Chapter 14

♡ Lauren’s POV ♡ I gripped the door handle with shaking hands and slowly turned it around to open the door. Then a dejected Magee gave the door a hard push that made me take a step back. He panted as if he had run a marathon and looked flustered. Before speaking to me, he wiped his hands on his face and took a deep breath. "I heard what happened and I will deal with Polly, so don't worry.” He sounded nervous, like he was about to do something bad. I studied his posture. He looked excited and nervous. There was a controlled anger in his eyes, and I trembled uncontrollably in fear. What right has he to be mad when he's the one who started it all? Because I almost let him kiss me, does he think we're good friends now? It was embarrassing enough that I even let it happen. This kind of thinking annoyed me so much that I couldn't think clearly or vent my frustration. "I don't need your help, Magee! You are the one who caused this in the first place! ” Every word I said to him inflamed my voice. He staggered back, not expecting me to use such a harsh tone. Maybe because he didn't want me to actually stand up to him. I, too, was taken aback by my bravery, which was unexpected, but I kept going. "I know --" he began, but I held up my hand to silence him. "You've been bullying me for years. I've never stood up to you. I'm tired of it! ” I shouted, cutting him off. His face was like that of a man shocked and confused. He even gave a guilty look. He opened his mouth to say something else, but I beat him to it. I pointed my finger at his chest and poked him word for word. As I vented my anger at him, my eyes turned sharply to the gap of anger. It feels like they've pulled out the last straw. I was tired of being a doormat that anyone could walk through, and I was tired of being taken advantage of because of my goodness and naivety. "I will not let your cruel words affect me from now on. I'm a grown up girl, not that little kid you bullied when we were five! ” My tone softened a bit when I stopped poking him in the chest. "I know you hate me, but let me explain.” He bowed his head and whispered a reply. He seemed to be thinking, his eyebrows furrowed and his muscles tightened. "I have no time for your nonsense. Keep your bitch on a leash and keep her away from me.” I finally said, and THEN I picked up my bag and gently pushed him aside so I could get out of the bathroom. As soon as I stepped outside, I felt a rush of excitement, sadness and happiness, but most of all, I felt free. Oh my God, I can't believe I stood up to my bully! Five-year-old me must have been so proud. Today I laughed for the first time, a little bit. Not forced, but real, emotional laughter. But my bliss was interrupted when someone grabbed me by the elbow and stopped me in my tracks. I turned to the criminal and saw the guilty look on Magee's face. I became nervous. "Please let me explain.” "He pleaded. He seems sincere, but I've always been a forgiving person. This could be one of his tricks, although he never hurt me physically. "Why would I do that? I asked. I looked at him with my eyebrows raised to see if his face would fall off. He let go of my elbow just so he could run his tattooed hand through his hair.” Give me an hour to explain everything to you, and if you don't want to see me again, I'll stay away from you.” I spent time studying him. His white, short-sleeved shirt showed his inky arms. I looked at the tattoos curiously. They were beautiful. I didn't reach out to track them. I raised my eyes to look at him, but I was shocked to see the eagerness in his heart. I cleared my throat. I sighed.” You're not going to bully me? "I asked him. I don't trust him. "No, I won't, I promise. Please let me explain.” "He promised, his full lips stretching into an infectious smile. I bit my lower lip to stifle an eager smile. I nodded. "Okay, an hour, and then we can go back to our lives.” I felt like I was trying to convince myself as well as him. Everything will be fine after this conversation. "Come with me.” "He said before leaving the school. "Where are we going? "I asked, trying to keep up with his quickness. He didn't answer and pulled over to a motorcycle before sending me an extra helmet. "Can we get out of here? I asked, not wanting any trouble. Magee turned around and smiled, "Don't worry. You won't get into trouble, little mouse.” "Don't call me little Mouse! ” "I said through gritted teeth. He put on his helmet and turned to me, looking at me expectantly. Did he really think I'd ride that death trap? There are so many people who die in motorcycle accidents, and I won't be one of them. "Aren't you coming? "'he asked impatiently. My intestines twisted uncomfortably as I stared into the death trap. "Can't we walk where we're going? "I asked hopefully, my eyes going back and forth to the road and the motorcycle. Why would he need to take me somewhere just to talk? He giggled as he shook his head at me before getting off the bike and stopped in front of me. He reached for the helmet he had given me, put it over my head, and picked me up to the death trap. "Magee, put me down! ” I screamed and cleared my throat because it was too effeminate for my liking. "No, I think I like having you around.” He mumbled something that took my breath away, as I had a hard time understanding whether he had actually said those words. Maybe I just want him to like me. I did not answer him, for I blushed and began to have dirty thoughts of shame. Thankfully, I was wearing a helmet, so Magee couldn't see my face. He put me on the motorcycle and then got on the motorcycle himself. "Hold fast! ” He said before driving off. "Wow," I gasped. I didn't have time to finish my protest because Magee drove off quickly. As I gripped him, my arms involuntarily wrapped around his torso. As I felt the wind through my hair, the call to prayer flew over my head. "Lauren, I think you're choking me.” I heard Magee say over the noise of the motorcycles. I couldn't tell if he was joking or serious, but the feeling in his abs as he put on his shirt made me relax my arms a little. I sighed and relaxed, then opened one eye and the other. Feeling a little brave, I let go of him, but with my thighs still clinging to the bike in case I lost my balance, I spread my arms wide to feel the icy breeze. It's so liberating. "Did you have fun? ""He shouted. "No," I lied. He chuckled before speeding up and told me to go back and put my arms around his waist. My breasts were on his back, and my nipples had hardened. I knew he could feel it because my clothes were still wet, even though the wind had blown them a little dry. I was even more embarrassed when his back tightened as my nipples stiffened. His whole body was pure muscle, and I couldn't help thinking what it would be like to touch his bare skin. Come on, Lauren, he doesn't look at you like that. I remind myself, even though it hurts.