Can't Afford Mistakes.

Chapter Nine

A/N: This chapter has dialogue in Spanish, so if you can't read it, or are too lazy to look it up right away like me, don't worry, it gets explained later on in chapter, no worries. btw: I'm only in Spanish 5, so I apologize if the translation you get is rough.

Sadie.

By the time Ryan and I arrive at Arabella's house, we have shared theories about our favorite television shows, shared likes and dislikes, and talked about our favorite music. Turns out that Ryan and I have multiple common interest. We both enjoy making fun of the terrible acting in Lifetime movies, we listen to the same type of music, and share the same love for McDonald's French Fries.

"This is your house," Ryan ask in awe at the size of Arabella's house.

"No, this is my friend Arabella's house," I say, tucking hair behind my ear, "I'm staying with her this week."

"Oh," he says quietly, "is her family like rich?'

"Her dad bought this house on his G.I. Bill, he retired at 30 and then opened his own Pharmaceutical Research lab. Her mom has a PhD in computer engineering and she works for Microsoft," I say collecting my clutch and my phone.

"Oh let me help you," Ryan says stepping out of the car and opening the passenger door for me. He extends his hand for me to grab, and he helps me out of the car. I look into his eyes and I can feel the blood beginning to surface in my cheeks.

"Thanks," I blush.

Suddenly, the sound of tires on pavement rip Ryan and I from our current position. A maroon Mustang barrels down Arabella's driveway straight towards Ryan and I. At the last minute, the car bares right and skids through the rest of the loop. Before I can think of who may be driving the vehicle, Arabella gets out and slams the door behind her. Brett follows in suit and recoils when he sees how hard Arabella shut the door.

"What the hell kind of stunt do you think you're trying to pull," Arabella yells, stomping over to me.

"Arabella, this is Ryan, the boy I met at the coffee shop. Ryan, this is my best friend Arabella," I say giving Arabella a look telling her to chill out.

"Nice to meet you," Arabella mumbles, taking hold of my wrist in a tight grip and dragging me away. "Stay with him," she barks at Brett. He sends me an apologetic look and goes to shake hands with Ryan.

"Arabella, you're hurting me," I whine. Her grip only tightens as her pace quickens, causing me to nearly lose my balance.

Arabella abruptly stops underneath the balcony of her room. She spins around to face me, hair flying into my face as her eyes shut tightly. She releases my wrist before she takes a deep breath and opens her eyes.

"If you're mad at me for not listening, I'm sorry, but you had no right to give Ryan that kind of attitude. He has been nothing but respectful and nice to me," I point out in a matter of fact tone.

"Sadie, you're in over your head," Arabella exclaims. "Listen, I'm going to tell you some things, you may not believe me, but you have to trust me, and I mean whole heartily trust me. I'm trying to keep you from getting hurt. I will tell you everything, I swear, as soon as I know for sure we're alone."

I inhale deeply as I notice the frantic state Arabella is in. "I trust you," I exhale.

"Okay," Arabella sighs, relaxing. "I need you to stay away from Ryan, just for a little while. I don't care how nice and sweet he is, just please trust me. He could potentially be dangerous." I must have a confused look on my face because Arabella delivers the next line slowly, "Sadie, I'm trying to protect you."