Divided

- Chapter Twenty One -

Tia woke up on a couch. She opened her eyes and sat up only to remember who's couch it was. It was Tobias'. The events of last night flashed through her mind. She felt a shred of disgust but an overwhelming sense of relief. Relief that Tobias was there for her. It was a tough situation to grasp, it was traumatising. 

Tobias wasn't fond of what happened either. He was shaken up over what that man was trying to do to Tia. The thought of that prick doing anything to anyone, had him feeling off. It wasn't like a realisation, but more of a growing feeling for Tobias, when the events of last night were occurring, he didn't really have time to let what happen sit with him. He did now, though. The thought was nauseating, especially when the victim was one of his close friends. 

Tobias had woken up a couple hours before Tia, but did not want to wake her up. He went out the back to work on a project he had been doing for his car. After a couple of hours, Tobias went inside to get a glass of water. He had been working hard and built up a thirst. On his way into the kitchen, Tobias walked past where Tia was in the living room. He expected to see her sleeping but we greeted by a very drowsy Tia. 

"Good morning" Tia spoke softly.

"Hey, you're awake! Can I get you anything Tia?" Tobias asked gently as he came and knelt by the couch that Tia was sitting on. 

"I'm okay, honestly I am still a little shaken up from last time." Tia said with sadness in her tone. 

Tobias took her hands in his for a moment, "You'll be alright, I'll go and get you a muesli bar. Then, once you have woken up a bit more I can give you a lift home if you're up for it?" Tobias suggested, releasing his touch from Tia's and making his way to the kitchen. 

Tia forced herself to wake up a little more. She did not really feel like leaving but she already felt like such a burden to Tobias. He has quite literally saved her, and now she was seeking refuge in his house. She hoped her mum would be over their argument now so that there would not be too much tension at home. Before Tobias could get back, Tia brushed her hair with a comb she had in her purse. 
Tobias walked back into the room, holding a milo bar. He handed it to Tia, and then sat down on the couch next to her. 

"I know this may not be a good time to mention it, but are we still good for our math hang out this week?" Tobias asked, while Tia ate the snack.

"Yeah, of course!" Tia said, giving a small smile to Tobias. 

His gaze softened when he saw her smile but he quickly went to get his keys and then said, "Are you ready to go?"

Tia wasn't really ready to go but she accepted the offer. 

Tobias dropped Tia home. 

"See you at school tomorrow." Tobias said, as Tia gave him a wave as she got out of the car. 

It was the next day at school, and Tia was sitting with Hannah at recess. 

"Did you end up getting home okay last night?" Hannah asked.

"Funny you mention that.." Tia said both laughing and slightly upset.

A concerned look appeared on Hannah's face. 

"What happened?" 

And so Tia told Hannah everything. The man approaching her, the alleyway, even Tobias. 

Hannah could tell Tia did not want her to make a big deal of the situation so she chose to make a comedic comment about it instead. 

"Looks like your knight in shining armour came at the right time!" She said to Tia, with a flirtatious wink. 

Tia rolled her eyes, "A man saves you ONE time and suddenly he's deemed as your 'knight'?"

The girls giggled about the idea of Tobias being Tia's knight. Well they did until Tia changed the topic. 

"I can't believe we only have a couple months left of the year!" 

"Right! I am excited for the end of year event though!" Hannah squealed. 

The end of year event was like a formal party that the school ran for upper school year groups as a way for everyone to celebrate the end of the year together. 

"Yeah, I still need to buy a dress for that." Tia replied. 

While Tia was saying this, Jamie walked up to the girls. 

"The end of year party?" He asked

"Yeah...?" Hannah responded, confused why Jamie seemed fascinated in a conversation that included Tia. 

"Feels bad! Look Tia, no matter how hard you try. No matter how many dresses you try, you will still look as clownlike as always." 

Tia's heart dropped when she realised Jamie had come over just to belittle her. 

Before Hannah or Tia could think of a good way to respond, someone else interrupted. 

It was Moe. 

"Look Jamie, I don't know why you're saying that but I do NOT allow it!" 

Jamie looked at Moe with a confused expression before stating "Whatever man." And walked away. 

"People these days and their damn disrespect. BETA MALES!" Moe insisted. 

He then waved to the girls before walking away to find his friends. Tia appreciated that Moe had her back, and then she noticed that Tobias had been standing next to Moe. Except he did not walk off with Moe but instead stayed with the girls. 

"Sounds like things got a bit heated back there?" Tobias said. 

"Yeah! I am so done with him bullying Tia!" Hannah said, shaking her head and feeling disgusted by Jamie's actions. 

"I dunno guys, usually beef goes both ways..."

Tia looked up at Tobias in shock, "So you think I am the reason he's like that?!"

Tobias shrugged. 

"I'm not dealing with this." Tia stated as she got up and left.