"Ethan!" frowned Mia as we watched Ethan who looked to be snapped out of his daydream. "Are you even listening?"

Ethan blinked several times and I swear his cheeks turned a bit pink before he cleared his throat. "Yes, yes, sorry." he said not meeting our eyes. "I was a bit distracted."

In fact, he was. We were sitting in the library during our free period. Ethan had returned today but since morning he seemed to be out of this world, always staring out of the window of the class or deep in thought that seemed to be pleasant because he was always smiling.

"Everything's alright?" I asked him. "You seem so distracted."

"Yeah, don't worry." he waved his hand nonchalantly as he organized his notes. "I think it's the effect of the medicine I have used."

"Does the medicine make you smile all the time like a fool or blush?" questioned Mia with narrowed eyes. "If anything, you look like a love-sick puppy."

Ethan's head snapped toward Mia. "No! I don't!" he denied so quickly.

"So it is." smirked Mia and I hardly suppressed my laughter. "Who is she or he? And don't you dare to tell me there is no one. You have met someone since the last time we have seen you."

"There is no one." said Ethan dismissively, not looking up.

"There is."

"Not."

"Is."

"Not, Mia!"

I watched amused as Ethan and Mia glared at each other challengingly for a minute before Ethan sighed finally and leaned back onto his chair.

"Well?" Asked Mia, making a triumphant face.

"Her name is Lillian." said Ethan and a warmed smile graced his lips. His eyes sparkled behind his glasses as he looked at us. "She is the daughter of my new neighbor. She and her parents were our guests this weekend."

"Awwww!" Mia and I awed together as we saw him blush a bit.

"Tell us more about her." I said early and leaned onto my arms that were on the desk between us.

"Well," said Ethan and scratched the back of his neck. "She is a year younger than us and goes to a all-girl high school. Thanks to the heavens though. She is so adorable and beautiful, so lively and smart. In one word, she caught my eyes at the first sight."

"I want to meet her." demanded Mia eagerly. "We all should go out one day. We can ask Chase and Chris to come too."

"Now that you mentioned and we have time." said Ethan and his face turned serious. "How did Smith manage to convince you?"

Now, it was Mia's time to blush. She blushed and dropped her head while fiddling with her fingers. "It just happened." she said quietly.

Ethan snorted and crossed his arms. He then glanced at Mia for a moment before sighing again. "Just be careful, Mia." he said. "Smith can be so savage."

Mia's head snapped up quickly and she had a huge smile on her lips. "Don't worry." she said excitedly. "You don't know how much he has changed. Chris is really affecting him too, thanks to Eleanor. He was so caring last night when we ...."

"WHAT??" Ethan and I yelled together shocked and not letting her complete her sentence.

"You were with him last night?" I asked shocked.

"I'm going to kill that bastard." seethed Ethan and stood up angrily and began to walk away.

Mia quickly grabbed his arm, almost falling from her seat in the process. "Ethan! Wait!" she squeaked, pulling Ethan back. "I didn't mean that, you perverts. He just suddenly showed up at my doorstep and we went to an ice cream parlor."

"Oh!" I said a bit embarrassed by my thoughts.

"You went home after?" asked Ethan a bit relieved. "And nothing happened?"

"Yes!" exclaimed Mia. "Goodness me! What do you think of me?"

"You three!"

We all turned at hearing the sound of the librarian and saw him glaring at us. "Be quiet or leave right now." he scolded angrily.

We mumbled apologies. Thankfully just then the bell rang and saved us from more embarrassment.

"I hate you!" whisper-yelled Mia and glared at Ethan angrily.

"Sorry that I was worried that that manipulative jerk may have hurt my friend." said Ethan sarcastically and glared back at Mia.

Mia looked down and her face fell a bit. "He will never hurt me." she said quietly while gathering her stuff.

"Mia." I said softly and put a hand on her shoulder. "Forgive us if we reacted badly. I was just shocked and Ethan is only worried for your well-being. Don't be sad. I trust Chase as much as I trust Chris. I know he has changed as well."

Mia looked into my eyes and smiled softly. "Thank you, Ella." she said.

I then turned to Ethan and looked at him expectantly. He glared at me for a few seconds before rolling his eyes defeated.

"I'm sorry as well." grumbled Ethan. "It just I don't trust either of them around you. But if you feel comfortable around them and trust them too, I can't do anything but support you. I just don't like to see you heartbroken."

"Thank you, Ethan." I smiled which he returned warmly.

"I'm going to the cafeteria." said Ethan and grabbed his bag. "Sorry to leave you. But I have promised to meet Adrian there."

Adrian was one of Ethan's friends. I wasn't close to him or interacted with him much, but I knew he was a funny and smart boy from the few times I met and talked to him a bit. His eyes were always glinting with joy. I never had seen this boy without a smile.

"We are coming with you." stated Mia. She grabbed my hand and yanked me out of my chair, startling me.

"Are we?" I asked shocked.

"Yes!" exclaimed Mia as she threw her belongings in her bag happily.

I glanced at Ethan who was looking at me worriedly. I never had gone to the cafeteria in the past two years in fear of Lara and Chris. The last time I was there, Lara had made a fool of me in front of everyone while the group of my bullies including Chris had stopped and was laughing.

I closed my eyes at remembering the memory and my heart clenched. Now that I liked Chris and I knew he liked me too, it was harder to remember those memories. Too hard.

Let's heal the past wounds together.

"Ella." Mia's soft voice made me open my eyes. She was looking at me worriedly. She put a hand on my shoulder soothingly. "I know what you are thinking about. But nothing will happen. No one dares to even as much as glance at you with bad intentions without facing Chris's wrath. You can't let your past fears don't let you live your normal life."

Let's heal the past wounds together.

I took a deep breath and nodded my head, grabbing my backpack. "Let's go." I said determined although I was a bit worried. Chris was not at school that day. So I couldn't have his support. He had texted me that morning, informing me that he will show up later much to my dismay.

"We will be by your side." said Ethan gently as if he had read my mind. He put a gentle hand on my back and together we walked toward the cafeteria.

I gulped once we stepped through the double doors. I partially expected everyone to look at me with judging eyes, but no one even looked our way. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding and let my eyes absorb everything as we walked toward a table.

I couldn't help the smile that plastered on my lips. Students were sitting at the tables talking, laughing, and eating their lunch. It was a happy atmosphere that was helping you loosen up. We sat at a table and pulled out our lunch boxes.

"Adrian." greeted Ethan.

I looked up and saw Adrian plopping himself down on the chair next to Ethan, giving him a handshake. I should say Adrian was a handsome boy. He had black hair that always looked messy and dark eyes. His Italian heritage had definitely had something with his good-looking face. I had seen girls drool as he would talk with them with his Italian accent.

But of course not as handsome as Chris!

"Hey, man," greeted Adrian before turning his sparkling eyes to me and Mia that were sitting in front of them. "hello, lovely ladies."

I think I forget to say that he was a charmer as well. He wasn't a man-whore, but he used every moment he would find to flirt with girls around him.

"Hey, Adrian." said Mia not even looking up from her phone as she typed furiously.

"Hi," I greeted simply and waved shyly for him.

"Wow, Eleanor." said Adrian. "it's good to see you out in public. You were the star of the recent gossip sessions."

"Ad!" Ethan glared at Adrian and nudged him in the side.

"Sorry, sorry, no offenses." said Adrian quickly and looked at me again. "I'm just happy that you are here, gracing us with your beautiful light."

"Shut up, Ad." whined Ethan. "Would you stop flirting with her?"

"Sorry, man." shrugged Adrian without taking his eyes off of me and he smirked. "I can't help when I see beautiful girls."

I made a disgusted face, trying to hide the blush that crept onto my face. "You are disgusting." I said.

"Ouch, I'm hurt, beautiful lady." said Adrian and made a fake hurt face, making me giggle. His eyes then softened and he smiled this time genuinely. "It's just good to see you here between us, Eleanor. I'm happy to see you happy. You deserve to live normally."

"Thanks," I smiled warmly at him, really appreciating his words.

Adrian turned out to be funnier than something I thought. We were laughing all throughout the lunch, listening to him as he animatedly told us his silly memories that I'm sure half of them were imaginary. I was enjoying my time so much.

We were laughing hard and were so drowned in our world that didn't notice the cafeteria fell silent slightly.

"Oh, the mighties are here." grumbled Adrian and dropped his arms that he was using to draw a big circle in the air while looking sternly in the direction of the cafeteria's doors.

I turned my head to the side, still having a huge grin on my face that only got wider at the sight that I saw. Right in front of the cafeteria's double doors stood the players of the football team, all tall and proud, and in front of them was none other than Chris Harrington in all his glory.

And his beautiful jade eyes were fixed on our table or to be precise on the exact boy who was sitting in front of me, Adrian.

"Chris!" I couldn't help but call him happily as he and Chase walked to our table. I couldn't help the herd of butterflies, dancing in my heart and belly suddenly at the sight of him.

He looked so handsome in his black jeans and black button-up shirt that had clung to his chest, showing his flexing muscles underneath. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing just enough of his muscular veiny arms to drool for.

His eyes fell on me at hearing me calling his name and they immediately softened. A small smile graced his pink lips that I had found myself thinking about a lot recently.

"Hello, angel." he said and bend to kiss my temple before pulling out a chair beside me and sitting down. He then turned to the two boys in front of us and nodded stiffly in greeting before greeting Mia. "hello, Mia."

"Hi," said Mia before turning to Chase who leaned back lazily on his chair beside her, looking around the table.

"Wow, I'm hurt that we weren't invited to this fun lunch party you seem to have." said Chase.

I ignored their talking and turned to Chris. "Where were you this morning?" I asked him, noticing his glare that was directed toward Adrian once more.

At hearing me he looked down at me and smiled. "I was at the hospital, removing my stitches." he grinned. "I will come to work from tonight."

"Really?" I squealed happily making him laugh under his breath. "Are you fine now? Are you healed fully? Are you in pain?"

"Yes, yes and no." he answered and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I don't feel any pain. The doctor was shocked at seeing my healing process. Only a red scar has left that will heal with time. I'm hurt that you have underestimated me and my strength."

I giggled as he pouted slightly and put my hand on his arm. "I'm sorry, all mighty Chris." I said. "I'm just happy that you are fine and healthy."

Chris smirked smugly and leaned down toward my ear. "I know that you are happy because you will see me more from now on, beautiful." he whispered next to my ear.

I shivered at feeling his hot breath on my ear and a bit of my neck. In the past few days since he had confessed his feelings these kinds of moments had occurred more and more. It seemed he was enjoying seeing me all frustrated and flushed.

But I wouldn't deny the fact that I was enjoying this too. I liked how he would snake his arm around my waist and pull me to his chest or when he would whisper into my ear. I would feel wanted and desired, something that I have never felt when it would come to relationships with boys.

I gulped and pushed him away gently. "Don't flatter yourself." I grumbled as I tried to hide my flushed face using my hair.

Chris chuckled and put his arm on the back of my chair. His face dropped a bit as he talked again. "I'm sorry, Eleanor, but can you go to the hotel after school yourself?" he asked a bit uncertain. "Now that I have taken off my stitches I should practice football with my teammates after school."

"This soon?" I asked a bit shocked and concerned. "Are you fine enough to practice?"

"Yes, angel." he replied with a smile. "I will be. We have a very important match next week on Friday. I should practice hard. We can't effort to lose and I as captain of the team will make sure to win."

I smiled as I saw his eyes become distant a bit and a look of determination crossed his face. I was sure he would do his best to make sure his team will win.

I gently put my hand on top of his and his eyes get fixed on mine. "I'm sure you will win." I smiled at him. "You are such a great player and will lead your team to victory. I'm sure of this."

I watched as his eyes shone brightly before he leaned down and kissed my forehead. I heard gasps from around us but I ignored them all.

They better get used to this.

"Thank you." he said after he pulled away. "You're faith in me means a lot."

"I just said what I believe in." I responded truthfully. "By the way, don't worry. I have no problem with going to work myself. I have told you this so many times already."

"Still, I can skip for half an hour and ...."

"No, you won't." I said with a frown "We have to win and you should practice hard."

Chris smiled down at me with adoration that melted my heart, but his smile immediately dropped as he heard Adrian talking.

"I can take you where you want." said Adrian, making me and Chris look at him, or in Chris's case, glaring. But Adrian's eyes were fixed on me, ignoring Chris. "I have nothing to do after school. My car is in your service with me as your driver, ma'am."

"Keep your services for yourself, Rossi." snapped Chris as he grabbed my hand in a tight grip. "Back off before I have to redecorate your face."

"I don't know how it's your concern, Harrington." said Adrian with a serious tone. For the first time, I couldn't see any sign of a smile on his face. Even his eyes were hard as he glared back at Chris.

I glanced at Ethan, begging him with my eyes to do something but he only shrugged and stuffed his mouth with food while glancing at the boys with excitement. The idiot was surely enjoying the show.

"Everything about her concerns me." snarled Chris. "I don't know why she is your concern though. Why suddenly do you become interested?"

I saw Adrian opening his mouth to say something but before he could, I jumped in. "Okay, boys, stop it." I said and stood up, trying to pull Chris out of his seat in vain. "Thanks for your offer, Adrain, but I'm fine. Chris, let's get some food for you and go somewhere else to eat, okay?"

I said knowing that if we would stay a bit more, Chris might start a fight.

Chris stood up from his seat still glaring at Adrian. I picked up my lunch box and bag with one hand and grabbed Chris's hand with the other before dragging him away.

"Bye, guys." I said hastily as I dragged a fuming Chris after me.

Chase and Mia didn't give us as much of a glance, drowned in their own world. Chase's face was so close to Mia's with a big grin on his face while she was speaking with him shyly. Ethan simply waved for me while smirking and Adrian glared at Chris.

"Asshole." grunted Chris as we walked toward where the food was being served. He let go of my hand and wrapped his arm around my mid-waist possessively while glaring at everyone around us who dared to glance our way. I dropped my head and blushed.

I knew Chris liked me. He had confessed his feeling for me a few days ago. But I didn't know he could be this possessive. I smiled slightly as I stared at his grumpy face when he was buying food. As much as all of this was new to me, I liked this protective side of him a lot.

I liked the fact that he was acting as if I was his and his only!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was later that day. It was my 15-minute rest time after two hours of serving customers and I was waiting in front of the men's locker room in the hotel, waiting for Chris. He had texted me a few minutes ago, saying that he was at the hotel and was changing.

I was pacing a bit in front of the door, waiting nervously for him to come out. As much as it was making me feel guilty, I was so happy that he was finally here and I was feeling so safe just knowing that he will be there with me.

I jumped when the door was suddenly open and whirled toward it only to see Chase standing there fiddling with his bow tie. He stopped and a smug smirk covered his face when he saw my disappointed face.

"Well, hello to you too, cupcake," he said and leaned on the door frame. "Here to see your lover boy?"

Just then Chris also walked out. "Who are you talking with?" he said and then he saw me standing there and grinned widely. "hey, angel."

I blushed at hearing Chase's words and at seeing Chris standing there. "hello, guys." I said as I unconsciously checked out Chris's appearance. He looked so handsome in his uniform, only needed a suit jacket to complete the masterpiece of showing him in a three-piece black suit.

"Yup!" I glared at Chase once he talked again. "You are definitely here for him. You are blushing and checking him out. Are you eye raping my friend?"

"Really?" asked Chris smugly and his smile turned to a smirk as he took a step toward me.

I quickly took a step back and crossed my arms over my chest. "No, I wasn't." I protested quickly, raking my mind for a reason. "I was ... I was waiting for someone else here."

"Oh, really?" said Chris, taking another step forward. "I don't see anyone except us here or in the changing room, angel."

I opened my mouth to say something, but just then the elevator at the end of the corridor made a ding sound and its doors opened, catching our attention. I almost sighed as I saw Josh, my savior, rushing to us in haste as always.

"Josh!" I squeaked relieved.

"Ella, my dear shining angel." cried Josh as he rushed to me. "Are you here to take this box to the chef? Thank you, babe. I love you."

He thrust the box that he was holding into my hands and plant a quick kiss on my forehead. The gesture seemed to snap Chris out of his daze.

"You, fucker," he growled and I could see anger blazing in his eyes as he took a menacing step toward Josh. "You are the bastard who snapped at her the day she arrived here."