He's A Monster

Teasing

Danielle's perspective POV

"So... how's it been, sleeping with the mon--"

"Marshal. His name is Marshal, and I am not sleeping with him," I snapped, cutting her off.

"Sure," Karen said, rolling her eyes.

"You know what, Karen? I don't care anymore. Say what you want, think what you want, do what you want. I don't care."

"So that's it? You're going to throw this friendship away for a guy?"

I shook my head, standing from my desk. "I'm still here, aren't I? You're the one acting like an immature child."

"Oh, whatever, Danielle."

"No. Whatever, Karen." I threw the strap of my bag over my shoulder and walked out of the classroom as the bell rang.

The hallways were packed with students, all moving like rivers toward the cafeteria. My boots clicked softly against the polished floor as I weaved through the crowd, my eyes scanning for him. Last time I'd seen him was in the woods... that night would stay with me forever. The faint tingle on my lips reminded me.

My stomach twisted as I approached the cafeteria, the warmth inside contrasting with the cold bite of the early afternoon air sneaking in through the door. I rubbed at my nose, sniffing. Cold, great.

"Lovel--"

"Oi!" I squeaked, clutching my chest. I spun around, and there he was. "You've got to stop sneaking up on me like that."

He smiled at me, those pale purple shadows under his eyes making him look even more... mesmerizing. His lips were pink, soft, and slightly parted.

"My apologies, love," he said quietly.

"How are you?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I'm good. Yourself?"

"I'm fine, thanks."

He led the way to a quiet corner table, his long legs moving with effortless grace. I held my bag tightly at my side, following silently.

"My day's been... eh," I muttered.

"Eh?" He looked at me, amused.

"It's school," I said, waving a hand.

He slid into a chair with a smirk. "Education is good, love."

"When did you get all smart?" I teased, lowering myself across from him.

"Oh, miss Danielle," he said, mock offense in his tone. "You've deeply hurt me."

"Oh? And what can I do to fix it? A kiss?" I said with a sly grin.

His eyebrow shot up. "Love," he warned, "are you hitting on me?"

"Am I?" I replied, folding my hands in front of me.

He reached out, brushing a curl from my face, thumb grazing my cheek. His lips pressed together, unreadable.

"I would love that kiss... but you'd have to hurt me more," he said softly.

"Do I have to date someone? Leave you? Run away?" I asked, teasing but nervous.

"Okay, okay. None of that," he quickly shot down wit a strained laugh.

"Why not?"

"Because, love... I'd have to kill someone."

I blinked, unsure if he was joking or not.

"So, spring break is coming up," he said, leaning back.

I tilted my head. "Yeah?"

"Yeah... so?"

"So?"

"Do you want to go somewhere... or?"

"Marshal... are you asking me out?" I whispered, hope threading through my voice.

"Take it as you will," he said with that smug smirk.

I shifted in my seat, heart fluttering. "Marshal, during our... maybe date, can you do something interesting?"

"What do you mean?"

"Take it as you will, babe," I said with a teasing shrug, standing. I gave him a slow look over my shoulder as I walked out of the cafeteria, swaying just slightly. First things first, I needed to ask Mom.

Outside, the air was crisp, grass damp beneath my shoes. I pulled my phone from my back pocket, thumbing her contact and pressing it to my ear knowing she would answer.

"Hunny? Is something wrong? Are you okay?"

"No, everything's fine. I just... have a question."

"Well, what is it?"

"Okay... you know about spring break?"

"Of course."

"Well..." My voice trailed off, nerves bubbling up. I leaned against the brick of the school, gripping the phone. "Mom... can I hang out with a boy for.. maybe a date?"

Silence. Then: "Uh... is it the boy you've been sneaking around with?"

"Yes," I admitted softly.

"I'm not sure... let me think about it."

Think about it?! It's a simple yes or no. My stomach twisted.

"Alright," I muttered.

"Okay, I'll go for now, hunny bunny. Love you."

"Love you too," I whispered, pocketing the phone.

I turned back toward the school, frustration still prickling. Four days until spring break. Hopefully I'd get an answer before then.

"Love?"

"Marshal."

"Where'd you run off to?"

I looked up. Concern etched across his face. "Just making a call."

"Is everything okay?"

No. Mom didn't say yes. I smiled weakly. "Yeah... everything's great."

His hand brushed mine, sending a jolt up my arm. "I'd really like to spend that break with you, love."

"You would?"

"Yes. I have ideas... plans for us."

I swallowed hard, trying not to think about what he meant. "Oh... good. Can't wait."

"Perfect." He smirked, that damn smirk that made me feel every emotion at once.

Fuck.