HeartBeat

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Chase

"You also smell...good." Charlotte says, almost suspiciously.

I release a bark of loud laughter, that I immediately try to smother against my hand. Heads turn our way, and even Mrs. D looks up from her work.

I clear my throat, trying to play it off. I lean back against my chair. Trying to get some space, from the amusing, and intoxicatingly admirable woman.

Her eyes were widened slightly, and there was suspicious coloring around her neck. If I didn't know any better, I would say the hateful minx, was embarrassed.

I bite my lip, trying my best to smother another laugh.

No, not hateful. Not truly.

Her words the night of my birthday, had dug into me, like a worm. They were said with venom I had never heard directed my way, and they had touched nerves that made me second guess myself. It had eliminated more progress than I'm willing to admit.

I had beaten that punching bag till my knuckles were bloody and had fought with those two men in the ring, until my body heaved, and theirs wore out.

I had felt lighter, hanging out there a bit, and when I walked out, I had begun to try to analyze why Charlotte's hateful words had gotten to me so deeply.

And that's when I saw her. Standing, hand pressed against the glass, on wobbling knees. She looked smaller then, in that moment, or maybe the world seemed too huge. When she turned towards me, I had felt as if someone had cut away all my breathable air. Stolen away from my lungs, so quickly, I had choked.

There was pain so raw, that it made even me tremble, on her hauntingly beautiful face. There weren't any glaring eyes. Or hateful scowls. There was only pain, and fear. She had looked afraid, like the first time I had seen her, only it was more expressive, deeper. Rawer. It damn near brought me to my knees that look.

I gave in to the immediate need and had tucked her against me. Acting as her shield against whatever was causing her pain. I held her in my arms, and it felt like she had been there before. It felt as if she belonged there.

I didn't question it. I just gave her what I thought she needed. A hug. And as if I needed the same, the hug began to wash away her past words. And any feeling that came along with it.

Even now, next to her, I can still feel the warmth of that day, and how much lighter I felt, as if I had unloaded a burden.

My eyes soften, as she looks at me with annoyance.

She's, my place. I look over at the notebook. She's where I go to unload my burdens. Somehow, I knew she could handle them, even with the niggle of fear, that she won't be able to. But I would also be the place where she goes to unload hers. I'll be her warmth, and she'll be mine.

This was madness. I didn't really know her. But as I search her face, tracing the frown on her lips. I wanted to know all that laid beneath that. Give me all your burdens Hazel eyes. And I'll give you mine. And together we'll bask in the warmth of...

Ava

I suck in a breath, as a strange look transforms Chase's face. He begins to shine more before me, as a soft smile rests on his lips. I frown deeper. My heart stuttering inside my chest. I didn't understand the look, but it was directed towards me, and it made me feel strange.

It made my mouth dry. Even though I wanted to ask him why he was wearing it, and what it meant. It felt important. It felt, destructive.

"Alright class. That's time. You all have a grand day. I'll see you on Friday."