In Your Time

When we finally went back to school, things seemed different. I was getting a lot of sympathetic looks but I couldn't pinpoint the exact cause. Braden walked with me to my locker, oblivious. I wasn't a huge fan of PDA and Braden respected that, but he still insisted on at least holding my hand. He took my books from me and refused to let go.

"Braden, I think something is up. Everyone is staring at me," I said quietly.

"You had an incident where you were out of school for two weeks. I'm sure everyone is just curious as to how badly you were injured. Don't mind it too much," he said as we started walking to my first class. Over the course of the day, the looks didn't die down. At most, they got worse. The feeling peaked at lunchtime. It seemed like everyone was quietly waiting for something to happen. I went through the line with Braden before heading to our normal table, but someone was in my normal seat leaving the only one seat open. The girl turned and smiled at Braden.

"Long time no see. I almost thought you were avoiding me. I tell you I'm enrolling and you disappeared for two weeks," Tara smiled at Braden. He clenched his jaw with a subtle breath before staring at Tara.

"Phoenix was in the hospital, so I was with her; not that it's any of your business. To be honest, I forgot what you said the same night," Braden explained.

"Oh? Are you feeling better now, Phoenix?" Tara asked me as Braden and I stood there awkwardly.

"You're in Phoenix's seat," Braden cut her off.

that she was in my seat. I resisted the urge to dump my tray

I turned towards an empty

you're not that stupid, Tara. Sit there if you want, but it doesn't change anything," Braden said in a type

picked at the bread on my tray. Braden chuckled before he picked up

said in

to do with Tara and I meant it," he smiled. I puffed out a breath and took a bite of my food, but inwardly, I was happy he came to sit with me. After

at you again," Braden said. I followed him to the other side of the court and started the game with the group he already had lined up. Luckily, nothing happened. After the day ended, Braden drove us

he said finally. He'd been quiet

sat up with a sigh and ran my fingers through my hair to push it back. Braden held my hand gently as he looked at

school, you have to tell me. And if you start being pulled back again, you should tell me that too, so I can cover for you," he said with determination. I nodded quietly as I started at my bedsheets. I knew he wanted me to rely on him but

at me and turned to face me more as his hand came