Mismatch Lovers

Chapter 2

* Emma's POV *

I'd quickly fallen in with Ruby's friends and I was even on the cheer squad now, but I just didn't feel like I fit with them. They were always gossiping and passing judgement on everyone, I tended to just tune them out. I mostly focused on my classes like usual, trying to keep at least one part of my life in order. At least school made sense.

I didn't see Killian at school for the rest of the week, making me somehow feel like I scared him away. His jacket was still draped over my desk chair staring at me every time I was in my room, which was most of the time. I was in jeans and a tank top with my hair up, trying to figure out what was wrong with my bug on Saturday afternoon when I heard a familiar deep voice behind me.

"I told you, it's the alternator," Killian said and I jumped, turning to find him with a small smirk on his lips as he came closer. "Its never going to turn over, you need a new one."

"Thanks for the update," I sighed, going back to my car as he came to lean against it next to me. I tried to ignore him at first but it was pretty much impossible. "I haven't seen you at school. Are you alright?"

"Worried about me, Swan?" he smirked more and I glared at him from the corner of my eye. "I didn't know you cared."

"I don't," I said flatly. "You gave me a ride and you were gone, I noticed. Don't flatter yourself."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he chuckled. "Come on, love, let me help."

"Why?" I asked, turning to face him and crossing my arms. "Why would you want to help me?"

"I just do," he insisted, obviously holding back. "Look, would you just come with me? I know where to get cheap parts and I can help you install it."

"It doesn't matter how cheap it is," I shook my head. "I don't have a job yet, so I can't afford it."

"Just... come on," he said with a bit of frustration, going towards the truck at the curb. "It won't take long, I promise."

"Fine," I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my surprise when he opened the door for me and helped me up into my seat. "Uhm, thanks. Where are we going?"

"I know a place downtown," he said simply, staying quiet for the rest of the drive and going straight to the counter. I had no idea what to do, standing awkwardly a few feet back. "Hey, Paul, I just need a new alternator. Do you have any in stock?"

"Sure, just a minute," the man nodded, going to one of the back rooms and coming back out with something I didn't recognize. He glanced back at me, smirking when I turned bright red. "Did you just want it on your tab then?"

"Thanks, mate," Killian sighed, taking it off the counter and holding the door for me as we left. "I swear that man thinks he knows everything."

"What do you mean?" I almost laughed. "He didn't say anything."

"Oh he said a lot," he shook his head as he drove. "You just didn't hear it the same way I did."

"Alright," I shrugged, trying to hide my giggle at his aggravated expression. He glanced over and smiled a bit, shaking his head again as he looked back at the road. "Thank you, by the way. You didn't have to pay for this for me."

"Don't worry about it," he brushed me off. "I help out there when I get a chance so it's not a big deal."

"Well I'm still grateful," I said as we got out back at my house. "I've moved a lot and I've never had anyone be this nice to me."

"Really?" He asked with a bit of shock and confusion as I opened the hood of my car again. "Then you've been in all the wrong places, because you're wonderful.... I-I mean, uhm, I... nevermind."