Page 30 of Meant to Be

“Did she look alright to you?” I ask curiously.

“Ask Addy, she’s with her all day.”

A loud Addison comes up behind him jumping on his back.

“Hey, Jax.” She waves from behind Harry.

“Addison.” I nod politely, “How was Shelby today?”

“Like death warmed up. She was sick twice, but she wouldn’t go home, and she was late. I had to leave her behind, I felt so bad. We never walk to school separately.”

“Yeah, she rang me on the way, she overslept.”

“So… you two are very close now?” She smirks.

"Yeah, we are…”

“Just... please don’t break her heart,” Addison states bluntly.

“I don’t intend to,” I answer sharply, even though I don’t really mean to.

“Good. Shelby is a romantic, she loves a happy ending.”

“Do you two want a lift?” Deep down I’m hoping they say no just so I can spend some time with my girlfriend away from dodging her mother.

“Nah, we’ll walk, but thanks. Come on H, let’s leave the lovebirds to it.”

Taking her hand, they start the walk home. Harry lifts an arm above his head in a wave. Turning my head to look in front again, I see her. My mouth pulling into a smile at the sight of her.

Jeez, I must have it bad.

I walk up to meet her, my arms going around her waist and picking her up, kissing her. Putting her down to her feet, I frame her face with my hands and let my gaze roam over her pale features. I know I’m frowning; I can feel it. She has big dark circles around her eyes again.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like crap. I’m so tired, I just want to sleep. This revision is killing me, and the pressure from teachers doesn’t help; oh, and that’s without the prisoner bullshit my mum has imposed on me.”

She lays her head against my chest with my chin resting on top of her head. “I hate having to sneak around. I want to be able to see you whenever I want.”

“She’ll come around…”

“Yeah, when I’m twenty-one. I just want her to let me run my own life.”

“Maybe she thinks she’s doing what’s best for you. It’s no fun having no qualifications Shelb…”

She raises her gaze to me, “Since when were you her cheerleader?”

“I’m not, I’m just saying. I’m probably not the best influence.”

“Well, I happen to like your influence.”

Running my thumbs across her cheekbones, I smirk.

“I like yours too. Yours is good, I can’t say that about me.”

“Shh.” Lifting her finger, she places it against my lips., “Don’t do that, don’t run yourself down.”

Kissing the tip of her finger, I look her dead in the eye. “You’re the best thing I have in my life, Shelby Andrews.”

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