The Bad Boy Protects Me

Chapter Three - Spending time with the bad boy

Hailey's P.O.V

It was the end of the day, and I was glad. Joshua never said another word to me or even looked my way. I was thankful I had Avery in class for the second last period cause all the ones that are picking on me the most were in that class. He sat with me. Everyone keeping their distance. It turns out Avery had a great talent for art. He can draw like nothing I have ever seen before. The darkness showed in his art, but it was beautiful all the same. Last class went OK as well even though he was not there, but again Joshua kept his distance.

I would be glad to get home and forget most of the events of today. I stopped by my locker, getting everything from it I needed to take back with me. I usually walk home with Layla except on a Monday which was today cause she had netball after school. I rushed out of school as quick as I could, making sure no one saw me that I never wanted to see me. When I stepped out, I saw Avery standing, talking to some guy and two girls. The girls seemed a little giddy around him, I chuckled to myself, rolling my eyes at them. I was going the opposite way so he would not see me. I think that is a good thing.

I put my earphones in, keeping my head down. I headed home, which was about twenty minutes from school. I cannot drive and hate buses. I need to rely on my feet which I do not mind as long as I have my earphones with me. It helps block out the rest of the world. I was flicking through my playlist, deciding what song I wanted to listen too. Next thing I felt a pair of hands wrap around my waist, making me squeal and jump. My heart was racing because I had no clue who it was. I soon found out when the person removed one of the earphones plugs from my ear.

"It is only me calm down, woman." I heard a chuckle, knowing it was Avery.

I swung around, facing him, glaring at him. However, he found my annoyance at him hilarious, bursting out laughing when he saw how pissed I was at him.

"What the heck are you trying to do me? Kill me?" I groaned at him.

"You see that could have been anyone Hailey. You should always only have one plugin when you are walking alone cause you don't know who is about." He said that sternness back in his voice again.

"Yes, you are probably right," I said, looking at the ground.

He reached in, lifting my chin, making me look at him. His other hand landed on my hip, pulling me close to him. Oh, and there goes my heart again. It was racing and pounding in my chest.

"Did you miss me, kitten?" he smirked.

"You wish." I laughed

"Oh, but you did, and you always will when I am not around. You will even have naughty dreams about me cause you will miss me that much." He said smugly.

"Eww," I said, pushing his chest, turning away, walking away.

I was giggling to myself as I did. He never had to see that, though. He soon caught up with me, throwing his arm over my shoulder, pulling me close again.

"You love that idea. Do not act like you do not. Can I walk you home?" he asked, looking down at me.

"Since when does the "bad boy" offer to walk girls' home? What are you after?" I asked, raising my brow at him.

"Nothing. Maybe you make me soft." He laughed.

"Yeah right, sure that is what it is." I giggled, shaking my head "What are you after?" I added.

Nothing. Not right now, anyway." He smirked.

"Should I be worried?" I asked curiously

"Time will tell now, won't it? Now, where do you stay? I need to know where I am going." He laughed.

I told him my address.

"Really? That is down the street from me. Who knew, uh? Why have I never seen you around?" he asked.

"Don't know. Never really go out much, to be honest with you." I shrugged.

"Well, we will need to change that." He winked.

I laughed, nodding in agreement. Maybe he is right cause I do not do anything. Perhaps I should start. Perhaps if I got out more, I would meet new people and stop being such a loner. Then again, as I said, do not fit in anywhere. I never have. When I had Joshua, that was OK because we spent a lot of time with each other. Sometimes with his friends, but that always made me feel awkward. I thought I was gonna stop thinking about him? Easier said than done. I shook him out of my head, putting my attention back on Avery.

"What shall we do about it then?" he asked, referring to me not getting out much.

"Don't know. There isn't exactly much to do around here." I shrugged.

"There is plenty to do baby girl. You just do not know all the right people or places. We can change that. You will need to start coming out with my mates and me." He smirked.

"Bad idea. I don't do well in groups." I laughed.

"They are good people. Nothing like the people you go to school with, they always have your back no matter what." He smiled as he spoke about his friends "they aren't judgemental f***s like everyone else in this damn town. They accept everyone for who they are." He added.

It is nice to know not everyone in this world is cruel for fun. I smiled as I listened to him. Yes, he was dark, corrupt and trouble, but I could tell he cared for his friends which is a good thing.

"I will ease you into it." he smiled widely at me.

"Um…OK," I said

I was not sure how else to respond. He practically decided for me that I would be hanging out with him and his friends. Maybe that is a good thing having someone around to push me. We chatted as we walked, soon arriving back at mine. My parents were still at work. They would not be back until eight, which meant I had the house to myself. Which to me is a bonus cause I enjoy being alone in the house. Avery walked me straight to my front door.

"You wanna come in?" I asked shyly

"Who knew you were like that Hailey." He smirked.

"I never meant for that, and you know it." I laughed

"I know you are fun to wind up. Yeah, can come in for a bit but then need to head home." He smiled.

I know I am probably insane. I am inviting a bad boy that I only met this morning into my home. I am sure it would be OK. I am sure he will not cause any trouble.

"OK. Cool." I smiled, finding my keys, letting us in.

Avery walked straight in, looking around,

"Very fancy." He laughed

"It isn't that fancy." I giggled

"It is." He laughed.

I shook my head, placing my things down, heading to the kitchen. I needed food. I was hungry, Avery following my lead. I started raiding through cupboards trying to find food. Only a snack cause would get my dinner with my parents later.

"You want some pop tarts?" I asked, looking over my shoulder at him.

"No, I am alright, ta. Can I get a drink of something, though?" he asked.

"Sure. In the fridge, help yourself. Well, except for the alcohol." I giggled, raising my brow at him.

"Well, you are a party pooper, aren't you?" he laughed, grabbing himself some juice.

Once my pop tarts were done, I grabbed myself a drink, leading us through to the living room. I switched the T.V. on, plonking myself down on the sofa, Avery doing the same.

"Thank God that day is over." I sighed, relaxing back against the sofa.

"It wasn't that bad, was it? You met me, after all." He said, pouting at me when he said the last part.

"Well," I smirked, not finishing the sentence.

"Hey!" he whined like a child, making me laugh.

I stuck my tongue out at him, digging into my snack. I felt comfortable around him. More convenient than I do around anyone else. I have only known Avery for a few hours…strange. A comfortable silence fell between us as we watched repeats of the big bang theory, both laughing loudly.

"Where is the bathroom?" he asked.

"Upstairs, first door on your right." I smiled.

He nodded, heading upstairs. I stayed where I was, waiting for him to come back. Five minutes passed, then nearly ten he was still not back. What is he up to?

"Avery, have you fell down the toilet?" I called out laughing.

"I was out the toilet ages ago." He called back laughed.

"Then what the heck are you doing?" I said, standing up, deciding I better go check.

"Not telling you. You will need to come and find me," he called back laughing.

I then ran upstairs, knowing exactly where he was, he was in my bedroom. I should have known. I rushed to my bedroom, heading in to find him sprawled out on top of my bed, hands behind head, looking very relaxed.

"Who said you could come into my room dude?" I said glaring at him, hand on hip.

"You never said I couldn't," he smirked, resting upon elbows, smirking at me.

I rolled my eyes, continuing to glare at him. Avery found it all very amusing.

"Come here." He said looking at me

"What? Why?" I asked a little worried and nervous now.

"Cos I asked you too." He repeated that brow of his raised.

I slowly made my way over, standing at the side of my bed, looking down at him.

"What do you want?" I asked

"I wanna test a theory." He smirked

Theory? What theory? What is he up to? I raised my brow at him. The worry probably clear to see on my face. He chuckled, reaching for me, pulling me on top of him before I knew what was happening.

"Avery, what are you doing?" I stuttered out nervously.

"I told you, testing a theory." He said, smirking again.

"What theory? You are confusing me." I said, shaking my head, not making any attempt to move off him.

In one swift move, I was on my back, Avery on top of me. I swallowed hard with him being this close to me. It was not good for me or my senses. He reached in, running his fingers through my hair and down my cheek. I groaned a little. He inched closer to me; his lips were coming towards mine. I let out a breath, whimpering a little when his hot breath tickled my face.

"I knew it. You do want me." Avery winked, moving off me, climbing off the bed.

What the heck just happened? I stayed on the bed, not knowing how to respond to what happened. I heard him chuckle loudly, making me sit up to glare at him.

"Are You coming or are you staying in bed all day?" he laughed, walking out, heading back downstairs.

I groaned in frustration, following him. When I got to the living room, he was sitting on my sofa, acting as nothing happened. I decided I would not bring it up either, taking a seat next to him. A silence fell between us. An awkward one, well it felt awkward to me for the next half an hour before he had to leave. I walked him to the door.

"Be ready for Eight p.m." He said

"Why?" I asked confused

"Because you and I are going out for a couple of hours. We can play pool or go bowling or something. It is time you start getting out Hailey. As I said, I will ease you into it. Tonight, we can do something boring and well behaved." He said, rolling his eyes.

Before I could answer, he walked off, smirking over his shoulder at me. It looks like I am going out then tonight.