Everything Changes

Chapter 12: Princess

                                        Aria's POV

Yesterday felt like a warmup. Arriving at my locker, I see Zack standing three lockers from mine. I wonder to myself what he's doing there until I see Pizza girl. She leans against him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Her eyes are locked on his. They looked like they were about to kiss again. I was going to hurl. I turned around instantly, rounding the corner blindly. Only to smack into something hard.

"We have got to stop meeting like this, Princess. It's sending me mixed signals." I was afraid to look up because even though it's only been a short time, I knew that cocky voice anywhere.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. I just needed to leave. Also; don't call me princess." I looked up because he wasn't saying anything. He had both hands on each side of my arms keeping me from falling. He had this expression on his face that was a mixture of amusement and concern.

"You wound me Princess. Can't you see I just want to be your Knight in Shining Armor again?" He smirked. His words stung. No one other than my dad called me Princess, and I intend to keep it that way. I move out of his arms and glare.

"I'm serious. Don't ever call me that." His hands fell to his side. As he gave me an apologetic expression. "Well, you can run into my arms anytime. Just give me a warning beforehand." He said with a slight smile.

The anger instantly being replaced with guilt. "I'm sorry, you didn't deserve me snapping at you. It's just a very personal nickname for me." I took a small step away from him. "I'll see you later. I need to-"

"Aria? What's going on here?" A new, yet all too familiar voice came up from behind me.

My body stiffened. Suddenly, without warning Zack threw his arm over my shoulder. He gave it a possessive squeeze.

My head snapped up to see Zack standing way too close, glaring over at Ryder. I fumbled over my words, trying to think of the fastest way out of his hold.

"Nothing! I- I was just on my way to go find-."

"Is this punk bothering you?"

I didn't even turn to look at Zack because if I did, I knew it would hurt. Nothing was going my way. It's ridiculous feeling this way over someone who was never mine.

"Watch yourself, linebacker. I'd hate to be the reason you can't play football this year."

"You got somethin' to say to me, punk?" Zack said, emphasizing the word 'punk'. Finally letting go of my shoulders. Things were starting to heat up quickly as they were becoming more aggressive towards each other. I was starting to panic.

"Oh, I think I like seeing you like this." That voice I dreaded hearing pierced my ears. Students were starting to take notice and started crowding around us. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying not to tremble, and finally made my escape.

I dreaded each step I took. I contemplated hiding in the bathroom for the rest of the day. After how I'd just run away. I could only imagine Ryder probably thought I'd ditched him. He was most likely upset with me now. I just wished I wasn't such a coward. Stupid fight or flight instincts. I hoped he was okay.

As I sit down in the same spot as yesterday. I reached into my bag to retrieve one of my favorite books, since I had time to kill before class started. I set out to finish it for the 5th time when someone plops down at the desk next to mine. Ryder wore a smug look on his face.

I had a hard time meeting his eyes. Ashamed of leaving him to deal with the drama by himself. I could feel his eyes on me. I tried to focus on the book in my hands but I found myself rereading the same paragraph two times, unable to focus.