Nothing's Fine

• 59: Guarded •

 Tiffany couldn't come up with an excuse, or valid response to any of the things we are all confessing left, right, and centre. With each person's words, Tiffany's eyes got colder, and her face turned redder with fury. However, I'd never seen Tiffany's get as red as it did when Mr. Wright gave her a three-day suspension and then a two-day in school suspension for bullying, the misuse of school resources, slander, and fighting.

Holly and Kayla only received a day and a half of in-school suspension because they were involved with the video making, as well as bullying. I got a day of in-school suspension for hitting Tiffany – which wouldn't be going on my record. I would gladly take the trade any day. Emery had nothing to do with the ordeal, so she didn't get a punishment.

"Is there anything else?" Mr. Wright asked before we left his office.

"Yeah, who came up with that talking 'about nothing but her itty bitty titties with guys at lunch' comment?" Emery asked, glancing down the row of chairs at Tiffany. Tiffany glared at Emery in silence. Holly coughed awkwardly.

"Phoebe," Kayla said after a moment. "She came to us all pissed off because she thought that you were flaunting yourself in front of the guys at your table. In honesty, I think she was just jealous because she goes for any boy with good hair and a decent popularity status... and the fact that you have people like Lucas Hart and Tristan Bailey sitting at your lunch table makes her happy – that is until the attention isn't on her. So she came to us and when she heard about the video idea, she added her piece too."

"Well, thank you for that. I guess I have another student to call in," Mr. Wright sighed. "Go home. Your punishments start tomorrow."

I was sure that would be interesting.

***

After school, Mason and I escaped the excitement and insanity that was our school and headed to our meadow. We sat down, despite the chill in the air. The grass was still bitten by the frost from the cold January weather. I was wrapped up in my thin, yet stylish jacket, and shivering slightly. I explained the stupid video, the Dallas photo, and how the entire time it was Tiffany trying to turn everyone against me and torment me since the end of our friendship.

"So, did you get in trouble?" Mason asked. He watched my face carefully, as if he was searching for something, but I didn't know what he's looking for. Maybe he was waiting for me to cry or break down from the humiliation or anger I felt today.

"One day in-school suspension," I shrugged. "It doesn't even go on my record, so quite frankly, I'd hit Tiffany in the face any day if that's the only punishment I'd get." I gave Mason a cheeky smile. He gave me a pointed look, as if to say 'shame on you' but he laughed when my grin widened.

"Did she get in trouble?"

"Yup. A lot more than I did," I replied. I was pleased with the outcome, but I was nervous to be in a room all day with Kayla and Holly. Luckily Tiffany started her out of school suspension then, so she wouldn't be trapped in a room with me. "Even Kayla, Phoebe, and Holly are getting in trouble too."

"I'm guessing Phoebe came up with the new outfits, tiny titties comment."

I feigned a gasp. "Itty bitty ones not tiny! How mean," I pouted jokingly. Mason's face turned bright red and he opened his mouth to backtrack, until I burst into laughter. His blush deepened and he stuck his tongue out at me. "Yes, it was Phoebe."

"Well, she is the jealous type... but speaking of new outfits," Mason began.

"Wow! Would you look at the time?" I started getting up, but Mason reached for my hand, making me not get up.

"Slow your roll Ginger," Mason said. I sighed, but he pulled me close to him, his warmth making me cease to shiver. "Why the sudden change in style and makeup?"

I frowned. "You're going to think it's stupid."

"Charlie, nothing you could say would be stupid." The intensity in his green eyes, and the sincerity in his voice made me talk. It was impossible for me not to trust him. I was in deep.

"I just thought that with..." I took a deep breath and the rest came out in a rush. "With all the drama happening, my mom, Tiffany, me getting hit by a car and grounded, and being so guarded emotionally – it must be so stressful for you! I mean like wow can you say 'damaged goods'? Anyway, I just figured that with such a complicated girlfriend you might as well have one that looks pretty."

"Charlie– "

"Plus Tiffany and Kayla are like in love with you so if I'm up against that then –" Mason's lips were suddenly against mine, rendering me silent and mostly distracted by the kiss. He pulled back, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Was that your way of telling me to shut up?" I asked breathlessly.

"Did it work?" Mason asked. I nodded slightly. "Good. You don't need to dress up, or wear a ton of makeup for me. I lived with you for a while. I know what you look like without any of that and you look beautiful. With or without it. If you want to dress up because you enjoy it then that's great, but I don't want you to think you're in competition with anyone, because you're not. And if you were, they'd lose, because I'd choose you over and over again. We both have stuff going on and that's okay. We understand each other. You make me stronger, and you make me happy."

"Really?" I breathed. It made my heart skip flutter to hear this.

"Really," Mason replied. I pressed my lips to his, a soft and happy kiss. He made me stronger and happy too. From the moment I laid eyes on Mason Grey, he had my carefully guarded heart.

________

Author's Note: Happy Tuesday! I hope you liked this chapter! I always love a cute lil Mason and Charlie scene! <3 See you next week with another chapter!