The Exception

Chapter 46: When Fights Turn Deadly

I gave my locker  high kick, and it swung open. I gave  a satisfied smirk.

"Now, that's my little Ninja," Evan wrapped his arms around me, and I smiled. "You try jumping with it?"

"Some day, maybe," I said and smiled. He was so warm, and his scent was that of mint and coffee combined. "Just takes practice."

"That locker has a reputation," Evan said as he let me go. He kissed my lips then my hand. "Gotta visit the bathroom. See you just now."

"Sure," I said and laughed as he jumped, smacked his feet together, high-fived his one pal and carried on walking. I turned around to gather my books, and closed the locker. I jumped as I saw Tyler next to me. He had one black eye, and a furious expression. It really scared me. 

"So you mess with my life, my girl and now you decided to mess with my job too?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked with a frown.

"Your precious little boyfriend got me fired from the café, you really don't think it's a coincidence after this weekend that I was suddenly let go?" Tyler pushed me against the lockers and I gasped in shock. "You ruined my life!"

"Tyler, calm down," I spoke softly. He was enraged, and I was scared of what he might just do next. 

"DON"T YOU DARE TELL ME WHAT TO DO YOU LITTLE SNAKE!" Tyler snapped at me. I raised my hand and tried to push him back, but this seemed to anger him more. He grabbed both my wrists and slammed me into the lockers. I shoved my leg up again, but he blocked it with his own. Before I knew it Tyler's fist came into contact with my eye, and I dropped down. Pain hammered in my head, and I could barely believe what was happening...

Did Tyler just hit me?!! I stood up as crowds started to circle in. I was shocked that no one came to step in. What the hell was wrong with them? Tyler approached me as I stepped back. "You are a..."

"Bro!" I gasped as I saw one of the guys jump in and push Tyler back. "Are you insane!?"

"Joey, don't you dare get involved..."

"I'm getting involved...as much as any decent guy should," Joey spoke coldly. I stared in relief at him as he stood between me and Tyler. 

"You better get out of my way or I swear..."

Before Tyler could finish, someone tapped his shoulder. He turned and fell back. It was a flurry of screaming and fists. I watched helplessly as I realized it was Evan. He was now on top of Tyler, and he had the upper hand. He punched and punched hard. 

"Evan stop! Stop!" I called. However, nothing else seemed to be happening. People were snapping pics and crowding around, cheering for Tyler or for Evan. I knew that in this case, Evan was the clear winner. I didn't think it was exactly a good thing. Blood spattered from Tyler's mouth, and he gasped for air. Joey saw an opportunity and jumped in, grabbing Evan and pulling him off Tyler while another guy grabbed Tyler and held him back. Evan pushed against Joey, but I grabbed his arm. His face snapped towards me, and softened.

"Just stop, ok? He's down..."

"He deserves so much more for what he just did..." Evan spoke. 

"But that's not up to you to decide! You could have killed him if you carried on like that!" I snapped. I ignored the throbbing pain and headache that was growing. Evan hugged me tightly, and I let him. Anything to help ease him, and to prevent him from going after Tyler again. Yes, Tyler scared me, but Evan was certainly the better fighter. Either way, I glanced at Joey, who was standing there, hands on his hips, out of breath. "Thank you..." I whispered to him, and he nodded. I was beyond grateful that this guy I barely knew from bowling intervened. He certainly behaved better than both Evan and Tyler. I swallowed hard. "Let's go to the nurse, ok?"

"Ok," Evan agreed, and we started walking away. I knew there would be consequences, but right now, I wanted to put as much distance as I could between Evan and Tyler.