Saving Ally

Chapter 9

—Drew Borden

    I walk into class about 15 minutes late and sit in my normal seat. I keep my head down so Ally can't see me.

    I can't believe I did that, but something just...overcame me. It's like I had to. I couldn't control myself, but I had to help Ally. I hate how everyone keeps calling her names and starting rumors.

    I tightened my bruised and now bleeding fist. I try not to think about what I had just done, but it keeps slipping back into mind. I keep trying to push it out, but it always somehow seems to squeeze its way back. I try to stop my tears, but before I can they spill out of my eyes.

    I look over at Ally. She's looking at the clock like she has to get somewhere. What if she's afraid of me now? She's probably already seen my fist, but I was trying to protect her. Would she believe what I say if I were to tell her the truth? I doubt it. The entire school sees me as a bad boy after all.

    Ally turns around and looks at me dead in the eyes. I look away fast and back down at me desk. Please let this class be over I can't take much more of this. I loosen my fists and wipe my tears. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look over and realize it's Ally's. Her eyes are filled with worry and sadness. She doesn't see me as a bad guy, but I certainly don't want her pity.

    I get up and leave the room, the classroom staying silent as I do. I walk down the hallway and the direction of the bathroom when I hear running behind me. "Drew!" a voice yells and I stop when I realize whose voice it is. I turn around and Ally stops in front of me, panting. I let her catch her breath with her hands on her knees. She stands up straight and looks me in the eyes. "W-where are you going? W-what h-happened?" she asks.

    "Why are you following me? You should get back to class," I say, turning around. I feel her hand on my arm and she pulls me back around. She looks down at my fists and she grabs my wrist and pulls it up so I can see it. "W-what the hell happened," she says through gritted teeth. She looks angry on the outside, but when I look into her eyes all I see is worry. I look at my fist and back at her. She starts walking towards the double doors of the school entrance, pulling my wrists. I have no choice but to follow her outside into the warm air. We walk out towards the parking lot, but she stops at the edge of he sidewalk. She sits on the curb and gestures me to sit with her.

    As I sit, I watch as she rummages through her back. She pulls out a first aid kit and I give her a confused look. She takes out some alcohol pads and some wrap and starts working on my fists. "Why won't you tell me w-what happened to you?" she asks, focusing on my fists. I snicker and grin, "Why do you have a first aid kit in your bag?"

    She tenses of for a second before looking up at me. "I asked you first," she says.

    "Because I punched a wall," I answer, "I got angry at Arrin, my best friend, and I didn't want to hurt him so I punched the wall."

    "Why were you crying in class then?" she asks, but all I do is say, "Hey, I asked you a question too."

    She shakes her head and drops my hands. I look at my wrapped knuckles that are now blood clear.

    "I have reasons. Personal reasons that I'm not willing to share with you or anyone," she responds to me as she places the first aid kit in her bag.

    I decide to change the subject, "Thanks for helping me."

    "No problem. Just don't go around punching brick walls again," she giggles.

    "How'd you know it was brick?" I ask, "Were you spying on me?"

    "No Mr. I-Mysteriously-Got-Your-Phone-Number. I just assumed and my assumption was correct as always," she gives me childish smile.

    "You're not stuttering," I realize. Her cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink, but she responds with, "Well...y-you cried in c-class!"

    I frown and she laughs. I bump her with my shoulder before hearing the bell ring and standing up and holding my hand out to her. She gladly takes it and I pull her up to her feet; her hopping into the air for a moment.

    "See you after school?" she asks, shoving her hands into her pockets.

    "For what?" I ask. I watch as she moves a strand of hair out of her face and wraps it around her ear.

    "Remember? You called me last night and asked me if I could tutor you? That's today, remember?" she asks, a grin plastered on her face.

    "Right," I say, "I forgot."

    She pouts and puts a hand on her chest. She dramatically says, "Aw, you forgot about me?"

    I roll my eyes, "Shut up, Christian."

    "Ditto, Borden," she says before turning around with her bag on her shoulder and walking away. I can't help but smile when last night pops into my head. Shut up Borden. Ditto Christian.

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