Author's Note: If you don't like a fight scene, skip this chapter. I really mean it. Well, it's not anything bad, I just don't want anyone feeling scared or anything...but, I think we can all handle it! Enjoy, and happy reading!

Chapter Seven: Haylie In Hot Water

Today, Haylie actually got to spend some with Ryan (much to her delight), because she rarely got to spend anytime with him since Mark came.

"So, I see your booth's coming along." Haylie explained, taking hold of Ryan's hand, and she smiled at him.

"Yeah...through all the distractions...Chad's actually wants to quit, but Troy won't let him."

Haylie laughed, and gave him a quick kiss the lips before walking again.

"Do you know how many girls are going to be lined up just to kiss you guys?" Haylie asked, and Ryan grinned.

"About a million or so...I can't remember the number of girls I kissed last year...I must have tied with Troy."

Haylie grinned, and frowned when they turned around the corner, and saw Mark, frowning at them.

"What are you doing?" Mark asked, looking at her.

"I'm talking to Ryan...can't I do that?" Haylie asked.

"No. You can't." Mark said, and Haylie raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

"You heard me. Get away from him." Mark said, roughly tugging at Haylie's free arm, and almost making her fall to the ground.

"Hey! Stop that! You might hurt her!" Ryan yelped, but Mark stopped him from going near her.

"If you come any closer, I will hurt her. And you. Understand?" Mark asked, and Haylie widen her eyes.

She watched as Ryan's face turned from alarm to anger.

"You can't hurt her, not when I'm around." Ryan said.

"So what are you going to do if I did? Tattletale on me? That's so childish."

"No, I'm not. All I'm asking is you let go of Haylie...that's all I'm--"

Haylie screamed when Mark punched Ryan in the face, and he crumbled to the floor.

Mark sneered as Ryan got up, and Haylie covered her mouth with her hand when she saw a black eye forming around his right eye.

"Your such a wuss. You can't even fight for your own girlfriend. Weak." Mark taunted, and Haylie almost wanted to cry.

"I'm not a wuss. You are." Ryan explained, and Mark raised an eyebrow.

"Why is that?" he asked.

"Because if you'd be able to fit in, but instead, you choose to fight with me." Ryan replied, and Mark growled.

"Your just saying that!"

"But, it's true." Ryan responded.

Mark looked at Ryan once more, and let go of Haylie before fleeing down the hall.

Haylie felt her knees buckle, and she collasped to the floor, crying, and Ryan went over to her side.

"I'm sorry...if this happen, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."

Ryan smiled, and bent down to her height.

"I'm okay, really. I would stand up for you, Haylie. You know that." Ryan said, and Haylie gave him a hug, while crying softly on his shoulder.

This is what a true boyfriend did.

Fight for your rights.