Protector Of The Four

Chapter 4

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that." Toby said, making a cup around his ear.
"I'm not going to say it again." Ashley argued, doing an eye roll. Toby just laughed and faced me, who was now incredibly confused. He let out another chuckle and told me "I'll tell you later. Much later." He gave me one last wink and stood up from his crouch, clutching onto Ashley's hand.

My heart sank.

He was holding her hand. It didn't even fit as perfectly as ours did. I searched his face for any affection for her, and I found it.

I felt like my heart had shattered into a million pieces. Although I did know they were dating, it was different when they held hands. I never wanted to believe it at first but they were in love, and it broke my heart.

I put on my best fake smile and as I did this I saw Toby frown and cock his head sideways. He knew it was fake.
"I'm busy for the whole week, but I hope I'll see you around. I would like to maybe, talk to you in private?" He asked, still with a confused look on his face, like he didn't understand why I was heartbroken. I just smiled, no words were escaping my mouth. I was speechless, it was right in front of me the whole time. I managed to make a weak nod and he carried on walking down the hallway, hand in hand with Ashley.

When they got further and further away, my eyes starting to see blurs and I realised I was crying again. Tears fell down my face as I stood up and got my bag which now held all my books. I carefully placed it on my shoulder and began to make my way for period 3...

That was Monday... It's Friday.

Those three days went as fast as a grandma on a treadmill. Every day made me think of Toby and Ashley, especially on the bus. It was horrendous. Toby was never on the bus, but Ashley was. However, she was different around me now, I didn't know if it was because of her argument with Toby the other day but she just seemed to put up with me. She rarely spoke to me, but I guess that's better than her embarrassing me and ruining my school life.

Every day was the exact repeat.
Wake up.
School.
Eat.
Sleep.
Wake up.
School.
Eat.
Sleep.

Over and over again. Hoping to see Toby but then getting disappointed because he was right, he really was busy this week. I was looking forward to the weekend though. Getting away from school so I could clear my head free of him.

Toby. Toby. Toby.

Constantly appearing in my head. His sweet smile and winks. I started smiling just at the thought.

It was lunch at school and for the past three days I have sat on my own. I went to sit on my table like I normally do, when Toby rushes forward with his tray and sits in my seat. Luckily it's a four seater so I get the pleasure of sitting opposite him. Yes.

He had a huge smile on his face as I sat down. I hadn't forgotten about the moment when Toby held Ashley's hand, it still lingered in my mind and in my heart. Although when his deep baby blue eyes stared at my dull green ones, I couldn't help but smile.

He looked over the moon about something and I was pretty sure I was going to find out soon enough.

"I'm so excited, A." He blurted, his eyes were moving like he had so much to tell me but nothing was coming out of his mouth.
"Slow down." I said, confused but ready to listen.
"Ok, meet me after school. Let's say, seven o'clock sharp." He kept fidgeting his legs underneath the table.

Was this a date? Or was it just a friendly gathering? I wanted to ask him but knowing he was dating Ashley it had to be a friendly gathering. Friendly gathering?! What am I talking about?

Ugh.

"I thought you were busy all week?" I asked.
"So did I, but it turns out sparring isn't on today. I have to admit, I am kind of sad. Sad that they get a day off from getting their arses kicked" He said with a smirk and a wink to top it off.

Wow, he's a bit full of himself. Also wait did he say 'sparring?' He knows how to fight? I've never thought of him as a fighter, he looks more like a dancer than a fighter. Sparring just makes him sound even more hotter than he already is, which by the way is incredibly.

"Ok, where are we meeting?" I replied looking down at my food so that he didn't know I had been staring at his lips the whole time. To be honest, neither did I.

"What's your address?" He replied with another hella cute smirk.

He wasn't serious, was he?

I was just about to say it when he burst out laughing.

I don't think he meant it.

Damn.

"Outside the school, on the park bench." He said, moving his fingers through his hazelnut hair, not making eye contact with me. It was as if he had just said something romantic and was waiting for a reply. I bit my lip and thought carefully on how to reply to this.

"Sure. Seven o'clock was it?" I asked, looking down on my food realising I hadn't eaten a thing yet. I grabbed a piece of bread and crammed it into my mouth, which probably wasn't the best thing to do considering my crush had just asked me out on a date/friendly gathering thing.

I managed to swallow it down eventually and stare at Toby, who was now laughing at me. I started smiling at him when he reached forward and wiped some butter off my cheek with his thumb.

"You were hungry." He said with a sweet laugh.
"I eat when I'm nervous." I quickly replied without thinking.

Did I seriously just say that?!

"I make you nervous?" He said leaning closer to me, his hand putting strands of hair behind my ear. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I felt as if it was going to fall out and roll on the floor. He looked straight in my eyes and opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He bit his lip and now our faces were inches away.

A few students turned to face us, some of them were already posting on social media that we kissed. I knew Ashley was going to have my head for this but I couldn't help it.

I was in love.

For real.

I could feel his warm breath on my face. I thought he was going to kiss me, until I heard the lunch door slam shut.

Ashley had seen us, and I don't think she was happy.