Chapter 28....

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Semi-Edited (What else is new)

Song above is....Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute (This song will always be amazing!)

Happy Reading! :)

The next morning I woke up beyond giddy. Despite it being Monday I was looking forward to going to school. Something I haven't felt in a long time; especially since the start of the school year. But knowing I was going to see Alex later made me excited.

After Alex kinda asked me on a date we headed back inside. I was more than okay with watching another movie and spending the day with everyone but as soon as we got back in the fort Olivia was waiting for us.

Apparently Derek's mom texted and wanted them both back for dinner. And seconds after Alex got a text from Noah saying his parents wanting Alex and Harper back as well.

As much as I didn't want everyone to go, especially Alex, I knew they needed to go home to their families. The fact that I was alone hit me straight in the face. I didn't have a family that wanted me home for dinner.

So after everyone left I found myself sitting in the fort by myself, making my own dinner as I watched tv, trying my hardest not to feel bad for myself. It would do me no good. It did help that I kept replaying Alex and I's kisses in my head. Made me feel less alone.

Walking into school the next morning I knew I had a wide grin on my face, something that hasn't happened since the start of the year. I knew I wouldn't see Alex until lunch but that wasn't going to stop my good mood. Now that I knew why he wasn't around in the morning I wouldn't go around waiting or looking for him.

Taking a seat in English I got out the new book we were going to start, 1984, despite already have read the first few chapters. I waited for class to start and couldn't help but over hear a conversation happening in front of me.

"He looks so hot even with that bruise."

"I know! And at the game on Friday he played amazing."

"Don't even get me started on the party afterwards." The first girl interrupted the other. They both swooned as they kept talking and I knew exactly who they were talking about.

Despite Mitch being suspended he was still apparently able to play in the game on Friday. I had forgotten it was a game day, having spent the day with Liv and Lexi and then with Alex at the fight.

Back when I was Mitch's 'girlfriend' I went to all of his football practices over the summer. He wanted me there on the bleachers watching, even when it was 6 o'clock in the morning.

I wasn't the only girl that went to the football practices over the summer. A lot of the girls were under classmen that wanted to look at the guys shirtless as they worked out. And more often then not they all took off their shirts at one point.

It really was a good set of eye candy. I hated to admit it but I did enjoy going and cheering Mitch on as he played. Watching as he threw pass after pass. There was no denying he was a good quarterback.

But because we 'dated' over the summer I never got the chance to actually attend a football game. Mitch use to make me promise that I'd show up and wear his jersey. At the time I couldn't wait. The idea of wearing the quarterbacks jersey in front of everyone was the dream all girls had.

Whether we wanted to admit it or not we all wanted that. Wanted to date the most popular guy and have him show us off by giving us his jersey with his number on it.

I use to get so giddy about the thought. I'd sit in my room after spending the day with Mitch and think about showing up to the game with Mitch's jersey, all the girls looking at me in shock. Like they couldn't believe that the most popular guy was dating me. The jealous looks that would cross their faces as I sat front row, cheering my man on.

I was such an idiot. I was so lost in a daydream that I never saw the signs. I should have seen the signs because there was no way a guy like Mitch would actually date me. If only I had notice I probably would have seen the snickers between him and his friends. The possessive, controlling, humiliating, things he did.

"That bitch really ruined him you know." I was brought back at the words the two girls in front of me registered. They were talking pretty loud and I was certain almost everyone in the room could hear.

"Who would cheat on Mitch? I mean yeah his friends are smoking hot and I'd let one take me for a ride but Mitch is on a whole different level."

They were clearly talking about me but the amount of hatred in their voices threw me. Neither of them have ever had a proper conversation with me. We've never once spoken and yet here they are hating me.

"And now she has her claws in Alex Kinley. Like that bitch hasn't done enough."

"She thinks she's so hot or something. Like Alex would want anything to do with her. She's not even pretty!" The last part the girl almost yelled. "I mean have you seen her face!"

"Her face? Have you seen her clothes and body? She's on the bottom of everyone's list on who to fuck."

Each word stabbed me in the chest. I've heard these things before. They aren't new to me, having heard them since Mitch humiliated me at the start of the year, but it didn't make them hurt any less.

My eyes moved on their own looking around the room. My whole body locked up at seeing the entire class looking at me. Most, if not all, looked at me like I was the dirt on the bottom of their shoe. They all heard the two girls in front of me and they all agreed.

Despite the looks on the their faces a few of the guys were leering at me. Almost like they were trying to see underneath my clothes. After hearing that I 'cheated' on Mitch with his friends I've had a few guys come up and try to get with me as well. Thinking that I was some slut and would put out for them.

If I did with Mitch's friends why not them? Those exact words came out of most of their mouths. They may hate me but they also want to sleep with me. Probably to brag about it to everyone.

The two girls in front of me kept going on and on, oblivious to the fact that I could hear them and the entire class too. I felt like my chest was closing in making it hard to breath.

Ducking my head, I gripped my thighs, trying my best to breath. Last thing I need is a panic attack to happen in class with everyones else on me. Judging. Whispering even more than they are right now.

Thankfully before the girls could continue the teacher walked through the door, silencing everyone. I could have kissed him right then. As the teacher started talking I managed to calm myself and ease the slight panic in my chest. The day started off good and was now taking a turn. Should have expected that.

The rest of class I kept my head down, ignoring everyone and keeping my eyes on my book. Fortunately nothing else happened and finally the bell rang. I quickly left the room and headed for Calculus.

I was the first person in class but I didn't care. I needed a moment to gather myself before anyone else came in. By time everyone started trickling in I had myself under control.

"Remind me again why we need calculus." Olivia groaned as she fall into the desk beside me.

"To torture us?" I supplied.

"Worst subject ever." She muttered, to which I instantly agreed. I'm never going to use it again in life so why do I need to take this class?

Before we could say much more Mr. Cannon started talking. I could hear almost silent groans around us. We weren't the only ones who hated this class.

By time class was over I was ready to pull my hair out of its ponytail. Mr. Cannon assigned us worksheets to do during class and each one got harder and harder. I was completely lost by number 4 and literally spent the last 30 minutes staring at the problem. Beside me Olivia was doing a bit better but she looked ready to scream at any second.

The moment the bell rang the entire class was out of their seats in seconds and out the door. Liv and I didn't waste a second before bolting out the door. As soon as we entered the hallway we both shared a grimace.

Definitely the worst class.

"How are my two favorite girls doing?" Derek slid up next to us, throwing an arm around Olivia's shoulders.

"My brain is fried from Mr. Cannon's class and it's only monday." Liv groaned. If only we could have that class once a week instead of everyday.

"Fried that little brain of yours?" Derek went to mess up her hair but Liv quickly elbowed him in the stomach before he could do so. "Ow!"

"One, don't call my brain little. And two, never touch a girls hair." She narrowed her eyes at him. Derek raised his hands in defeat and took a small step back. I loved how a 5'2 girl could make a 6'1 guy cower by one look.

"Don't want to be late. I'll see you two at lunch." With a grin to me and a small shove to Derek, Olivia turned and headed for her next class.

"Who knew such a small person could be so violent." Derek muttered watching Liv walk away.

"You love it." I nudged his arm before turning for our own class.

"I do." He said it so quietly I almost didn't hear him over the voices of everyone in the hallway.

"So, when are you going to tell her?" I questioned, dodging people as we walked.

"Tell her what?" Derek asked once he was back to my side. I looked up at him.

"That you are in love with her." At my words Derek paused in the middle of the hallway. I was a few steps away before I noticed. He stared at me with an unknown expression.

"What do you mean?" His voice came out low and for a second I thought I had crossed a line. Maybe I had. I didn't know Derek well enough or even long enough to comment on his relationship with Olivia. But I did want them to be happy, and if they needed a little push towards each other I'd be happy to do it.

"I..." I wasn't quite sure what to say.

"I'm not in love with Olivia." The little squeak in his voice gave him away. Knowing we only had two minutes left to get to class I kept on walking, knowing he would follow.

I heard his footsteps behind me as he jogged to catch up.

"Riley I'm not." It sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than me.

"Derek you don't need to convince me." I said softly as we entered Government. I now felt bad for bringing it up. He clearly didn't want to talk about it or admit his feelings to me about Liv.

He was quiet for a moment as he took his seat next to me. It was crazy how fast I've gotten use to having someone sit next to me in class in such a short amount of time. Even if Derek almost got us in trouble a few weeks ago I liked him entertaining me in class. Before I was so secluded from everyone and alone, and now I wasn't. It was nice.

"How do you tell someone you've known for years that you like them?" Derek asked, his voice so soft I almost didn't hear him. A glance over at him my heart sunk a little at the look on his face. He looked so devastated.

"I think she already knows on some level." Derek's head snapped towards me. He had an almost panicked look at my words. "For girls..." I struggled to find the right words.

"For girls simple gestures are enough to show us. Sometimes we don't understand what those gestures mean or how they make us feel. Especially when we've convinced ourselves that the person giving those gestures won't ever be anything more than a friend."

"What kind of gestures though?" Derek moved his enter body so he was facing me, leaning forward slightly.

"You don't need to go all out to show her what she means to you. Just being there when she needs someone, listening to her, making her smile." I listed off. "Girls are simple. We don't need huge gestures."

"Do you...do you think I should tell her?" The fact that he genuinely wanted my opinion made me smile. Placing my hand on his arm I squeezed softly.

"I don't want to tell you what to do but you need to think about all of it. You need to make sure you can really see yourself with Olivia and if you are really ready for a relationship. It won't be fair to Liv if this is just a fling or have it end after a few months. Neither of you deserve that." The words came out a little blunt but they had to be said.

Olivia has become my best friend and I couldn't stand the thought of her getting hurt. If the guy she's been practically in love with ends up breaking her heart because it turned out to be a small crush, she won't recover from that. Especially if I was the one pushing Derek to say something.

"I can't imagine my life without her. Even if she's just my friend its better than nothing at all." I squeezed his arm knowing what he was saying. Its the same thing as with Alex. I'd rather stay in his life as a friend then not at all.

"If you did decide to tell her I'll be here to help with anything you need." He sent me a grateful smile and turned back around in his chair. I was more than happy to help.

The rest of class went by surprisingly fast and sooner than I thought Derek and I were walking out the door.

"I need to go to my locker so I'll meet you outside."

"I'll come with you." My eyebrows raised.

"You don't have to."

"In case you forgot Lingston is back and you're not walking by yourself." A smile tugged at my lips. I had a slight suspicion this was Alex's doing but I wasn't going to complain.

Shrugging I lead him towards my locker in the opposite direction of class. I didn't want to admit it but I was a bit jumpy knowing Mitch was back in school after the whole...naked picture thing. I doubt he's too happy about Alex punching him and getting him suspended.

I was just silently hoping Mitch would stay away from now on. I was in the middle of putting my textbooks away when an all too familiar voice spoke next to me.

"Whoring yourself out to Kinley's friends now?"

My whole body tensed and my grip on my locker door tightened. It was wishful thinking Mitch would stay away.

"Just can't help yourself huh?" He sneered.

"Can't stay away from me huh." I found myself saying without thinking, finally looking at him over my shoulder. I watched as his eyes narrowed at me.

"Better put a leash on your bitch, Coseman." I felt Derek tense and take a step forward but I put a hand on his arm, stopping him. Didn't need someone else getting in trouble because of me.

While Mitch's words felt like a slap to the face I brushed it off. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of his words getting to me. That is what he wanted. Mitch wanted me to break down at his words, some sick way of showing he still held power over me.

"Lets go." I muttered, moving around Mitch but he stepped in my path.

"You'd do well to remember that I own you." He hissed, his voice dangerously low.

"No one owns me." I snapped, glaring up at him. "Find someone else to be your bitch." I spat before side-stepping him.

My whole body was shaking as I walked away, my steps hurried. The further away from him the better. My head was whirling at the fact that I talked back to Mitch. I usually just took it but something inside of me today wasn't going to let his words slide by. I only hoped my talking back didn't make things even worse.

I didn't stop walking until I saw the door leading outside. I pushed it open and stumbled out, gulping in the fresh air. I pushed my hair away from my face with shaky hands.

"Riley?" Derek softly spoke. "You okay?"

I nodded but we both knew that was a lie. I could almost feel a slight panic attack starting once more. Probably from all the adrenaline running through me at what just happened.

With a soft expression Derek gently touched my lower back and steered me in the opposite direction. I let him lead me across the grass in the direction of where Liv and Alex probably were. I tried to get my shaking under control before we got to the table, neither Alex or Liv needed to see me like this.

Unfortunately the shaking didn't stop by time we reached the table. Liv was sitting there talking to Alex who was perched on top of the table, his phone in his hands but his eyes glued in our direction; almost like he was waiting for us.

It only took one glance at us for Alex to jump off the table and stalk towards us.

"What's wrong?" He demanded, his eyes briefly flashing towards Derek before landing on me.

I don't know what came over me but one second I was standing next to Derek and the next I was practically lunging at Alex. I crashed into him, pushing my face into his chest, my hands going around him gripping the back of his jacket.

Alex coiled one arm around my back and the other came up to softly touch the back of my head, holding me tight against him. My whole body shook as I gripped onto Alex.

"What happened?" Alex questioned again, his chest vibrating under my head.

"We had a run in with Mitch." Derek explained.

"What did he do?" If there was any room left between our bodies there wasn't anymore.

"Just said a few things." I could tell Derek was trying not to repeat what Mitch had said. He sounded just as pissed off as Alex did "But Riley was pretty badass."

"Did he try to hurt you?" Alex asked so softly only for me to hear. He definitely knew it was Mitch that bruised my wrist that day. I shook my head still buried in his chest. I practically felt the tension ease out of his body a little.

"Lets sit down." I didn't want to move, I could have spent hours in that position with Alex's arms around me, but I knew I had to let go. With only my hands now slightly shaky I stepped back out of his hold.

Alex kept his hand on my lower back and as soon as I sat down on the bench he was right next to me. Olivia sent me a concerned look making my cheeks heat up. Well that was embarrassing. Alex's hand rubbed up and down my back soothingly.

"Can't believe he's back." Liv muttered.

"You sure your okay?" Alex leaned in, whispering in my ear. Now that I was away from Mitch I was feeling much better.

"I'm good." I sent him a soft smile, behind grateful for how concerned he was being.

"If it makes you feel better I got you this." Liv said drawing my attention away from Alex. With a smile she slid a bag of Funyuns in my direction. My eyes widened as I saw the delicious snack.

My hand snatched the bag so fast, my mouth instantly watering.

"Have I told you I loved you?" I grinned at Liv before opening it. I wasted no time in shoving two in my mouth. Beside me Alex chuckled while Liv and Derek stared at me with amused expressions.

I ate a few before I finally slowed down a bit. Knowing I better be polite I made myself turn to Alex, extending the bag.

"Want some?"

"Oh are you going to share?" He teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I can eat them all if you don't want any." I went to bring the bag back to me when his arm snapped out. I grinned as he stuck his hand into the bag.

Something was clearly wrong with me because I found myself staring at him as he ate a few Funyuns. I watched as his jaw muscles clenched as he chewed. Yep, something was definitely wrong with me.

Liv and Derek made small talk while Alex and I munched on our funyuns. Just sitting here with them was enough to completely calm me down and slightly forget about Mitch. I've dealt with worse from him and I wasn't going to let a few little words get to me. Not anymore.

A few things have changed since I met Alex and his friends. Knowing I had people

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