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Word Prompt: Whir, blur, slur.

Choose one word and write what your imagination dictates. For an added challenge, include all three words in your entry.

Not beta'd.

The school day goes by in a blur. My professors are all too happy to assign extra homework for the weekend, but in a way, I welcome it. I have two empty days ahead of me. It will give me something to do.

I grab a late lunch with Angela. She's so proud of herself for working up the courage to talk to Ben. I'm proud of her, too. As she recounts their conversation, I listen to her dissect every nuance in his mannerisms and word choices. Ben seems to be pretty straightforward as far as guys go. He's not full of mixed signals or outright grouchiness. He asked Angela to hang out on the weekend, and she's beyond excited about it. It's all so normal and adorable that I'm a little envious. The desire to have someone special in my life snuck up on me when Masen crossed my path. Angela's enthusiasm and positive energy about dating makes me want a boyfriend that much more.

Time gets away from me. I don't realize how late it's gotten until I see Masen's statuesque form crossing the quad. I quickly check my phone for a missed text from him. Of course there isn't one, which figures. I'm beginning to understand that he has his own way of doing things, regardless of what is asked of him.

"Who's the tall glass of water," Angela asks, following my gaze.

I smile as my cheeks bloom, displaying my feelings for Masen for everyone to see. "That's none other than Romeo Grumpypants."

"Wow, he's gorgeous."

I get to my feet, brushing the dust off my jeans. "I know, right? Incredibly charming, too."

"And he's studying to be a doctor?" She lowers her voice so Masen won't hear us now that he's in earshot.

"Yep."

The he's-too-good-to-be-true look on Angela's face says it all, and she hasn't even been in his presence yet. Her panties are going to spontaneously combust.

We walk over to him, meeting him halfway. With his eyes hidden by sunglasses, I can't pin down his mood.

"Edward Masen, this is Angela Weber."

He pushes his Ray Bans up onto the top of his head and gives her my favourite grin, extending his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Angela. You're Bella's study partner, aren't you?"

I mentioned Angela once in passing. I didn't think he'd remember her name, let alone why I know her.

Angela giggles, eyes blinking and falling to the ground. He's got her eating out of the palm of his hand already.

"That's me; you're her ride to school, right?"

"I see my reputation precedes me. Don't believe everything Bella says, unless it's good. Then I'm sure it's all true." His eyes are on me while he speaks, daring me to admit what I've told her.

"I bet you'd like to know what she's told me," Angela says.

Masen arches an eyebrow at her and chuckles. "Touché."

"I'll leave Bella in your capable hands, Edward. It was nice to put a face to the name."

"Same here, Angela. Have a good weekend."

As Ang turns to leave, a frisbee comes whirring towards us, barely missing her and striking me in the shoulder.

"Hey!" Masen's head swings around, his angry gaze landing on a group of guys a short distance away.

I smooth my hand over the stinging red mark on my skin.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Angela asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Masen's already stalking across the lawn.

Angie whispers, "You should stop him. He looks pissed."

I follow him, hoping he'll listen but knowing he won't. "Masen, I'm fine. Just forget it. It was an accident."

The guilty undergrad steps away from his friends, amidst their ridicule, and walks toward Masen.

"Wassup? Sssorry man. Rogue throw, yanno?" He slurs his words. It's 4:00 PM on a Friday afternoon. The chance he had a liquid lunch is high.

"You hit my friend, asshole, not me. What the fuck is wrong with you throwing a frisbee in a crowded quad?"

The guy looks petrified—Masen's got six inches of height on him easily.

"I'm fine," I say again, laying my hand on Masen's arm. I lean across him, and offer the guy his frisbee.

"Sssorry, lllittle one. I didunt meantah hit ya or pizzoff your friend here."

"No harm done." I smile, and subtly nod my head, hoping he'll take the hint and leave.

No such luck. He doesn't have a clue and stands there raking his eyes over me. Masen's practically vibrating with ire. Mr. Frisbee notices, too, and tries to diffuse the situation.

"Dddude, chill da fuckout, man. Itwaz an accident. Isnot like I'd hurt such a pppretty lllady on pppurpose." He grins at me and winks.

Masen takes a protective stance, guiding me behind him. I'm not sure why he feels threatened or why he thinks I need protection. Mr. Frisbee smells like weed and beer. There isn't much chance that he'd dish out anything more dangerous than an unwanted hug.

Angela's touches my hip gently, letting me know she's behind me. "Masen, why don't you take Bella to the car? She'd probably like to get off her feet."

Her voice snaps Masen out of his indignation enough to draw his attention to me. He slips his arm around my waist and leads me away from Mr. Frisbee, who stands there like an idiot and yells, "Can I ggget yur numberrr?"

Masen gnashes his teeth together and swears under his breath. It sounds more like a growl than actual words. Thankfully, Angela loops her arm through his as he begins to turn back to Mr. Frisbee.

"Would you mind giving me a lift to my dorm?" she asks Masen, smiling brightly at him.

"Sure."

His hand drops from around me after a few steps. I listen to Angela make small talk with him, not knowing what to say.

Once he unlocks the car, I slip into the backseat. I'm secretly thankful he drives a coupe. Angela shoots a nervous glance at me.

"You take the front. I'll switch seats once we drop you off."

Masen is poker-faced, giving nothing away about how he's feeling. His sunglasses are also back in place.

Angela gives him directions to her dormitory and they talk about how she likes living there. Masen's responses are polite, but his customary charm is absent.

She thanks him for the ride and helps me out of the back seat, wrapping her arms around me in a silent wish of luck.

He watches to make sure she gets into her building safely before he pulls away from the curb without a word.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who's reading and reviewing.

Before I post the next couple of chapters, I want to make sure I have them completely written so I don't leave the readers hanging for long. They're heavier. So probably Sunday for the next chapter, and then 2 or 3 days in a row probably, but we'll see how it works out. That's the plan, anyway.

Reviews are love.