CHAPTER ELEVEN Don’s POV I wake up before Nala as usual, get dressed, and prepare to take her to school after breakfast. I take my place at the dining table and ask the maids to make pancakes, Nala’s favorite, according to the information her friends had given me. The maids start baking, and I wait patiently for Nala to come downstairs. “Morning” she sings cheerfully, expressing the happiness she always has with her friends. Why can’t she be this free and happy with me? “Morning,” I reply, realizing that she has only taken notice of the maids and not me. Her mood changes to that of terror when she sights me. “Morning,” she says to me, every trace of happiness gone from her face. She takes her place at the table. “Breakfast?” Claire asks her, and she nods. “Yes, thank you” When Claire serves her the pancakes, joy returns to her expression. She quickly takes three successive bites. “You’ll choke if you ar

CHAPTER THIRTEEN   Immediately we get home, we go to the room. Don is surprisingly nice. To be sincere, I expect him to yell at me, but he doesn't. He throws his black shirt at me, and I pick it up in confusion.   "Put it on," he says. I am confused, but at the same time, I am happy. I have always wanted to wear his shirt again because of how good it felt the first time.    "OK," I say, walking into the closet and changing into his shirt. I can't point out a particular expression from him because I have seen a lot today.   We are both served dinner in our room. It is like he knows I am tired. We eat dinner silently, and for the first time, I eat with him without fear.    He suddenly grabs my hand.    "I'm sorry, Nala. I'm just scared of losing you too," he says, and I give him a weak smile. I don't know what 'too' means, but I

CHAPTER FIFTEEN   When I receive a call from Carson that morning, I know I can’t take Nala to school.   "Ben, tell her she can go wherever she wants to after school,” I say, “but she has to call me, so I know where she is."    "Sure, bye," he replies, and I leave the house. Yesterday's kiss still replays in my head. It was so lovely, a big step in our faulty relationship. I quickly head over to Carson’s.     "Can you believe Kim made Nala think we were more than friends? She is unbelievable," I rant, and Carson smiles.   "Nala gave you a second chance, though. Don’t blow it.”    "Why did you get to be the reasonable one?”    "I know, man, I am far more reasonable than you will ever be."    "Okay, enough of that. What do we do about the attack? I think it's better if we

        CHAPTER SEVENTEEN   Jordan is to pick me up from home. I really don't want him to come here, but what harm can happen if he does? It isn’t like he is going to stay for long.   I wear a blue flared gown that is just a little below my mid-thigh. I pick my white sneakers and put them on. I pack my hair into a messy bun. It is loose, so locks of hair drop down my face. I pick my favorite hair clip, it is silver in color. I put it on my hair, then I hear the doorbell ring. I know it is Jordan. It has to be him. I go downstairs and find Claire standing beside a dimpled-faced Jordan. He looks really cute in his black tight jeans with his black sneakers and denim jacket.   "Hey," I say with a smile, and he returns it with a grin of his own.    "Hey," he replies, his smile turning awkward.  If I don't say anything, we will

        CHAPTER NINETEEN   After my last outing with Jordan, I don't want to go out with him again. It was too intimate. I have a mate; I can’t let my crazy feelings affect my relationship with Don.   I dress up for school. It is weird that Don is not there. I admit I am used to being with him. I really miss him. A note is lying on the table where I left my bag. I smile as I pick it up.   Hey beautiful,   Good morning. Just want you to take care of yourself. I miss you already.   Love, Don   I feel the heat creep to my cheek; I am really blushing. I go downstairs and already meet my breakfast on the table, probably prepared by one of the maids. I eat pancakes and syrup with orange juice faster than normal and make my way to school.   Entering the hallway full of students, I make my way t