Protector Of The Four

Chapter 3

I quickly made my way down the corridor, luckily no one was there to stare or push me over.

Room 5. Room 5. Room 5. Found it!

I placed my hand on the doorknob, deciding whether to enter quickly or slowly so that nobody noticed. I opened it quickly and walked up to the teacher.
"Sorry I'm late, sir" I murmured. He didn't even turn around to face me.
"Ah yes, the new girl. Find a spare seat." He gestured behind him.

That was when my eyes met Toby's. My eyes lit up from his gentle smile and he looked at the empty seat to the right of him. I returned the smile, nodded and started heading for the seat.

I was inches away from the seat when Ashley decided to plonk her bag down on the desk and slide into the seat, as if she hadn't embarrassed me enough. A smirk grew on her lips when she noticed how bruised my hand was.
"Aw, what happened?" She joked as I stared at her. I couldn't believe what had just come out of her mouth. She found this even more hilarious.

My eyes found Toby's and his face showed it all. He was shocked and disgusted by Ashley's behaviour. I thought he would be used to it but it seemed as if this was completely new to him.

I quickly made my way to her seat to avoid any more embarrassment and sunk into it just in time for the teacher to start talking to us about π.

The bell rang for the end of second period. Period two was a relief because Ashley wasn't in that class to annoy me. However nor was Toby.

I hurriedly packed my books away into my bag and rushed out the door. Something in my mind was telling me to go look for him. So I did.

But what I saw was unavoidable​, and what I heard was even more so.

They were having a massive argument. I hid behind a wall and cautiously eaves dropped.
"I can't believe you hurt her!" Toby spat. I had never seen him this angry, it was terrifying.
"She doesn't even fight back, she is useless. I don't think she is who you think she is." Ashley responded, she didn't seem one bit frightened. Instead she just crossed her arms and glared at him as if what he just said meant nothing to her.
"You don't know that! So stop talking like you know who she is! Toby shouted, with his fists clenched in rage. A chill went down my spine as he spoke.
"You might want to calm down, dear." Ashley whispered, emphasizing the 'dear'.
"We have an eavesdropper." She continued, gesturing right at me. I dropped my bag on the floor carelessly in shock. I began to pick up everything, not taking my eyes off of Toby's that were now staring right at me. Fear flashed in them as if he was scared at the fact I had been listening.

Who does he think I am? And Ashley wants me to fight back? If that's true then I'm going to release hell on her like no tomorrow.

Toby speedily walked over to me and started helping me pick up my books that had spilled all over the floor. A sweet smile started to appear on his lips again as he joked "I didn't realise you were this sly, Annabel. Be careful it looks like Ashley is rubbing off on you." His fearful eyes had turn back into the glimmering ones I knew. I turned away not wanting him to notice another uncontrollable blush appearing on my face. Ashley just rolled her eyes and stayed stood up behind us. She didn't feel like helping me. Obviously.

He let out a short laugh that ended with him having another warm smile across his face that made me feel at ease. He handed me some books and his fingers touched my hand. I felt electricity on my palm and I think he felt it to, although he did well hiding it. Simply shaking his head dismissing it.
"Well, what exactly did you hear?" He broke the silence with his husky voice. Should I tell him the truth? The thought did cross my mind.
"You should tell us the truth." Ashley remarked, replying to my thoughts.

I looked up at her and her eyes pierced through mine. She had cold blooded brown eyes but there was something about them that made them warm and seem hurt. Something that was bugging her. Something behind her strong walls that are screaming to get out. Insecurities, fears, worries. She masked it all very well as if she had lots of practise with hiding her feelings from people. I wonder what she's been through, maybe it was her parents that made her become so mean spirited.

I focused my eyes back on Toby, who had turned to face her as well, but he just stared at her as if she had done something wrong.

"Don't listen to what she says, it's all nonsense. She's crazy." He whispered with a cute wink. Ashley being Ashley kicked him in the back which was quickly followed by an "Ow! See what I mean?" He just gave her a smirk whilst shaking his head. Even though he said this I could still tell he cared about her. It just didn't make any sense, how could she do this and still have his heart? Maybe he is being held by his will! I laughed at how messed up my brain was becoming over one boy I only just met this morning.
"What are you laughing about?" Toby asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing." I answered quickly.

Lame.

"I heard everything." I admitted, quickly changing the subject. I searched Toby's face finding more fear and worry. He knew I saw it and quickly moved closer to me, taking my not injured hand into his. Sparks flew around us as our hands were connected once again. I felt the same electricity from before but now it was even stronger. He placed his other hand on top, rubbing my hand with his thumb for comfort. It was comforting alright.
I had a smile growing in the corners of my mouth and so did he. His lips parted and I fought the urge to kiss him. His eyes held mine gently as he thought about what to say.

"How old are you?" He asked, out of nowhere.
"Sixteen." I replied, confused on why this made any difference​.
He had a huge smirk on his face as he turned back around to face Ashley. She looked defeated.
"You were right, she's our girl." She said with a sigh.

Our girl...?