The Exception

Chapter 75: Fists Don't Solve Problems

I wanted to scream as I saw Evan's fist make an impact on Keith's face. Keith staggered back and fell. Evan stalked after him. Keith stood up and blocked the next blow Evan threw at him, but couldn't stop the kick. He stumbled back again, clutching his stomach in pain.

The crowds just gave space and watched as all this unfolded. I saw none of the guardians or teachers nearby. Everyone was too scared to intervene. Especially with Evan involved.

I didn't think clearly, but all I knew was this had to stop. Evan raised his arm to strike again, but I jumped in between him and Keith just as he started throwing his next blow. 

His hand stopped inches from my cheek.

 I stared at him, horrified, frozen. 

Evan's eyes made contact with mine, and I opened my mouth.

"Do it," I whispered. "Hit me. Just like that jerk hit your sister." 

My fists got clenched. "Just like Tyler struck me. Show me. Show me who you really are...who you really turned out to be. You didn't become stronger Evan. You became exactly like them."

Evan clenched his jaw. We stared at each other, long and hard. I couldn't help but think about how this all started. An ignorant girl, who decided to charge her phone. Now standing between him and the guy she truly loved.

Evan lowered his hand. The glare softened, and I saw if only for a second, the lost boy inside of him. But the tragedy was that he had now lost me forever. He turned and stormed out of the building. I turned around to focus on Keith. I could see his nose was bloody and he was still half-clutching his stomach. "Come on," I whispered to him. I let Keith hang his one arm around my shoulder and I helped him into the kitchens of the school. The cook stared in shock at me.

"Sorry, can I please get a cloth and an icepack?" I asked him. "I'll pay for it."

"No stress, of course," the cook handed me a white cloth and went to fetch the ice pack. Keith leaned against the counter, facing me.

I dabbed the blood off from his face. "I'm so sorry Keith," I said. "This is all my fault."

Keith placed his hand on my cheek. "Look at me...NONE of this was your fault. Evan was responsible for his actions alone. Ok?"

"I don't understand, he's never been known to throw the first punch, why now?"

Keith sighed and shook his head, wincing. "I guess because he lost something he really cared about. When..." Keith took a deep breath. "When a guy is crazy over a girl, has her, then loses her...sometimes rage and jealousy are all that is left. Because if that guy were to let himself actually feel the loss...he wouldn't know how to cope."

"So you're thinking he is hurting?"

"In a bad way," Keith spoke. "Which is exactly what makes him, and so many guys out there so dangerous...I didn't realize how dangerous."

"He didn't hit me," I whispered. The cook handed me the icepack, and I handed it to Keith. He placed it on his face. "How are your ribs?"

"Not broken," Keith responded. "I guess if broken once, it grows back stronger. Because he did not hold back."

I sighed and shook my head.

"I want to bash his skull in for ruining your night..." Keith shook his head. "I'm so sorry, for everything he put you through, Agnus. I wish there was more that I could have done."

"You don't realize it, but you helped me so much during that time. A voice of reason," I spoke and smiled. "If it wasn't for you, I'd probably still be dating him."

"I think you would have figured it out yourself as well, I just speeded up the process," Keith grinned and I nodded.

I cleaned the blood from his face. "How's your nose?"

"Unbroken...thankfully, it is one of my more redeeming qualities..." Keith spoke as he rubbed it. I laughed.

"You want to go outside?"

"Some fresh air would be great," Keith agreed. We headed out of the ball and outside into the parking lot. I took a deep breath of the fresh air and looked up at the sky. It was quiet. Serene. I was sad about Evan, but knew, that this issue was not yet resolved. 

I glanced at Keith, who himself was staring at the sky. I bit my lips in nervousness and took a deep breath. What I was about to do, was the most daring, stupid, and probably dumb stunt that I would ever pull in my ENTIRE life.

"Keith," I whispered as I took a step closer to him. He looked down and at me. He smiled, and his dimples showed so clearly now.  "Yes? What's wrong?"

I took another step closer to him. My heart was pounding, and I stared directly into his eyes. 

It was now or never.

I stood on my toes and kissed him. Softly at first, and took a step back. Keith's face was shocked, and a dark pit formed in my stomach.

"I'm sorry, that was a mistake," I turned around, but Keith grabbed my arm and spun me back.  He kissed me then, and my heart wanted to burst in excitement. Shivers ran down my spine, and I wrapped my arms around his neck and his fingers dug into my hair. His lips were soft, warm, and he held me tightly. And the dark violent moments of that night was all forgotten.

I wished so deeply, this moment would last forever.