c4

 I groaned as I heard my alarm. I slowly got up and changed into some clothes for school.

I walked downstairs to see a black school bag and school materials lying on the table. Who got this stuff for me? I could've just used my old materials but I'm grateful. My father refused to buy new materials each year so I've been using the same things for as long as I can remember, Except pens, I always have to replace them since they just seem to disappear. I sat at the table while I looked through the bag. "I hope that's okay for you?" Denice asked, appearing out of thin air and almost frightening me.

"Yeah it's great, thank you" I spoke groggily but as politely as I could while I rested my head on the table. I eventually noticed the time and it was almost frightening me.

"Yeah it's great, thank you" I spoke groggily but as politely as I could while I rested my head on the table, I eventually noticed the time and realized I had to leave. "Have a good day" Denice smiled warmly as she waved. I waved in response before replying with "You too".

How did such a kind woman get caught up with that type of man?

I reached school after a decently long walk.

I strolled toward the lockers before being blinded by a pair of hands. "Guess who?" the person giggled evilly. "Mmm, I have no idea" I replied sarcastically, knowing exactly who it was.

"It's your best friend" she uncovered my eyes. "Hey Olivia," I said before hugging her. "Hey" She cheered, wrapping her arms around me. "It's been one crazy weekend" I mumbled, resting my head on her shoulder. "Tell me at lunch," She said happily, while we walked slowly to class.

We wandered down the halls, talking about anything and everything when Olivia whispered something to me.

"Blake is checking you out".

"No, he's not" I whispered while slightly panicking before glancing over in Blake's direction and almost making eye contact with him.

"He makes it so obvious" Olivia mumbled, shaking her head disappointedly. "Okay, it's not like he's going to talk....... Sofia" was

interrupted by Blake who had approached Olivia while we were whispering Blake used to be one of my best friends as a kid. He left for a few years and returned only this year, looking a lot different than when he left. He wasn't scrawny anymore; He was the captain of the football team. He was tall and muscular with black hair that was thick and silky with dark brown eyes. He left Asia as a child with his family and ended up living across the road from me. Suddenly I had a new friend after that.

"Sofia" I heard a deep voice call me. I sighed hesitantly as I stared at Olivia grinning. "Hi" I smiled as I turned around. "Hey" Blake beamed happily. "I know we haven't spoken since I got back but I was wondering if you wanted to come to my game tonight?" He questioned seeming quite hopeful.

I didn't want to disappoint him, he seemed happy. "Okay" I replied with a warm smile. "Great, I'll see you then" He smirked before he jogged back to his buddies in the hall.

I heard them all cheer as Blake was smiling like an idiot. "He likes you, and he's very attractive" Olivia nudged me, attempting to persuade me. "He wouldn't be able to handle my lifestyle" I replied as the fantasy of having a normal life quickly faded. "You can't shut every guy down because you're afraid of getting hurt, just please try with him. for me" Olivia pouted as she pleaded with me.

"Fine" I shook my head while grinning. If Ace was allowed to be with other girls, why can't I be with other guys?..

"I'm coming with you to the field, of course, I have to watch my baby play" Olivia mumbled as she appeared from thin air. She was talking about her boyfriend Ryder.

"You're so supportive and teased her as we walked through the school doors.

We sat down at the bleachers. "Aye, Diaz, I heard you're here for Blake" Ryder joked as he pecked Olivia on the lips. "Yeah, I said I'd come to watch him play I shrugged carelessly. "He's very excited" Ryder smirked raising his eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes as I snickered. "Good luck baby" Olivia yelled. Ryder blew a kiss to her as he jogged back onto the field. Sometimes they make me want to throw up.

It was half the time and I was talking to Olivia. "You came?" Blake smiled at me, coming over to the bleachers. "Yeah, I thought I'd check it out" I nodded staring up at him. "I'm glad, I have to get back onto the field, talk after though" He smirked before running to Ryder who was already in position.

"He's in love with you already" Olivia giggled excitedly.

My phone was suddenly flooded with messages.

"Where are you"

"Come home now"

"School ended an hour ago"

"Hurry the fuck up"

"Right that's it, I'm coming to get you"

Why was I only getting these now?

"Shit" I frantically grabbed my bag from under our seat. Then I saw him, Ace. He walked towards the bleachers and I could've sworn I saw fire in his eyes. "Holy shit" Olivia's jaw dropped at the sight of Ace." know he's hot, now shut up" I hissed at Olivia. "Where the fuck were you?" Ace shouted at me, grabbing everyone on the bleacher's attention. "I was here" I uttered, afraid to speak due to how angry he was.

The whole football team stopped playing because of the scene that Ace was making.

"We need to get home....now" Ace demanded, his voice full of rage as he stood at the bottom of the bleachers. I walked down to Ace. I walked beside him as we left.

"Sofia?" Blake called out for me. I watched Ace's face become more infuriated than it already was. "Where are you going?" Blake grabbed my arm. I flinched and turned to Ace who was now focused on Blake.

"Did I say you could touch her?" Ace snarled at Blake. "You shouldn't have to say if I can touch her" Blake snapped back at Ace.

Ace was taller and more muscular than Blake. "Blake, I'm okay! promise" I muttered quietly as I stood next to Ace. I was praying to Jesus, hoping Blake would just turn around and walk away but he didn't.

"Get out of here before you regret it, I don't give second chances" Ace warned Blake, squaring up to him. "And what if ...." Blake was interrupted by Ace's fist colliding with his jaw.

I stumbled back due to Ace's sudden burst of anger. Was it sudden though?

Blake lay on the floor, in a haze with blood spilling from his mouth. I cringed at the sight of Blake on the ground, he was fading in and out of consciousness and he could barely keep his eyes open. A single punch from Ace caused that much damage to Blake.

I gazed in shock at the sight of Blake as the whole football team stared in amazement. "Fuck" Ace grumbled, holding his fist. He turned towards me. I flinched, thinking that I was next yet I didn't feel anything.

Ace just stared at me weirdly. "Get into the fucking car" He grumbled viciously, obviously not in the mood for anyone else. I ran to the car.

I sat in the front seat with Ace.

The drive was silent.

"Why did you protect yourself?" Ace's deep voice questioned me. I glanced up at him before bringing my attention to my hands. He stopped my hands from moving with his. "Answer me!" He snapped; It seemed like he hadn't calmed down at all.

"No reason" I replied with no tone as I watched his hand that was still on mine. He didn't say anything.

"You're lying" He finally spoke up. "I'll find out what happened to you" He muttered with a determined tone. "Why do you care?" I uttered, glancing up at him. Ace raised his eyebrow at me. He raised his hand in the air to mimic hitting me and I flinched again.

"Fuck" I whispered to myself. "That's why" He replied with a disgusted face; I wasn't quite sure what he was disgusted at. "Just leave it alone, it's not important" I mumbled, acting carelessly as I stared out the window at the passing cars.

"You should know if you're going to marry me, I'm not going to hit you"

He voiced as if he had been holding that in since our conversation.

He knew exactly what was wrong with me, he just wanted to hear me say it.

"You're angry now but eventually you'll get angry at me and then you'll get used to it" I shrugged, knowing he would repeat the cycle of my father and me. "I don't hit women, especially not someone who's going to be my wife" He cleared his throat, stopping the car, I barely knew this guy and he was going to be my husband.

I'm not going to take his word. He'll have to prove it through his actions.