TROUBLE

Chapter 5

Layla's POV

The last class of the day is always the longest. I sit in my psychology class and stare at the clock on the wall. Seconds tick by but the clock hands down seem to move. All I can think about is how upset my dad is going to be at me for getting one of his best players in trouble. Yes, I'm his daughter but Eric is his Defensive Captain and during football season he's much more important than I am.

Four, who is sitting next to me at one of the lab tables, bumps his elbow into my side. I blink a few times before turning in his direction. He points to the front of the classroom with his pen, indicating that I need to be paying attention. I can't, though. My brain is going haywire.

The classroom door opens, suddenly and a lady from the office, whom I don't know the name of, peeks through. "I'm sorry to interupt," she says while scanning the class of students, "But I need Layla Taylor to come with me."

My heart drops to my stomach. I know exactly what this is. I sigh and slowly stand from my chair. Four gives me a confused look. I guess Tris hasn't told him what happened yet. I mouth "Eric" to him and his eyes go wide.

As soon as I'm out in the hallway, away from all the curious students, the woman puts a hand on my shoulder. "Your dad wants to see you in his office right away." I nod and send her a small smile. She walks off in another direction as I head towards the athletic complex where my dad's office is located.

I take in a deep breath before entering and then nearly choke when I see that Eric is already here. This is an ambush! What lies could he have told my dad already?!

My father gives me a serious look before saying, "Take a seat, Layla."

My dad's office is actually quite small and so the two chairs that are infront of his desk are very close. When I sit down, Eric is mere inches to my right. I see that he has changed into his workout clothes, dark grey basketball shorts and a black tank top that used to be a t-shirt but he cut the sleeves off. The tank top has been cut all the way down on both sides and I can see his abs and all the rest of his muscles. God, I hope he changes before we have detention.

"It's come to my understanding that you two have had an on going disagreement. Is that right, Layla?" I look at my dad now. This is not a father, daughter chat we're having. No. He's talking to me like I'm one of his players and I just fumbled the ball on a crucial play.

I stare at my hands in my lap, well aware that Eric is looking at me now. "Yes, sir." I manange to mumble.

"What seems to be the issue between you two?"

For some reason, I gaze at Eric, hoping he will answer this because I honestly don't know what the problem is. He's always the one causing the trouble.

He smirks slightly, to where I can only see then turns back to my dad. "I asked Layla to be my rally girl, sir. She isn't in favor of my decision."

My dad looks between the both of us skeptically. He raises his pointer finger and moves it. "Is there something going here? Something I should be aware of?" I know exactly what he's implying and it offends me.

"No!" I almost yell.

They both look at me with raised eyebrows. I hunch back over in the seat and fiddle with my fingers.

Sighing, my dad finally speaks. "I can't lose Eric in Friday nights game, so I talked to Mrs. Edwards and we decided that instead of you two having detention, you'll have Saturday school together. As for Layla being a rally girl, I don't find it appropriate."

"Are you kidding me?! He gets to play in the stupid game? He started all this shit!" I'm now out of my seat, yelling down.

"Watch your language!" He roars at me. "I need all my best players! There is nothing left to discuss. I'll see both of you this afternoon."

I grab my book bag from the floor and throw open the door and storm out. An evil laugh comes from behind me. Why do I feel like I'm about to cry? This is what happens when I get angry. Instead of lashing out and screaming, it just all comes to tears.

But not this time. No. I will not let him have this power over me. I swing my body around and surprised to see how close he is. I shove his chest away from me. It's of no use, though. He barely moves an inch. "I hate you! I'm his fuckin daughter but does that even matter? No! If you get hurt in Friday night's game, it will be the best damn thing to ever happen!" I'm now beating on his chest with closed fists and he lets me. Strange. He stands there without any sign of emotion. But finally he grabs my wrists and pulls me to him. My toes are barely touching the ground now.

"I told you, Gracie. Don't fuckin threaten me." His teeth are clenched and the grip he has around my wrists is unbearable. I let out a gasp of pain and the tears that I had been holding in are now trickling down my face. He stares at the clear liquid on my cheeks for a brief second before letting me go. I swear I saw some panick in those blue eyes.

"Just leave me alone!" It should sound like a scream but only it sounds more like a small animal dying. There's no amused smirk. No evil laugh. He just watches me as more and more tears run down my face. When neither of us make a move, my breathing evens out again.

"Don't come near me. Ever again." My voice is a whisper. My crying has slowed some but the shaking of my body hasn't stopped yet.

His jaw tightens and I can tell he's holding back anger. He side steps me, raming his shoulder into mine, making me stumble. Oh, so now he's mad at me?

Thank you to the wonderful @CourageIsRed for all the ideas. What does everyone think so far?? Comment and Vote!!