Maya's POV

What a weird day it has been. It started off boring and then Alex shows up at our lunch table. I still don't for the life of me know why this goddess of a girl came to sit with us. I am still convinced that someone is playing a trick on me.

After lunch we said goodbye and since then I can't stop thinking about her. She humiliated those kids and I am definitely going to pay for that but it was totally worth it.

Sitting in maths, my last class of the day and we actually got our work but I haven't even started yet. I have been staring out the window the whole time. Well it's actually better this way. Now I have an excuse to stay in my room the whole night. Why haven't I think about this before?

The bell rings and I sit for a few seconds just so the rush passes. I pack up my stuff and head out the classroom.

After getting my things from my locker I walk out and in that fifteen minutes from my locker to the door, it started to rain. That is just fantastic. Sometimes I get a lift with her parents but Lily has drama class today so I have to suffer alone in the rain today.

I take a deep breath to brace myself before I walk out. The rain is not that bad, my house isn't that far. I can do this.

I turn a corner of my street, the lightning and thunder crashing through the clouds which makes me flinch every time. But then I feel hail coming down on me and start to run, covering my head with my bag all the way home.

Stepping onto the porch I catch my breath before opening the door.

"You should get an umbrella" Sam laughs walking past me eating a slice of pizza.

I roll my eyes and walk up the stairs. A normal older brother would have called and said. I see it's raining sis. I will come and get you.
But no. That would require him to actually care about me.

I immediately hop in the shower shivering like crazy. I am soaking wet and I am really cold.

I hate my life. I hate this house. Nobody cares about me. I will probably be sick tomorrow and no, I won't be able to stay at home. My parents will think I am faking it.

I get out and put on some warm clothes. I feel so much better. But now I have to start this mountain of homework waiting for me.
....

The next morning I wake up and to no surprise my head is pounding and my nose is stuffy. I don't want to get out of bed.

"Maya! Wake up. You are going to be late for school!" I hear my mother's voice slicing through my ears.

I sigh and fall out of bed to put on my clothes. I fix my hair and makeup before I walk out to face the day.

"You don't look so good Maya. Are you ok?" My mother asks. "Are you sick?"

"I think so yeah. I got caught in the rain yesterday walking home" I say grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl.

"Well you've learnt your lesson now. Take an umbrella with you and keep it in your locker" my father says sternly looking at the newspaper in front of him.

"Yes dad" I sigh and walk out the door not saying goodbye. For a second I thought that she would care but I guess it was my fault so here I go, off to school.

After getting my books out from my locker I rest my head against it. My head is pounding and my throat is itchy. The wind was blowing this morning as I walked to school so it didn't help this horrible feeling at all.

"Well you look like shit" I hear Lily talk behind me.

"Rain yesterday" I sigh turning around.

"Ahh shit I am sorry cupcake. You should've waited for me so my dad could take you home" she says rubbing my shoulder.

"And get bombarded with questions as to where I was the whole afternoon. No thank you" I sigh and close my eyes for a few seconds.

The first bell rings and I groan standing up straight. "Come on" she says resting my head on her shoulder and we begin to walk to our first class.
.....

"Maya!" I hear my name and my head snaps up from the desk. When did my head get there?

"Yes mam?" I ask and look up at mrs. Gray.

"Are you sleeping in my class?" She leans over my desk with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh-"

"Principal's office!" She yells and I jump at her voice.

I quickly grab my bag and slowly head out the door. The hallway seems so short towards the office and I have been purposely walking really slow. I have never been to the principal's office. He is probably going to call my mom and then I will be grounded for the rest of the year if not my life. I am not ready for that.

I walk to Janine at reception and tell her I am here to see the principal. She just told me to wait on the couch at the end of the hallway.

My hands are sweaty and my legs are hopping like crazy. Our principal is a scary man. He is really tall and very muscular. He has this deep voice and when he looks at you it feels like he is looking into your soul.

The door opens up about five minutes later. Oh gosh here it comes. He steps out in his fancy suit holding the door open "Come in Maya"

I slowly stand up and walk into his office. I've never been in here and only now see how big his office is. Everything is leather and it smells of his cologne. I stand behind the chairs and look down at the floor, waiting for him to close the door.

"Have a seat Maya" he says before walking to the other side and sitting down in his big chair. "I'm surprised to see you in my office. What happened?" He asks but not in a strict way. He sound a little concerned actually.

"Sorry sir. I- uh...I fell asleep in mrs. Gray's class." I say looking down at my hands. One thing that teachers hate is when students fall asleep in their class.

He sits back in his chair and looks at me. "Maya, what is wrong?"

"Nothing sir" I say in a low voice.

If he knows I am sick then he will send me home and then my mother would look like a bad parent. She will be embarrassed and then I will get punishment. I would rather just take the detention and tell my parents I have extra classes or something.

"Are you sick Maya?" He asks with a frown.

"It's just a cold sir. I am fine" I say with a smile hoping he will believe me.

"Is that why you fell asleep in class?"

"I think so sir. I can't really remember" I admit scratching my temple.

"You should be at home Maya. Why did you come to school?" He asks leaning on his desk.

"I am fine sir, really"

"Maybe we should call your mom to come get you. You look really sick."

"No, no, no sir. Please don't call her. I am fine." I quickly say almost jumping off my chair. If he should call her at work regarding me. Oh the hell I would pay for that.

He takes a deep breath and frowns at me. "What are you not telling me Maya?"

I fall back into my chair and sigh. "I am sick because I walked home in the rain yesterday. I forgot my umbrella so it's my fault I am sick."

"Why didn't you wait for the rain to pass or call someone to come pick you up?" He asks in slight confusion.

"They were all busy and I had to go straight home after school. I didn't have any school activities to attend. It was my fault for not having my umbrella. So it's fine" I smile trying to convince him.

I can't tell him everything. That would be so embarrassing and my parents would not like anyone to know. As long as everyone thinks we are a happy family then everything is fine. I am definitely not going to be the one who tells someone how unhappy I am in my household.

He looks at me without saying anything. He can definitely tell I am lying. He is that good of a principal. I just wish he will give me detention already. I will figure it out from there but I really don't want him to call my parents. Anything but that.

"Ok Maya. Well since you fell asleep in class you have to be punished"

"Yes sir I understand" I nod.

"Go to Janine and ask her for a HDJ file please. I have a special punishment for you" he says pointing to the door and I immediately stand up.

Oh gosh, I am going to scrub the floors or polish his leather couches. Maybe I will be Janine's assistant, she hates every student. That'll  be a nightmare.

I grab the file by Janine and bring it back to his office.

"Thank you" he grabs it and puts it down. "You will spend the rest of the day in the nurse's office, sleeping." He says with a raised eyebrow. "I will send word out to your teachers and your homework will be at Janine at the end of the day." He says handing me a note for the nurse.

I look at the note and then back at him waiting for my punishment.

"That is all Maya. You can go."  He says with a smile.

"But what about my punishment sir?" I frown.

"You are sick Maya. I think that is enough punishment. If you ever need an umbrella again I always have a spare" he says with a wink.

I smile with a bit of confusion but also a little relieved. "Thank you sir but I have learnt my lesson. Hail is no joke" I laugh but his smile fades.

Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that.

"Thank you for this sir. I really appreciate it" I quickly say and pick up my bag.

"Get well soon Maya" he says as I turn around and walk out.

I walk down the hallway, straight  to the nurse's office. I hand her the note and she just nods taking me to one of the beds. I have never been in here either. It's so nice and quiet.

She gave me some medicine which would apparently help and she closes the curtain around me. I get underneath a warm blanket and then she turned out the light above my bed.

It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.

....

Alex's POV

After getting a call from my dad saying Maya is sick I left the most delicious piece of cheesecake on the counter and jumped in my car. That is the only thing I will eat, deserts.

I cursed at my dad the whole way. Apparently she has been sick the whole day and he only calls me now. I could've been there earlier. I am a shitty girlfriend. Oh wait, no. I am not her girlfriend. Ok maybe I am but she just doesn't know it yet.

I turn down the street and I see the kids running out the gate. "Fuuuccckk" I groan because I'm to late.

Fuck dad, really?

I park on the side of the road and rest my head against the steering wheel. She is sick and I wasn't there. Not that I know what to do but just the thought of her not feeling well hurts me. I wish I could just pick her up and take her back to my house. I would cuddle her up, bring her medicine and watch over her while she sleeps.

But I can't. Not yet anyway. I only spoken to her once and she didn't talk all that much. She is so shy, it was so cute. She was confused though. She still thinks I want to hit her. Why the fuck would she think that? I would never hurt her in my life. Nor let anyone else hurt her.

I just wish I could flirt with her like any other girl. She would fall at my feet and I could make her fall in love even more, using other methods. That would definitely work.

But Maya is different. I don't know, she is so innocent and nice. She is not like any other girl. She deserves my respect. I need to ease into it or I will scare her off.

She is special and she needs to know that. She is absolutely beautiful but I don't think she knows just how much. There is a lack in self-confidence but I have a feeling it's not her fault. I saw how she reacted with the cheerleader. She just looked down and took whatever was said to her. It saddens me because that means she is used to this kind of treatment.

"I am fine Lily." I hear her sniffing. "That few hours of sleep really helped. Enjoy your practice." I look up and see her walking down the road. "I will see you tomorrow. Love you too"

She is wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, her hair is tied back into a ponytail but still she looks absolutely gorgeous. But, where is she going?

I start my car and slowly drive up the road. I open the window just as I get next to her. "Hey" I call on her.

She almost trips on the sidewalk at my sudden voice, I hear her gasp and her heart literally skips a beat. She does a double take into my car and I just smile. She stops walking and I park my car right next to her.

"Hi" she says with a small smile and crossing her arms.

What is she doing here? Please don't kidnap me.

Oh wow, it just gets worse and worse.

"Do you need a ride?" I smile. "Where are you going?"

Oh wow. That's a first. Someone offering to take me home. This must be a dream.

"Just on my way home. It's not that far. But thank you for the offer" she smiles, running patterns with her one foot over the sidewalk.

She is so cute.

"It might rain."

She looks up at the sky and sighs. Oh no, not again.

Again. Did she walk in the rain?

"I am sure I will make it home before then" she nods trying to convince herself more than me.

Why is she so stubborn? Fucking hell. I am trying to be nice.

"Can I please give you a ride? It's cold and I can see you are sick" I say a slightly frustrating tone and I hope that wasn't to forward.

She looks at me then up and down the sidewalk.

I could really benefit from this, my body is aching.

"That is really generous of you but I don't know you" she says with a bit of hesitance.

"Fair enough. Uhmm well then I am going to drive next to you just incase it's starts raining" I say starting up my car again.

"You don't have to do that." She frowns with a hint of a smile.

"You are right, I don't have to but I want to. So let's go" I say and slowly start driving.

She starts walking beside me and as I look over at her she has a small smile on her face.

Good job Alex.

Oh my gosh, this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. If only my brothers could take some tips. This girl doesn't even know me and yet she is concerned that I might get caught in the rain. If only she was here yesterday then I wouldn't be sick. Oh no wait I can't think like that, she doesn't need to be here. Why is she here? Did she come visit her dad again? Probably. She wouldn't be here for me, not a chance. I am just boring Maya Bishop with no social life and one friend. This doesn't make sense. I like her car though. I have always wanted to drive in a car like that. Why didn't I just say yes, idiot. This might have been your only chance. I should probably say something. She is being really nice. I should maybe talk to her, I don't want to be rude.

Don't you worry Maya. I just got to know you a whole lot better but if I had a heart this is the moment it would've broke into a few pieces. I don't like that she thinks so little of herself.

"So how long are you in town?" She asks not taking her eyes off the sidewalk.

"I live here now. Well, till I decide to travel again" I smile but decide not to stare at her to long. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable.

I wish I could travel. Get out of this stupid town.

"That's cool. Are you going to study? Or are you working somewhere?" She asks with a quick glance my way.

"Not going to study, I hate school. I have invested in a few companies back in Spain. So if I decide to work someday, there will be a job available. How about you? Are you going to college after school?"

Oh gosh. How lucky are you. I wish I had that kind of money.

"I hope so. I am working hard for a scholarship. Hopefully that will be my ticket out of this place." She takes a deep breath with a hopeful smile.

I can be your ticket Maya. I will take you anywhere you want to go.

"Why do you hate this town so much?" I decide to ask a more personal question.

Oh gosh where do I start. No, she doesn't need to hear about my depressing life.

"I guess I am just curious to what the rest of the world looks like. I haven't even been out of this state. So I am 100% sure there are places better than this town" she laughs.

There definitely is. I will show you that. But what are you hiding Maya. Stop hiding from me, I am right here for you. Give me all your problems and I will try to fix them.

"There is" I smile and then I see a drop of water on my windshield. I smile and then look over Maya who also stops in her tracks.

Oh great.

"Can I give you a ride now?" I smile a little wider and look at her in slight excitement of having her a little closer to me.

"Yes please" she finally gives in and steps off the sidewalk to get in my car.

The smell of her hair fills my nose and her heart beating a little faster makes me smile. She is so cute when she is nervous. I wish she wasn't though, I want her to feel comfortable and safe with me.

I drive back into the road but not really faster than before. I want all the time I can get with her. It seems like she will only get in my car if it rains, so guess who will be praying for rain every day.

Oh my gosh it smells amazing in here. A mixture of her perfume and these leather seats. I can only dream about having a car like this one day. These seats are so comfortable, I could just lay back and fall asleep right here.

I wouldn't mind that at all.

"You should drink some hot water with lemon, honey and ginger. It will make you feel better" I smile and glance at her.

"Thanks. I will give it a try" she smiles but keeps looking forward.

The next few minutes is quiet. I can sense she wants to ask me something, her body language is uneasy but I can't really do anything about it because how would I explain that to her.

"Listen." I break the silence and clear my throat. "I want to apologize for last week in the hallway. I am sorry if I freaked you out."

"It's ok. Why did you look at me like that though?" She asks and this time she looks at me.

Because you took my fucking breath away. I physically couldn't speak. If anything, it's your fault Maya Bishop.

"You looked familiar at first but then I realised I haven't seen you before. I am sorry about that." I laugh a bit nervously but hopefully she sees it as me feeling embarrassed.

I am definitely embarrassed about standing in front of her and not saying anything for a good two minutes.

"That's ok" she chuckles. "I get that a lot."

She directs me at a few turns and then I realise that she actually lives really far. Does she walk this far everyday?

"Oh you can just pull over here. Thanks" she says and pull off at the side of the road.

"Where is your house? I will take you to the driveway?" I ask looking around but I only see an open field to my left and then a few houses up the street on my right.

"Oh no it's fine, my house is just up the street. I will walk from here" she smiles and opens the door.

"But it's raining?" I yell but she closes the door without saying anything.

I open my window and call on her "Maya. It's raining"

"It's ok. It's not far. " She smiles and looks back at me. "Thank you so much for the ride" she says and decide to ignore her strange behaviour.

"You're welcome Maya" I smile and give her a small nod.

She pulls her backpack over her head and she starts to run up the street.

I watch her run a few metres further and then she takes a left into a yard. I could've driven her till there. What the hell? Does she not want me to see her house? I could care less about her house. Oh wait, she thinks I might kidnap her. I want to though, I want to keep her to myself.

I turn around and head back home. Her scent is still in my car and I might just stay in here the whole night.