Don't Let Me Go

twenty three

Damn. I forgot to tell Declan that I had dance practice. I didn't need his scowling expression to add my already bad day after failing two quizzes consecutively from my two enemies in high school: physics and biology. Crossing the school yard, I sent him a message while crossing my fingers. His reply came fast even before I closed the app.

Sighing heavily, I walked to him who was casually laughing with Keira when I reached them in front of the school gate, his usual spot when fetching me from school. By then, I got used to ignore students talking behind me --or even in my earshot. The old boyfriend rumors from our conversation by the lockers spread among nosy students and then became part of my identity. Jacey, the new girl with an old handsome boyfriend.

After days of convincing them and clarification from Declan himself, though in his usual indifference manner, the girls finally trusted me and didn't believe that rumor, regardless they were the one who started that.

Well, to be more convincing, I actually threw Luke's name in the process, to mislead them that Luke was my real crush and I hadn't been able to move on. Inside, I puked a little after saying that. I couldn't even imagine Luke's expression when he heard that someday.

Declan only rolled his blank eyes and warned me afterwards that it would surely bite me back in the ass if a certain big black wolf heard. I ignored his warning, obviously.

"Hey," I greeted them.

"Hey Jace, I just told him that we have dance practice today, and you're not allowed to miss it." Keira informed me, pointing her finger to warn me.

I nodded a thanks and turned to Declan, who raised one of his eyebrows.

"Yeah, what she said. Sorry Dec. I forgot to tell you." I grimaced at the prospect of receiving his response.

Declan clicked his tongue then sighed heavily. "Right. I'll pick you up later."

He didn't sound mad, did he? I gauged his expression and carefully answered, "uh, practice takes about two hours only. It's not that late, so I was thinking to take the bus later."

He watched me closely. "Bus?"

"If that's okay." I added after the short response from him. I knew those brothers couldn't resist being excessively overprotective of me. But school bus should be safe from those hunters, right?

"You know, she can have a ride with us, Dec." Keira interjected noticing my discomfort and Declan's lack of response. "Her place is not that far and my mom said that she needs some organic vegetables and herbs the other day."

"Are you sure?" Declan asked her, ignoring me and my bus idea.

Keira nodded enthusiastically. "Of course."

"Go straight home, alright." He told her.

Keira mock-saluted him, grinning. "Aye aye Captain!"

Hey guys, in case you forgot, I'm here. I rolled my eyes at them and silently grumbled.

"Cool." He finally nodded after few seconds too long, then turned to look at me with his warning gaze. "Be careful, okay."

I nodded, holding back the urge to roll my eyes. Keira let out a fake coughs beside me. 

"I know that you love her like your own sister or whatever, but she's seventeen Dec, not a five year old." Keira deadpanned.

Declan flicked her forehead and went to his car, leaving us without another word. I finally able to release my breath.

Keira put her hands on my shoulders and led us back to school, still loudly wondering about Declan's overprotectiveness. If only she knew.

After weeks of being watched closely, I reminded myself to celebrate my little freedom later. I smiled at her antics and mentally noted to thank her later with something.