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I bit down on my lip and forced another small nod.
He blew out a breath. “I have some ibuprofen in my gear bag for my adductor.” He looked at me with a hopeful expression. “Would those help?”
“God, yes,” I sighed, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me at the thought of pain relief.
“My bag’s in the changing room in the P.E. hall,” he stated, gesturing toward the entrance. “Come with me.”
I glanced uncertainly to where Bella was still watching me and debated my next move before deciding to go with Johnny. I needed the medicine and he was throwing me a life jacket by offering me a temporary escape.
Shame or pain, Shannon, shame or pain?
Shame, I decided, and fell into step with him.
“Slut!” Bella called out, loudly enough to garner everyone’s attention.
I groaned internally.
“That’s right,” she hissed when my step faltered. “I’m talking about you, slut!”
“Don’t,” I begged when I felt him stiffen beside me. “Johnny, please don’t do anythi—”
Johnny didn’t give me a chance to finish before he swung around and stormed over to where Bella was standing. “You’re one to fucking talk!”
Frozen to the spot, I watched their heated interaction, knowing this was my perfect opportunity to bolt, but unable to make my legs run. I was exhausted from running away, and somewhere deep inside the back of my mind, I wondered if this boy was the one to anchor me.
It certainly seemed that way when I heard him roaring profanities right back at a screeching Bella.
A large crowd was gathering around to watch, and it didn’t seem to faze Johnny one bit.
“Leave her the fuck alone,” he was barking. “She’s not your business.”
“You’re my business,” Bella screamed back at him.
Johnny threw his hands in the air. “You’re delusional.”
“I take it you were lying to me when you said nothing was going on?” she snarled.
“Take it whatever way you want, Bella. I couldn’t give a flying fuck what you think,” he shot back loudly. “Just leave her out of your bullshit scheming.”
He was defending me.
Not my brother. Not Claire. Not Lizzie. Not a teacher.
No, this boy who made my heart jackknife in my chest at regular intervals and my common sense flatline, was standing in the middle of the school hallway, defending my honor.
He had rejected me last night, and today he was taking on my bullies.
My mind was spinning, I felt so confused.
“Her, Johnny?” Bella hissed, casting a scathing look at me. “Seriously?”
“Stay away from her,” he warned in a menacing tone. “Push back on this and you won’t like the results.”
“Are you threatening me?” she hissed. “What do you think your coaches at the Academy will say about that?”
“Why don’t you call them and find out?” he spat out before turning on his heels and stalking back to where I was.
His expression was so thunderous that I felt myself shrink away.
