Love Without Fear

Chapter 2- Guardian Angel

Chapter 2- Guardian Angel

*Blaires POV*

Monday 11th May 2022

I woke up to soft hazes of light warming my eye lids, the sun was rising and I was wrapped up warm in bed not wanting to get up. I started out of my window for a moment, taking in the view of the sun creeping up above the houses and it wasn’t until I heard a soft snore that I realised I wasn’t alone in my bed and that there was a pair of warm familiar hands wrapped around my waist. My eyes widen and I slowly turned myself over, scared of who I might find. Finn, I knew I recognised the feeling before, it sent the same tingling feeling as before straight up my spine causing me to jerk a little. My sudden movement caused his hazel brown eyes to slowly open as they did the corner of his lips turned upwards and he smiled at me. A genuine smile, not a smirk or a frown, a genuine smile that made my heart leap out of my chest. He had the most captivating smile, it warmed up his entire face.

“Good morning beautiful” he smiled, his husky morning voice pulling on all sorts of strings to my heart. As much as I was confused on how he got here didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy myself in the process.

“Good-“ I began and then everything was m ripped away.

“Wake up B!” Screamed the all to familiar voice of my brother, I groaned and rolled over pressing my face into my pillow. Since I didn’t respond on the first attempt of him waking me up his next resort was the come bounding into my room and use my bed as a bouncy castle.

“Wake up B!” He shouted again, each bounce sent me a couple of centimetres off the mattress before I crashed back down on to it.

“Alright I’m awake now out” I cried as I dragged my head out of my pillow, I could hear him giggling to himself as he ran out the room. I rolled over and looked at the spot were Finn was led moments ago, it was empty and untouched. A part of me was disappointed the other part of me was confused on how I was dreaming about a boy I only just met. I shook myself off and dragged myself out of bed, yanking open the curtains to take a quick glimpse at Finns room which was empty. I had a quick shower and jumped out wrapping a towel around myself. I blowed dried and brushed my hair and let it hang around my shoulders before I hurriedly brushed my teeth. As I was brushing I gazed at myself in the mirror, I had freckles dotted around my cheekbones which stood out prominently on my pale skin. When I was finished I washed my mouth out and absentmindedly wandered into my bedroom and towards my wardrobe. I opened it up and flicked through the clothes before I decided on a floral long sleeve crop top with ripped blue denim jeans and my Jordan’s that I saved all summer for. Once I collected everything I was going to wear I walked back to my bed and grabbed underwear from my draw, as I looked up I saw Finn smirking at me through the windows. I paused for a moment shocked before realising what I was wearing, I squealed and yanked the curtains closed again. My cheeks were glowing red with embarrassment as I got dressed and ran downstairs flustered. I took a few breaths before heading to the table, dad was sat in his usual spot reading his newspaper, Zach was sat eating his pancakes watching a show on his iPad and mum was in the kitchen cleaning up. A plate of bacon egg and toast was placed in the spot i usual sit at and i relaxed at the feeling of normalcy. I took my seat and tucked in happily, not realising how hungry I was.

“I won’t be able to take you to school today love” my mum called from the kitchen, and dropped my knife and fork on the plate.

“What but mum that’s a half hour walk I’d have to have left like now!” I groaned pushing myself up from the table.

“I know love I’m sorry but I got call this morning, someone’s off sick” My mom was a substitute teacher for 5th grade and below, and annoying as it was i understood.

“Why don’t you call the girls” my dad questioned.

“My phone!” I shouted in shock, I had completely forgotten about my phone. I raced upstairs and into my room, my phone laid on the top of the desk abandoned. I reached over and picked it up hoping there was charge left. 60%, and that’s on only having 2 friends that message you. My lock screen was flooded with messages from Liv and Ali panicking so I messaged our group chat.

B: Chill out guys I’m alive but I won’t be after this walk to school :(

It hadn’t even been thirty seconds before a reply popped up across the screen.

L: Thank god you had me worried! I’ll ask Jay to pick you up on the way, we’ll be 10!

A: I’ll see you at school

Jay was Olivia’s older brother in the grade above us, and just like Olivia he was blessed with the good looks and popularity. He was easily the most attractive guy in 11th grade, but now he was on par with Finn.

B: Thanks Liv, I’ll be outside!

I tucked my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and grabbed my denim jacket and bag before grabbing my washing basket to take downstairs. After dropping my basket at the bottom the stairs I saw Zach was sat on the sofa getting his shoes on, I ran over and planted a kiss on his head. He giggled and swatted me away, I grinned and gave mum and dad a hug goodbye and said I’d see them after school. I waited outside on the sidewalk, I dropped my bag to the floor so I could put my jacket on. The sound of the door closing drew my attention, I turned to see Finn walking out his house clutching a helmet. Ofcourse he would ride a motorbike. I turned to face the road again, trying to avoid any sort of interaction. I could hear the sound of a garage door opening as my eyes burned trying to stay concentrated. The sound of the bike roaring to life caught me off guard and my head snapped over to look. He had pushed myself out of the garage and was sliding on his helmet when he saw me, flashing a quick grin before he pushed it all the way over and rode off. I rolled my eyes, and turned to see Jay’s Mercedes turn around the corner. I took a step back as he pulled up in front of me, Liv was sat al happy and perky in the passenger seat and Jay was sat smiling behind the wheel.

“Sup short stack” Jay teased innocently, I flipped him off and then climbed into the back.

“Sup jerk” i jested back, placing my bag between my feet. As soon as my door was closed he sped off, i fumbled with seat belt.

“So!” Liv started, I could tell this was going to be a endless investigation about my new neighbours, “Finn seemed very blunt, was he the same with you when we left?”

I shrugged my shoulders as I looked out the window knowing fully well she would be looking at me through the rear view mirror. I was debating wether to tell Liv about my awkward encounters with him but decided it was best not to, Liv wasn’t the best with secrets as much as she likes to say she is.

“Finn?” Jay questioned, tapping on the steering wheel as he drove.

“Blaire’s new hot neighbour!” Liv squealed, I had to stop myself from groaning.

“Im pretty sure he’s going to be in your grade, isn’t he Blaire?” She asked.

“Yeah he is” I muttered, watching the trees blur into one as we drove past wishing I hadn’t gotten out of bed this morning.

“I’ll look out for him” Jay laughed.

It wasn’t long before we pulled up into the school car park, I climbed out first wanting to get to class and get today done and over with.

“Need a lift home Blaire?” Jay called from the other side of the car as he climbed out.

“Uh-Yes please” I called as I closed my door. The familiar sound of a motorbike pulled in to the bike bay before the nose went dead silent. Liv walked over to me and grabbed my arm to steady herself over dramatically.

“Just when I thought he couldn’t get any hotter” she gushed, she was so easily impressed.

“Get a hold of yourself Liv! What happened with Aidan?” I asked, Aidan was Liv’s on and off ex boyfriend and their relationship was more unsteady then me on a bike.

“Ugh! Don’t get me started” her voice instantly went from sweet to sour, her eyebrows furrowing.

“Frown lines Liv!” I reminded her, and she instantly smiled at me.

“Frown lines” she repeated calming herself. She took my hand and pulled me across the caf park directly past we’re Finn was climbing off his bike. Please just walk past Liv please.

“Hey Finn!” She beamed, waving with her free while still holding tightly on to my hand.

“Hey..” he said coldly, placing his helmet on to handlebars of the bike. He turned to me and gave a half hearted smile before turning to see Jay walking over.

“I’m guessing your Finn, I’m Jay” Jay smiled, and Finns half smile turned into a full smile.

“How do you know my name?” Finn asked laughing, he turned to look at me and grinned. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

“Liv mentioned in the car that Blaire had a new neighbour in my year” Jay smiled, I took a quick breath, he was my knight in shining armour right now. I flashed him a thank you smiled and he gave me nod to say that it was alright.

“Well since your new here were making it out duty to show you around” Liv chimed in gazing at Finn while squeezing my hand tightly. I scowled at her but she didn’t notice.

“Don’t worry about it Liv I’ll do it” Jay objected, giving Finns shoulder a gentle tap. Finn looked at him relieved and my heart deflated.

“Thanks man” Finn laughed, tapping his shoulder back.

“I’ll see you back here for pick up, bye” Jay reminded us, turning to walk up the steps to school. Finn turned to look at us, his eyes rested on Liv first.

“Bye Liv” he smiled coldly, then he turned to me and out eyes locked and for a moment the cold exterior broke away and he smiled at me.

“Bye Blaire” The sound of him saying my name was enough to make my legs feel like jelly, it took all the determination I had to stand up straight. By the time I had gained my composure he had already began walking away chatting to Jay.

“Guys!” Ali called rushing down the steps, stopping abruptly in front of us. Liv dropped my hand and enveloped Ali into unwanted hug. Ali shimmed herself out quickly.

“Cheerleading try outs have been moved to today” she complained. Liv’s jaw dropped and I knew Ali had her full attention. Liv was the newly appointed Cheer Captain and Ali was her second in command and they have tryed for weeks to get me to try out, all attempts were unsuccessful.

“When? Who told you?” Liv panicked going into full crisis mode.

“Lunch” Ali answered, her face had fallen too.

“What’s the problem? So what they changed the dates?” I asked completely unaware of what the problem was. We started walking towards class in the fear of being late, and I’m never late.

“Even with the girls we have trying out today we’re still one girl down” Liv cried, Ali rubbed her back comfortingly as we walked through the school doors.

“Unless..”Ali mumbled, I threw her daggers knowing exactly what she was going to say.

“Unless you try out!” Liv stopped abruptly, and i groaned. Now she’s set her off.

“Liv we’ve spoke about this” i groaned, pulling her in the direction of the lockers.

“But Blaire we won’t even have a cheer team! What would I do without the cheer team?” She cries, leaning against her locker and throwing me her signature puppy dog eyes.

“You’ve still got prom!!” I said unlocking my locker and putting the books I don’t need in and using the locker door as a shield from the eyes.

“Please Blaire!” Ali joined, peering around the locker door with Liv both pulling they puppy eyes. I knew taking over the cheer team was important to them and without enough cheerleaders they’d have no choice but to stop the team.

“Fine” I muttered and they both started jumping up and down cheering.

“Thank you Blaire!” Squealed Liv hugging me tightly as I close my locker door. I let out a pity laugh and turned her in the direction of class.

“But!” I grinned, I wasn’t letting them off so easily.

“No buts!” Ali groaned.

“But” i continued “You both need to start doing your own homework” Liv gasped and then nodded frantically, she really would do anything for this team.

“Fine” moaned Ali pushing the door open to our Maths class. Mrs Johnson stood behind her desk smiling brightly at everyone, she was way to happy for a maths teacher yet she is my favourite.

“Morning girls” She smiled, the other two waved.

“Morning Mrs” i beamed, taking our seats in our usual spot in the middle. Everyone else slowly fluttered in just before the bell apart from two who ran in out of breath and full of apologies. I pulled our math homework out and placed it on my desk ready for the collection. Liv threw me a thank you smile as she took hers out and I smiled back.

Maths went by quickly, mainly because the work was so easy. She assigned us work to be completed for tomorrow which I took willingly. When the bell rang we rushed back to our lockers to swap books.

“Liv!” Called a deep voice. We all turn to see Jay and Finn walking towards us and my breath got stuck in my throat.

“Yes?” Liv replied, using her locker mirror to apply more lipstick.

“I can’t take you back tonight, I’m going out with the Lacrosse team”

“But how I’m I supposed to get home!” I blurted out, everyone eyes fell on me and I felt my cheeks burn up.

“I’ll take you home” Finn said coolly. I looked at him in shock.

“Me on the back of that thing? You haven’t even got another helmet!” I pointed out, he grinned at me like my concern was funny.

“I’ll sort that it’s a yes or no” He grinned. I was saying out my decisions, half hour walk home with a half charged phone or 5 minute biker journey wrapped around a hot mysterious bad boy?

“Yes” i squeaked, Liv and Ali turned to me in absolute disbelief.

“Meet you out front at 3” he laughed, walking away with Jay to there next class.

“Blaire Young I am so jealous!” Liv laughed, nudging me gently. I was still processing the fact I agreed to get on the back of a death trap, I clearly wasn’t thinking like my usual self.

“Don’t be i might not make it home” i shrugged “or he could be a serial killer and is gonna kill me in a forest somewhere”

“Blaire you watch way to many documentaries” Ali joked, she wasn’t wrong.

“So? If they teach me anything it’s that this was a bad idea and I’m going to cancel” I said very assured of my conclusion.

“Um No your not!” Liv exclaimed walking into our history class, everyone was looking at us. I rolled my eyes and rushed to my seat.

“When a cute older boy offers to take you home on a motorbike you don’t just say no!” She hissed as she slid into her seat, she was living vicariously through me.

“Nice to know you would want me to be killed by a serial killer” I laughed quietly and she scowled.

“Stop being cynical” Ali reprimanded me, and I frowned.

“Fine I won’t cancel but if I die it’s on you both” I joked and they both burst out laughing.

“Something funny girls?” Mr Adams shouted, and we all fell silent. We looked towards him to find his plump face and hate filled eyes staring us down. Mr Adam’s hated every student, it was a fact amongst the school.

“No sir” I stated straightening up in my seat, the girls fighting told hold in laughs.

“Good, if there’s any more interruptions from you then you’ll all be in a break detention” He warned and we all nodded quickly before scrambling for our books.

He put the assignment on the board and I began flicking through my text book to try and find the right page. I read from the text book until my eyes burned and I looked out the window that looked out into the courtyard just to give them a break when I saw Finn laughing with none other then Tia James, probably the worst person and the equivalent to the devil reincarnated. Tia James has always been a toxic egotistical maniac, and always used me as her verbal punching bag when things go wrong for her. I scowled as I watched her lay her hand on his arm and then tore my eyes away not wanting to t*****e myself any longer. I tried to concentrate through the rest of the lesson under the watchful gaze of Mr Adams. When the bell rang we packed our stuff away and handed our class work in as we left.

“We have a half hour break before next lesson and then it’s try outs want to go over a a routine before?” Liv asked happily, I gave a stiff nod knowing I was going to make a complete fool out of myself. After we got changed into the cheer outsides, Liv loaned me one and told me to keep it as I was going to be on the squad anyway, we headed towards the field, that was surprisingly empty. We began stretching and warming ourselves up, and my body ached already. I heard a group of voices and looked up to see Jay and Finn with Tia latched to him and her friend Amber following behind making dreamy eyes at Jay. They looked surprise to see us and us them.

“What you guys doing here?” Jay questioned looking puzzled.

“Blaires applying for the squad” Liv beamed at me proudly, I gave her a small smile.

“Really her” Tia laughed, her eyes burning through me and laced with judgement. My eyes fell on Finn who was wearing a pair of dark blue shorts and matching jersey top, his arms were tense and the vains were popping up from where he was clenching his hands so tight.

“Yeah her” Ali snapped, none hated Tia more then Ali I think it would be impossible to. Tia glared at Ali before Jay filled the tense silence.

“Alright we’ll we’re going to go practice lacrosse, Finns trying out for the team at lunch” he grinned pleased with himself and I wonder how much persuading that took, he does not look like the lacrosse type. Jay, Tia and Amber headed towards the other side of the field and Liv took Ali for a jog to cool off while I was left alone with Finn.

“Cheerleading?” He grinned cockily.

“Lacrosse?” I replied back smiling.

“You got me there, Jay twisted my arm. He can be very persuasive” he joked, his whole body seemed to relax which put me at ease.

“Liv’s exactly the same” I chuckled nervously rubbing my arm.

“You’ll do great Blaire” he smiled before running off to join Jay. I stood there shocked for a moment before walking back to join the others. After we finished warming up we ran through some of the usual choreography and routines. With every roll, flip and jump they showed me I tryed to replicate without making a fool of myself, and I think I did a pretty good job at it too.

“Now the last move is run, cartwheel into a flip and then land and bow” Ali recited off the sheet they had drawn up for me. I gave them a quick nod and they cleared space for me to practice.

“Gowan Blaire!” Liv screamed Liv supportively, I gave her a smile before I started off running. My legs were already burning and I had a feeling I was going to completely fail at this. I threw myself into a cartwheel, steadying my body before taking a deep breath and turning my body so I flipped myself before landing unsteadily on my feet. I straightened myself out as a choir of claps, I blushed and turned to face the girls to see the others had came over to watch. Ali and Liv were radiating happiness while Jay and Finn stood with their mouths hung open. Tia and Amber looked at me with a mixture of disgust and shock that I actually managed to pull it off. I couldn’t help but grin as I walked over, grabbing my towel and wiping of the beads of sweat across my forehead.

“I knew you could do it” Ali chuckled, patting me on the back for grabbing her stuff.

“You are going to ace the tryouts!” Liv squealed pulling me into a bear hug, I decided I’ll allow her this one as I squeeze her back. As well pull apart the boys had come closer.

“Who knew you had it in you Young” Jay laughed, i tryed to keep a straight face as I flipped him off but burst out laughing.

“Looks like you’ve got a natural talent” Finn grinned at me, and even if I wanted to I couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“Natural talent? Oh please” Tia hissed from behind, I had completely forgotten she was here. Amber stood next to her nodding nervously.

“Haven’t you got anything better to do?” Ali snapped back.

“Yeah I do actually, Finn let’s go” She smirked, walking away and expecting Finn to follow behind her like a puppy dog. But Finn stayed glued in his place, grinning at me happily.

“Nah I’m good” he replied and Tia instantly froze in place. She turned around slowly and her face was red with rage.

“What do you mean your good?” Tia shrieked, Amber rushed over to her and attempted to whisper in her ear but was swatted away with flailing hands.

“What I think he means to say is piss off” I smirked, she looked at me and her eyes burned with rage which just fuelled this new found confidence. She stormed over and stood just in front of my raising a finger to my face.

“Just because your friends with populars doesn’t make you one, you are a nobody, a loser! Your are the lowest low of the high school food chain you don’t get to speak to me” she scoffed, rolling her eyes at me. I felt every bit of that sudden confidence c***k and cave in on me, every sentence she said was true, I was a nobody.

“For someone who thinks there so smart it’s clear for you to see where your unwanted Tia” Finn growled, and Tia looked devastated to hear her name and walked off in huff without the final word. While everyone was cheering and celebrating making the witch flee, I could feel my heart still shattering. I stuffed my towel in my bag and rushed off to the changing rooms without another word.

“Blaire!” Ali and Liv called in unison, I kept walking as my legs burned taking my weight.

“Blaire!”Jay called, keep walking.

“Blaire!” Finn shouted and my legs instantly stopped working and I collapsed to the floor, tears streaming down my cheeks. I heard footsteps coming running from behind and I closed my eyes tightly. A warm hand rested on my shoulder and pulled me into a hug, I rested my head on their chest and took a few deep breaths while the tears still fell.

“Your okay” Finn whispered using his other hand to wipe some tears away. I opened my eyes and looked up at him and he looked genuinely worried.

“I’m okay” I muttered, suddenly aware of how close we were right now. He must of to as he pulled himself away and helped me stand. As soon as we were up, I dusted the mud of my jeans.

“Your okay” he chuckled and I looked up and gave him my best attempt at a smile I could muster.

“Blaire are you okay?” Liv cried, running over and clutching my arms as Finn stood back. Jay and Ali followed behind, Jay flashed Finn a worried look but Finn just nodded and he relaxed.

“I’m fine, just had a moment I’m all good” I mumbled.

“I could always kill her” Ali suggested and everyone broke out into laughter, I even cracked a smile.

“I think I’m the one that could pull that off” I chuckled, Jay and Finn looked at me with uncertainty.

“Should we be concerned?” Jay questioned and I burst out laughing.

“Mildly” Liv giggled and Ali gave a mischievous grin.

“We’re gonna be late” I reminded them, carry on my walk back to the changing rooms. We all took quick showers and changed and met outside the changing rooms before heading to class. I sat through English dreading the noise of the bell, but focusing on my work calmed me slightly.

“You can do this Blaire you nailed the routine” Liv whispered, reaching over her desk to squeeze my hand. I nodded and suffered in silence until the bell rang. Afterwards we all rushed to change into our uniforms, I dragged a hair brush through my still damp hair and threw it into a messy pony.

“You ready?” Ali asked, suddenly appearing behind me and I gasped jumping back.

“Yes!” I gasped still trying to catch my breath. Liv appeared and took my hand and Ali took the other and we walked together to the field. The boys stood on the actual field, lacrosse tryouts were being held at the same time as cheer. Jay stood at the front as captain and Finn was in the large group of lads obviously there for try outs. Finn stood awkwardly clutching at this helmet, so I waited till he saw me and I threw him a wave. He waved back and smiled before sliding his helmet on. I joined the girls who where trying out while Ali and Liv went to the front to present. One by one they performed the routines and they were all better then me. Tia and Amber performed together and their performance was painful to watch. Then it was my turn, i felt my body tense up and the sudden urge to run the other way but I pushed myself forward anyway. I could feel everyone critique me as I walked over which made me feel even more unsteady.

“You can do this Blaire!” Called over Jay and Finn who had halted there tryouts. I stood in the open spot and began the routine as memorised, all why trying not to throw up. When I got to the end I knew it was time for the final routine, I looked over to the girls and they threw me a thumbs up. Then I ran and ran and threw myself into the cartwheel about to curve into a flip when I felt someone barge into me sending me flying to the floor with a thud, my head hitting the floor with such force that everything goes black.