Love Is Strength

Chapter 2: The protector

"I signed us up for soccer," Clarke said, as she unpacked her things in a little drawer.

"You did what?" Abby asked. She saw, how her blond friend rolled her eyes at her.

"Stop yourself, Abby. You are great at soccer. It's going to be fun." Clarke smiled before returning her attention to her clothing situation.

"Well, I didn't expect to use my time on sports. When will I have time to read and do my homework?" Abby asked nervously. She didn't plan to spend her spare time fooling around. She had gotten a scholarship to college, because of her good grades, and there was no way on earth, Abby was going to play soccer instead of keeping up with her many books.

"Oh no, I forgot my purse." Clarke interrupted Abby's thoughts. "Abby, will you get for me? Please!" Clarke gave her a huge smile.

"And why would I do that? You are the one, who forgot it," Abby snapped back.

"Because I love you, and you are the best friend, and you..."

"Oh, cut it, I'll do it, Clarke," Abby said as she chuckled. Abby put on her sneaks and opened the door to the hallway. Then she walked down the stairs and followed the path, which lead to the dining hall. From the dining hall, Abby went south towards the main gate. She was just about to take the doorknob when she heard footsteps from behind.

"Who is sneaking around at this hour?" a deep voice said. Abby suddenly remembered, how the Principal had told them not to go out after 10. Abby's heart pounded in her chest. This couldn't be happening. She hadn't even been to school in more than 24 hours, and she had already screwed up. Abby then felt a hand on her arm and was about to yell, but was silenced, when another hand came before her mouth. She looked towards the person and saw none other than the boy, she had run into earlier. His black hair was still perfectly combed backward, and his perfect mouth was smiling. He pushed her into the wall of the side of the building and hid them right next to a big statue. Abby felt her heart racing, and she hadn't been so scared her entire life. But somehow the boy, who was pressed up against her, made her feel safe. They heard the footsteps disappear before both of them exhaled a deep breath.

"So, we meet again." The young man said. His accent made Abby's heart skip a beat.

"It must be faith telling us something. For example, what your name is." Abby said, whilst smiling mischievously.

"Marcus Kane, your protector." He grinned. Abby felt her cheeks blush, so she looked down towards the floor.

"Don't," Marcus said, as he put a finger under Abby's chin to make her look at him. "You have beautiful eyes. Don't hide them away by looking down." He gave her an honest smile, and Abby couldn't help but chuckle. They stared into each other's eyes and Abby felt a weird feeling inside of her. Like she was aching after something.

"I guess, I'll see you around, Abigail Griffin." Marcus took a step away from her. "Always a pleasure." With that, he turned around and walked silently away. Abby was left with no other sound than her own breathing.  

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"Ready for practice?" Clarke asked while grabbing her soccer bag. She turned around with a smile, but that disappeared quickly when she saw Abby sitting by her desk doing homework. Abby mumbled something incomprehensible and got a smack in the head by Clarke, who was now looking judgmentally at her.

"I will hit even harder, if you don't come with me right now, Abby. I'm dead serious." Clarke didn't as much as blink, as she stared directly into Abby's eyes.

"Please, Clarke. You know how much this means to me. I have to do good in school, otherwise, I'll be kicked out." Abby said, never looking away from her homework.

"I also know that it's important to do other activities, otherwise people will think you're a freak. Abby. And that will not look good on a job application." Clarke said determinedly. She grabbed some of Abby's clothing and started putting it into a bag. Abby sighed heavily. She knew Clarke was right. She closed her laptop gently and turned around to see her friend stand with a mischievous smile and a blink in her eye. Oh, dear god, Abby hated, when Clarke was right.