𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐞

Chapter 6

Later that day, I walked into fifth period with Keiran trailing behind. He had been standing outside the door, talking to Quentin as I walked up. When I entered the classroom he wordlessly followed me in.

I discreetly looked around for Willow as I sat in our seats from yesterday. I had to talk to her and see if she was okay. She wasn't in volleyball, French, or lunch and she hasn't answered my texts. I don't even know if she ever made it to school. I sat down in my seat from yesterday and texted Willow again.

Could Keiran have done something to her? "Monroe, come sit here."

"I'm fine right here." The silence that followed was more intimidating than if he had yelled and screamed and I knew now was not the time or place to piss him off. He wouldn't care about the other people in the room. It would just be another opportunity to humiliate me.

I sighed and gathered my books to move and sat next to him. Keenan and Sheldon walked in a moment later with ruffled clothing and secretive grins on their faces as they made their way to the back but sat in the row in front of us.

"Mr. Masters and Ms. Chambers it would behoove you to make it on time to class next time. Tardiness will not be tolerated."

"Sure thing, Mr. Lawson but I don't think people say 'behoove' anymore," Keenan joked. The class erupted into laughter causing Mr. Lawson to turn red.

"Keenan, quit it," Sheldon scolded.
"Yes, dear."
I watched the couple as they settled in. Keenan was tickling and poking her, making her giggle. He always found reasons to touch her and I've noticed the way he looked at her. He seemed to really adore her despite his unfaithfulness, which I didn't understand. Sheldon was beautiful and I felt sorry for her.

"Hi, I'm Sheldon. Lake Monroe, right?" Sheldon smiled at me as she sat down with her bag. Her eyes were bright amber and her hair was a light shade of blonde. I always thought she looked exotic and admired the athletic build she got from cheerleading.

"Uh...yeah. Hi." I replied but didn't return her smile. I was still wary of Sheldon—she was, after all, popular, gorgeous, and had an amazing rack. Shit, now I sound like Keenan. I often caught Keenan motor boating them for everyone to see.

She seemed nice enough but didn't seem all that smart when it came to men. Keenan was a slut and made no secret about it, yet she stayed with him. I didn't understand that type of commitment although I never had a boyfriend thanks to Keiran.

"Senior year. You excited?" she asked. You have no idea. I nodded my head politely but said nothing else. I couldn't see why she was talking to me much less sitting next to me. "So you and Keiran, huh? You two an item?" she waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Keiran had been talking to Quentin but I knew he heard her question when his conversation with Quentin stopped and his attention shifted to me. I couldn't rebuff him and I couldn't tell her the truth either. His smirk told me he was enjoying the power he had over me.

I was saved from responding by Willow entering the classroom. When she spotted where I was sitting she sent me a questioning glance. I forced a smile but sucked in a breath when she walked over to me.

"Happy Birthday, Lake," she said cheerfully as she leaned downed to kiss my cheek. Just as I was about to respond Keiran seized my chin in a hard grip and turned my face up to him.

"If you want to be cool then you can't talk to her anymore. We talked about this. You have to drop your deadweight."

My world came crashing down at the double meaning in his words. Silence passed between us as I stared at him with hate in my eyes.

"Lake?" Willow's voice trembled and I knew she heard him. She was meant to.

I wanted to turn and reassure her. I couldn't let him do this. I couldn't let him take away the only two people that I had to love. Did giving up one really mean saving the other?