MY SANCTUARY: THE BEGINNING

†CHAPTER NINE†

         "WILL you stop scaring me like that?" I swivel around, hoping to see Veiko but instead I see Julian.

"Oh, Julian.  I-I thought you were Veiko"

His brows creased together.

"Is that how he greets you? By scaring you?"

I shook my head so fast I thought it would pop out.

"Well then, let's keep him off you. You can't be his." He placed his hands on both sides of my head.

"Huh? W-what do you mean?" I asked backing up on my locker.

I really hated when boys did that. Always trying to dominate you.

His breathing slowed as he got closer. Now his face was inches from mine. I was about to push him off when my mind chose that moment to recall the kiss he'd given me in the park two weeks ago.

  When his lips brushed mine , I realised I couldn't continue to lead him on so I gently pushed his chest.

"Julian, p-please stop" I breathed slowly.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I-i just..."

"Just what? "

"I-I just can't do this. I-I-I'm sorry. It's just that I..." I broke off,seeing his narrowed eyes.

"It's him, isn't it?"

"Who?"

He shoved me against the locker hard.

"Don't lie to me dammit.  I know it's because of him. You love him more than me, don't you?"

"What? No I..." I tried to defend myself.

"You just used me. You're a player "

"I'm not! Just listen to... "

"Dehlia" He said incredulously.

   I pulled back, hurt. How could he say that about me? I never loved Veiko. If there was anyone close to bring loved by me, it was him.

"No Julian,  I loved yo..." I cut off when his hand sliced through the air towards my face.

   I shut my eyes, waiting for the pain to come but it never did.

I opened my eyes to see Julian's hand in mid-air. His face was contorted with pain. He was dragged backwards by a dark haired teen.

"V-Veiko? " I sputtered.

He'd pinned Julian to the wall by the neck and was growling at him.

"Stay. Away. From her. Greylark" He hissed through his teeth and shoved him away. He walked towards me rather quickly 

  He grabbed my hand and led me outside the school into the bright but cold atmosphere outside the school.

  I shivered and he tightened his grip on me as the sun came out. I heard him wince and pull me into the forest just behind the school.

                *          *          *

Panting hard, we crashed into the trees as branches whipped our faces and the shrubs scratched our legs.

  We jumped over a small brook and stopped.

I leaned on my knees, trying to catch my breath. Veiko didn't seem faxed in any way.

"Where are we going?" I asked him.

He had an unreadable look in his eyes.

"Veiko!" I yelled when he didn't answer me.