Chapter 21
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As soon as this blonde guy's fist collided with my nose, it felt like my head was spinning upside down.

I tumbled back, and felt myself falling, but all I was focused on was trying to collect the countless stream of crimson pouring down my face, coating my hands in red.

I felt lean yet strong arms catch me, and the sharp scent of minty freshness, so crisp it almost flipping hurt filled my nostrils. I brushed the blood away as gently as possible to peer up at... Rixton?!

He was holding me tightly, glaring at the blonde guy, who now looked guilty and horrified.

Rixton gently removed his hands away from me, and my cheeks flushed red. Thankfully, no one could see past my bloody nose. Luckily, it didn't feel broken; if I tried really hard, I could move it, but it still ached.

He stood up, and I could see his dark outline move with stunning agility towards the blonde kid... but instead of punching him, his hands closed around his throat.

I gasped and then quickly yelled, "Rixton, stop!"

Rixton froze, releasing the kid quickly and backing off. He glanced at his hands and then turned stiffly towards me and helped me up. I think this was the most contact Rixton has had with another person in a while.

I resist the urge to lean into him, and instead allow him to pull me closer, so our shoulders are brushing, and lead me past the murmuring kids.

Rixton picked up my binder with his other hand and then gently steered me away, probably towards the nurses' office.

It was the happiest I had ever been, even if I had just gotten punched in the face.
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I was sitting in one of the plush chairs in the nurse's office. Rixton and the blonde boy, who I now learned was called Steven, were in the principal's office. My mom was notified, but wasn't coming to pick me up; the nurse said that if I wanted, I could still remain at school, but I'd have to wait for about an hour before heading to my next class.

The nurse had wiped the blood away with gentle swipes from a warm wet rag, and now had wrapped gauze around it and was carefully taking it in her slender fingers, and advising me to wriggle it when needed to assure nothing was damaged.

Finally, the nurse smiled and drew back. "Nothing too bad, though you did take a nasty hit. You're a brave girl, Ms. Allo," she told me, walking to the sink and washing her hands.

"Thanks," I muttered, but my thoughts were still trained onto Rixton. He had caught me in his arms... and that was the best feeling I had ever experienced. He had walked me to the nurse's office... that was... romantic. He had tried to strangle the guy who hurt me. A bit intense.......... but whatever.

I was in awe of it all. Did that mean that Rixton and I were on good terms now? I hope it did. I just took a punch in the face for him. We could at least not be... 'enemies' anymore. Well, not like we ever were, but...

Ugh, it's all so confusing.

Not even my brain has any snide comment to make.

I turned to the nurse. "Will Rixton be okay?" I asked her worriedly. He had been treated before me, due to more serious wounds, and then left with the principal and Steven to explain why the fight had started.

My phone began buzzing, and I assumed it was my mom calling or texting me, asking if I was alright. I had already explained to her the whole situation, and she reluctantly understood, but advised me that once I came home I was going to remain inside and not move from the couch.

Yay. Take notice of my sarcasm.

"He'll be fine, darling. It's just a black eye and a punch to his mouth. He doesn't need stitches, thankfully. The same for Steven," the nurse told me, and I read her name tag as Bertha.

"Thank you, ma'am," I told her sincerely, and Bertha the nurse smiled lightly. "My pleasure, sweetie. Now just sit down. Maybe you have a friend who can bring you the class work?"

I flushed red and shook my head. "Um, no. Rixton is my only friend," I said, and felt satisfied calling Rixton my friend. It seemed fitting.

But somehow, a part of me longed for something more with him, and it frightened me in a mysterious way.

"That's alright, then. I'll run up and get it. Tell me if you need anything, and make sure not to tilt your head down too far," Bertha instructed before she turned and walked out of the small white room, leaving me alone.

I quickly checked my phone, answering my mom's worried texts with; Yeah, I'm fine. The nurse is getting my work now. Love you.

I turned the phone on mute and then checked to see if Suzan had texted or called back.

Nothing.

That was unusual, but I wasn't going to call again. It's not like Suzan to miss out on any calls or texts, especially coming from me. But I wasn't going to call her and possibly interrupt something important.

Instead, I grabbed my Percy Jackson from out of my stuffed purse and began reading.

Little did I know of the trouble brewing, about a thousand miles away from here, that would affect me in so many ways imaginable.

(A/N: This is one of my least favorite chapters. Sorry, guys, but it's too close to the end, and I already have everything planned out, and this is just so emotional for me.......

I don't want it to end!!!!!!!

Don't make it end!

*starts sobbing*

*Ariana awkwardly pats me on the back*

*Rixton only snorts* Pathetic....

*continues bawling*

An awkward silence.......

But guys, I'm so upset! I can't believe it's all ending... in just 2 more friggin chapters.

It can't! :(

But it has too...

*my heart splits into thousands of pieces that scatter the ground*

Random Pedestrian: HEY, STOP LITTERING!

Me: ..... :'(

I love you guys.

And, as ALWAYS, don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW ME.

Thanks guys, for the ones who stayed with me till that one little Author's Note at the beginning to this. It means so much to me. <3)