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I planned on taking responsibility for what had happened at lunch but Ashton didn't.

I scowled as the time ticked by and he was still a no show. The teacher was patiently grading papers at the front of the classroom.

"I can leave once the hour's up, right?" I asked.

"No, the hour starts when Ashton gets here."

I stared at her in disbelief but she went back to her papers. What time was I supposed to get home then? I scowled as I looked at the time. Ashton was probably home by now, laughing his head off.

It wasn't that surprising, though. Ashton never attended detention. And the teachers were tired of trying to force him to come. But he had landed me in here too, so I'd hoped that he would take responsibility this one time.

I sighed, and went back to my Pure Math homework. The time crept by and I had given up hope that Ashton would ever show his face. The next time I see him, I'm gonna-

"Mr. Rivera, how nice of you to finally join us."

I looked up in surprise to see Ashton. He saluted to her and sat down beside me. I couldn't disguise the glare I sent his way.

"Where were you? Detention started thirty-five minutes ago."

"That's none of your business."

I scoffed and turned away from him. He was so rude sometimes. Scratch that, all the time. The teacher observed us and then put her pen down.

"So, since you're both here, the detention officially starts now."

"You're leaving?" he asked as she gathered up her stuff.

She nodded. "You can leave at four thirty-five. I'm trusting both of you to stay here until then. Your task is to get to understand each other better and make up. Sort out your differences so that nothing like this will happen again."

She smiled and walked out. Ashton sighed and got up.

"Where are you going?" I asked suspiciously.

"I'm leaving."

"She just said she trusts us to stay here."

"So?"

"So we're staying here until it's time to leave," I told him pointedly. "Stop breaking the rules."

"Oh yeah," he hissed. "I almost forgot how much of a teacher's pet you are."

"Call me whatever you want," I huffed, sitting back down.

I got back to my homework and he came over to stare at my book. I ignored him for as long as I could, but then he grabbed the book away.

"Hey!" I yelled, but he held it above his head with a smirk. "Give that back, Ashton."

"Take it if you can." He frowned. "Do you do anything besides reading and studying? How do you find this fun?"

"Reading is fun. Studying isn't, but it's necessary," I said, jumping up to get the book, but he switched hands.

I groaned. "Stop messing around, Ashton Rivera."

"Ooh, my full name. I feel so intimidated."

"I will karate chop you," I threatened.

"I'd like to see you try," he smirked.

I glared at him and then sighed, going back to my seat. This was pointless.

"We're supposed to be sorting out our differences, not... this. Why don't we give the whole talking it out thing a try?" I suggested.

"So should we hold hands and sing Kumbayah?" he asked, rolling his eyes.

"You know admitting that you have a problem is a key step in getting help," I jabbed.

"Whatever," he sighed, tossing the book at me. "You're no fun."

"And you're a jerk"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, you are," I informed him.

"And what are you? Hmm? You've never even gotten a detention. It's ridiculous."

"Aren't you proud of yourself for being a bad boy," I mocked.

He rolled his eyes. "I can't believe out of everyone, you're the one I'm..." he trailed off.

"The one you're stuck here with?" I finished. "This isn't exactly my definition of a good time either."

I looked at my watch. "Thanks to you, I'm going to be here longer than necessary."

"Most girls would love the opportunity to be alone with me."

"The view must be great from that high horse you're on. I'm not like most girls."

"I noticed," he spat. "You make it very obvious."

"Is that why you hate me?"

He glanced at me in surprise. "You think I hate you?"

I shrugged. "Why else do you act like this," I motioned to him.

"If I hated you, then I wouldn't have saved you at the party."

"I appreciate it," I breathed. "But after that you've done nothing but be a jerk."

"Then just stay out of my way," he growled. "Everywhere I go I see you."

"Sorry, maybe I should change schools," I scoffed.

"Maybe you should. In fact, I would love that."

I stared at him, but his eyes were serious. "The further away you are from me the better."

"If you're going to regret saving me that much, then maybe you shouldn't have."

"Maybe."

For some reason, that hurt more than I thought it would have. We lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. I tried to go back to my homework, but his brooding mood drained my productivity. I closed the book with a sigh and stared at the clock as the seconds ticked by.

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Fifty-eight... Fifty-nine... Sixty!

Hello sweet, sweet freedom! Your girl was breaking out of prison.

I happily gathered my books while Ashton typed away angrily at his phone. He had been doing that for a while and his mood had gradually gotten worse. He sighed, throwing the phone down, and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He looked over at me.

I ignored his burning gaze and stuffed the last book into my bag. I couldn't wait to get home and forget all about the jail time I just did. Ashton didn't make a move to leave, but just continued staring at me.

It was a bit unsettling, but I smiled and waved as I walked out. Kill 'em with kindness, Elizabeth.

I stood in the parking lot. It felt so good to feel the sun on my face after sitting in the AC all day. I was just about to call a taxi when Ashton came up beside me.

He sighed in irritation and turned to me. "You're coming with me."

I frowned at him. "No, I'm not?"

"It wasn't a question."

With that, he grabbed my wrist, and pulled me towards his car. What the hell?

"Let me go!" I demanded.

"What's your problem?"

"My problem? What's your problem?" I glared, pulling my hand from his. "What are you doing?"

"I can't explain everything now. I just need you to come with me."

I frowned and crossed my arms. "Why would I do that?"

He smirked darkly. "Because you owe me a favor."

I gaped at him. "But that's... I thought you would ask me to buy you lunch or something."

"It can be whatever I want," he insisted. "Just come on."

"Where are we going?" I asked, stepping back.

"You'll see."

"But-"

He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I remember you being a lot more agreeable last week. I thought you kept your word."

I shuffled uncomfortably under his glare. He checked his messages again and I could see the highlight of the veins in his hands as he gripped the phone with an angry intensity.

"Well?" he asked, opening the car door.

"I'm thinking," I snapped.

"About what?"

"The pros and cons."

He sighed, coming closer to me. "I really need you to come with me."

I glanced at the black Ferrari and then back at him.

"Please," he added.

Woah, did he just say please? Maybe my kindness was having an effect on him. Ashton never said please, and if he did, I was the last person he would say it to.

His eyes bore into mine persuasively. His long lashes fanned his beautiful dark blue eyes. I felt captured.

"Okay," I relented. "But I need to get home before six."

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