An Exchange

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Ryan's Dad

Ryan

Our second day back, Giles and I found ourselves in the same shop class again. We usually did a fantastic job at ignoring each other, but this time he kept shooting me filthy looks. I figured the kiss on New Year's probably provoked his mood, so I ignored him. But he pounded loudly on his car and made as much noise as possible to get my attention, so I decided to give it to him. As he walked over to exchange some tools, I hurried over and stood behind him. As he turned, our eyes met and he glared at me.

"What's your problem?" I snapped.

"My problem is you, Ryan."

"Me?" I scoffed. "What's new?"

"My sisters overheard your little conversation with Spencer at the party."

"And what did they hear?" My voice oozed contempt.

"That you want to 'bang her brains out' I think was what they quoted."

"I never said that!"

"Whatever. Just remember, if you touch her—"

"You'll do what, Giles?"

He raised his chin defiantly.

I scoffed. "You know, out of that whole conversation, it's funny they picked out the one thing that I didn't even say."

"They told me more as well, but those other things you said are pure fantasy. They will never happen, so I'm not concerned."

I grabbed him and shoved him. He resisted, planting his feet firmly on the ground. Swinging, I planted my fits on his jaw, right before he shoved me back. The teacher rushed over, yelling at us. I stepped back as he gave us detentions.

*

Penny

Giles and I sat in the library working on our project for class. We sat quietly for a few minutes, sifting through our notes and the books, while Giles' laptop sat open on the table between us. He glanced up at me, so I looked up at him. He opened his mouth then stopped, closing it again. I raised an eyebrow as he pondered, then he decided to speak. "What are you going to do after you go back to Australia?"

I raised both my eyebrows, surprised at the question. "I dunno. I won't be able to go straight to university 'cause the year doesn't start until February, so I guess I'll have to work. I'm thinking a mission maybe? You know, get some money saved up and go out and serve for a while, and try not to get married." I laughed.

Giles let a quick smile flash across his face. "Not even to Ryan?"

I hesitated, my voice catching in my throat. "Well, we can only wait and see where that goes."

"Do you think he'd fly to Australia for you?" Giles leaned over the desk, gazing into my eyes.

"I dunno. It's not something we've ever talked about." I dropped my gaze uncomfortably.

"I would," he said, sitting back. "I'd chase the girl I love to the ends of the world."

"Aw, you’re so romantic." I pet his arm.

"I would," he said defensively. "She'd be worth it." He pushed his reading glassed back up onto the bridge of his nose.

I grinned, finding him completely adorable. "The girl you catch will be one seriously lucky woman."

He looked over his glasses. "You’re quite good at flattery.”

I shrugged, grinning. "I try."