The Book of Willow- Princess of the West

26.

"Hey, Aswen!" Stacey's eyes lit up. Her brown bob of hair moved rhythmically as she bounced to Aswen.

"Hey, Stace," Aswen replied shyly tucking a lock of blonde hair behind her ear, clutching her books to her chest. It was unnerving having so much attention. She wasn't used to it. Ever since Chance became a part of her life, she seemed to have everyone's attention except his. 

"Ready for that Spanish test?" She searched left and right,"Where's Chance? He's practically a fixture at your side. Don't tell me you guys broke up aready?" Stacey's giggle implied more than she was letting on. She was baiting her and Aswen knew it. But she wouldn't give Stacey the tea she so desperately needed to sip on . 

"Not at all." She laughed nervously, "Chance knows I'm not clingy and neither is he. We just work that way I guess." Aswen gave a nonchalant shrug but it belied the rapid pacing of her heart and the bead of sweat at her temple. She prayed that Stacey wouldn't call her bluff.

She'd felt for days that something was wrong. Chance was always so warm and affectionate but suddenly he was distant, cold even. He didn't bother putting energy into returning her texts, answering with only one word if at all. 

Something changed since the weekend of the soccer finals. She could pinpoint the shift in his behavior to that exact moment. Aswen couldn't put her finger on it, but not knowing where they stood as a couple, was nerve-wracking. She was sick of waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

She saw the Range Rover this morning in its usual spot. But, Chance hadn't come to find her. In fact, he hadn't even texted her since last week. Her jaw clenched and her teeth ground together unconsciously. 

"Everything okay Aswen?" The busy body asked with peaked interest. 

"Everything's fine, Stacey. I think I see Chance. We'll chat later, yeah. Bye,"  She waved walking away from Stacey, rolling her eyes, annoyed with all the fake friends she had to entertain to keep her social status.

But, she hadn't lied about everything. She did see Chance up ahead. He stood at his locker whispering into the shell of Maia's ear as they shared an à deux moment. His lips floated a hair's breadth from Maia's skin. 

Aswen's eyes fell to the hand that cupped her elbow. He held her in a way that forced her body closer to his. Maia blushed fiercely at something he said. She pressed her lips together, lowering her eyes, in a blatantly demure move. 

Aswen resisted the urge to give in to her base instincts but the temptation to be lost in the moment was overwhelming. Her heart and mind were a whirlwind of torment. She wanted to let rational Aswen go offline and allow savage Aswen to rip them apart. 

She knew Chance had relationships and friendships before her but that did not excuse his questionable behavior. 

Keeping her tone in check, Aswen cleared her throat, jolting the pair out of their close association. 

"Hey, Chance," She said, "I thought you were supposed to call me?" Pointedly ignoring Maia. 

Aswen watched as the realization that he fucked up crossed his face, followed very quickly by penitence. 

"Ah, shit...Aswen, babe, I'm so sorry." He reached for her with the same hand that had been holding Maia. 

Aswen flinched away from Chance's desperate touch. "No. Don't-Don't touch me." 

She slowly stepped backward shaking her head. "I can't believe you Chance." She says before turning on her heel and storming down the hall. She didn't miss the flustered, remorseful look on Maia's face.

'Good. She should feel bad...fucking homewrecker.' Aswen thought angrily, as she stomped away.

"Aswen!" She heard Chance's voice booming behind her. But, she didn't turn around. She didn't care how many eyes followed her as she left the building. She just needed to be alone with her thoughts. She needed to be alone with her shame and pain. 

"Aswen, "Chance called, grabbing her elbow pulling her to a stop. 

"Let me go!" She screamed dropping her books to shove him away. 

He released her, bring his hands up, showing his palms, "Aswen, please just listen to me for a second." 

"Why should I listen? What you were doing was pretty obvious." Her voice cracked with emotion. Disobedient tears streaked down her soft cheek. 

"Aswen, it isn't what you think. Maia is going through a hard time right now. You know how close she is to Miles and me." 

When her expression softened, he took the risk of stepping closer. 

Aswen wiped at her tears, "So, what is it? What is this huge problem that has you ignoring me, your girlfriend, for the sake of another woman, for almost a week now." 

Chance lowered his eyes and hung his head, "I-I can't tell you." 

Awen cocked her head to the side and folded her arms, "How fuckin' convenient. Goodbye, Chance."  She waved dismissively and walked away.

"Wait," He called again. "Just-Just give me time. I promise this will make sense soon. She just-she just needs us right now. This is serious Aswen. Her life is in danger and so is mine, as well as, Miles." 

There was no hesitation, no observable lie in his statement. Chance truly believed their lives were endangered. 

Aswen's eyes widened with a look of shock. "Are you guys dealing drugs or something like that? I didn't even think Sequim had gangs."

Chance sighed, "It's kinda gang related but not the kind you'd think. Give me an opportunity to make this right. I'll talk to Maia and her folks. Let me get them to agree to tell you what's going on. Just...don't do anything rash." 

She couldn't help give in anytime those big green eyes peer at her in that mournful way. 

"Fine," She said acceding to his wishes. 

"Thank you," He whispered pulling her into a loose, one-armed hug. 

Aswen pressed her hand pushing him away gently, "But this doesn't mean that you're off the hook."