Our Messed Up Thing

chapter 20

"What is it you wanted to talk about?"  I ask, trying to change the subject and let time pass so that I'm not forced to do whatever probably illegal adventure he wants to take me on.

"Archie," The sound of his name already makes me nervous. It's been so long since we have talked. We saw each other once but directly broke eye contact- well, at least I did.

"What about him?" I gulp.

"He is... Very... He's A pain in the ass." He explains. Him insulting Archie however does make something in my stomach twist.

"He isn't-" I try to interrupt but he gets in the way.

"I didn't finish. He is also a very protective guy." He adds.

"Very protective? Of what?" I know he's protective but what does that have to do with anything?

"You mean 'of who'. I'm pretty sure he doesn't like the fact that you and I are hanging out, Buttercup," He teases; again with the Bs.

"Well, K- um..." I try to make up something funny with a K but my brain is giving me nothing. "Uh... K- oh! Kuzco! Whatever, Kuzco!!!" I yell happy that I finally came up with something, even though it's a Disney character's name.

"Kuzco? Seriously?" He cringes. "Now stop with the small talk and get over here. " He orders.

"No," I deny crossing my arms. This surprises him... maybe even surprising me a little too.
He, however, jumps to the floor and walks towards me, finally giving in. Well at least that's what I thought he was doing but he then swings his arm behind my legs and pulls me up to carry me in one swift move.

"Let me go!!" I laugh, softly hitting his chest with my fists. He smiles. He doesn't laugh, but he smiles.

"Oh, shut up, Bambi." He teases.

"Wow, I bet you just add more B names to the list while you're bored." I joke when he finally places me on the toilet seat.

"Maybe... But Buttercup is one of my favorite so you'll be hearing that one a lot!" He sarcastically remarks. "Now shut up and leave through the window. I'll be right behind you." He says neutrally.

"What?" I ask dryly, mind blown by what he is asking.

"Go on, do it." He says crossing his arms. "Wait, are you too scared? Oh okay then, we can leave." He says in a childlike manner.

"Oh shut up," I say trying to imitate his voice. To prove him wrong, I decide that I've got nothing to lose (even though I have, and a lot) and go out the bathroom door, praying that a guy won't come in.

"Don't worry, I closed the door quite... effectively." He smirks, almost reading my mind.

"I don't even want to ask you what you mean by that." I comment and he shrugs. "Are you even sure this is safe?"

"Trust me, Beezus." Ugh, stop with the Bs!

I sigh deeply and nod before committing the biggest mistake of my life. "Fine but, are you just gonna run away and let me be caught?" I ask honestly, looking at his eyes in search of an answer.

Before saying anything, he examines me and his eyebrows furrow. After that short pause, he takes a step towards me and places his hands on my waist. "I promise you, I'll be right behind you." He whispers as I sigh; Still not convinced. "In fact, let me go first and I'll help you with the jump. But I'm trusting you will do this?" He asks. I can tell we both automatically trust each other but are scared of that.

"I never lie. Of course I'll jump." i reply, hoping that he'll believe me.

"Okay, you sure?" This is a new side I see from him. A nicer, kinder side. It's nice- amazing, actually.

"Yeah," I nod and jump from the seat to allow him on it.

"All you have to do is pull yourself up and put a foot on the flusher. Then impulse yourself and sit here," He explains while  doing it. "And finally jump. I'll be waiting down here for you, okay?" He asks, before jumping to the other side.

"Mm hm." I accept and watch him leave the male bathroom. Suddenly I hear the door opening and the sudden movement makes me instinctively jump on the toilet seat, ready to escape out the window.
         My head however, is placed at the perfect angle to see who came in. How didn't I expect this?

"What the-" The guy says.

"It's not what it looks like," I rush, even though I'm not really sure what it looks like.

"Betty, who are you talking to?" Kade exclaims from outside. Betty? Really?

"Are you seriously with him?! What the hell, Gigi?!" He is so mad.

"No! Not in that way-" I try to shout but he interrupts me again.

"Just don't!" He roars. And with that, he storms out of the bathroom.

"Archie! Wait!" I call.

However, he ignores me and walks away.