From Straight Lines to Circles (bxb) ***ON HOLD***

Chapter Twenty One

Thanks for reading, enjoy :)

---

***CHARLIES POV***

I sat still for a minute, too stunned to respond as his lips moved roughly against mine. I could hear the murmurs of those around us, the truth circulating in a string of gossip so surprising it would surely not dissapate for months.

Self conscious, I pulled away, the stares becoming too much.

He looked smug, his lips curved into a smile. However in his eyes, poorly concealed, was a sense of fear. Gently, out of the view of the crowd, I touched his hand, giving him a questioning look.

"Babe, what was that for?" I whispered, seeing his smile falter.

"Because I like you and I just-"

"No." I cut off, harsher than intended. "The real reason." He fidgeted with his hands, looking vulnerable and worried at something that I was unable to determine.

"Fine then." He snapped, pushing away from me in defense. "I guess I'll just go, since I'm disrupting you so much." He started to stand unsteadily, his muscles rigid and stiff. Quickly, I got up and stopped him, grabbing his arm.

"Hey, hey now. Babe I didn't say that. I just wanted to know why you felt like today was such a good day for this? of all time why now?" A funny look spread across his face, making his eyes squint in discomfort.

"I just did." He said vaguely, not meeting my eyes.

I could tell he was lying, his posture unsure and worried. But as I took one look at his distraught face, his sad posture, I decided to let it go.

For now.

"Ok." I relented, sighing as I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Seriously, I met his eyes, lightly rubbing his hand. "But you can tell me anything you know. I won't judge you." He nodded half-heartedly, seemingly doubtful at my sincere words.

"Thanks baby." He whispered, desperately pulling me into a tight hug. His warmth enveloped me, his cologne pleasantly soothing my nostrils. As we seperated he grabbed my hand, tugging me towards my first class. I gave him a careful glance, silently asking if he was still alright with being so open. When he sent me a brave smile, and kept his hand bound tightly with mine, I relented.

And we walked to class, hand-in-hand, with all eyes trained on us.

---

I sunk lowly in my seat, the voices loud and embarassing to my ears.

After Collin had walked me to class, gallantly carrying my books and never dropping my hand, I had been left on my own, forced to sit by myself after a gentle parting kiss.

A kiss that had been a large source of whispering ever since I sat down.

Janelle had been late this morning, her alarm ringing after it was supposed to. So the seat beside me, usually filled with her loud presence, was empty.

"Carlin! Pssst hey Carlin!" A blonde girl whispered from behind me, her squeaky voice irritating to my ears.

"It's Charlie." I said drily, giving her an unimpressed look. She rolled her mascara-caked eyes, clearly uncaring.

"Whatever. Look I don't know what's wrong with you, but you can't just push your... lifestyle on one of the hottest boys in school." She said angrily, tapping her claw-like nails against her desk. "It's like, a travery." I rolled my eyes, shaking my head.

"It's travesty." I corrected, gaining an angry snap of her nails.

"Whatever. Anyway, stay away from him. Or else. He's simply confused and just needs my guidance." I was going to turn around and not respond, preferring no conflict. But a feminine voice thought otherwise.