess when I first came up here, which side of the room belonged to my boyfriend. It was proudly stated in the stacks of Red Bull cans and dirty clothes.

Tyler turned to the door to leave but whipped around as quickly as Reid had. I leaned back a bit hoping that this didn't have the same outcome, though I knew it wouldn't. This was Tyler, not Reid. I smiled at him and he looked a bit embarrassed about something.

"What's up Tyler?"

He chewed his bottom lip. "I'm having a hard time with my Psychology homework and I was hoping that maybe you could help me out."

I stared at him. I was flattered. Tyler was one of the smartest guys in our senior class. He hardly ever needed help with his homework. My smile grew and I nodded my head.

"Of course, just let me know when you're free. Maybe I can stop by here or you can stop by in Peer Tutoring after classes…."

"You sure?" he asked as his brows rose.

"Definitely. We can figure something out."

Tyler grinned in response. "Sounds good." He went to walk to the door again but then he stopped turning around, his hand digging in his pocket. "Reid told me that he got you a new phone."

Ok, that was kind of embarrassing. I responded with a sheepish nod. I'm sure my face was about ten shades of scarlet by now.

"Great, let me get your number and I can call you whenever I get some free time… or see if you have an opening in Peer Tutoring." He grabbed my phone that I was holding out to him and as he clicked a few buttons he continued to talk. "You know if we both have some spare time, maybe you can drop by here again or I could drop by your place…" He was rambling now; it was quite admirable.

I nodded my head as he handed me back the phone and clicked a few more buttons on his. I glanced down not seeing any difference in the black phone; it was all foreign to me.

"I'll call you when I get some free time, or you can call me, whatever works best for you." He grinned before waving and walking out of the dorm door.

Reid and I finally got down to studying last night, and he seemed to be in a much better mood after returning from his locker. I didn't mention anything about Tyler stopping by, I really didn't think it was important, and I'm sure Reid would think the same thing.

We wrapped it up around eight o'clock and Reid took me home. He hung out for a little while mooching up to my little sisters and Amma. I was amazed at the close and comfortable relationship that he had with my grandmother; it was unbelievable.

I was happy when my shift finally ended, and literally flew out of the restaurant before I had to bus another table, or greet another guest. I wanted to see my boyfriend, but who could blame me really?

Parking my car in the parking lot of the dormitory I couldn't help but sigh. Things were going so great the last few weeks; it was almost like I was stuck in some alternate reality. Nothing ever goes this perfectly, does it?

I grabbed my bag and hurried my way towards the dorms; it was freezing outside now. The temperatures had dropped drastically. I clutched my jacket to my chest as a hard breeze threatened to knock me over.

Groaning, I pulled the large doors open and headed towards the stairs. I was just about to start climbing when a hand grasped my elbow. Startled I turned around and noticed the short, light haired girl. She was on the yearbook staff with me.

"Babylon, hey I need to talk to you." I glanced down at her grip on my elbow, brows slammed together.

Carson. Carson Palmer, she was right under me in the yearbook staff, and I never really cared for her. Well, aside from Kate, I didn't really care for anyone on the yearbook staff. Most of them were just there to be sure their picture appeared at least seven times throughout the yearbook.

She must have noticed my gaze at her hand on my arm because she quickly released it, her hands immediately flying behind her back. I let a small grin form on my lips, tilting my head to the side.

"About?"

"Well, you've been missing a lot of the meetings, and right now… it's really crunch time." She cleared her throat her eyes that were once on the ground were now staring up at me. "And we've talked about it, amongst ourselves, and we think it'd be appropriate if you stepped down as the Editor…"

I stared at her in complete disbelief. Honestly, I hadn't missed that many meetings had I? I tried to think back as to how many calls I've had to make in the last couple of weeks. I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth when I realized that I'd probably missed four or five at the least.

"You all talked about this?" I asked, wondering if Kate had a hand in this too.

"We talked about it when Kate wasn't around; we thought she'd be biased and side with you," Carson snapped pushing her chubby little fingers through her short hair.

"I—" I was a bit baffled by this, I really didn't know what to say.

"Look," Carson looked up at me, a hateful glare in her muddy brown eyes. "Ever since you started dating Reid Garwin you've been ignoring the fact that you've got a job to do on the yearbook staff."

My brows knitted together tightly, was it me or did she sound jealous?

"Do you think it's necessary?" I questioned finding my voice.

The blonde's lips disappeared in to a thin line. "The yearbook is suffering because you're out gallivanting with your slut of a boyfriend. What do you think, Babylon?"

I winced at her use of words, biting my bottom lip. I couldn't stay on the yearbook staff if it was going to continue to be like this. I really didn't want to give up my spot on the staff, but what other choice did I have?

"Okay," I whispered glancing back up at the stairs. I could feel my voice shaking, my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I was doing this for Reid. I was doing this for us. "I step down as the Editor of the Yearbook staff."

Carson's tight-lipped posture changed, her scowl slipped into a grin and she glanced around. "Well, I think you chose stupidly. Quitting for a boy. And one that's going to fuck you over in the end…" Her grin was wicked. She leaned in closer to me. "Because you know that's what he's going to do to you once he gets what he wants."

With that the evil little minx walked away, a little extra sway in her hips as she disappeared around the corner. I clenched my fists tightly at my side; if I weren't a moral person I would run after her and beat the living daylights out that wretched little brat.

Her words stung deep. Reid wouldn't do that to me, would he? There was no way I was like all those other girls. I met his family; I had dinner with his parents. He said he would wait for me. This was not going to turn in to one of his other relationships, I was sure of that. Honestly, why would he even bother if that were the case?

Groaning at the pain that was slowly coming forward between my eyes I started to climb the stairs up to Reid's dorm room. It was still sinking in for me; I was no longer a part of the Spenser Yearbook Staff.

Wow.

My steps seemed heavier as I walked up to the third floor. I hoped that this wouldn't ruin my chances of getting into a good school. That would absolutely crush me.

I knocked on Reid's door, waiting for him to answer. I had more time to think about what just transpired. More time to feel sorry for myself, and ultimately feel like a lost cause.

Reid answered the door, a grin on his face that slowly slipped off of when he took one look at me. He pulled me in to the room, closing the door behind us.

"What's wrong?"

"I um, I just…" I couldn't even force the words out of my mouth; it was so unlike me to just drop something like this out of my schedule. I sighed and met his azure gaze. "I just resigned my position with the yearbook staff."

His face fell for a second in shock, his arms instinctively wrapped around me pulling me in to his chest. I buried my face in to his shirt and felt like crying, but I wasn't going to. I wasn't going to cry in front of him over this. He would just think it was stupid.

"It doesn't sound like you really had a choice," he murmured in to my hair.

I looked up to meet his thoughtful stare. "I didn't really." I cleared my throat. "It was a silent mutiny."

He frowned and held me out at arms length. "Do you want me to go kick their asses?" he questioned, serious.

I laughed and shook my head. "No, not really."

He smiled and pressed his lips to mine. "I'll do it, you sure?"

"Positive," I answered him recapturing his lips with my own.

His fingers gripped my hips forcefully, causing my body to press intimately against his. I let my hands roam up to his shoulders, pushing him away just a little bit. He looked down at me; his eyes were hazed over a small grin playing on his lips.

"I'm sorry that those bitches made you resign," he murmured against my lips, guiding me slowly away from the door and into the room.

"Me too."

He pulled me away again, and in one swift movement we were both sitting on his bed. His right hand cupped my cheek, pulling me in closer to him. Those pink lips touched mine again and I knew then that it'd be awhile before we actually started to study, if we ever started.

I never really thought that I would be comfortable with making out on a boy's bed, but I don't think I've ever been so relaxed in my life. The way he made me feel when he was kissing me was blissful.

Sinful thoughts swarmed through my head. I wasn't going to let my conscious pull me away from doing something that I wanted. I had good self-control so I wouldn't let this go farther than I thought it should.

"You drive me crazy, Babylon." His words were hot against my cheek, and I looked up at him. I knew that it was probably harder for him to control himself than it was for me; he was used to getting everything he wanted.

"I'm sorry." I sat up, trying to compose myself.

He laughed, hooking his arm around my waist, pulling me back down on top of him. I let out a small laugh and pressed my lips firmly against his, before pulling back.

"I'm not weak B; I can handle this," he murmured pressing those amazing lips to mine again.

He always told me I had no idea what I did to him, but he had no idea what he did to me. My entire body seemed to heat up when his lips touched mine, thoughts that had never been there showed up frequently, and all my other senses went haywire.

He pulled away again, this time I was unwilling, trying to pull his lips back to mine. He laughed and brushed my hair out of my face, pulling me against his chest.

"So, I was thinking… for Christmas we could spend the morning with your family," he mused pressing his warm lips to my temple. "Y'know, before your mom goes to work…"

I felt my heart melt at the look in his eyes. I honestly felt myself falling for him more and more as the time went by. He was actually thinking about my family; working out a schedule for our holidays so we could be together. All of this was a big shock to me, that he wanted to spend all of this time with me.

"That'd be great. Are your parents going to be here for Christmas?"

"Planning on it." Reid shrugged his shoulders. "But you never know with them. They could decide to go to Tahiti or something."

I couldn't help but laugh. He winked at me and my phone starting ringing. I glanced at it strangely and Reid's brow furrowed. I picked it up and noticed the name blinking on the screen.

Flashing Reid a small grin I answered. "Hello?"

"Hey Babylon, are you busy?" The voice on the other end asked.

"Not really, Reid and I were just about to start our homework," I answered. "We're up in your room."

I could feel Reid's grip on me tighten. I raised an eyebrow at him and he stared at me.

"Oh yeah?" I could hear him climbing the stairs. "I'll be there in a sec; I could really use your help on this chapter."

"Sure, not a problem. See ya in a bit."

I hung up and Reid glared over at me. Okay, I don't really like the angry Reid Garwin glare, and I'm not used to getting it anymore so it was a little strange for it to come out all of a sudden. I perched myself up on my elbows and pursed my lips together.

"What's wrong?" I asked him.

"How does Tyler have your number?" he asked.

"He needs help with his Psych homework so I told him I'd help him out. He knew you got me a new phone, and we traded numbers so he could see when I was available..." As soon as the last part came out of my mouth I knew Reid wouldn't take it the right way. "Available to study."

His blonde eyebrows knitted together in anger. Tyler was his best friend; I really didn't think it would be this big of a deal.

"Jesus, Baby..." Reid sat up on his bed and stared at me.

I narrowed my eyes at him for using the Lord's name in vein. He knew I hated that, and he's been really good about not doing it. I could see the look in his eyes, and he wasn't happy. Not in the slightest.

"I didn't think it'd be a big deal," I whispered looking down at the stupid phone in my grasp. "He needed help, and he asked me. We're friends..."

"I'm sure he's just interested in being friends with you," he mumbled under his breath almost incoherently.

I scoffed and started to argue back. "I'm sure Tyler does not see me like that, Reid."

I hate getting in to confrontations with him. He showed on many occasions that he had a short temper, and that made me awfully nervous around him when he was angry.

"That's what you think," he spat getting up from his bed, pacing the hardwood floors.

"Seriously Reid, it's not that big of a deal," I tried to calm him down. "It's just for Psych class, that's it... he needs help with the last couple of chapters..."

The door opened and Reid glared at Tyler who looked one step passed confused. I don't blame him. You could probably hear us on the second floor of the dorms.

"I can step back outside if you guys need a minute..." He motioned to the hallway.

"No, it's ok..." I stated looking at Reid and then at Tyler. "Reid was just overreacting."

The blonde boy looked at me stubbornly and I gave him a meaningful look. Tyler glanced between us, still confused.

"About what?"

"Can it Baby Boy," Reid huffed taking a seat next to me again.

I shook my head, reaching for my bag. The room was quiet for a minute and I got up from my seat next to Reid and took a seat on Tyler's bed, Reid's eyes on his best friend as he slowly took a seat next to me.

The brunette boy cleared his throat, and pulled out his psychology book. He opened it up to the latest chapter and then gave me a small smile. I could have sworn I just heard Reid growl. I snapped my head up to look at him and he grudgingly pulled out his homework.

"I'm lost," he stated shoving his pencil behind his ear.

"As you should be," Reid muttered under his breath.

"Reid!" I glared over at him and his perfect lips pursed together angrily.

Sometimes he drives me insanely crazy. I smiled at Tyler and we went over the last chapter we were studying in psychology, the entire time Reid shooting daggers at us.

-Reid's POV-

After Babylon left I marched back up to my room, ready to tear my best friend a new one. I thought that we had talked about this? Why was he calling my girlfriend?

What the hell was his problem?

I slammed the door shut behind me and Tyler literally jumped off of his bed. I couldn't stand the fact that he interrupted my time with her, he interrupted our 'study' session so that he could sit insanely close to her and whisper back and forth about the id, ego and superego.

It annoyed the hell out of me; he had her laughing at his stupid jokes and carrying on like I wasn't even there. Ugh, I want to hurt him...

"What the hell is your problem?" I yelled at him as soon as he fell back on to the bed.

"I should be asking you that..."

"No, no..." I shook my head. "You called my girlfriend, Tyler. That is wrong on so many levels..."

"She's a whiz in psychology Reid, if anyone can help me it's her. That's the only reason I called her."

"Yeah, whatever. You couldn't have asked her to help you during class? Or at lunch?"

"Dude, what is your problem? I thought we talked about this?"

"You flirting with my girlfriend is the problem!" I pointed out angrily.

Tyler pursed his lips together, his eyes darker than usual as he got up and got in my face. Okay, this is not the normal Tyler Simms I know. He pointed that bony little finger in to my chest and stared at me hard.

"We talked about this Reid." He glared at me. "I told you I was going to back off with this Babylon thing. You're my best friend; you're supposed to believe me when I tell you these things." He looked hurt.

"Whatever, I don't want you calling her anymore." I shoved my finger back in to his chest.

"You're being an asshole Reid." He stated walking away from me. "Did our conversation the other day mean nothing?" He shook his head.

I let my face relax. "Of course it meant something," I groaned inwardly. "It's just that, when it comes to Babylon…"

"Yes?" Tyler asked the corner of his mouth lifted; a knowing look on his dorky face.

"It's different." I collapsed back on my bed.

"Different?"

That bastard was mocking me now; I should seriously clobber his ass.

"Yes different, asshole. Do you think I'd care if you called one of the other girls I was fucking around with?" I raised an eyebrow, propping myself up on my elbows. When he didn't answer I continued. "No, I wouldn't have. But with Babylon... I hear or see her talking to another guy and I want to dismember him."

"That's a bit sadistic, Reid…" Tyler pointed out, his face distorting in to a terrified look.

"Exactly, so remember that the next time you decide to look at or talk to her."