Shadows of The Past

Chapter 21

The final bell finally rang, signalling the end of school. I stood up from my seat and swiftly walked out of class to dump my books into my locker. I checked my phone for any new messages and clicked on the string of messages that Alec had left me.

Alec: I'm having free period now, I'll bring Heather home.

Alec: You okay on your own?

Alec: Donovan will drop you at home.

Alec: Heather is still in a bad shape, I'll come home as soon as she pulls herself together.

Alec: Text me when you're home?

I smiled as I read through the messages, knowing my best friend was in safe hands and far from Nate. I never thought my brother would stick around a crying girl, I mean I never knew guys were good in that category but my brother proved the stereotypes wrong.

Also, rumors around the hallways had it that Nate had his nose broken and he had to go down to the ER in the middle of the day.

What can I say? Karma is a bitch.

Which reminded me of Jace. I knew he was given an hour of detention for throwing a punch in school grounds and I couldn't help but feel bad since he was taking a hit for all of us. He didn't have to protect Heather or punch someone for her, but he did and honestly, that impressed me. I decided to stay behind in school and thank Jace properly before I headed back home and paid Heather a visit.

I pulled out my phone and texted Donovan saying that I was staying behind and that I didn't need a ride. I could probably use the walk back home in this cool weather.

An hour passed and the door of the detention classroom finally opened. I stuffed my books into my bag and pulled out the earphones from my ears as I watched Jace walk out of the room. His hair was slightly ruffled and he rubbed his eyes sleepily and adjusted his leather jacket. No doubt he was sleeping for the entire hour.

Jace looked around the empty hallway before his eyes landed on me. He instantly perked up and started walking to me with a certain bounce in his steps. I got up from the bench and slung my bag over my shoulders.

"How was your nap?" I asked sarcastically as Jace came to my side.

"Not any better than knowing you were waiting for me." He winked and I rolled my eyes. I glanced down at his hands and noticed that his knuckles were a little bruised. Jace caught me staring and immediately stuffed his hands into his jeans pocket.

"What are you still doing in school?" Jace asked as he walked with me towards the exit of the school.

"Why did you punch him? Why get into trouble when - no offence - you don't even know Heather?" I ignored his question as I bombarded him with mine.

Jace sighed as he looked at me. "I don't have to know her to protect her. I'm not the kind of guy who sees girls getting used and just stays quiet about it. Honestly, I didn't even know Heather was the name of the blonde chick you always hang out with." Jace ran his hand through his hair as he continued. "It felt wrong and I knew that jackass wouldn't get the punishment he deserved, so I stepped in."

I stared at him, speechless. Did the jerk that always annoys me just say all that? There was definitely more to him than he lets on.

"Well, thanks for that." I finally choked out. "I didn't expect it from you but it's nice to know that there's someone out there for her as well."

Jace stopped walking as he turned to stare at me with an amused look in his eye. "You're welcome." He gave me a breathtaking smile and I couldn't help but smile back. "See, we can be civilized." He joked.