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HAZEL WATCHED ISADORA INTENTLY AS HER BEST FRIEND SPOKE ANIMATEDLY, HER BROW FURROWED IN CONFUSION.

What was Isadora thinking? She tilted her head slightly, studying her friend with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Wait, let me get this straight: Billy suggested something fun to do instead of studying, and you opted to study?" Hazel asked as they walked side by side toward their next class. Isadora ran her fingers through her hair, her expression shifting into a frown.

"Yes! Because Billy Hargrove's idea of fun is partying, smoking, and sleeping around," Isadora snapped, her tone defensive. "I refuse to be just another girl in his roster."

Hazel raised an eyebrow, taken aback. "You can't know that was his plan—" she began, but Isadora's determined expression stopped her mid-sentence. The fierceness in Isadora's eyes made her pause. "Okay, you're probably right, but honestly, Isa, you've had a crush on him forever. Why are you acting like being around him is the worst thing ever?"

Isadora sighed, her shoulders sagging. "It's complicated, Hazel. I just don't want to be a cliché."

"What are you two talking about?" Steve interrupted, joining them with Kendra, who had a curious glint in her eye. Isadora glanced at him, momentarily distracted by the question that had been nagging at her: why had Steve been spending more time with her and Hazel lately instead of Nancy? Had something shifted in their relationship?

"Take a wild guess, Steve. Isa's been obsessing over it," Hazel said with a teasing smile.

"Billy? Is, you are so obviously into him. You never shut up about him, especially recently," Steve replied with a smirk, his playful tone lightening the mood.

"He's right, Isa," Hazel chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I do not talk about him that much!" Isadora protested, crossing her arms tightly over her chest, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Oh, please. You're in denial. Steve's not exaggerating. You do talk about Billy a lot," Hazel teased, nudging Isadora playfully. Isadora rolled her eyes, feeling the heat rise in her face as she walked alongside her friends.

"You couldn't be more wrong," Isadora muttered.

"Listen, there's a chance he might like you too. I mean, he's been spending a ton of time at your house and driving you to school," Steve remarked casually, and Isadora felt a flicker of hope amidst her frustration.

"Maybe because we have a project to work on together?" Isadora shot back, but her voice lacked conviction. She knew deep down that there was more to their interactions than just schoolwork. Just then, she noticed Amanda striding past them, her expression a mix of anger and distress. Isadora's brows knitted together in concern.

"What's up with Amanda?" Steve asked, following Isadora's gaze.

"Didn't you hear? Billy dumped Amanda this morning right outside the school. I think nearly everyone heard it," Hazel explained, a hint of satisfaction in her tone.

"I didn't even think they were dating," Isadora remarked, puzzled.

"Well, apparently they were, but not anymore, and I'm pretty sure it has something to do with you, Is," Hazel replied, her teasing smile growing wider.

"Me? I didn't do anything—" Isadora began, defensive.

"Come on, don't you think it's a little coincidental? You and Billy start hanging out, and suddenly he breaks up with Amanda?" Steve pointed out, crossing his arms.

"I have no idea what you mean, Harrington. I need to get to class," Isadora said, dismissing their teasing as she walked away, her heart racing. As she settled into her seat, she felt the weight of several eyes on her. Ignoring them, she tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept wandering back to Billy. Glancing up, she caught him watching her from across the room. A flutter of excitement coursed through her, followed by a tinge of anxiety.

Just then, a piece of paper soared toward her, landing softly on her notebook. Isadora hesitated before unfolding the note, revealing a hasty scrawl: Let's go on a date. She glanced at Billy, who nodded and flashed her a charming smile. Rolling her eyes, she quickly scribbled her response, her heart pounding, and tossed the note back to him. As she returned to her studies, she felt a rush of anticipation mingling with dread.

After class, as she made her way out, Billy tapped her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly. "What do you want, Billy?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Come on, Princess. Let's go on a date tonight," he said, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

"What makes you so sure I don't already have plans?" Isadora challenged, crossing her arms defensively.

"Even if you do, I decided I'm the better plan," Billy replied, his confidence infuriating yet strangely appealing.

"If you think that's cute, it's not, Hargrove," she retorted, trying to maintain her composure.

"So, is that a yes?" Billy asked, his smile widening, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement.

"Fine, but this doesn't mean I'm sleeping with you," Isadora warned, rolling her eyes to mask her growing interest.

"Oh, you've made that perfectly clear, Princess," he smirked, clearly enjoying their banter. Isadora shrugged and walked past him, trying to concentrate on her next class, but a smile crept onto her face as she doodled in the margins of her notes.

When lunch arrived, Isadora joined her friends in the bustling cafeteria. As she settled down at the table, Hazel turned toward her, eyes alight with mischief. "You're the talk of the entire school."

"What are you talking about?" Isadora asked, feigning innocence but feeling a mix of dread and curiosity.

"Apparently, you're going on a date with Billy," Kendra chimed in, glancing back at the boy in question, who was chatting with his friends at another table.

"And where did you hear that?" Isadora asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"One of the girls overheard Billy asking you out as you left class this morning," Hazel explained, her excitement bubbling over.

"Well, actually—" Isadora began, only to be cut off by Steve.

"See? I told you he liked you," Steve said, a smug grin spreading across his face.

"What happened to not wanting to be just another girl on Billy's roster?" Hazel teased, a hint of challenge in her voice.

"I'm going on a date with him. That doesn't mean I'm sleeping with Billy Hargrove," Isadora replied firmly, crossing her arms as she looked between her friends.

"Uh-huh. You know that Lover Boy hasn't taken his eyes off you since you walked in, right?" Hazel added, a smirk on her lips. Isadora shrugged it off, but a smile tugged at her lips, warmth spreading through her at the thought.

For the rest of the day, Isadora made sure to focus in all her classes, determined to prove she was more than just a distraction. After the final bell rang, she quickly shoved her books into her locker, feeling a giddy anticipation. As she stepped outside, her heart raced with excitement, and she couldn't help but skip a little as she walked toward the parking lot.

Just as she reached the carpark, however, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Amanda striding toward her, fury etched on her face.

"Hi—" Isadora said, trying to sound cordial despite her nerves.

"I told you to stay the hell away from Billy," Amanda snapped, stopping directly in front of Isadora, who instinctively took a step back, anxiety prickling at her skin.

"And I told you that we were just working on a project together," Isadora replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Oh, that's cute. From what I hear, the little virgin slept with him and now thinks he wants to date her. Let me be clear: Billy is never going to date a pathetic, ugly bitch like you. Once he's had his fun, he'll toss you aside and come running back to me," Amanda sneered, her words laced with venom.

"That's where you're wrong. I haven't slept with Billy because, like I told you, we're just working on a school project," Isadora insisted, stealing a glance toward Billy, who was leaning against his car with his friends, oblivious to the confrontation.

"Do you really think you can take Billy from me? Are you that desperate? You think sleeping with him will suddenly make anyone like you? I bet even your parents don't like you and wish they'd never had you," Amanda snapped. The harsh words hit Isadora like a slap, re-opening old wounds and tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

"Shut the fuck up and leave her alone, Amanda," Billy said, striding over and placing a protective hand on Isadora's shoulder. She flinched slightly at his touch, the sudden warmth igniting a conflicting wave of comfort and fear.

"Come on, Princess," he urged, leading her away from Amanda, who stood frozen, shock written across her face.

"Thank you," Isadora whispered, her voice trembling. She felt a rush of gratitude mixed with embarrassment as Billy helped her into the car. After he closed the door, he climbed in and started the engine, pulling away from the scene. Isadora glanced back at Amanda, who looked furious, and the realisation hit her—she had become a target in a battle she never asked for.

"Are you okay, Princess?" Billy asked, glancing at her, concern etched in his features.

"No thanks to your ex-girlfriend," Isadora replied, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand, trying to mask her emotions.

"You don't seem fine," Billy pointed out gently. He reached over and squeezed her thigh, an innocent gesture meant to comfort. "There should be some tissues in the glove compartment if you need them."

"Thanks. I'm fine, I guess. I mean, Amanda hates me even more now that you dumped her," Isadora said, her voice shaky as she rummaged through the glove compartment for tissues.

"She's wrong, you know."

"W-What?"

"People do like you, Is, and I think you're pretty," he said, glancing over at her, sincerity in his eyes.

"Thanks, but you're mistaken. Most people have made it pretty clear they don't like me. And if it weren't for this project, you probably wouldn't even be talking to me. They're right, you know. I'm a pathetic loser who—" Isadora trailed off, Amanda's cruel words echoing in her mind. She quickly wiped her tears away, not wanting to crumble in front of him.

"Princess, you're not pathetic. The project was just an excuse to talk to you. Honestly, I don't want to stop seeing you," Billy confessed, a soft smile breaking through his earlier bravado. Isadora turned to look at him, a small smile crossing her face despite the heaviness in her heart.

"You don't need an excuse to talk to me, but we are finishing that project because there's no way I'm failing," Isadora insisted, determination filling her voice.

"I like having an excuse to see you," Billy replied, his tone lightening as they arrived at his house. Isadora stepped out of the car, following him inside. They reached what she assumed was his bedroom, and she hesitated at the door, suddenly feeling a wave of shyness wash over her.

"You can relax, Princess," Billy said, noticing her discomfort.

"I just—"

"What? Have you never been in a guy's bedroom before?" he teased, his smirk making her heart race.

"Oh, shut up. I generally don't get invited unless it's Steve's, but that doesn't really count," Isadora retorted, her cheeks heating slightly.

"You've been in King Steve's bedroom?"

"Hm, I think you took that title from him. What, are you jealous, Hargrove?" Isadora teased, trying to keep the mood light.

"No, why would I be?" Billy replied, though she could see the flicker of something in his eyes.

"You sound a little jealous, but Steve and I are just friends. Kendra, Hazel, and I were at Steve's together, so it doesn't count," Isadora said, feeling a mix of pride and annoyance as she stood her ground.

"I'm not jealous, Princess, but that doesn't count," Billy insisted, shaking his head as he walked into the room, and Isadora followed him, closing the door behind her. She took a seat beside him on the bed, maintaining a small distance. Billy chuckled at her reluctance.

"Seriously, relax. I promise I won't try anything," he reassured her.

"O-Okay, so what do you want to do then?" Isadora asked, her heart still racing from the thrill of being alone with him.

"How about a game of truth or dare? You know how it goes, right?" Billy asked, a playful glint in his eyes. Isadora scrunched her nose, contemplating the suggestion.

"That's funny. You're on, Hargrove. I think I'll go first."

"Alright then, truth or dare, Princess?"

"Truth."

"Why don't you like me?" Billy asked, catching Isadora off guard with the directness of his question. She sat back, her mind racing as she tried to formulate an answer that would be honest yet safe.

"I think you can be an asshole, but honestly, spending time with you hasn't been that bad," Isadora finally admitted, her voice softening.

"That didn't really answer my question, Isadora," Billy replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, it absolutely did, and besides, who said I didn't like you?" she challenged, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Your turn. Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"I dare you to kiss me, Princess," Billy said, leaning in slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"W-What?" Isadora stuttered, her heart racing as she processed his bold request.

"I dare you to kiss me, and if we're playing by the rules, you have to do it," he said, his voice low and enticing. The air around them thickened with tension as he ran his thumb across her cheek, sending shivers down her spine.

"I—" Isadora trailed off, her heart pounding in her chest. Unable to resist the pull, she leaned in and pressed her lips against Billy's. It was a kiss unlike any she'd experienced—full of passion and warmth, and she melted into him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Suddenly, the door swung open, startling them apart. Isadora jumped back, her eyes wide as she turned to see a man standing in the doorway, his face contorted in fury.

"So, this is why you didn't answer the phone?"

"What is it?" Billy asked, his voice tense.

"Where is your sister?"

"I don't know, probably at the arcade with her little friends," Billy replied, annoyance flashing in his eyes.

"You were supposed to be watching her," the man snapped, stepping further into the room.

"She's thirteen and doesn't need a babysitter. Besides, I had plans," Billy argued, his voice rising with frustration.

"So, you've been here screwing some pathetic slut instead of watching your sister?" The man's words pierced through Isadora, filling her with a deep sense of humiliation.

"I've been watching her all week! If she wants to run off, that's her problem!" Billy yelled back, his anger boiling over. The man grabbed Billy by the collar and shoved him against the cupboard, and Isadora's heart raced with fear.

"Please—" Isadora started, but Billy shot her a look that silenced her.

"What did we talk about?" the man demanded. When Billy didn't respond, he slapped him, and Isadora flinched, tears welling in her eyes.

"Respect and responsibility," Billy muttered, defeated.

"That's right. Now apologise to Susan."

"I'm sorry, Susan," Billy mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's okay, Neil. Really—"

"No, it's not! Nothing about his behaviour is okay. He's going to drop his little whore home and then go find his sister, like the good brother he is. Isn't that right, Billy? Isn't that right?"

"Yes, sir."

"I didn't hear you."

"Yes, sir!" Billy shouted, his voice strained.

"Find Max," Neil ordered before storming out, his anger palpable. Susan followed closely behind, her eyes downcast. Isadora watched as the door closed, her heart sinking as she turned back to Billy, who was struggling to maintain his composure.

"B-Billy?" she asked gently, noticing a tear roll down his cheek as he covered his face with his hands.

"Come on, I'll take you home," he finally said, his voice choked with emotion. Isadora nodded and quietly followed him to the car, her heart heavy with concern.

As they drove away from the house, Isadora felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. "Are you okay?" she asked tentatively, trying to break the thick silence.

"I'm fine," he replied, his voice distant.

"Are you sure? I mean, what was that about?" she pressed, needing to know if he was really okay.

"Nothing," he snapped, a flicker of anger surfacing again, but it quickly faded.

"Well, it clearly wasn't nothing. I mean—" she started, but he interrupted her.

"Jesus, Isadora, just drop it!" Billy exclaimed, and she fell silent, hurt flashing in her eyes as she turned to look out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of what had just happened.

They drove in tense silence until they reached her house. Isadora mumbled a thank you before grabbing her backpack and getting out of the car, her heart heavy with unanswered questions. She had only walked a few steps away from the car before she turned to see Billy driving away, and as she watched him disappear, she realised she may have been wrong when she said he didn't have anything to deal with at home.

The confrontation lingered in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder how often what she had just witnessed actually happened. Was this a glimpse into the life of the boy she was beginning to care for?

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Yes there will be a lot of cliche moments but if you don't like this book, please don't read it. Any negative comments will be deleted.

Enjoy! Xo

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