"You can do it," I urged as I stood next to Evan, staring at the front door of his house.

Those pictures managed to convince him that now that he has all the evidence, he needs to face this issue head on. I'm sure that deep down inside, he's only acting like this because he still place his mother in such a high pedestal.

Not blaming him though, he saw how strong she was when she found out about Erin.

This was the exact same situation that I had with my mom. I respected her and looked up to her, but when something went wrong, it had a snowball effect. I wasn't able to fix it but that doesn't mean that he can't. I hate for history to repeat itself in the form of this boy who has already experienced enough.

I gave his hand a light squeeze as I pulled him with me. Stopping right in front of the door, I gave him an encouraging smile as I rang the doorbell for him. In his current disposition, he doesn't have the willpower to be the one to march in there and talk to her. So we'll do the next best thing, have his mother be the one to open up to him.

When the door swung open, his eyes widened and his grip on my hand suddenly tightened. I held back a yelp at how strong it was, but when I slowly rubbed my thumb over his hand, it slowly loosened. Mrs. Matthews stood there, as normal as she should be, switching her gaze from her son to me.

Evan opened his mouth, but finally realizing that she was the one at fault, she spoke up, "Let's talk inside, Evan."

He gulped audibly before nodding, letting go of my hand before following his mother inside. I just stood there, looking around, trying to gauge what I should do next. Mrs. Matthews came back and with a curt nod, she closed the door closed in front of me. Shrugging, I took a step back before turning around to go to my car – it was better for them to clear this out.

I only promised Evan that I'll drive him here, I'm the unwelcomed guest if I stayed.

Before I got far though, the door clicked open again, "Clara!"

Looking over my shoulder, I glanced at him before his mouth opened. Tilting my head to the side, I waited for his words but apparently, it died down into his throat as he closed his lips again. Blinking, he took another breath before saying a brief, "Thanks."

Call me cheesy and all, but to be honest, a word of appreciation was probably the only thing I needed, "I told you to trust me and that I'm here for you."

Oh god, I'm getting sappier than a maple tree.

"I'll watch you later," he said, his lips pulling up into a soft smile.

Nodding, I told him, "Go to Viv's party tonight. Invite all your friends and I'll text you the address."

"Isn't it a little bit unusual for me to go to those things?"

I shook my head, "Just thought you might need to let loose."

***

The lights were all directed to us as the judges' cold hard gazes were set on our group, ready to pick out every mistake that we can possibly make. Our smiles didn't waver though, we stood there with outmost confidence as we waited for our music to play.

That's what I've always been telling the girls – be sure about yourself and you'll be able to pull people in with ease.

Besides, if their leader has this big of a self-esteem, they should damn follow in her footsteps. I'm not training a bunch of cowards.

Just the first note brought us all to attention and we started to move. With our last performance concentrating more on the flips, this one was more based on the dance. It was quick, it was snappy, and everything needed to be synchronized.

Blowing a kiss at the crowd, I turned on my back as three girls came behind me. Clapping my hands, that was their signal to hoist me up into the air. I lifted a leg as they slowly spun me around to face the audience once again.

I did the same hand gestures as the ones dancing on the ground, my smile not faltering. Even though competing with gravity was not my forte, flexibility and balance was.

When I allowed my eyes to scan the people watching, I smiled when I saw Evan's extreme focus on me. Although he never told me the complete outcome with the talk with his mother, I assumed that it went well.

The grin he was showing me right now was good enough of a proof.

I hopped back onto the ground and we positioned ourselves to do another lift. Another group surrounded me and I clapped, making them send me flying into the air. Twirling a few times while I was up, I fell back down and they caught me.

We moved again and we did the same thing. Clap, lift, twirl, catch.

When our routine was about to end, we did the final formation. It was just like the basic pyramid where each tier decreased in the number of girls, but this one was more intricate. We had these painted posters that, once stuck together, created the picture of a huge wolf.

A little hush hush about the fact that the paint used here was the same ones that made my revenge so much sweeter.

We slowly built up, and I gripped my poster tightly in my hand as I positioned myself by the middle of the pyramid, allowing another tiny freshman to be thrown up to the very top.

The thing about competitions is that unlike games the time when we're just cheering in the sidelines during games, we have less room to make mistakes. That's why I'm alright with letting the seniors be on top of the pyramids during games, but in competitions like these, I need to be safe and put the lightest ones on the very top.

As I was there, my gaze settled on Gray. He was squished in between his friend and Erin, finding the scene all too familiar. Although this time, I'm not as insecure and troubled. I know he, himself, don't know what he's doing anymore.

Be confused you little attractive bastard. You need to know that you just turned down the fucking queen.

As the last beat sounded, we thrusted the posters in front of us, creating the image we planned.

The audience clapped and cheered as we disassembled. Taking a bow, we then ran back off of the mat.

"Amazing," I flipped my hair over my shoulder. Everything about that performance was just like me – perfect.

"No ankle beating this time," Vivian smirked. Sorry bish, but nothing can ruin my mood right now.

As the other schools performed, we waited in agonizing anticipation for the judges to announce who will go to the next round. It was one more then we go to state championships, as my last year in this school, I want it to be victorious.

Like I said at first, I'll break a few bones and limbs if I have to.

When the time came, one of the judges stood up and started saying out loud who were the schools moving forward. The girls and I all held hands as all the other teams did as well.

When our school name was said, we started squealing and hugging, as if we just won the trophy itself.

Since the competition was happening at our school, we had our usual locker room instead of housing in a filthy guest one. Just like the last time, I was blasted with the different scents of perfumes when I entered the room, each smell competing with each other.

"Hurry up, we need to beat everybody to my house," Vivian groaned when was I finished putting on my top. I wasn't able to register her words when she took my hand and started pulling me away with her. I managed to get my bag with me as I followed her.

Snatching my arm away, I huffed before shrugging on my jacket, "Chill, it's not like anyone is going to trash your house because you're two minutes late."

"Yeah, but the boys are going there to help me get ready," she winked as she rushed to the school's exit, almost sprinting to my parked car.

With her sleek black hair and slender body, boys flock to her like bees to honey. Not saying they don't do the same to me, but unlike her, I wasn't open to the prospect of some jocks touching me and the fact that Gray was always looming behind turned them away. So they all go to the next best thing – well, best for them – Vivian.

I've had a few encounters here and there with some guys trying to actually make a move on me, but I give them the nastiest look. If they don't get the hint, I'll play along and wait for them to strip before I leave them. If they still continue to chase, I'll just tell Gray. Let me remind you, before Erin entered the pictured, he was more than protective over me.

Like if I told him that you won't leave me alone, he won't hesitate to beat you up.

We drove to her house and I parked where her parent's car would usually be at. She grinned when she saw the few boys from the different sports team standing by her front door and she rushed to them.

Gazing over the distance, I could see a few cars starting to drive towards here. I'm sure his lackeys wouldn't let Gray miss this out so I'm sure that I would see him here, he just might drag Erin while he's at it.

He can do whatever he wants, I'm prepared.

"Clara, come on," Vivian called out.

Rolling my eyes, I walked into the house after I locked my car. She prepared this place before I picked her up earlier so all the snacks were now all ready, all she needed was a helping hand in getting the alcohol carried out.

Reaching inside the cooler, she pulled out a beer can, "Here, start yourself off."

She tossed it towards me and I caught it with ease, lifting the tub and taking a sip from it. The front door was left open so guests started to freely enter the house, helping themselves as Vivian turned on all of the speakers and started playing the music.

Twenty minutes. That's all it took for the party to go into full swing. The once empty living room was now filled with tons of teenagers dancing clumsily to the beat as various chips and candies got scattered around the floor while alcoholic drinks got spilled from the cups the guests were holding. The lightweights were already staggering around and the sober ones tried to maneuver their way through the room.

I don't know about you but the thing that I find entertaining during these parties is the way these people make absolute idiots of themselves. I didn't even have to do anything, I just had to sit down by the stairs with my can of beer as I watched the other people.

Some of the girls were around me chatting with our group and even though I kept nodding as if I were listening, my attention wasn't on them.

My eyes roamed around as I observed the young couple innocently flirting by one side before turning to the other couple who looked ready to rip each other's clothes there and then. There were also hilarious ones, like this one guy thing he's all the shit as he stood on top of the long table, twirling his shirt in his hands as he swayed to the music.

See? Entertainment right there.

When I saw a glimpse of Evan and his friends in the sea of people, I quickly stood up and made an excuse to the group, "Bathroom."

The girls nodded and I was off. I looked around, shoving and squeezing myself through the dancing bodies. Just as I was in the middle, I was too occupied figuring out which direction they went to when someone caught my arm and spun me around, "Hey."

Looking up, I groaned when it was just another fuckboy from the basketball team. I've seen his looks during practice since our teams shared the gym, but this was the first time he actually got the guts to act.

Doesn't mean I appreciate his sudden burst of courage.

"Excuse me, I need to go," I said as I tried to squirm out of his grip.

"You know, Clara, since you finally broke up with Gray," he uttered, "Why don't I get a chance?"

Because you're an incapable moron and the only chance you're getting is a chance of getting slapped, "No thank you."

He still didn't let me go, "Oh come on."

Okay, now you have a chance of getting kneed in the balls.

"I said no," I told him, "Now release me."

"Clara!" he almost demanded.

I tried to shake him off but he was stronger than me. My eyes widened when I saw the desire in his eyes, also the smell of alcohol coming from his mouth. He wasn't drunk yet, but he surely got a drink or two in his system already. I attempted once again to move away, but he wasn't letting me go.

I stomped on his foot with my heel and even though he flinched, it only made his grip on me tighten. I was starting to panic and I tried to look around, praying that someone will come to my rescue.

It's not like the good old time where I can just yell for Gray and he'll come bursting down like the Incredible Hulk.

Then out of nowhere, he was knocked off. He stumbled a little bit to the side and I instantly took a step away. When I saw the one who bumped him, my expression hardened when I saw that it was Gray.

Huh, maybe I didn't need to yell before he went on and became the Hulk for me.

He looked over his shoulder and muttered, "Accident."

His tone was menacing and far from the apologetic one that usually accompanied that word. While the guy was distracted, I quickly moved away, finding a spot in the quiet kitchen. I was breathing hard with my hand clutched to my chest.

I suddenly remembered the old Gray. The same guy who had no problem punching the lights out of anyone that wouldn't leave me alone, the one who didn't hesitate to push away a senior guy when we were still sophomores because he tried to force me into doing something I didn't want to.

The Gray Martyn who will be there to rescue me without fail.

"Clara?" I heard Vivian's voice question when she entered the room, "You okay? You look a bit pale."

"Just too much foundation," I quickly defended.

Lie, I was too good with makeup to do a mistake like that.

She raised a brow before she shrugged, walking over to pour herself a shot of vodka, "Want?"

"Desperately," I nodded and she took another shot glass, filling it up before sliding it across the table towards me.

I placed it in between my lips before I tilted my head back, letting the alcohol enter my system. It burned my throat like usual, but I got used to this feeling already.

If you spend too many time thinking about something that's way out of your control while you move with these kind of crowds, you will soon find this to be a normal reoccurrence.

"Vivian, Clara," a teammate puffed as she appeared at the doorway, "You need to see this."

We exchanged looks before following her out. Somehow, during those five minutes that I was in there, having a minor panic attack, Gray managed to pick himself a fight.

Well, a stare down.

Not with the one forcing me earlier, I saw that one by the corner of the room, clutching his bruised cheek. This time, it was with another student from our school.

His eyes were locked on with the guy as their gazes showed nothing but hatred towards each other. Right behind them was the lamb, staring back and forth between them.

Oh let me guess, the two of them like the lamb and now she's forced to make a decision between them. Boo fucking hoo, hand me the next cliché.

Then Gray, thinking that this was enough, lifted a fist and sent it flying towards the other guy. He staggered after the blow, trying to regain his balance. He glared at Gray before he gritted his teeth, going into a position to punch Gray. Erin, the idiotic piece of a lamb, jumped in between them, thinking she could stop them.

But alas, the stupid lamb only ended up getting hit by him.

First by the volleyball, now by a fist. She should really stop jumping into places where she doesn't belong.

"Erin!" Evan burst out from the crowd and knelt down to his sister. Gray looked down towards Erin, his eyes flickering in concern, before he placed his attention back to his opponent and it was obvious that he was angrier than ever.

He showed no mercy as he started punching the guy, not even stopping to think if he'll live or not. His enemy, on the other hand, was quite good at handling him as well since he managed to land a few ones on Gray. This was when his teammates started to intervene, trying to pull them apart

They successfully did, but it looked like both of them weren't finish. My gaze went to Gray, whose face was starting to sport a few bruises.

Alright, that's enough.

I ducked down and made my way to the middle of the circle. I quickly went to Gray and held his face in between my hands, "Gray!"

His attention shifted from the guy onto me, his eyes focusing on my face. I ran my fingers over his bruise and he flinched when it made contact, "Stop now."

He blinked towards me, his expression showing disbelief. I know, I'm not really the one who should be mediating this fight nor I should be the one to calm him like this.

Slowly, he took a deep breath and I took this as a sign that it was safe to release him, nodding towards the boys who held him back. From the corner of my eye, I could see Evan helping an injured Erin out of the house.

"I'm taking you home," I said to him. He didn't even protest when I turned around and told one of the girls, "Get me some ice."

She nodded, running to the kitchen as I walked out, making sure he was still following me. Once we were outside, I told him to get in the car as I waited for the ice. The girl came running out, having a bunch of tube ice gathered up in a plastic bag.

"Thank you," I muttered to her before I got into the vehicle. Reaching behind to my gym bag, I took out a clean towel and wrapped it around the plastic before giving it to Gray, "Here."

He was still silent as he pressed the cold compress to his face. I pulled out of Vivian's place and started making my way to Gray's house, "You're probably not going to tell me what happened, but I do wish you don't sit around like a big baby all night. I still have to take care you."

"Why?" he turned to me, "I thought you no longer cared."

I glanced at him for a quick second before placing my gaze back onto the road, "Because I said I'll always be your ally."

Stubbornly and stupidly so.

He said nothing else after that, he leaned back against his seat as I continued on my drive. Once we reached his home, I turned off the engine and got out, waiting for him to do the same. He took out the keys from his pocket and unlocked the front door.

I looked around the house until I found an ice pack. Opening their freezer, I filled it up before I handed it back to Gray as I took the makeshift one that I had him use earlier, "You should be good for now."

Grabbing two bottles of water, I handed one to Gray as I plopped on the couch next to him.

"He also liked Erin."

My head snapped towards his direction and I realized that he was about to tell me the amazing tale of how he got into that beef fest. Let me just get my popcorn and a nice fluffy blanket. Of course another interest will appear when the bad boy has finally noticed her. 

Give me a break here.

"When I was too busy trying to talk to you, he made his move," he informed, "And she realized that she liked him as well and I caught them having a moment at the party. I just left her for a second to get a drink then when I came back, they were just inches apart."

If he's going to blame me for this then all I can say is, I don't know what to feel anymore. His mind was slowly drifting away from Erin and was coming back towards me.

Wait, I should react to the deal about Erin...

That bitch! Oh I'm sorry, I'm the bitch. She's a flirtatious lamb that looks like a fucking goblin.

With that title, I'm blaming the alcohol for influencing me.

His head dropped onto my lap as he stared right up to me, "Why does this always happen to me?"

My expression softened as I kept my lips shut. I feel like whatever I'm going to say wouldn't be enough, but I like this position, you know?

When It's just the two of us. For the first time in what feels like forever, we were finally alone. My thoughts, I allowed them to stop rushing through because my main worry was right here with me. I'm not restless anymore because Gray wasn't, metaphorically, miles away from me.

We were finally back on the same track. Do I like it?

Part of me does.

"Clara, don't leave me," he almost begged, reaching out to hold my hand in his, our fingers intertwining, "You're always my ally, right?"

That one-liner has been uttered by us since the day we started this whole predicament. Up until now, even during and after our biggest rift, it was the glue that held us.

"And you're mine," I stated and he nodded.

And suddenly, we fell back to the way we were. I don't know what tomorrow entails, but for now, let us enjoy this moment that both of us has no assurance where it would lead to.

------------------------

My cortisol levels are off the roof. The amount of school work that I have piled up is daunting and my finals are next week. I wasn't supposed to update today because I got home at 9pm because I had classes until 7pm but I was trying to do this paper and I told myself, I need a break so I just edited this instead.

Although my brain is a mush right so this might not be as edited as I claim it to be.

Question: What's your crack ship? Meaning, a ship that's not really part of the existing ships (ships that are not Clay, Clevan, *Whatever Gray & Erin's ship name is*) right now.

Dedicated to hooshit for the covers. Sorry that this was difficult to put up since the link keeps on expiring on us.

Now if you'll excuse me, I haven't had a decent sleep all week and I still have some work to do. Wish me luck on my exams and I hope you have a good day. I love you all, don't forget to vote, comment, and follow. I shall see you all next chapter.