Let's Pretend

-22-

Astraea Grey

"Colton, you didn't have to walk me to my locker" I looked up at my brother's towering figure. Due to the differences in our height's many people thought he was older.

"Yes, I did" He paused as he glared at some girls who were laughing and pointing at me. "Everyone's talking about you".

I shrugged my shoulders "I've gotten use to it over the past four years". It was sad but true. Being the best friend of Hayden Anderson and the sister of Colton Grey, I've gotten dirty looks and glares thrown my way. Even threats to stay away from them, which was way out of hand. The girls didnt like how me and Madison were close to the boys even though everyone knew who they were to us.

Colton remained silent as we stopped at my locker. He crossed his arms over his chest and just looked around the hall. "Colton, you're not my bodyguard"

"You're right, I'm your brother. Even better". Opening my locker I looked over my shoulder to see him smirking.

"Baby brother" I clarified as he too believed he was older at times. Times like this where I happened to be at a vulernable state. I was grateful though.

A scoff left his mouth as he fixed his bag on his two shoulders "Whatever". I chuckled as I threw my unneeded books into my locker.

"Rae" I smiled at Madison who was holding onto Colton's shoulder breathing heavily. My smile was soon replaced with a frown. "We should get to class" She gave Colton a look, who's body diameter changed from being an embarrsed boy infront of his crush back to his little brother overprotective mode. 

"We have ten more minutes to get to class" I looked between the two. 

"But its good to be there early" Colton added as Madison stepped infront of me as I turned my head to look down the hall.

I laughed "I'm never early to class". I stood on my tippy toes trying to see what was getting both Madison and Colton so frantic.

"Well let it be the first" Madison stated as she turned my body around, closing my locker with her left hand. Whatever they were trying to prevent me from seeing clearly back fired as the whispers grew in the halls. They bounced off the walls like no tomorrow. My eyed widened as Asher was walking our way. Madison froze while still holding my shoulders as I had filled her in about the incident that happened at the bowling alley not too long ago. 

Colton however was clueless as a tree stump. "Would you two walk already"He sounded quite agitated as he looked over my shoulder to the schools entrance.

"Hey Colton" Asher did the bro handshake with Colton seeing that they were both on the football team, they knew each other pretty well. "Rae" He turned his attention towards me, a smirk twisted onto his lips.

"Hi and bye" I removed myself from Madison lose grip and stepped around Asher.

"I see that Hazel's always going to be Hayden's first pick. She's always going to win" The words slipped out of Asher's tonuge making my body freeze. I turned to look at Madison and Colton who were both giving me the same expression 'I'm sorry' was written all over their features. "Oh, she didnt know" Asher pouted as he looked at me "But hey just know I'm here. So just call me whenever you want a good time" He winked at me then turned to walk away.

Colton stepped in front and punched him right in the face."Dont..fucking... speak...to..my...sister" He breathed out with every punched he threw at Asher. I just stood there, since when did Colton know how to fight?!

Snapping back into reality, Madison and me pulled a heavy breathing Colton of a not so good looking Asher. Colton looked at me and wipped his bleeding knuckles onto his jeans. "I'm sorry" He told me then kicked Asher in the stomach. "But he desvered it. And stay the fuck away from my sister" He seethed out the last words at a groaning Asher.

"Colton, Rae, Madison are you guys okay looked up at Hayden who pushed through the crowds with Ginger Pubes clinging onto his arm.

"Take that" Colton pointed at Asher "As a fucking warning Hayden, because if you go near my sister best belive I'll hurt you worse".

I grabbed Colton's arm "Lets get you to the nurse". Madison grabbed Coltons bag and all three of us pushed through the crowd.

~*~

I rested my head on the palm of my hand as I watched the stupid video we were told to watch by Ms.Poliner. I scribbled a couple of notes as she looked at me. If taking notes wasnt counted as a grade for today then I would've been taking a nap.

I looked over at Jacob who looked just as bored as I did. A smile played on my lips as his eyes slowly started closing. I nudge with my elbow "Wake up" I whispered.

He jumped slightly. "I am" He whispered back as he rubbed his eyes.

"Yea, sure" I turned my attention back to the screen as he caught me looking at him. Today he was wearing his glasses, his dark blue hoodie was on his head and his platinum blonde curly hair peeked out. 

Ms. Poliner stopped the video. "Okay, class make sure you have your name on your paper and hand me your notes when you exit the class" She stated as she rubbed her hands on her pencil skirt and walked over to the door. "Class!" She yelled waking some of the people who were actually sleeping. 

I collected my things and threw them into my bag. "Astraea can I ask you something". I turned my head to look at Jaden who was playing with his curls acting nervous.

"Yea, sure"

"I know you just broke up with Hayden and all. But do you want to go to the Homecoming dance with me". He shrugged his shoulders then looked at me. My mouth fell slighlt agape. I didnt really think he would ask me. Last time I checked I thought he had something going on for a senior named Hannah. "This was stupid you probally had someone who asked you with a big proposal and picked him. I'm sorry just forget this."

"No" I grabbed his arm as he turned around. "You just shocked me. But yes I'll go" I smiled up at him, he was around 6'5 . A smile reached his eyes.

"Really?"

I nodded my head "Yes, you were the first one to ask me, and I'm glad you did".

"Thanks" I chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me. "I'll text you" He pulled away from the hug and gave me last smile as he walked out the class room. I smiled at his retreating figure. I grabbed my things and exited the class, giving Ms. Poliner a smile who looked at me surpirised.

"Rae" My smile faded as I Hayden pulled on my arm. "Can we talk"

"There's nothing to say" I looked up at him, regretting every second of it. He had bags under his eyes and a slight stubble from not shaving.

"Rae, what does that Jacob  kid have that I don't"

I frowned "Hayden are you serious. If you weren't so blinded by Hazel or other girls you would've seen that I liked you. Hell, I love you. And there were times when I tried to move on and forget about you but it was always you, my mind and heart wanted."

"You love me?"

"Shit" I mumbled "I gotta go" I pushed away from him, taking on last look at him he wad staring at the locker in front of him rubibing his hands through his hands. He walked away from the spot not even looking back at me.