Chapter 22

You better be careful from now on Babe. Lots of love ;)'

My heart was racing so hard, I thought I would faint. Who would do this? Rip my clothes and then spray paint the shirt with such threatening words? Who else...besides Luke?

"Ellie?" Ace repeated.

When I didn't reply, I was gently shoved aside from my locker, and Ace took my earlier place, now standing in front of my locker.

His whole posture went rigid when he saw the shirt, and probably the words etched onto it. His face started turning red, and for a second, even I looked at him in fear. But it vanished just as quickly, since he was obviously in is protective mode again.

He turned to me, yanking the shirt from the hook. His gaze was murderous, and I actually flinched. He noticed my expression, for he softened his and took deep breaths.

"It was Luke, wasn't it." It wasn't a question. He already knew it was Luke.

"What was Luke?" Beth's voice floated up to us, and before any of us could reply, she snatched the white gym shirt from Ace's hand. Frowning, she spread it open, only to drop it with a shocked expression.

"That bastard went too far this time!" She exclaimed, bending down to pick the shirt up. "We have to report it to the police." When she saw my look, she said "Or at least the principal..."

"We can't. We have no solid proof that it was actually Luke who did this," Ace spit out with anger.

"But we can't just let things like this keep happening again and again! What if next time there's no warning, and something happens to El-" She broke off suddenly, but I already knew what she was trying to say. So did Ace.

His whole face changed from anger to realization as he probably thought Beth was right. He pulled me close to him and lightly stroked my hair.

"I won't let anything happen to her," he murmured, and my heart soared at his words.

I knew I should've probably been worrying about Luke and his threat, but I couldn't help but think how much I liked the closeness of both of us. I was a complete fool when it came to Ace.

Beth smiled at me, and mouthed, "you are so gone" at me, making me blush and pull away. I patted my hair to smooth it back, and cleared my throat awkwardly.

"Um....I think I should go to Ms. Kim (I cringed at the thought) to get another uniform so I don't get points off tomorrow," I said to both of them, and took off walking towards her office, not waiting for a reply.

"Hold it. I'm coming with you." Ace frowned at me, then gently twined our fingers together.

My cheeks red, I turned to Beth and said "You can wait at my house, Mom's not home anyway," I threw my house keys at her and she caught it. We had already planned on spending the day in my house together. I suddenly realized how I hadn't even thought of my Mom once during the two weeks.

Guilt coursed through me, but I shook it off, because I had actually called her before, but she couldn't take the call because she was "busy," according to the lady who picked my Mom's phone. Anyways, if my math was correct, my Mom should be back the day after tomorrow.

Ace and I got my gym uniform, with a disapproving cluck from Ms. Kim, and then we both headed home on foot in the now pounding rain with no umbrellas.

*********

Ace got sick.

I told him I didn't need his jacket because I had my own, but he had insisted upon throwing his on top of mine in the horrendous rain yesterday. Yes, we walked the whole ten minutes back home with nothing to cover ourselves from the unexpected rain. Well, I was covered from his and my jackets anyway.

So now I was ready for school, sitting on my bed, with my phone in my hand, reading the text that said he couldn't go to school today because he's sick. I was up pretty early today and had a lot of time, so I decided to pay him a visit.

I quickly ran to Jason's room, entered without knocking, and said, "You're dropping me to school today," and bolted out of his room before he could refuse or make any excuse.

I walked out of my house and reached Ace's. Now that I was there, I hesitated. What if he's on his bed, and I'm just going to make him get up and walk down and back up while he's sick?

I decided to go back, because I knew it would be too inconsiderate if I made him come open the door when he's sick. Before I could walk away, though, my phone beeped.

There's a key on top of the ledge on the door. You can come in ;) - Ace

My cheeks went hot as I realized he'd been watching. Nevertheless, I got the keys and let myself in. I walked up to his room, and gently knocked.

Cough. "Come in." His voice was hoarse, making me jittery with nerves.

I cautiously pushed the door open, and peeked inside. There on the bed lay Ace, with his blanket wrapped around his whole body, and his face pale. Even though he looked so sick, he still managed a small smirk.

"Couldn't resist me, could you?" He smirked, but immediately a cough followed.

I quickly walked to his bed and put my hand on his forehead. The temperature was mild, but he was still sick.

"Have you eaten anything since last night?" I ask worriedly.

"Yes, I'm capable of cooking for myself Ellie. Now stop worrying and come cuddle with me," he lifted a little bit of his blanket and moved to the side a bit, gesturing me to slide in.

My face went slack. And then it went hot. "I...I umm..." I stuttered nervously. "You need to rest...and you're...sick," I finished stuttering, my face red from embarrassment.

"So? I'll rest better when you're cuddling with me." He smirked at my red face.

I reached out to tuck the blanket back in. "I don't think s-" He grabbed my wrist suddenly and pulled. I went toppling over onto the side he had cleared for me.

"ACE!" I yelled at him as he payed no heed and pulled me closer to his body and threw the blanket over me as well. My hand fell on his chest, and another fact registered in my mind.

"You're not wearing a shirt!" I shrieked indignantly, my heart pounding in my chest, pulling my hand back as if he'd burned it. I moved away from him, and almost toppled off the bed. Ace snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me back onto the bed and closer to him.

"So? You've seen me without a shirt before," he said with a smirk, obviously enjoying my discomfort. Before I could reply, he tucked his head on my shoulder blade, snuggling comfortably, pulling my body closer to his naked torso.

"Calm down. It feels like you're punching me in my face repeatedly," he grumbled.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Your heart. I can feel it thumping on my face," I felt his mouth turn into a smile in my neck. Blushing, I realized his cheek was where my heartshould be. Of course, that made my heart beat even more rapidly.

Ace slowly pulled his head back and stared at me for a moment, a small smile on his face. "I'm afraid you're going to give yourself a heart attack."

My cheeks reddened. "Shut up," I murmured, now snuggling into his chest, hiding my red face, my arm around his bare back. He started playing with my hair, then stopped.

"You're not going to school today?" He asked abruptly, though his voice was playful.

I bolted up in the bed, realizing I still had school to go to. "I'm going. Just got...distracted," I muttered, pulling myself out of his arms and out the blanket.

"I wonder why..." he trailed off, smirking at me knowingly. I scowled at him.

"Umm...so I'm going to...leave now," I said awkwardly, but then bent down to give him a quick kiss.

But Ace put his hand up, stopping me. I stilled, staring at his hand in slight hurt and confusion. He noticed, because he explained, "I don't want you getting sick as well."

"Oh," I smiled, understanding, my heartbeat going back to normal. He beckoned me closer to him, so I leaned forward.

"But I can do this," he then cupped the back of my head, leaned up, and softly kissed my cheek. Again, my cheeks went red, and he chuckled.

"I think I'll come pick you up today after school," he stated.

"What? No! Stay in bed, you don't need to come!" I frowned at him. He's sick, for God's sake!

"I'm not that sick. I'm coming after school to pick you up," he said, his tone final.

"But..Ace...you're sick!" I said uselessly.

"That's no excuse, I'm coming, whether you like it or not," he replied, smirking at me.

"Fine!" I huffed, and just to show him that I totally disagreed with him, I stomped out of his room and out his house. I faintly heard him calling my name, but I ignored him, smiling slightly. That's what you get for not listening to me.

Once again I entered my room, got my book bag and then knocked on Jason's door.

"I'm coming! Just five minutes!"

Ten minutes later, we were at the school, and I was walking outside with Beth.

"Where's Ace? I didn't see him today," Beth asked suddenly.

"Oh, he didn't come to school today. He's sick," I explained sulkily.

"Is he, now? That's great news, isn't it?"

Beth and I both turned around, and my heart dropped. I hadn't even thought about what Luke could do when Ace wasn't here. Luke smiled at me, his eyes cold.

Beth pulled me back instinctively, and Luke took a step forward. Fear shot through me as I struggled to keep calm.

"D-don't get any ideas. Ace will be coming after school to pick me up. He won't let you go easily this time," I threatened as he stepped closer. He stopped suddenly, and I could see the thoughtful glint in his eyes.

Just as suddenly, he turned back around, and went inside the building without any word. Beth and I exchanged bewildered glances.

"I didn't know he was that scared of Ace," Beth raised an eyebrow at me.

"He's not, he's scared of us," Angelino's voice came from behind us and we turned back to face Angelino, Jayden and Zach, all three already outside.

"Scared of you? Only a dumb person would be scared of you," Beth rolled her eyes.

I watched in amusement as Angelino retorted back. "Isn't Lukey dumb?"

Beth's cheeks turned a bright red, and she muttered a 'whatever' and stalked off towards the center of the field. I laughed and followed her.

We didn't do anything during first today, because Ms. Kim wasn't here. When the bell rang for second period, I bid good bye to the three of them and started walking with Beth.

"Why good bye? I'm coming with you," Zach muttered as he caught up with us. I looked at him in confusion.

"You don't have a class with us?"

"I do today, because of Ace," he shrugged, and I immediately understood. It was because of Luke.

I gave Zach a thankful hug, and he returned it.

The whole day went uneventful, because in the two classes that I had with Luke, Zach and Jayden both accompanied me and both the teachers didn't dare say anything to them.

After school, I went to my locker to put my stuff inside when I got a text from Ace.

-

I smiled, but before I could put it back, my phone beeped again. I checked it again, then frowned in confusion.

Ace asked you to meet in the alley behind the school. He said it's a surprise ;) - Beth

"What the heck..." I mumbled to myself. It's a surprise. He's probably trying to confuse me.

I shut my locker and locked it with my new combination lock, and headed to the back door of the school. I walked to the alley (which didn't look like an alley at all, just a small space, big enough for maybe 5 people). I looked around, but there was no one there.

Bewildered, I turned around, and was about to turn right to go back inside, when someone's hand covered my eyes.

"Got you," Ace whispered.

I smiled, and tried to pry his hand off my eyes, but he didn't budge.

"Uh-uh. Not so fast. Keep your eyes closed," he whispered again.

"Why?" I asked, even though I was going to keep my eyes closed anyway.

"Just trust me," he whispered, then turned me around to face him, and slowly removed his hand. "Keep them closed until I tell you to open them."

I nodded and kept my eyes closed, waiting for him to do whatever he was going to. After a pause, I felt his lips on mine.

I kissed him back eagerly, my hands grabbing his hair. His now too short hair. I tried pulling back, confused, but he deepened the kiss, and his lips were almost rough on mine. My eyes flew open, and I pulled back hard in shock.

Almost instinctively, my face turned to the right, and my heart stopped. No. No no no no!

There, stood Ace, his face contorted in pain and hate. My hands flew to my mouth, and I looked back at the person I was kissing.

Nick.

I looked back at Ace, my eyes wide, and filled with tears. He shook his head in disgust, and turned his back to me, walking out of the lot and getting on his bike.

"A-ACE!" I finally found my pathetic voice. "Ace, stop! Please! Just hear me out! It's not...not what it looks like!" I cried, starting after him.

He stopped. He turned around, his mouth still curled into disgust. I knew he was about to say something, but at the last minute, he changed his mind, and then he turned back and walked out.

I started after him again, calling his name, but Nick grabbed my arms and pulled me back.

"Let go of me!" I shouted, struggling in his arms. I saw Ace's back vanish, and I screamed at him to come back.

"You asshole, let go of me," I shouted, kicking my feet backward in hopes of getting him to let me go. Tears streamed down my face, and everything was blurry due to them.

Nick didn't let go, and I struggled even more, but he didn't loosen his grip.

Suddenly, I was ripped out of his arms and pulled into a hard chest. I looked up hopefully.

"Ace?" I wiped my tears quickly, and disappointment crashed through me. It was Angelino, not Ace.

Angelino let go of me and pushed me behind him and into Jayden. Jayden caught my stumbling form, and wrapped me into a hug. I broke down in his arms, sobbing pathetically.

I heard the sounds of a fight behind me, but didn't have the energy to look back. Jayden lifted my chin up, and murmured, "Let's get you out of here. We'll drop you off to your house."

I followed without protest, my face still pressed into his chest. I knew I was getting his shirt wet, but I honestly didn't care. He helped me into the blue car, which belonged to Zach, and Zach himself was situated in the driver's seat. He gave me a sympathetic look and reached out to softly ruffle my hair.

Angelino soon followed, and instead of sitting in the passenger seat, he sat in the back next to me, with Jayden on the other side of me. I leaned into his shoulder, once again pouring out fresh tears.

He rubbed my arm soothingly, and then after a minute, he pulled me into a sitting position.

"Okay, now tell me exactly what happened," he said gently.

Wiping my tears and trying not to cry again, I pulled my cell phone out and went to the messages. I showed him Ace's first. "He texted me after school. I was about to go outside to him, when Beth texted me this," I then showed him Beth's text.

"I...I thought that since it was a surprise, he was trying to confuse me," I sobbed, hoping at least the boys would understand. "But when I went to the back, no one was there. I turned to go back, but then someone covered my eyes, and I thought it was Ace..."

"It was Nick, and he was whispering, so I didn't realize that it wasn't Ace until he k-kissed me. His hair was too short," I hung my head in shame, unable to stop crying.

"Don't worry Ellie, Ace is an idiot. But I think he'll believe it once you show him the texts. But I suggest that you leave him to cool down for now, and talk to him tomorrow. First thing in the morning, especially since it's Saturday," Jayden said beside me.

I nodded, but I doubted he would understand. He probably thought I cheated on him. Who wouldn't? I was kissing Nick back just as eagerly. I cringed at the thought, and put my wet face in my hands.

The three boys dropped me off at my house, and each of them gave me a hug before leaving. I stood outside as they pulled away. I couldn't help but look at Ace's house, which looked empty with no lights on.

I entered my house, leaving the door unlocked. Crying silently, I made my way inside and into my bedroom. The first thing I did was call Beth.

"Hey El, what's up? What was the surprise?" Her cheery and eager voice asked.

I couldn't help it. I started sobbing into the phone.

"Ellie? Ellie, what's wrong?! Why're you crying! Did something go wrong...?" Now she sounded worried.

Taking deep breaths, I replied. "B-Beth, please. C-can you come over to my house f-for the night?" I hiccuped.

"Of course! Please stop crying Ellie, I'll be there in twenty minutes!" She hung up before I could reply.

I plopped onto my bed, not bothering to change. For twenty minutes, I just silently lay in my bed, not crying, not doing anything except staring at the wall in stony silence.

"Ellie!" Beth burst into my room with a small bag in her hand with her clothes in it. I didn't say anything, just practically launched myself on her.

She gently took me back to my bed and asked me what was wrong.

I told her everything, too tired to even cry, my voice monotone. When I was done, her face was flushed with anger, and her cheeks were red.

"That bastard Nick, he told me that Ace told him to tell you to come in the alley. He said he didn't have your number, so he asked me to text you instead!" She said furiously.

"Anyway, I didn't realize it was Nick, so I kissed him back. Ace saw that." My voice sounded distant.

"Ellie, don't worry, we'll figure something out. Ace has to listen to you!" She tried to soothe me, but I knew I wouldn't feel any satisfaction until I actually heard him say he believed me.

"Why would Nick do this to me? I barely know him, Beth," I whispered to her. She wrapped her arms around me.

"I don't know Ellie. I really don't know. But I think it has something to do with Luke," she said thoughtfully. I bolted up out of her arms, and stared at her in shock.

"I think you're right. Maybe...maybe Luke told Nick to do that, and..made Ace come to the alley as well at the same time so he could catch me 'cheating' on him," I said with wide eyes.