Hearthook - opposites attract

Chapter 17- caution

   As the day wore on, Bridget couldn't help but remain a little cautious around James. While she had accepted his apology and professions of love, the wounds of his deception still felt raw. She declined his invitations to hang out after school, needing a bit more time to fully trust him again.

Ella, ever the observant friend, noticed Bridget's reserved demeanor. "I can't believe I'm saying this about Hook," she mused, "but I think you can trust him again." Bridget looked at her skeptically, and Ella continued, "I saw him, Bri. When he thought he was going to lose you forever, he was a mess. He even asked me where you were." She paused, her expression earnest. "And I heard he left Uliana's group."

   Bridget sighed, chewing on her bottom lip as she considered her friend's words. "I know, Ella. I know." She looked up, a tentative smile playing on her lips. "I'm giving him a second chance, but he needs to prove to me that he isn't just playing me again."

Ella nodded in understanding, reaching out to give Bridget's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I get it. Just take it one day at a time, okay? If anyone can see through his act, it's you."

   Bridget returned the smile, her heart still guarded but slowly beginning to open up once more. She knew that rebuilding the trust between her and James would be a delicate and gradual process, but the hope in her eyes spoke volumes about her willingness to try.

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Bridget stood alone in the courtyard, her thoughts still swirling with the conversation she'd had with Ella. As she contemplated the path forward with James, a sudden force shoved her to the ground, and she winced as the impact scraped her arm, drawing a few drops of blood.

Glaring down at her, Uliana spat, "You little brat! Stealing my pirate!"

Bridget looked up at the other girl, her expression calm and conciliatory. "I didn't steal him, Uliana. I'm sorry you lost a friend, but maybe you two can work it out?"

"We aren't friends!" Uliana hissed, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "He's my minion!"

Before she could take another step towards Bridget, movement caught her eye, and she turned to see James rounding the corner. Uliana's expression shifted to one of false sweetness as she fixed Bridget with a sardonic smile. "Until next time, 'Princess'," she sneered, then quickly retreated.

Bridget sat up, her gaze dropping to the scrape on her arm. James hurried to her side, his brow furrowed with concern as he noticed her fall. "Who did this to you?" he demanded, his voice low and laced with anger.

"Don't worry, it's just a scratch," Bridget tried to reassure him, but James was having none of it.

"No, it's not fine," he insisted, gently taking her arm and wrapping a cloth from his jacket around the cut. "They hurt you, and I don't want you to get hurt ever again." Pulling her into a protective embrace, he whispered, "Who did it?"

Bridget melted into his arms, finally feeling the last vestiges of her doubt melt away. "Uliana," she murmured.

James tightened his grip, his jaw clenching with barely restrained fury. But as he looked down at Bridget, the fierceness in his expression softened, replaced by a deep, unwavering tenderness. In that moment, Bridget knew she could trust him completely.