Living With The Player

**CAMILLA RENÉE**

FRIDAY.

I helped him clean up his blood smudged cheeks, his nose also had blood dripping out a little.

They stroked each other as though they were both a pair of punching bags, each of them getting their fair share of pain.

But Kyle got it worse, he couldn’t move when I left.

A wave of concern washed over me.

Was he alright? He’s a lying cheater, but I still care. Even though I shouldn’t. I’m sure he’s fine. He has to be.

I ran my eyes through his face, titling each side with my palm so I could be sure he was cleaned up.

When that was certain, I placed the towel into the bowl and squeezed. The water had turned red already.

“Thank you.”

“It’s my fault you two had a fallout, it only makes sense that I should be the one to clean you up.”

I explained with a small smile.

“It’s not your fault I beat him up, he deserved that for being an ass. I’ll do it again if necessary, you don’t need to worry about that.”

I giggled.

“So you’re what now? My knight?”

“If you’ll have me.”

He forced a smile that was slightly crooked due to his busted lips.

“I see.”

I arched my brows, putting up a goofy face.

****

I missed the first period after lunch since the bell was rung in between cleaning his wounds and all.

When the final bell sounded, I got up alarmed.

I’ll miss the second period if I don’t make it to class.

If anyone notices, I’ll get reported then it’s straight-up detention.

The weird part was that after over forty minutes, the time wasn’t “spent”

We didn’t do anything per se.

He tucked the bowl underneath the bench then pulled me to seat beside him. That was it.

We’ve been in that spot throughout, you could only hear the sound of our breathing.

“I should get to second, I don’t want to go through detention.”

“Right. You have a party tonight.”

I arched my brows. How did he know about that? Right, I blabbered it some time ago.

“I should get going now.”

I said headed for the door.

“Camilla.”

He called.

Almost at the door, I turned my gaze back to him but offered no response. He called me. I gave him a look that says to continue. Let’s hear what he had to say.

“I know this sounds crazy since a little unlike what I’d usually do, but I have to ask; do you want to go to the party together? I got an invitation I was going to skip, but since you’re going. Why not?”

Okay, the fundraiser thing was shady. Speculations between his parents putting him up to it or not, but this party thing meant he was asking me on a date right?

Do high school parties count as dates? What would I know? I haven’t been to more than three of them and I want alone and regret each one.

“So….”

“Dylan. I do not think that’s a great idea..”

I sighed deeply. I thought about it and I can’t go with him.

“I’m confused. Why? Did someone ask you?”

“No. No. No.”

I replied quickly. Who would ask me anyway? That’s not why.

“The reason is I just semi broke up with Kyle, I haven’t made it official but after the fight, I will. Speaking of which that was viewed by countless students who are ranting and bringing up stupid speculations about both of us. I do my best to keep a low profile, I think it’s much to do all this in one day. Please understand.”

I’m looking at every angle.

Kyle might be there. If he sees us together, I can’t allow him to get hurt by picking a fight with Dylan. I don’t need any more attention, and another tiny reason for declining is getting in over my head. I can’t over analyse all his requests.

I’ll go nuts.

“Kyle and I are still on the outs. I can’t even try to talk to him after the way he acted. I just can’t. I can’t let you get in the middle of everything.”

“I will talk to him then.”

Dylan curled his fists.

That’s worse. They’ll end up hitting each other again I’m sure.

“No. It’s my relationship or was rather. I should remain responsible for anything that occurs and I will, but it’s not the right time.”

“I understand Camilla. How about this? I won’t ask for much at all. I just want to drive you to the party then we’ll each go our separate ways, when you’re ready to leave I’ll take you back. It’s not a big deal since half the school is aware that we live together. That’s all.”

He grinned.

His tone didn’t come off like he had any other motive but when it came to Dylan, I couldn’t be too sure.

“Ok…”

I hesitantly replied. He’s right. I could use the ride.

I’m over three minutes late for class, now I have to go. I turned back to the door.

Just then, his teammates barged in, some of them at least.

“Dylan! Are you crazy?”

One asked all of a sudden. Was I a potato? The three of them brushed past me.

“How could you let that idiot beat you up and do Nothing?”

Of course. His “ego”

For a moment there I forgot that Dylan was the school’s “bad boy”

He didn’t hit back because of me and it might cost him his reputation. His friends do not like that miss.

“You know what? That doesn’t matter. We are your boys, we understand and we got you covered.”

They approached him, patting his shoulders.

My eyes widened. They exchanged a look followed by snickers. I don’t like that. I don’t like that at all.

I parted my lips to protest but Dylan beat me to it.

“Guys, guys. You don’t need to do anything since it’s all cool. I can handle this.”

I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank you, Dylan.

His jerk mode is on-off today, I thought he’ll pounce at this opportunity.

“It’s because of her right?”

He pointed a hand backwards.

Finally, the potatoes receive some credit.

The other two focused solely on me. Their intense gazes were making me squirm. Can I leave now?

“She’s off-limits.”

Dylan drawled out. His tone oozing with possessiveness.

“Hey man, I’m just asking.”

The other guy raised his hands defensively. I’m not the only one that noticed.

“Come on Camilla, let’s go.”

Wait for what?

Dylan sprang up from his seat, marched towards me, pulled my arm and walked out without another word.

He was a little faster than I wanted, I could barely keep up.

“Thank you.”

I muttered hoping that’ll get him to slow down.

It did. He nodded.

“This is stupid. Ugh. Fridays are supposed to turn out great yet this one feels like an eternity. You should get to class Camilla. I’ll go to the field and let my anger out the only way I know how to. My only advice is that you do something about the mess. You can try to fix things with him…”

I whipped my head to his face, having to plop my weight upwards. He’s taller.

Did he just say what I think he said?

“You want me to get back together with him?

I croaked feeling my throat get sore.

“Just do what will make you happy, I’m not sure what that is.”

Is he kidding me now?

“If it doesn’t work out then break up with his ass. He had it coming.”

Dylan smirked, pausing as we reached the hall.

I matched his demeanour…

“So I’ll pick you up.”

He joked with a wink aimed at me. That’s funny.

“Very funny.”

I giggled a little.

“I’ll see you after school.”

It was weird wanting to hug him, I didn’t. I simply waved off the feeling and walked away.

While headed to class, I sighted Kyle by his locker. I should’ve taken the other route but he’s not supposed to stand there, was everyone skipping the second period?

I glanced at my watch, already ten minutes in. There’s no use going there and getting sent out by the teacher.

I just hope she doesn’t take that to the principal who then checks and noticed I missed first as well.

Since I’m here, I can use this opportunity and talk to him.

On cue, his head turned and he saw me.

Okay, Camilla. This needs to be done and you can do it.

****

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