The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 8: The Pauper Kidnapped

"It's settled then. After fourth, we talk." Was what Antonio told me during first period. But I don't want to talk about it. I just want to forget and go on with my day. Plus, I am not going to ditch lunch! Dad made me chicken Alfredo with two pieces of garlic bread!

"I'm not going." I grumble to myself as I copy down the notes for AP Government.

Nope. Not going. I'm staying here, go to that shady spot of mine under the tree, and eat my yummy lunch that Dad made for me. Besides, Antonio might have forgotten about the whole Jock hurting me and threatening to beat me up the next time around when Antonio isn't there to protect me. Yeah, I'm sure he has forgotten all about it and is now probably thinking about where to take his girlfriend...... That's it.....

"Cassiel?" A deep voice calls out to me. Dang it. So close.

I turn to the left and look up to find Antonio standing right in front of me, blocking my way out of my seat. "Yes? Is there something I can help you with?" I respond, silently hoping he leaves soon.

"Ready to go?" Antonio asks. I thought he would forget about that.....

"Go? Go where?" I feign confusion. Please forget, please forget, please forget......

"Surely, you didn't forget about me taking you somewhere we could talk more privately, Cassiel. Pack up your things and don't even think about trying to outrun me because I will catch you." Antonio orders.

Highly doubt that, I thought to myself. He's too big and bulky with that muscled arms and strong looking chest. Ok, now I'm checking him out. Focus and run!

"You'll catch me? Is that a threat?" I rhetorically question him as I start packing up my things. Just act natural until we leave the classroom then run.....

"Perhaps." Antonio answers, stepping aside to allow me some room. I stand up and move past Antonio, heading toward the direction of the door. I didn't have to look back to know Antonio was following because out of the corner of my eye, I could see his blurry figure close to me.

Once, I opened the door to the empty hallway, I purposely let it shut so that Antonio has no choice but to hold it open for himself. He releases a small grunt from the heavy weight of door, no doubt surprised that I didn't held it open for him, and took this opportunity for me to run down the left side of the hallway.

"CASSIEL!" Antonio shouts after me but I refused to look back. If I did, I would slow down and he will catch up to me.

Don't think about getting caught. Just focus on running. I thought to myself while turning to another hallway and slam my back against the wall like they do in cartoons. With any luck, I'll be able to slip past Antonio and reach the back doors of the school.

It didn't take long for Antonio to rush past me and look left and right for me. I crept away from him until I no longer felt the wall behind me and turn back to run. Except, when I turn my body around, my clumsy feet had to trip against nothing but air and I cry out, "Ahh!" I'm falling.... I'm falling, I'm falling, I'm falling!

My entire weight shifts toward the left side and I'm once again staring at the floor below me before I closed my eyes a second time. Not again! I thought as I waited for the pain I knew would come when I collapse to the floor. However, I didn't feel any pain. Instead, my arm was yanked back away from the ground and collided against something sturdy behind me. It wasn't until I looked down to see two arms wrapped around me that I realize what, or rather who saved me.

"Are we always going to end up like this, Cassiel?" A familiar voice murmurs into my ear, causing my cheeks to turn a dark shade of red. "It seems I'm always here whenever you trip. I hope we don't start making a habit out of it."