The Art of Love (TPN High School AU)

~XVI~

LESS UPDATES, LAST ONE THIS WEEK WILL BE FRIDAY

Emma's POV

As soon as I felt the presence behind me and the door shut, I knew something was amiss. Maybe Oliver or that Jack person came to intimidate us directly, or maybe someone is here to kill me. I mean, I am sure the end result of their "exalted" movement is to kill the impurities

Right??

"Emma, relax. It's me."

I turned around slowly, awaiting my doom in this dark area. I mean, its kinda fitting am I right? That I die in the very place I live my life in. I could smell the fear off my body, with it shaking to no return. I mean, its probably Oliver, knowing his ways.

"W-who are you?"

"Its me, come on. Use your brain to think about shit like this."

I thought for a few minutes who the voice could belong to. I mean, its very likely Oliver, but I cannot be certain; it can be anyone. When I turned my flashlight on and looked up, I got the shock of my lifetime;

"Ray? What are you doing here in my room, especially at an awful time for me? I mean, I don't mind but-"

Ray put a finger up to my lips and sat besides me. He slowly yet firmly wrapped his arm around my back causing me to tense up slightly but then relax. I could feel my face slowly reddening due to the sudden action. I could feel Ray's smirk as he touched my cheek.

"I am here to talk, you idiot! You know, the current situation with the new kiddos and Aiden."

Damn, he knows I am worried about it? What a witch!

"H-how did you know that was bothering me? I mean, it is kinda obvious but not that-"

"Emma, Norman noticed that too, and he's even more worried about it than you."

However, what didn't make sense to me is that he wasn't called here to my room as well. If this is all what Ray wanted, then why wouldn't he ya know... like summon him? Is this some weird thing he wants to do with me or something, because I am clueless.

"Well, I... am worried about this Jack person. W-what if he wants to kill us and Aiden? The primary targets, if they wanted popularity would be us and them."

Ray rubbed his head thinking about my thoughts. He probably doesn't know what to think of my thoughts. Unfortunately, its the truth, and the very brutal truth. In order to extend his popularity, he would have to eliminate his opposition. I've seen this happen at my old school where some of the more popular boys and girls met their graves.

I still feel bad for their souls; may they rest in peace.

"Yeah, what you are thinking are my thoughts as well. That being said, we would have to report them to authorities, but we don't have proof, merely suspicions. Considering the leaks, he could easily manipulate the police into thinking it was us wanting to mercilessly kill them."

Then, suddenly, he touched my nose, causing me to redden slightly. He turned slowly towards me. I was curious what his next words that would come out of their mouths would be; probably an insult or something.

"Well, what made you think so intelligently? You never really were good at chess. It doesn't really make sense that you would suddenly make a smart ass remark such as that."

I suddenly redden even more at his insult. Thankfully, the darkness hid my face, because if Ray saw it, he would make fun of me for sure. Like as if he likes me back.

"Well, because it happened at my school. People often were exiled or even killed just so they could be the top of the pecking order. Its one of the primary reasons why my parents and Aiden's parents chose to move.I-its one of my l-least favorite memories besides the fire where one of my closest friends died in! My-y sc-school in gene-ral was h-or-orible."

I began sobbing really deep sobs, hiding my head in my chest. I couldn't bear to look at my best friend; he would probably make fun of me, considering he has done that in the past before.

To my surprise, he pushed me forward into my chest and wrapped his arms around me tight. I proceeded to wrap my arms around him tightly as well. I sobbed into his shoulder as he ruffled my hair, stroking my scalp. I sighed deeply as I leaned further into his touch.

"Shh, my Carrot, its okay to cry. Cry all you need, what they did to you must have been horrible. Don't worry about it."

I suddenly felt a sting on my arm. I flinched in pain as Ray clearly noticed my flinch. I quickly attempted to hide it as he held me in front of him. It was useless lying to him, so I told him the truth;

"T-they are wounds from a year ago, when I would c-cut myself from mental pain. Happy now?"

I shut my eyes expecting him to slap me or say I truly am weak and that nobody deserves me. Suddenly, he grabbed me into an even deeper hug and I could feel the tears coming out of his eyes. I sighed in relief as I shut my eyes, leaning further into his warm touch.

"Well... I am so sorry you had to go through that shit. I mean, its awful. I too was bullied after we were separated from our orphanage. I-it's like, without you, I couldn't function an-and defend my ass.... I am so glad you're in my life again, Emma."

"Me too, Ray."

I released myself from my touch as I leaned into his shoulder. I felt him tense up slightly, but relax. I could feel him heating up slightly as well... I wonder what that meant? I suddenly felt his head rest upon mine and his arm firmly snaking around my waist, squeezing me. I sighed as I closed my eyes, lost in my thoughts.

~~~~~~

"Well well, the lovebirds are asleep once again! My new wallpaper, am I right bud?"

"Sure is, Aiden! Wait, what do you mean asleep again?"

"Well, they once ya know-"

The rest of the conversation between Aiden and presumably Oliver was muffled as I slowly began to wake up bit by bit. Suddenly, I was awaken fully by a sudden yell from the person resting on me;

"So, Oliver they like were about to kiss then-"

"WILL YOU TWO IDIOTS SHUT UP?"

I snapped my eyes open fully and saw Ray, with his arm still firmly wrapped around my waist, scowling at the duo. The expression on their faces changed drastically; suddenly going from a good mood to somber.

"We didn't bid you any harm, Ray! I promise, I am fine! Don't worry about it!"

Oliver and Aiden suddenly began mumbling. I shrugged it off as nothing; Norman and Aiden did the same thing when we interrupted their moments. Oh well, I am sure there is no connection between the two stories,

Right??

Because during my sleep, I had an image of a person bleeding out and dying, coughing out blood and I didn't know what to make of it. The one who would know is Ray.

"Will you two leave? I need to talk to Ray in private."

They left, probably smirking. Our faces suddenly grew red, understanding the position we were in at the moment. The awkward tension increased.

"So, what did you need?"

"Well, I had a nightmare about someone during their final moments."

Ray suddenly had a look of fear.

I don't understand what's going on!

"So there is a connection between Jake and Aiden's fate?"