Safe Haven

Niall

  "Two down,four more to go."I mutter to myself as I solve tons of equations.It was supposed to be a 30 item assignment but just my luck,it increased to more than a hundred.Six of my classmates asked me to do their assignment.Or should I say,forced me to do their assignment.Now Im using all my free time sitting here at my usual spot behind a bush,solving math equations that wouldn't even help my own grades.

  Fifty two minutes later,there is only one more paper to fill.I grab it and started writing numbers,variables and signs.I was so focused on what Im doing that I didn't noticed a figure coming.

  "Niall."a familiar voice called and I glanced up to see Hazel coming towards me wearing a blue dress with flower patterns reaching above her knees and a pink balet shoes with black stripes.Her long black hair was fixed at her back with some strands cascading on the sides.

  "Hey."I greeted feeling self conscious.How can someone as pretty as Hazel be friends with me?She can be an it girl here in school.

  "What's up?"she asked nodding at the papers around me.She sits down next to me and grab a paper.

  "No dont-" I tried to get the paper back but she raised her hand making it out of my reached.Then she looked at the paper her eyes slowly widening.

  "This isn't yours!"she exclaimed.Her eyes landed on the other papers then she fixed her gaze on me.I averted my eyes."Niall..."she called but I didn't look at her.

  I felt Hazel's hand went to my chin making me look at her.Her touch is so light,her fingers soft as feathers.It brings shiver all over my body.Her dark eyes searched mine and I stare back.

  "Who's assignment are these?"she asked softly.

  I sigh then mumbles,"Just some classmates."

  Hazel dropped her hand and bolted up."Who are they?Give me the names."she said sternly.I scrambled to my feet.

  "Hazel no,its fine."I said.

  "Fine?Niall they're manipulating you."she said furiously creating a small pinch in my chest.She cares about me.

  "They just asked me to do this.Its not like they hit me just like Gerson."I said in a low voice.

  "But Niall-"

  "Hazel,its fine.You dont always have to defend me.See what happened the last time you did?Gerson hurt you."

  "I dont mind.And besides,it wont happen again."

  "But I mind.I dont want you getting hurt again because-"

  "Dont even start blaming yourself again Niall."

  Hazel took a step closer to me.Then her voice softened.

  "I wanna be here with you.I got your back."

  "Yeah I know.But you dont have to fight all my battles.Having you as a friend is enough."I said truthfully.

  Hazel's mouth opened then she closed it again smiling at me.

  "Okay.But if someone hurts you again,just call me and I'll use my knowledge in taekwondo."she said.

  I chuckle."Alright."

  "Alright."

  We both sit down again as I finish the last paper.Then we ate our lunch Hazel got from the cafeteria.

  "Hey I almost forgot."Hazel said in the middle of us eating lunch.Her mouth is still full of food so the words came out baffled.

  I chuckle."Swallow first."