Amia
The second bell announced the start of the school day. I ignored Levi when he walked in five minutes late. I avoided lifting my chin and looking at him. I didn’t miss the way he froze by my table. I could feel his gaze as it traveled over my downcast face. I didn’t want to admit it but Levi knew me better than almost everyone at this school. I could feel his gaze on the side of my face like every morning.
I focused on class and followed along with the teacher. Classed past by in a blur and before I knew it the hour was up and it was time for second period. My stomach flip flopped knowing that I would be separated from Liz now. She waited for me as I gathered up my stuff. I got to my feet, threw my backpack over my shoulder, and followed Liz toward the door. I grabbed Liz’s hand and held it tightly. She squeezed my hand. I tried to keep my eyes in front of me but I could feel Levi’s warmth at my back as we shuffled out.
“Hey Levi!” Liz said cheerfully.
“Morning Liz,” Levi said with a little nod of his head.
“Can I ask you for a favor?” Liz asked.
My eyes shot to her and I arched my eyebrow in question. She glanced and me but ignored me of course. Liz was up to something and I worried whatever it was would get me into hot water with Dylan. She wrapped an arm around my waist in a side hug. She leaned her head on my shoulder.
“Do you mind walking Amia to her next class? She got hurt last night and could use some help carrying her backpack,” Liz said.
“I’m fine,” I said through clenched teeth.
“Come on now. Don’t be stubborn,” she said. My grip tightened on my backpack.
“Really. I’m fine,” I said.
“I don’t mind,” Levi said.
He stepped toward me and I lifted my chin to look up at him. With each breath he took his chest almost touched mine. He reached down and wrapped his fingers around the strap of my backpack. He pulled and I had no choice but to let go.
“You’re a doll,” Liz purred.
“Liz—”
“Take care of her for me!” Liz shouted.
She waved as she headed off toward her next class in the opposite direction. I flipped her off but she laughed. Levi laughed and I hated that I liked that he was here. The last time we talked was when he asked about Dylan and I had been rude to him. I felt bad about it but still didn’t think the two of us talking was a good idea.
“Where are you hurt? What happened?” Levi asked.
“I’m not hurt. I’m honestly fine,” I said as I avoided looking at him.
I headed toward my next class. I wasn’t sure if he was following me until he was by my side. We walked in silence out of the hall and headed toward the ad building across the way. It made me nervous because the two of us could be seen walking out in the open. I couldn’t help but look around to see if I would see Dylan or any of his friends.
“What’s going on?” Levi asked.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I said stiffly.
“You’re looking around like a scared rabbit and you haven’t looked at me once today,” Levi said.
“I didn’t know I had to look at you. Don’t you have fans for that? Why does it matter what I do?” I asked.
Levi didn’t say anything and I felt like such a bitch. I chewed on the inside of my cheek as we walked. I was afraid that being this close to me he would be able to see the bruises. I knew it was crazy but it didn’t matter that I had so much makeup on. I felt naked and I didn’t want Levi to see. I didn’t want him to know. We entered the building my class was in and I walked a little faster. My class was at the end of the hall. A hand wrapped around my arm and I yelped as I was pulled into an empty classroom. I was pushed in and I stumbled against a table. The door closed behind us leaving us in almost complete darkness.
“What the—” I yelled but was cut off when I turned around and came face to face with Levi.
I glared up at him and he looked down at me. The lights were off but sunlight filtered in through the cracks in the blinds. Now that I was forced to look at him I couldn’t help but look at him. Levi was gorgeous and his eyes looked dangerous as they tracked over my face.
“What happened?” Levi asked.
I gulped.
He knew.
No, that was impossible.
I had makeup on.
He couldn’t see anything.
He didn’t know anything.
“Damn it, Amia! Tell me what happened!” Levi ordered.
I flinched at his tone and shut my eyes tight. I was thankful for the darkness of the room. I lowered my head as I tried to keep him from seeing me weak. My body shook and I had no control of it. I clasped my hands together tightly and felt the flood gates open. I hated that he made me feel this way. I hated that I couldn’t keep it together in front of him.
I scolded my stupid heart. He wasn’t my best friend anymore and I shouldn’t feel like I can tell him anything. I shouldn’t want to tell him everything. Levi was silent as the tears streamed down my cheeks. I tried and failed to pull myself together but it only made it worse. I sniffled and hiccuped as I ugly cried. Levi’s fingers gently gripped and lifted my chin so I had to look into his eyes.
“I can kill him for you,” Levi whispered.