The Shy Girl

Complicated

Finally, Lizzy makes her way to Brad's house, after she texted me several times saying that she got lost.

She slides her yearbook out of a pink bag; passing it along to Brad.

He flips through the book several times, his face lit up a bright red from aggravation after he couldn't find Mr. Bryan.

"Let me look." I say disappointingly as I flip through, landing directly on the page with Mr.Bryan.

As I saw his tan face with dark brown eyes, my skin crawled and I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Th-that's him."I choke out as I pass the book to Brad.

His expression on his face didn't change when he saw what the math teacher looked like.

Lizzy and I jump as Brad slams the book shut and storms out the living room and into the kitchen.

I stay there, shocked. Lizzy pulled me in to a tight hug as I begin to sob.

"Brad can handle it." She whispers to me.

"I didn't want him to get mad about it." I cry.

"Well, maybe it's for your own good." Lizzy says.

I nod and wipe my tears away with my sleeve and stand up, my legs trembling from nervousness.

As I make my way into the kitchen, I see Brad standing in front of the window, his fists balled up.

"I knew I shouldn't have told you."I thought I said in my head, but instead it was audible.

Brad shakes his head and he turns around to face me.

"Brad, please don't do nothing. I only have a week left with him until the Christmas Break." I inform him again.

"Yeah, I know.It's just....."

"Complicated." We say at the same time.

"Maddie, let me tell you something and I want you to promise me that you will do it."

I nod immediately."I promise."

"If he lays a single finger on you for the next week, I want you to tell me. If he glances at you, and you don't like it, you tell me."

I nod again.

"Be easy on her, Jesus. She just went through this crap a few minutes ago." Lizzy says as she stands by my side.

"Lizzy, I want you to keep watch on Maddie everywhere she goes." Brad directs.

"I'll do my best.As long as I'm with her, she'll be fine." Lizzy says.

"Maddie, as soon as you get out for your break, we're leaving this state for awhile." Brad tells me.

My eyes widen and a mixture of confusion and excitement fill my body.

"Where?"I ask.

"We're headed to California for your break, so you can get away from that man." Brad states.