Never did I dream to join and be part in track in field team. Never did I intent to ace in my physical fitness class. Mostly, never did I imagine to come across with the school bad boy, his hand holding mine firmly, and chased by an enforcer. I cast a glance towards the guard. Can't he just give up yet?

My hair was flying in all directions, and I could feel peals of sweat dripping like corns on my face. Students turned to look at us and gave us strange looks. We took several detours (and dragged) until we got to the back of the school. Ashton climbed the fence. What the hell is going on?

"What are you doing?" I hissed. I looked behind my back to see if the guard was following. A sigh of relief escaped my lips when he was nowhere in sight. Phew.

"Escape." He said monotonously. He reached for the top of the wall and pulled himself up.

"We have main gate." I pointed out. Why do we have to burden ourselves if there was in fact a proper and easy way to escape?

"Of course, if you want to be pursued by more than one security guard, go ahead."

"What have you done wrong for him to go this far and chase you?" I inquired.

Ashton scratched the back of his neck and looked away. "I accidentally ruined the trophies cabinetry."

"You did what?"

"Are you deaf?"

"I'm not!"

"Then why do you want me to say it again?"

"Unbelievable," I grumbled. I turned around and walked away from him. Dear me. I glanced at my wristwatch, and the meal was about to end. When I touched my tummy, it made a strange sound, and I could see black spots before my eyes. I'm really hungry and need to eat! An idea popped up my head. I returned my attention to him.

"Do you have foods?" I wondered aloud. His brows knitted together in surprise. He opened his mouth to say something but then shut it again. Why does he appear surprised? Did I say something wrong?

"Never mind." I mumbled and continued to stride my way to the cafeteria.

"Where'd you think you're going?" He called out. I didn't bother to respond.

"The guard is coming."

You can't fool me again. The guard will let me slip away for I done nothing wrong. I have done nothing. Period.

"At your left." He said.

I heard a whistle to my left and noticed the bulky guard approaching us. His night stick is still in his hand, and the other is pointing at me. He mouthed something I couldn't understand as he jogged as fast as his stocky feet could carry him. I suddenly threw up my hands in surrender.

"What are you doing?!" Ashton yelled at me. "Run!"

Dear good dinosaurs, you all know that I did nothing wrong so please help me and open the ground and hide me. I prayed. The bulky guard was no longer alone. There were two more people behind him. I closed my eyes and waited for my judgment. Suddenly, I felt strong arms lift me off the ground and carry me in bridal style. Oh? I never thought that guards these days were cheesy in how they treated their violators. When I opened my eyes, I was met by a pair of piercing stares.

"Idiot," Ashton muttered under his breath. He looked back on the guards pursuing us and cursed under his breath. His grip on me tightens, and he walks as quickly as his feet can carry both of us until we reach our escape route. He hoisted me up to the top wall.

"Can you reach now?" He asked.

I looked down at him. Wrapping his arms around my legs, he lifted me up. I could tell the position was uncomfortable because I couldn't concentrate. I was pressed against the wall with my butt facing him. Ashton appears to be having difficulty keeping me up, so I cleared my throat. Get a grip on yourself this instant!

"Not yet. Lift me higher." I said and he did. I extended my arms more to reach the top. When I finally touch the topmost blocks, I thrust my body up.

Ashton pulled himself up too. He jumped off below and motion for me to follow. I hesitated.

I was seven feet high and the ground didn't look so appealing to fall. I had never climbed a wall or a tree before. My father never let us. This experience, I must say, was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

"Are you going down or not? We don't have time for your crap." Ashton snapped.

I'm not being fussy. I'm only concerned about one thing: my injured leg. When I jumped down, I couldn't pull my both feet together to support myself, so I might ended up with broken bones.

"I'm sorry. I still have dreams." I finally said.

Ashton rolled his eyes in annoyance. "You won't die by just jumping off the wall. Now come on."

I inadvertently blew out a puff of air. This guy is completely unconcerned about the plight of others. It's simple for him to say it as if it were nothing. I'll end up with broken parts like Humpty Dumpty. Besides that, landing on hard ground is painful, especially since no one will catch me if I fall.

In the midst of my situation, a thought occurred to me. If I fall in love, will someone catch me and love me back? Or will I end up picking myself up in pieces? I shook my head and smiled. This is not the right time for my corniness.

"You can go without me." I assured.

"I'll catch you when you fall." He said.

I'm not sure if it's the assurance in his words or the gentleness in his voice that calms my erratic heart.

I heaved a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt a gust of wind around me in a matter of seconds. The fall was not as painful as I had anticipated. Of course, the surface was hard, but it was also surprisingly warm and. . . comfortable. My eyes flew open as I heard a grunt from beneath me. I was on top of Ashton. His arms are wrapped around my waist. Our faces were so close that his breath was fanning my face, causing the blood in my body to rise up my cheeks and the hair on the back of my neck to rise.

"Are you hurt?" He asked. I blinked repeatedly. I don't want to sound assuming but, did I saw concern on his face?

"If not, will you please get off? You're heavy."

Certainly not. And hey! Fat my butt! I don't diet and prefer to eat a lot, but my metabolism is fast. I am not fat. I'll say it again: I'm not fat. Really, this guy should stop talking nonsense. My eyes searched my body. I'm not fat, am I?

"Are you all right?" I asked after he pulled himself up. He dusted the dirt off his shirt and jeans. He looked at me carefully, up and down, then back to my face.

"Are you?" He asked back.

I shook my head. Thanks to you.

He nodded and turned around. "Let's go."

"Where?"

He craned his neck to look at me. "Somewhere."

~~

Happy Christmas everyone! I hope you're all having a wonderful time with your family and friends. Thank you and love you for being an amazing reader.😘💜