Hiya people of Wattpad!! Haha I always wanted to say that out loud!! Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed your holidays and the fact that it's about to be 2011!! ITS SOO CLOSE THAT I HATE IT!! MY friend Martin is backing me up on this!!! Anyway I can't wait to heat up Shadow & Arielle more... Anyway too may spoilers so lets get back to the story! Again comment, vote, and be a fan people!!! :D Oh yeah no more Italics here!! Haha

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Previously...

I think I woke up by the beeping sound of a machine or maybe the sound of curtains being moved aside, letting sun to seep in, hitting my eyelids, making me squirm away from it. The machine seemed to have accelerated when I moved. 

Then it suddenly it hit me: I was in a hospital. I wasn't totally shocked since the smell of this place hit me when I woke up and it was hard to forget what happened yesterday or was that days ago? I don't know how long I've been here, but it should be a couple days. If I found out it's been a month, my injuries have been too dramatic. So that was one of the reasons I decided to finally wake up and greet the nurse that pushed the curtains beside me.

I blinked a couple of times because the sun hit me eyes. I turned my stiff neck to see the nurse. At the same time she did the same thing when she was done checking on the machine that was motoring my heart beat.

The nurse's eyes widened and then smiled in relief.

"Your awake! Thank god! Honey do you want anything to drink? Water, apple juice, orange before I get the doctor?" She seemed so nice that accepted her offer. I ignored the honey part. God, what's up with my mood?!

"Water will be alright, thanks." I needed something cool and fresh to make my mouth less groggy and dry. The nurse went to the sink in my room, filled a cup with water, and handed it to me. I received it with a smile and she did the same then left to fetch the doctor. In a few swallows, I drained my whole cup and I felt it as it landed on my stomach. Ironically. I didn't have the time to look around this hell-hole because the nurse and doctor returned. I swallowed and moved around uncomfortably. As you can see by my actions I'm not good with doctors at all! They make me all nervous and confuse me with their medical words!

I became more nervous when my mom and sister came in the room. I think I'm going to be sick.

My mom had tears in her eyes and gave me a bear hug and my sister just stood shyly next to my bed. So Vanessa! She looked so adorable with her cheeks flushed showing that she has been crying! I ruffled her hair playfully just to cheer her up. Vanessa smiled at me shyly. I smiled and gave her a kiss in the cheek which made her giggle. Then my mom and the doctor were discussing about my health and if I was able to go home. I didn't pay attention to that it quickly bores me.

A few moments later...

I limped out of the hospital with my mom and my sister's hand in mine. I was a relief to be out of there since I wasn't a sucker when it came to going to see the doctor. I just found out I've been in the hospital for 4 days due to the concussion I had from the hit I received in my head. My friends were worried sick.  I missed school no doubt waiting to greet me with assignments and homework, and my mom went hysterical when she found out about my "accident"! Damn you TJ!

I wanted to see my friends, but a part me was yearning to see a guy with crystal blue eyes and who wears a leather jacket everyday. 

I climbed in my seat and buckled in my seat belt. My mom started a conversation with me.

"It's so great to see that your well sweetie and be able to go home! I can't believe how much damaged you've done to yourself! I mean broken ribs, a concussion, a broken wrist, internal bleeding, nausea, headaches, passing out, and thank god that's all! The doctor said you may have been in a coma if it weren't for the guy that brought you in! Such a nice and thoughtful kid! I don't listen to the rumors that surround him even if he dresses like that. I don't mind at all. You don't have to go school tomorrow since the doctor said you may need some rest. What do you think?" My mom took a deep breath and glanced at me.

I was fiddling with my seat belt and then I looked at her.

"Umm, I don't think that's necessary. I'll be okay mom. They said my injuries were fading and my ribs are fixed. I'm pain-free!" I laughed which made her laugh in return,

"Okay, honey, whatever you say. But no more wandering in the woods without a flashlight or your cell or you'll be rushed a second time to the emergency room! And you know how much you hate being surrounded with strange machines! Promise?" She grinned over me, noticing my skin had goosebumps and I was pale. 

I nodded quickly and drank the water bottle that was in my lap. (haha)

"Yeah, mom, I promise or I'll end up with a broken neck next time, but then again there won't be a next time! Thanks for adding the part about me being surrounded with 'strange machines'. That was helpful." I spoke the last part with sarcasm. My mom laughed and patted my knee while my sister giggled at the expression I had in my face. I stuck my tongue at her and then laughed at what a drama queen I was! But then again don't I have the right to be like this since I'm not very good around doctors or anything similar to that!

~*~*~*~

I opened the school doors and headed inside. I placed my stuff in the locker and headed to my first class: Literature. Where he is? I'm kinda nervous to face him since I blacked out at the hospital before he could say good-bye. 

I was late I knew that so before I went inside I took a deep breath and tucked strands of hair behind my hair. Time to face the music. I knocked the door since Mrs. Evers got pissed when you just barged in her class without a great explanation. Mrs.Evers quickly opened the door with a frown that was quickly replaced with a welcoming smile. I smiled in return.

Mrs. Evers let me pass her, but before I could escape to my seat she said,"It's nice to have you back Arielle and I'm so glad your all better. You don't have to worry about missing assignments or homework you can just listen to try to catch up with us. Anyway, were almost done with the topic for this week. Now you just take a seat, darling."  

I forced a smile and went to my seat. Some people gasped when they saw me, but my friends made a big show about it like Ruby giving me her death glare constantly at me. No doubt wanting to strangle me to death because I hadn't told any one of them about being discharged in the hospital. I'm not even gonna complain about their enthusiasm of seeing me, I missed them too. 

I just noticed that Shadow wasn't here. What the hell? I hope I haven't cause that. I pondered that for awhile... Shadow wasn't the cowardly type and he knew what he was doing when he told me his story so it couldn't be because of me. Or maybe he was dealing with his problems? Maybe I've put a big weight on his shoulders because of me. I shook my head, don't make yourself guilty, you're gonna have to find out what happened straight from his lips.

So with that I focused my mind on school. Instead of being tortured I was having fun when Mrs. Vincenty in Spanish class told Seth to stop fooling around behind her back.

"O si no voy a tirar mi zapato a ti, chico!" Mr. Vincenty said holding out her shoe.

Seth had a too innocent expression on his face and responded too sweetly, "Pero yo no estoy aciendo nada maestra! Estoy inocente!"

Mrs.Vincenty only had daggers in her eyes and said,"Te estoy viendo, chico." She also did with her fingers I'm-watching-you-boy sign. Then she turned to the board with her back turned Seth stuck his tongue at her and then looked down when she swiveled around to check on him. I had to cover my mouth to stop from laughing and I saw Seth grin silly with his book covering his face. 

Then lunch came and someone was waiting for me in the entrance of the cafeteria. Shadow. I almost sighed in relief. 

I easily spotted Shadow in the swarming groups of students since he was the only one dressed fully in black. He spotted me and he raised his right hand, curved his first two long fingers for me to come to him. I immediately followed his direction. 

Shadow met me halfway and before I could say anything he grabbed my arm and by force he led me to an empty hallway. He cornered me in a dark corner. I hissed through my clenched teeth since my body was still sore from the "accident". He should be more careful!

I stared at him in disbelief and said bitterly,"What the hell is your problem? Also, why weren't you in class?" I was struggling to keep my emotions in check and not let them burst out like the rush of a waterfall.

Shadow hushed me and then looked at me hard.

"Calm down and I can skip class whenever I want to. What are you my mother? Also, I needed to talk to you privately because people like to mind their own business."

"Yeah, well, why didn't you say so instead of dragging me here against my will!" I said, not very happy. 

Shadow looked at me tenderly that made my heart stutter,"I needed to see how you were because I didn't get to see how your condition was and I heard that you may end up in a coma. And I was worried and pissed because TJ hurted you pretty bad from what they told me. That little son of--" I cut him off.

"Ha, yeah, well I'm okay now I just have some headaches and I'm kinda sore from the ribs. Also I'm not pressing charges if that's what you think to get some revenge back. I won't want to take the risk of his inner animal coming out again." I laughed at the whole 'pressing charges' thing.

Shadow smiled at my laugh."I would. Just to let him see that being jailed isn't funny from a personal experience. Also, I would take that advantage to kick his ass!"

I was skeptical that I would have accomplished that. "I don't want a black eye you know! So I'll just act smart and not get on his way. So, what happened when you left me in the hospital?" I looked up at him since he was so tall.

"Well I stayed with you for a couple of hours to wait for your mom and sister to stay with you even though I wasn't a family friend. Your mom looks pretty...cool. When they arrived they were both teary and pretty shocked which made me more pissed. Ash picked me up since they couldn't wait for me forever you know, they had to plan out some stuff out due to Sebastian. The last three weeks have been hectic." Shadow sighed with annoyance.

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it to give him some comfort nothing else. "It will be alright or so I hope so since I don't know what you guys are going through. I wish though."

Shadow looked down at our joined hands with a raised eyebrow and slighty confusion...somehow. I thought he was gonna get mad at that since that just came out of nowhere. Then I felt Shadow's thumb stroke my wrist slowly, making random patterns. I let out a small gasp at the warmth that flowed through his fingers to my wrist, it left my skin tingling.Shadow let me go when he suddenly realized what he was doing. I looked at him, confusion etched in my face.

Shadow tried to distract me by talking.

"Yes, well, I hope you don't get sucked in my world though."

I licked my lips and asked a question that was burning inside me for quite awhile.

"Shadow...why did you tell me your secret? When you could've just told me nothing or is it because you had no choice I just knew too much with that small discussion you guys had?" I waited to let him think.

Shadow furrowed his brow and then said,"Well, when I decided to tell you it was a real shock to me because I thought it was just crazy to get you involve just because you knew! When I could've just tell you nothing like you said, but that was dangerous since I was just starting to realize what a curious person you are and that could lead to trouble. So, I thought why not and anyway I won't drag into this because you'll just know not be in it. But keep a low profile when your around me because Sebastian threatens everyone that I have a close relationship to. And I don't want you to get hurt because of this mess that's mine not yours. Do you understand?" He closely observed my face for any sign of a lie or manipulation.

I blinked a few times as I processed this new information and the double meaning to it.

"I--I promise I won't be a distraction like getting too involve in this. Um, I'll just lay low I guess, but still be careful because even if I don't know Sebastian I can see that he'll do anything to kill you or put you behind bars by the way you describe him and what he has done." I looked anxiously at him. 

Shadow had a thoughtful expression on his face then he looked at me tenderly.

"Your starting to get attached to me aren't you? I can tell by the way your looking at me and how you want me to take care of myself. I--" Shadow took a deep breath. "I have to think this through since if Seb I mean Sebastian finds out about you... I don't know what I'll do if that happens. Too many people get hurt because of me and I don't want you to be one of them. So, I'm gonna think this through before I start hanging around with you, it's gonna take some days though." Shadow sighed and turned his head away.

I bit my lip and then said,"Yeah, I'll give you time to think this through. I don't want to be another weight on your shoulders. You've had enough and it's sick that Sebastian attacks everyone that is near you. It's just wrong..." Not bothering to finish my sentence.

Shadow chucked darkly, no emotion behind it.

"Yes, well, that's Seb, thinking I killed his sister he wants to do the same, not caring if he killed any one of them. Or that it hurts me since he wants me to cry out in pain, but no, I'll stay composed." Shadow had a smug smirk on his face, kinda sickening if you think about it, but I could see it wasn't him being cruel of his friends dying. Shadow suddenly snapped his head up and then looked behind my shoulder. I did the same. Oh! Lunch was over so I guess I have to wait later to eat something. I sighed.

Then I heard the low, ominous click of chains coming from behind me. I turned around automatically. It was Shadow, shifting from one foot to another, a sign he was leaving.

"So, when will I see you again?"

Shadow crossed his arms over his chest and then flipped his dark hair away from his face.      "We'll see or more exactly I'll think about it. Remember what I said? About me distancing myself away from you for awhile? So yeah, I'll leave you to ponder that since you have a habit to do that. Anyways,  are you really okay because I wouldn't mind kicking TJ's ass here and there?" 

I laughed at the image of Shadow beating TJ to death. It probably sounds cruel that I even thought about it, but I wasn't accepting his invitation. No more violence, por favor.

"As much fun as that sounds of you being in heaven with having your dream accomplished I don't think so. And thanks for caring and yeah I'll be alright. Just a bit sore that's all." I smiled at how he cared.

Shadow raised an eyebrow then started laughing at me, his chains clinking at his body shook.         "Sweetie, I already accomplished my dream years ago! He is beatable you know even if he gives you that macho look that he can take anyone any day. Wow, your contagious, I should really stay away from you." I glared at him with mock anger. It didn't get my anywhere though it only made him laugh more which made me smile.

Shadow smirked lazily in return, after knowing him for four weeks that smirk never got old.

Then Shadow picked himself up from the wall and gave me a last glance over his shoulder as he started walking away.

I yelled at him as he left,"So I guess I'll see you later! Thanks for saying goodbye!" Ah, back to being sarcastic.

Shadow threw back his head and laughed, it rang around the hallway which raised goosebumps on my arms.

"In time we'll see each other. Bye now. Also--" He stopped on his tracks and faced me a few feet away.

"I'm glad your okay, Arielle." Then he went his own way. He left me there staring at him with I guess awe, but that wasn't it! Dammit what's that word... Ugh forget it! I knew what I felt when he said my name. It caused tingles to go across my spine and it ended up warming my toes as it spread all over me. I blushed as I thought this and then I heard the low sound of his chains clinking as he got away from me. Everything was silent now.

Then it hit me that I should be in class now since lunch ended minutes ago. I groaned loudly at this and then stomped to class. With mixed thoughts swarming around my head...

Later in the day...

I was sitting on the couch with my feet placed comfortably on Seth's lap since he insisted of me to "chill-ax". I had to admit though even if I was ashamed of this: I was comfortable. Well, until my friends brought up how exactly I ended up being in the hospital. 

So, here, we were relaxing on the softness of my living room's couches and pillows after school, away from the crazed-eyed teachers and piles of homework thrown in our arms. Well in second thought they were barreled down with piles of homework. Apparently my injuries was an excuse to them of having no homework. I can't believe that softened their hearts that were filled to give homework,homework,homework! Basically just work. 

Moving one: we were just hooraying and laughing about my victory of escaping the hospital along with the medicines and doctors since they knew my unpleasantness for them. But unfortunately it all ended up to explaining of my absence in the party and how I really ended up almost dead in the woods from my injuries since they didn't believe I went there as an accident. Dammit! I was flattered for how much they cared for me, but I was not expecting this at all since I had no back-up plan for this.

Jodie was observing me with inquiring eyes."Well? What happened that night?" she asked. I could pretend I was tired or that I wasn't upped  to talk about it, but they were good at seeing my lies.

I snuggled closer to my pillow next to my right side which brought me closer to Seth, too close...

I blinked a few times, I was stalling for a bit. "Well um I- I-" Come on think! I ordered myself. 

"Well I told Seth that I was gonna go for a drink since I was worn out from the dancing and my... uh my jacket flew away from me! My luck! I went to get it, but I ended up running for it since the wind was blowing hard that part of the beach! Soo yeah I ended up tripping uh...somewhere since it happened so fast I barely felt the pain. So yeah there!" The whole "not feeling the pain" was a lie. Hell yeah I felt the pain and I wish they knew my pain, but decided that was too cruel.

Seth didn't seem phased at my "Story", he furrowed his brow in concentration.

"At the beginning I would have told you that I thought it would have taken you a few minutes to get a drink and freshen up a bit, but for the whole day! I knew that wasn't you. So what do you other guys think?" As Seth nodded his head at Jodie and Ruby, who were still deciding.

I sighed in frustration. C'mon Seth, let me off the hook for once! Go back to your goofball self! I'm not into this serious and observing Seth. I clinged  to the small strip of hope I had left to escape this.

Jodie