I opened my locker than grabbed my science book, replacing it with my history textbook. Once I switched them out I slammed the locker shut again and stood up to go to my biology class.

"Oh do that again sweet cheeks," a jock hollered behind me.

I spun around and came face to face with the head of the lacrosse team, a senior named Kent Pratt. He's not only known for his great athletics but also his womanizing ways. He has multiple ways to get a girl into his bed, and if the rumors are true than not all of them are legal.

I hated having a bottom locker and a uniform for this specific reason. The skirts were too short, the socks cut off at the right place which showed off a perfect amount of thigh to get any guy going, and don't get me started on the white buttoned blouses which couldn't help but looked provocative.

Many mothers were trying to get the male principle fired for many reasons, this reason included.

"You're the Stavros's little sister aren't you," he asked, walking closer towards me. He trapped me up against the lockers with one arm next to my head. I couldn't do anything, I was only an innocent sophomore girl who was "lucky" enough to gain the attention of Kent Pratt.

"No I'm not," I corrected. My breathing sped up which he took notice of with a smirk but he didn't notice that it wasn't for the reason he thought.

Marco and Xander warned me both of Kent's ways, and to stay clear of him and any other older boy.

"You're their girlfriend or something," he asked.

"No," I said with a blush. I didn't want anyone to know how badly I wanted to be Marco's girlfriend though.

"So they won't care if I invite you over to my house this weekend for a party would they?"

My blood ran cold through my veins at that moment. Kent's parties are exactly where he takes his victims and those rumors start.

"Yeah we would."

Our heads turn over to where Xander and Marco are standing a few feet away, both their eyes glaring at Kent.

He laughed at the brothers then looked back at me. "They're not your parents sweet cheeks. You don't have to follow their rules so why don't you come? Huh? It will be a lot of fun."

"She isn't going to your party Pratt and don't ever speak to her again," Marco spoke up.

Kent glared at Marco, ready to shoot something back before Xander took a step forward and dared for him to open his mouth.

Kent smiled devilishly than leaned towards me, whispering in my ear, "Hope you can come." He winked at me before he turned down the hall and left.

Marco leapt in front of me, taking my face between his hands. From his touch my blush only got worse. "Are you okay El? What did he say to you? Did he touch you?"

"Calm down Marco," Xander said. "Just walk her to class. She's going to be late."

Xander parted down the hallway, choosing a random girls shoulders to swing his arm over. Well I know who's going to be spending a lot of time at the house this week now.

"Come on El," Marco said quietly. He moved to put his arm over my shoulders like his brother did but stopped suddenly, returning his arm back down to his side.

"Thanks Marco," I said as we pushed past people in the halls. Marco's next class was in the opposite direction but I didn't dare say anything about it, I wanted to keep talking to him.

"You need to learn to say no Eliza or you will get hurt," Marco reprimanded.

"I can say no perfectly fine. See watch," I leaned into him. "No."

He smiled and leaned away, finally putting his arm over my shoulders. "You know what I mean. Don't let people walk all over you because I won't be able to be there all the time."

I sighed, stopping in front of my class room. "I know."

"Good luck on your bio test," he said with a cheerful smile before turning around.

I walked into the room and to my seat, a goofy smile on my face. Marco has helped me study for this test all week so of course we would know when it was but I still got butterflies when he wished me luck.

A stack of unfamiliar books and a Prada hand bag was thrown on the table next to me. I stared confused as Riley Michelle slides into the seat next to me with a wicked smile.

"Um can I help you," I asked her.

At St. Lily's Private Academy in New York any one can take any classes they want at any time. Each class was a mix of all four grades which was weird at some times, including when Riley is in the same science class as you. Of course she usually stuck to her group of preppy friends in the corner of the classroom.

"Nope," she responded with a grin.

I ignored her as the teacher sent back the tests to each student. I've been studying for this test for the past two weeks since my grade is on the verge of being a B. My nerves and anger only shot higher when Riley calmly conversed with the teacher as she passed by us. They talked for minutes about how Riley studied so hard for this test and how she can't wait for the teacher to come over for dinner next week.

I don't know why Riley got good grades. It was either because she really was smart or she's friends with all the teachers.

The test started and half way through I felt joyous. I knew every single answer on it and I was so thankful for Marco who helped me study. He was better at every subject than me, other than math and he was an awesome teacher, you know when I could actually concentrate on what he was saying and not his body.

Riley stood up the same time I did to turn in my test. I didn't think much of it, I just couldn't get the proud smile off my face as I walked to the teacher's desk. Riley gestured for me to go first and I happily planted the packet in front of the teacher.

I walked back to my desk, Riley not following behind in her classic heels. I looked up after pulling out my book to see Riley whispering to the teacher and looking at me. I watched confused as the teacher switched her eyes from Riley's copy of the test to my own repeatedly.

Riley wouldn't...

But when I saw her smirk I knew exactly that she would and did.

"Eliza Safar," the teacher called in an angry voice, "head to the principle's office now."

...

"She kept looking over at my paper and filling in every bubble after I did. I knew she was cheating but I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure and when she turned in the test," Riley explained with wet tears. "I'm just so upset about this because I want to apply to Yale next fall and I don't want this to ruin my application."

"Don't worry Ms. Michelle," Mr. Thomas soothed, handing Riley a box of tissues. "You won't be punished for this at all. Only Ms. Safar will."

I wanted to scream and explain the truth, that I didn't cheat, I studied for a week and Riley was probably the one who cheated off of me. But I couldn't. No matter what I tried I couldn't get the words to come out of my mouth.

"Thank you Mr. Thomas," Riley cried, standing up from the twin chair of my own and smoothing out her shirt and skirt. I noticed Mr. Thomas's eyes rest on her chest and she ran her hands over her shirt. "I appreciate all of this."

"No problem Riley. Why don't you go back to class now? I'll handle Ms. Safar."

Riley sent me one last taunting smirk before leaving my alone with the forty something old principal.

...

Marco bombarded me as soon I stepped foot out of the office. His hair was wild and his eyes were wide as he ran to me from his chair in the corner of the lobby.

"What happened?"

I sighed, trying to push past him so I could get to my locker. Instead he grabbed my arm gently and swung me around until I was facing him. "Eliza," he said sternly.

"Riley told the teacher I cheated off of her test so I got sent here. I have a week's suspension."

Marco cursed under his breath, holding me tighter against his chest. I welcomed his embrace and wrapped my arms around his waist. He gasped a bit but I ignored it as I buried my face into his neck.

"El please tell me you told Mr. Thomas what really happened," he said quietly, rubbing his hand down my back.

I did nothing but shake my head against him.

"Dammit Eliza why do you let her walk all over you? You need to stand up for yourself at some point."

"I can't," I sobbed, letting the tears loose.

"Queens are supposed to be brave," Marco whispered into my ear, "and you're my queen."

"Mr. Stavros," Mr. Thomas called from his doorway. "I'll see you now."

I pulled away from Marco, looking to the principal's office and back to Marco in confusion. "Why does he want to see you?"

Marco winced. "You might not be so alone this next week at home."

I was about to ask him why before the door to the nurses opened and Kent Pratt or who the disfigured version of Kent, strolled out in a wheelchair and an ice pack to his face and stomach.

His glare found Marco who returned it just as harshly. No words were spoken until the nurse wheeled Kent out to the hallway.

"What did you do," I asked Marco.

He shrugged carelessly. "You know for a guy who can swing a lacrosse stick pretty well his body can't take it half as well."

I gasped and slightly pulled away. "You beat him up with his own lacrosse stick?"

"Mr. Stavros," Mr. Thomas called again. "Don't make me wait."

"I'll see you later El. I think Mom's coming to get us," he winced again. He knew that Maria wouldn't kill me like she would her son. "And he deserved it," he adds before letting me go and walking to Mr. Thomas.

...

Marco's face flashed with hurt but I didn't know what else to do. Rumi and I were definitely not dating and it was obvious that Marco still wanted me but deep down I knew that I couldn't be with him. I couldn't stand to be with him when I already stabbed him in the back, he deserved someone better, someone who didn't sleep with his brother.

Was he hung up on me these past five years? Was I not obvious when I decided to leave?

I've been running my whole life, from Marco, Xander, Riley, even my Dad. It might have been five years but some things just can't change.

Like they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

I squeezed Rumi's hand back and leaned into his side.

I might be going to hell for this but at least Marco will have the chance to get over me and meet someone new and better.

"This is Rumi," I said quietly. I watched as Marco's heart crushed inside his heart and I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't back out now.

"You need to leave," Rumi demanded. "Take him with you too." He glared down at Xander's large form on the ground.

Marco's eyes rose up to meet mine. I could only look into his brown eyes for a few seconds before the guilt overwhelmed me and I had to look away. Xander might have told him the truth about that night and blamed it all on himself, which it was all his fault, but I still hadn't forgiven myself.

I needed to do that first before anything else happened.

"You can keep the bastard," he muttered before walking out the door and slamming it behind him.

I couldn't help but wonder if that was really the last time I would ever see him.

In silence I left Rumi's side to grab an ice pack from the kitchen, along with the first aid kit. When I came back inside the room there was a stranger who was carrying Xander over to the couch.

"Who are you?"

He looked up to me. His head was bald and his muscles large. He didn't hold any expressions either. "I'm Mr. Stavros's bodyguard, Luke."

"Oh," I replied meekly.

"Wait Stavros? Bodyguard?" Rumi spoke up. He hadn't moved from his spot, not even to help carry Xander. "Is that Xander Stavros the billionaire?" He looked down to Xander whose face was barely recognizable. He had a black eye, cut lip, bruised cheek, and a torn shirt. He's been in Miami for less than a day and he's already ruined two shirts. The old Xander would have freaked out.

I don't bother in answering Rumi. If it were up to me I would have locked myself in my room and instantly started looking for new places to live. Sometimes I don't make the best decisions under pressure. Actually never, I never make the right decisions.

I walk over to the couch next to Luke, Rumi follows behind. I place the ice pack against Xander's eye, making him groan in pain.

"Wakey wakey sleepy head."

He props his good eye open and it immediately lands on me. "What happened?"

"Your brother knocked you out. I hope this Aria girl likes your personality more than your looks." I chuckled knowing that that's impossible. The Xander I knew after he hit puberty was as wicked and cruel as the Grinch but instead of stealing Christmas, he stole girls' virginity's.

He shot up from the couch, wrapping an arm around his waist in pain. "Crap, what time is it?"

"The plane leaves in forty five minutes sir," Luke said, "You have plenty of time."

"El?" Xander looked towards me. "Does my face look really bad?"

"Let me break your nose and it will look perfect."

He groaned and laid back down on the couch. "You're going to hate me forever aren't you?"

"Forever doesn't seem long enough," I sneered, putting the ice pack back on his eye.

"Great," he muttered with a scowl, "not only do you hate me but so does my little brother. I think I might have just split the family in two."

"Well you don't have to worry because Marco hates me too now. Maybe I can finally get rid of both you and continue to live my life."

"Why does he hate you," Xander asked confused. "He could never hate you and definitely not for what happened. He knows that you thought I was him. I'm the only one he should hold a grudge against."

"It doesn't matter. I had to do it," I responded quietly, hoping Rumi won't hear but I know he will. He's standing right behind me.

I wonder if he's scowling right now.

"What did you do Eliza," Xander growled.

His glare and frown remind me to much of Maria's. I can't help but tell him the truth.

"I let him believe that I'm dating Rumi," I said quietly.

Xander's anger morphed into confusion than relief than anger again. "Wait so you're not really dating him but you told Marco that you are so what? He'll leave with his heart even more broken?"

"I had to do it Xander," I pleaded, to try to make him understand. "Marco wants me back but I can't even look at him without wanting to hit myself!"

"I know you Eliza," he said with a deadly voice. "I know that you don't work well under pressure and you let people walk all over you. Did you tell my brother that you were dating him or did he tell Marco and you just went along with it?" He glared up at Rumi behind me.

"Xander," I begged. I hated how well he really did know me.

"Dammit Eliza," he cursed, sitting up from the couch and taking the ice pack from me. "You can't do this to Marco! I don't know how much more he can take!"

"Then why did you tell him?" I screamed and stood up from the floor. "You ruined everything Xander!"

Xander sighed and ran a hand down his face in exhaustion. "What will it take for you to realize that you're a part of my family. Always have been always will be. You can't just run away from your family El."

Tears pooled my eyes and a lump of guilt and sadness got stuck in the back of my throat. "Goodbye Xander. I hope you get what you want, you always have."

I turned on my heel and headed for my bedroom, ignoring Xander calling my name from behind.

Thirty minutes later after I cried my eyes out into my pillow my door creaked open. I know who it was before he spoke.

"Will you explain what just happened or not?"

I turned my head away from the door, not able to look at him. "I don't want to talk about it Rumi."

The bed dipped under his weight. I wanted to push him off but I knew that would be uncalled for.

"Well too bad because I deserve an explanation. I feel used Eliza which really fucking sucks and I need you to fucking look at me."

Groaning I turned back around to look at him. "Fine you want the whole story," I question, angry and hurt. "The billionaire Stavros family hired my mom as their nanny. I grew up with the Stavros's and when my mom died they took me in as their own child. I fell in love with Marco and he fell in love with me. On his nineteenth birthday he proposed to me and said that he would give up his part of the company and family to be with me. I didn't give him an answer and ran away. That night I pulled him into a closet and let him take my virginity except it wasn't Marco, it was older drunk brother Xander who would do anything to get into any girls pants. I didn't figure out it was Xander until it was too late. That night I grabbed all of my shit and left a note for Marco saying 'I'm sorry'. I got on a plane to Miami and two weeks later I met you and your dad and you know the rest."

We sat in awkward silence for five minutes. Rumi buried his face in his hands, not daring to look back at me. I could do nothing but stare at his back with a wave of guilt over coming me.

Why do I always have to hurt people?

Finally he spoke up. "I want you out of this apartment by tomorrow morning."

He stood up from my bed, walked to the door and slammed it shut behind him. I squeezed my eyes shut again when I heard the front door slam shut also.

For the next two hours I cried some more until I finally fell asleep.

...
How are you guys liking this book so far?? It's harder to write I think because of the flashbacks and Marco and Eliza's relationship. Idk it's just hard to explain and describe so hopefully I'm doing a good enough job.

"This morning, with her, having coffee."
-Johnny Cash when asked for his description of paradise.