Chapter 13

Being grounded for attacking a fellow classmate wasn't nearly as bad as Layla expected. Things weren't exactly great with her parents at the moment, but she was sure that if she gave it time then those disappointed looks they kept shooting her would eventually go away. She knew that her recent type of behavior wasn't how she was raised, but she couldn't bring herself to regret what she did to Gwen.

Besides, solitary confinement in her room also allowed her time to think. Seriously think about her friendship with Will, and if her relationship with Warren was worth the possibility of losing her best friend. In her heart she knew it wasn't, but there was something about the older teenager that drew her to him. He liked to put a front, but she knew that somewhere in side he really did care about her, at least, why would he even bother if he didn't? She just wished that everyone else could see it. Then maybe she wouldn't have to make such tough choices.

Soon enough Monday morning came. Layla couldn't help the excitement bubbling inside at the thought of seeing Warren again. She wondered if he would acknowledge her in public? Sure, he was cool about it the night of Homecoming, but that was in front of a group of her friends. Would he act differently when the whole school was watching?

She knew he didn't appreciate any unnecessary attention, and she didn't particularly enjoy the spotlight either. But still…

The ride to school felt excruciating. Her nerves were starting to get the best of her, imagining all the possibilities of what the day would bring. Her comfort came in the form of her friends, who tried to distract her the best ways they knew how. Ethan tried telling her about a new television show he discovered, but seeing as how Layla wasn't allowed to watch TV for another month, the conversation soon came to a lull. Zach cracked a few not so funny jokes before Magenta gave him a death glare, in which he promptly shut up. The other girl gave Layla a small reassuring smile.

The bus finally landed and Layla immediately spotted Warren waiting for her, not quite in the hustle of students near the entrance of the building, but not completely aloof as usual. She could tell from his tense stance that he would rather have been anywhere else at the moment. She watched as he fixed a glare in the direction of anyone who looked his way.

The look of distaste didn't leave his features even after he spotted who he was looking for.

"This place sucks," he stated as she walked up to him, a hesitant smile on her face.

"Well, you burn it down and I'll hide the evidence," she quipped back, a thrill of excitement shooting down her spine in response to his laugh.

He shook his head, looking down to study her for a moment.

"Come on, let's get this day over with."

His longer legs caused her to take more steps, almost rushing to keep up with him. Taking a deep breath, she reached out and grabbed his hand, intertwining her fingers with his own. He immediately slowed, looking down at them briefly before sending her an amused glance.

She smiled in response.

"So do you think anyone will talk about us today?" she asked, trying to ignore the curious and somewhat confused looks she could see out of the corner of her eye.

"Probably. But she's had it coming for a long time."

Layla looked up at him, confused. "She?"

Warren opened the front door to the school, pausing and looking at her strangely.

"Yeah, you and Gwen?"

"Oh!" she exclaimed, feeling a bit flustered that she would have to explain further. Was she making whatever it was between them a bigger deal than it really was?

"I meant us… as in me and you…"

"Us?" Warren questioned, eyebrows furrowing.

Layla pulled her arm up, bringing their intertwined hands up to eyelevel. Well, her eyelevel anyway.

"Us." She confirmed, her voice much more confident that she felt inside.

A grin spread across his face, half serious and half amused.

"Oh, is there an us?"

Layla could feel an embarrassed blush rapidly spreading.

"Uh…" she stuttered. She tried to pull her hand away but he held on tight.

Just then the warning bell rang, reminding students that class was to start in ten minutes.

"Do you want there to be?" he questioned further, less amused and more serious this time.

"I don't know…" she replied honestly, biting her lip when his eyes darkened just a little.

Warren dropped her hand, and Layla immediately missed the warmth. She had a feeling she just royally screwed up with her answer. Maybe she should've said yes and then thought about the ramifications later?

When he placed a hand at her waist she jumped, already having pictured him turning and skulking away. Instead he wrapped his arm around her in a half sort of hug, bent his head down, and kissed her.

It wasn't a long and passionate kiss by any means. He only held his lips to hers for a few seconds before pulling away, but it was enough. Reassuring.

"Find me when you figure it out." He stated, slowly letting her go and taking a few steps back.

Layla nodded mutely, still a bit stunned.

Seeing his affect on her Warren grinned, causing a few passing students to stare in wonder. Layla simply stood watching until he turned and walked around the corner, out of sight.

Only then did she let out the breath she didn't even know she was holding, allowing herself a small smile. She turned to head to her locker, letting out a small annoyed sigh when she saw what was waiting for her.

There was Will, and by the looks of things, he had just witnessed the entire encounter.