RYAN'S POV

I was dead tired. I don't think I slept a single wink all night. Becca's night was restless but I'm glad I calmed her down enough so she at least some sleep; she's the one who needed it the most. Anyways, I drank about a gallon of coffee before leaving for school with another thermos full in my hand – it was going to be a long day...

Becca was quiet as she sat in the truck between Alex and me. She kept her hair down, covering most of her face, and dressed in an oversized sweatshirt she borrowed from me over her black leggings. I figured she was trying to be as shapeless as possible because of what that asshole texted her and the thought made me sick. She shouldn't have to hide away like this.

I held her hand in the halls as she silently followed me to our locker and then to Chemistry class. There were windows all along the wall of the classroom and I know she was wary of any first-floor windows, especially now, so I pulled her as close to me as possible to shield her from anyone that could be looking inside. Mr. Monty was strict about PDA in his classroom so I just wrapped an arm low around her waist so he couldn't see – I couldn't give a damn what my classmates behind me thought.

"Babe you're fine. I'll keep an eye out for you; just pay attention to class alright?" Now that she was caught up, I didn't want her to continue struggling in class. She was so smart and I knew the only reason she was getting less than perfect grades was because she was so nervous and couldn't concentrate.

I glanced outside occasionally but mostly kept my eyes trained on Becca. She seemed to loosen up a tiny bit and was taking great notes throughout the lecture. When class ended I walked her to English and saw Johnny leaning against the lockers, waiting for us.

"Hey," he smiled gently at Becca. "Landon told me that your friend, Bentley... I think? is sick today. I was going to sit in her spot but didn't want to be overbearing." Johnny was such a nice guy – it broke all the girls' hearts that he didn't 'bat for their team.'

"Okay," Becca said softly while gripping my hand tighter. She didn't really answer his question but I knew what she meant.

"Thanks, Johnny. I think it would make Becca feel a lot better if you took Bentley's seat today. She'll see you in there." He nodded once and retreated into the classroom to give Becca and me some privacy quick. "Have him walk you to art okay sweetheart?" She nodded and I kissed her twice before leaving to sprint to my own class.

REBECCA'S POV

Johnny was so nice during English and even though I didn't know him, his presence kept me calmer than I would have been sitting here alone. He shot me friendly glances every once in a while and offered to be my partner when we had to discuss what the previous chapters had been about in our Charles Dickens book. When the bell went off and I wasn't paying attention, my stupid nerves made me jump and I hit my elbow pretty hard on the desk behind me. While that kid was giving me a weird look, Johnny moved closer and gingerly grabbed my hand.

"Are you okay?" I couldn't do anything but nod as I blushed in embarrassment. "Good. What class do you have next?"

"Art."

"Let me walk you." He gestured in front of him so I would lead the way and followed me silently to Mrs. Locksmart's room, walking right in and waiting until Kate came in to greet me. "I'll see you later Becca."

"Thank you!" I managed to squeak out before he disappeared through the doorway. Kate mumbled under her breath something about Johnny being so hot but I just wasn't into blondes I guess...

Before I knew it, I was in the cafeteria for lunch. Thankfully, Ryan's head was screwed on straight this morning – unlike my own – and he packed us sandwiches. The day started out slow but was going by faster and I couldn't wait until it was time to go home; maybe I could convince Landon to hang out at my house today instead of going to work out, though that wouldn't be likely. As soon as I spot my favorite 'brother' I can't help but smile at his expression.

"What's so funny?" I already knew he was grumpy since he kept to himself all of history class so I wasn't put off by his attitude.

"This bad mood wouldn't have anything to do with a certain someone being gone, would it?" He scowled at me and tore into his pepperoni pizza. "Is she feeling better than this morning?" I softened my voice because I was genuinely curious. Bentley had grown to be one of my best friends in this tightly knit group I was now a part of.

"Yeah. She slept most of the morning until her fever broke." I know Landon cares about Bentley; you'd be blind if you didn't see it. After our conversation yesterday, I hoped he'd talked to her more about what was going through his head.

"Well that's good. I hope she gets better so you aren't so grouchy tomorrow." He rolled his eyes but I saw him crack the teeniest of smiles. Score Becca!

Mrs. Pollens wanted us to have a work day today to prep for a project she's kicking off; however, she doesn't have the assignment ready quite yet so we used the day as a study hall to catch up on behind work. Luckily, Ryan and I caught ourselves up last night so we got to relax for the whole hour.

"So, my mom was planning a game night with the family tonight. Are you up for that?"

"Yeah, that sounds fun!" I could definitely use the distraction and it would be a wonderful break mid-week. Ryan's dimples appeared because of a wide smile.

"Okay. I'll have to shower after practice and mom's pretty strict about dinner times so you should work extra hard at training so Landon brings you home early then. I'll give your sore muscles a massage tonight." He pecked me cheek quickly so nobody in the room caught the action. I smiled at his generosity but there was no way he'd be giving me a backrub tonight... I know he hadn't been sleeping very well, if at all, for the past few nights and it was starting to catch up with him. His gray eyes were droopy and outlined by darker skin. His actions were just a touch slower than usual and he's been zoning out every so often.

"Do you know what's for dinner?"

"I think Matt and Mike are bringing in wings from the city." I was almost giddy that we weren't ordering pizza or Chinese food again but those were the few options we had in this town.

"Can I invite Landon? If he's bored I mean?" The corner of Ryan's mouth lifted up slightly and he shook his head in silent laughter.

"You can invite him but I don't think he'll come – you know him and Mike don't get along."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Are you sure you're going to be able to stay awake for a game night?"

"I'm fine Becs."

We talked about nothing important for the rest of the class and then the zombie man led me to the girls' locker room. He absentmindedly leaned over to kiss my cheek and hit near my eyebrow instead. With a strange chuckle and an "oops" he said goodbye and disappeared down the hallway.

Gym class went by quickly. We just ran a few laps, did some stretches and yoga, and then were released early because we had a female substitute. It was pretty great seeing all the guys attempt yoga but Landon did surprisingly well which I'm assuming is his good balance coming through from his fighting background.

We had a surprise quiz in math (or I just wasn't paying attention when Mr. Waller announced it.) I don't think I did too badly because this early in the year we were still 'learning' things that I learned at my old school since I was between levels. I was one of the first ones finished so I doodled simple things on the back page to make the time pass faster. The loud shrill of the bell didn't surprise me as much as usual since it was mostly covered by students groaning... the quiz had seemed easy to me but Landon had a pained look on his face, we needed to have another study session soon.

"You look better," I said to Ryan as soon as he reached our locker.

"Yeah, well," he used his strong arm to rub the back of his neck, "the computers in my distance education class weren't working so I took a nap and didn't wake up until about ten minutes ago..."

"Wait, isn't your distance ed. class sixth hour?" He blushed.

"Yep, but I feel great now! Slept for almost two hours."

The guilt hung over me like a heavy storm cloud. I knew I'd been affecting his sleep with my nightmares... maybe I should sleep alone tonight. I won't get much sleep but at least he would.

"Alright, Landon's coming so I'll see you at home In a little while babe." Ryan kissed the top of my head and disappeared in the crowd.

"Ready to go?" I groaned as Landon chuckled and waited for me to walk to the parking lot with him.

---

Our training session was cut short so I could go home and shower before the entire Bradley clan arrived. As I was rinsing my conditioner, I thought about how Landon said I was "actually getting pretty good." Can you believe that? I was so ready to brag about the small compliment but jumped when there was a knock on the bathroom door.

"Becs?" My heart didn't really know whether to slow down because it's just Ryan or speed up because it's Ryan...

"Yeah?"

"My mom's going to be home from work in like ten minutes, can I hop in with you?" There – my heart decided to speed up.

"Okay." I heard the door open less than a second later and he must have stripped at lightning speed because the shower curtain was peeled away shortly after.

"Hey." He had a sleepy smile on his face as he pulled me in for a very naked, very wet hug. Usually he had a strict no touch policy for the shower but surprisingly, as his head burrowed into my neck. "You're warm."

"Come on sleepyhead." I turned us around so he was under the hot stream of water and lightly pushed his head back to wet his hair. After scrubbing with shampoo, I rinsed it out and turned the water off.

"Wait, you climb out quick." I shot Ryan a confused glance but followed his orders just in time. He blasted cold water on his whole body for a few seconds and was then shaking and reaching for a towel. I turned the faucet off and looked at him like he was literally the biggest weirdo on the planet. "What? I needed to wake up." I rolled my eyes and he laughed.

I wrapped a towel snuggly around my body – for once thankful that I was only five foot two so it covered all the important parts – and whipped open the bathroom door. Ryan was right behind me, just starting to secure his own towel around his waist when he slammed into my back.