In Your Time

When we finally went back to school, things seemed different. I was getting a lot of sympathetic looks but I couldn't pinpoint the exact cause. Braden walked with me to my locker, oblivious. I wasn't a huge fan of PDA and Braden respected that, but he still insisted on at least holding my hand. He took my books from me and refused to let go.

"Braden, I think something is up. Everyone is staring at me," I said quietly.

"You had an incident where you were out of school for two weeks. I'm sure everyone is just curious as to how badly you were injured. Don't mind it too much," he said as we started walking to my first class. Over the course of the day, the looks didn't die down. At most, they got worse. The feeling peaked at lunchtime. It seemed like everyone was quietly waiting for something to happen. I went through the line with Braden before heading to our normal table, but someone was in my normal seat leaving the only one seat open. The girl turned and smiled at Braden.

"Long time no see. I almost thought you were avoiding me. I tell you I'm enrolling and you disappeared for two weeks," Tara smiled at Braden. He clenched his jaw with a subtle breath before staring at Tara. "Phoenix was in the hospital, so I was with her; not that it's any of your business. To be honest, I forgot what you said the same night," Braden explained.

"Oh? Are you feeling better now, Phoenix?" Tara asked me as Braden and I stood there awkwardly.

"You're in Phoenix's seat," Braden cut her off.

"Oh this was her seat? Then I assume the empty one next to me is yours. We can pull up an extra chair, but you should sit, Braden. You don't mind, do you Phoenix?" she asked sweetly. Something told me that she already knew that she was in my seat. I resisted the urge to dump my tray on her head, but having had it done to me, I didn't want to turn into the villain. I didn't want her to know that I was jealous. I pushed my true feelings down and smiled back at her.

"It doesn't have my name on it," I said before I turned towards an empty table nearby. I didn't even bother moving the chair as I sat down.

"I know you're not that stupid, Tara. Sit there if you want, but it doesn't change anything," Braden said in a type of warning. He sat next to me before he started eating his food.

"You could've sat with them," I muttered as I picked at the bread on my tray. Braden chuckled before he picked up my hand and kissed the back of it. My cheeks heated in embarrassment as I pulled my hand away.

"Braden," I said in surprise.

"You're not a very good actor, but I find it adorable. I told you I have nothing to do with Tara and I meant it," he smiled. I puffed out a breath and took a bite of my food, but inwardly, I was happy he came to sit with me. After lunch, we found out Tara was also in our gym class. Besides watching me and Braden, she didn't try anything else. Halfway through the class, Braden came over to me with a basketball.

"We're playing a pick up game. Come join us. I don't want any stray balls coming at you again," Braden said. I followed him to the other side of the court and started the game with the group he already had lined up. Luckily, nothing happened. After the day ended, Braden drove us back to the house. I sighed as I relaxed against my bed. Braden followed me to my room.

"Stay away from Tara. I don't trust her," he said finally. He'd been quiet the whole ride back.

"I don't trust her either," I admitted as he sat next to me on my bed. I sat up with a sigh and ran my fingers through my hair to push it back. Braden held my hand gently as he looked at me.

"Phoenix, if anyone gives you

problems at school, you have to tell

me. And if you start being pulled back again, you should tell me that too, so I can cover for you," he said with determination. I nodded quietly

I started at my bedsheets. knew he wanted me to rely on him but at the same time, I was resistant. How much of my memory would be left with him when I left? I was so cautious up until he found out, but now, I didn't know what to do.

"Phoenix," Braden's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. He smiled lightly at me and turned to face me more as his hand came up to touch my cheek.

"Stop overthinking. Stop worrying

and just trust me," he said. I was caught in his eyes. He was sincere while I was just scared. He leaned forward and Caught my lips with his own. It wasn't a quick peck like the first time he kissed me. It was gentle and sensual, yet firm and commanding. He inched his body closer to mine as his lips steered mine. My stomach erupted in butterflies as my eyes closed on their own accord. I found myself bringing my hands up to his neck as I kissed him back. It felt like I'd been dropped off the peak of a tall rollercoaster. After a moment longer, Braden finally broke the kiss. My eyes were slow to open again, but

when they did, Braden was still smiling at me.

"Trust me," he said softly. A knock sounded on the door, making me jump away from Braden. The sudden movement made my ribs ache. I winced as I laid down on my bed as Braden went to open my door. Standing on the other side was Elizabeth.

"What is it, mom?" Braden asked annoyed. Elizabeth moves him aside and barged in. I'd calmed down and settled for holding my ribs gently as my other arm came up to cover my face.

"Guys, you have- Are you in pain? Where does it hurt?" Elizabeth fussed over me. Braden sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I can take care of her myself, mom. What did you come to say?" Braden stopped her. Elizabeth stopped before snapping her fingers once.

"That's right. Someone is here to see you, but if Phoenix is in pain right now, I'll send her up and tell her to be quick," Elizabeth said before she left my room. Braden and I shared a confused look before he sat on the other side of my bed and made himself comfortable.

Wait, her?☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐