Shout out to 9ice_for_what for always being the first to read my nonsense. This one is for you.

"Shit, I'm sorry for the mess Rose." I say, kneeling against the stone counter next to her.

"No, it's okay. It's definitely strange but I get it. I'm just surprised." She responded, looking back.

She was right to look back. Everyone, literally everyone, was watching us closely. If looks could kill...well I don't actually think there are that many ways to kill someone.

"Surprised about what?" I crossed and uncrossed my arms. I liked to fidget whenever situations had no plan and right now I had no plan.

One word at a time.

"You, I guess." For the first time she looked at me intently.

Up until this point she had been really shy and withdrawn, barely making eye contact. Now though she was scanning, scrutinizing, me.

"With what I heard you don't really do promises." She finished.

Thoughts raced through my mind. I was ashamed of my reputation but then again I wasn't afraid of it too. I didn't keep it hidden that I was a player but for someone who was a year below me to know about it was shocking. I could say something stronger but let's go with shocking.

"To be honest, it doesn't really matter. I made a promise to Adeline and I kept it. Nothing more, nothing less." I tried playing it cool and I hoped she was buying it.

She rubbed her wrist through her jersey. Something wasn't adding up here. Rose was doing something that Adeline could help with but that didn't really give anything away about Adeline. I had no interest in Rose or her problems yet they seemed connected in every way.

"Tell Adeline that it doesn't matter. I can handle it just fine. We both have problems of our own so let me deal with mine and let her deal with her own." For some reason it seemed like that message was directed at me and not at Adeline.

She stared down at me as if trying to gauge my reaction. It felt weird that she was worried about how I would react. I had only just met her ten minutes ago so why would she care about my opinion?

"Look, I'll tell her what you said just try and not let it get out of hand whatever it is." I warned, pushing myself off the counter. I was about to walk away when she suddenly grabbed my arm.

"Watch out, River. You don't realize it but more than just my friends are watching you." My eyes traveled from her hand on my arm to her group of friends.

They were still staring at us, at me, but just behind them were a group of boys. Protective friends of Ivory that were up until now playing hand tennis, were staring at me. I could imagine the rumours already: River going after some grade nine while dating Ivory. Let's kick his ass.

There was still roughly five minutes before the lunch period ended. If I could find a way past the two groups of glaring teenagers then I could maybe tell Adeline about Rose.

Eyes followed me as I made my way around everyone, deciding to rather go through them than around them. I wasn't an idiot. I don't know how to fight and I don't exactly have 'muscles' but I wasn't gonna back away from my enemies. I will always face them whether it was guaranteed defeat or victory. Most of the time it was the former.

It was ironic. It seemed just like the day before I was complaining about not existing on the same plane as the others, going unnoticed. Now though, it seemed like everyone's gaze was glued to me. The reputation was spreading. Less of a bad boy and more like a player.

What was the difference?