Refuge

Chapter 8: Panic! on A Sidewalk

ATTENTION

This chapter is a little bit on the dark side. If you have experienced any kind of abuse, I'd advise you to think really hard before reading this chapter. The rating will still be PG-13, but be warned: it's sad, and a hard thing to think about, but the truth is is that it really happens; everyday. This senario is fiction, soley used for the use of the story, but the basis of the story is all truth. Please, caution yourself, but in the end, emerse yourself in the story and feel for Alex. Get into the character and story and revel in the magnificance of kindess. 

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 “And it was pretty much the best underwater kiss of all time.”

I sigh, closing my eyes and tilting my head up towards the ceiling, my head hitting the back of the giant chair. It’s Saturday afternoon and I’m just spending my sweet time in the most beautiful library I’ve ever been in, even more than my own back at home in Denver, located on the first floor of the Watson’s manor. 

I’ve been re-reading my favorite series ever and I just got done with quite possibly the most amazing declaration of love ever in a teen novel. I sigh again, feeling happy all over again for Mr. Jackson and Miss Chase.

“Looks like Princess is having a bookgasm.”

I jerk up, my book falling out of my lap and onto the floor. My eyes fly open and I see Hayden leaning casually against on of the many book shelves that make up the walls in the room. 

I clutch my chest. “Gods, do you have to sneak up on me like you’re some kind of creeper? It’s so....creepy.” I finish lamely. 

Hayden bows his head down, laughing. He looks up after a moment, his eyes sparkling with mirth and a smirk plastered to his face. “Creeper?”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. What do you want, Watson?” After our little encounter in the studio, I’d been kinda ignoring him. Which means at dinner last night, breakfast this morning, and lunch today. 

Hayden looks mock hurt. "Must you degrade me by calling me by my last name like that?"  

"Yes."

Hayden just laughs, swaggering over to me, bending down to pick up my fallen book. Before I can snatch it back, he looks at the spine. “Percy Jackson? Aren’t you a little old for that series?”

I scoff. “Hell no. They’re 16 in the book and I’m 16 about to be 17 so I fit into their age category.” I snatch the book, silently promising to never let the mean man touch her again. “Besides, the series is awesomely written.”

Hayden chuckles, plopping down into the seat next to me. “Well, I’ll have to read them then.”

I just kinda look at him. He’s being oddly personable. It’s, for lack of a better word, creepy. “Yeah. Okay." I pause awkardly.  "So what do you want?”  

Hayden sighs and leans back in the plush chair. “Are you still planning on going to the Halloween party?” 

I smile deviously at him. “Still not wanting me to go and play in your little kingdom, huh Watson?”

He rolls his eyes. “Sure, Princess.” He smirks at me. “So...what are you going as?”

I fake a shocked look. “Oh but Mr. Watson! You have to know how it’s bad luck to reveal your costume before the night!”

Hayden snorts. “Yeah right. I can go ahead and tell you know I’m not dressing up as anything. Going as plain old me.” 

I silently disagree. Nothing is plain about Hayden.