Work in Progress

Chapter 58: Attack

A/N: Trigger warning. Mentions of alcohol, drugs, and death (nothing too heavy though).

*ELI'S POV*

The weeks that followed were as good as can be. Sam and I were perfectly happy in our little bubble. The rumors about the incident were starting to die down mostly because nothing new about it was coming up and the ones who were trying to get a reaction from me were miserably failing. Instead, the new talk of the town-- or at least these high school hallways-- was me and Sam's new relationship. Honestly, I don't get why they're even surprised. I only ever really hung out with Sam this past year. But hey, if that gets the message out that we're happily taken by each other then I'm not complaining.

There were a few who sounded out their disappointment particularly the ones I casually flirted with. But I'm honestly grateful that I was in a slump and didn't do anything else with them because I don't think I'd be able to handle the glares that Sam would give me whenever one of those girls would try and 'coax' me away.

Sam was also becoming a little more handsy during our make out sessions. Not that I'm complaining. I just don't want to rush things. She's special and she deserves to be treated as such. And as much as I'm absolutely craving a good fuck considering how long it's been since the last time I got some, I have to keep myself in control and wait for the right moment. A moment that I'm hoping to create. I'm still thinking between a casual dinner and movie night at my place or camping and stargazing.

My thoughts are interrupted by Sam shutting off the engine to her car and exiting without waiting for me. Yup, it's one of those days where she's mad at me because I ended our make out session too early the night before. No worries though, it usually just takes a few puppy eyes and a pout to get her to roll her eyes then smile at me again.

I quickly get out of the car and make my way beside her and hold her hand in mine. She tries to pull her hand away but I don't let her. When she gives up I pull her hand to my lips and give it a quick kiss. She just shakes her head and breathes out a sigh. We make our way to class and by the time we're on our way to second period, Sam still won't look at me. So much for giving her puppy eyes.

Before she enters her classroom, I give her a quick hug and whisper I love you, then make my way to my own class. I was planning to rush back and walk her to her third class but my teacher decided to go overtime and finish discussing our new project. I send Sam a quick text saying sorry and why I couldn't pick her up but she doesn't reply. I don't put much thought to it since I'm running late myself. All throughout third period I was wracking my brain on how I could get Sam to smile again. I don't want to tell her about my plans yet since I want it to be a surprise plus I haven't even asked her parents if she could stay overnight.

I was so buried in my thoughts that I didn't notice class was over already. I pack my things and head out when someone steps in front of me and stops me. I look up confused and notice it was the same girl that blocked my way before. I've learned her name to be Sasha, that she's a junior, and that she's trying to be the new queen bee. But who is she kidding? Sam is the only queen here.

"Excuse me." I say. I'm not really up for drama and this girl has that written all over her face.

"Hello, Eli." She smiles at me but the kind that has a sweet wickedness to it.

"Is there something I can help you with? Because I need to get going and--"

"Yes, actually. I was thinking you and me this Friday night at Terrence's party?" She bats her eyes at me, which obviously doesn't work on me.

"I don't know who Terrence is and if I were to go then I'd rather go with my girlfriend." I tell her shortly while sidestepping her and walking out to the hallway. Unfortunately, she doesn't give up and follows me.

"I bet I could show you a better time than that wannabe. Honestly, I don't get why these losers are still afraid of her. If anything, she's now a nobody you've managed to tame down. But I don't mind you taming me as long as I get to tame you too." This bitch looks me up and down and licks her lips trying to act all seductive but all she's really doing is making me want to punch her.

I stop in my tracks and look her straight in the eyes. "If anyone's a wannabe that's you. And even if Sam was a nobody I'd still prefer her over anyone else a trillion times over. Yeah people fear her but it takes a lot of guts to admit your mistakes and turn that fear into respect. And let me tell you, these people that you call losers know a person's worth much more than you. So back the fuck off because frankly I've had a rough year and things are finally lighting up so I'm not in the mood to deal with your shit."

Whatever I said doesn't seem to faze her. In fact, I see a glint in her eyes as a smirk forms on her face. "But it's been more than a year hasn't it?" I scrunch my eyebrows. What is this girl going on about now?

"You've been having a rough year for... four years now. And counting!" She laughs maniacally. "You've been quite busy haven't you? Losing your family, getting into alcohol and drugs, pretending you're all better, almost getting your girlfriend killed... I bet you're the reason your family died too huh? It really didn't say in your records. I swear this school has the lousiest security system. But you're just so interesting that I have to know more. So tell me Eli, how do you crash a car and be the only survivor? What does it feel like to be crossfaded all the time? How did you trick Sam into falling for you enough that she's willing to die for you? What does it feel like to always be pretending like you're someone you actually aren't? Because you're not actually calm and collected right? You're not actually okay right?"

I stare at her. Just stare at her. My mind is beginning to turn. All the questions I've asked myself before begin to flood my mind all at the same time, fighting for attention. I shake my head. No. This is not the time for a panic attack.

This girl is still staring at me grotesquely acting all innocent. "There's something seriously wrong with you." I tell her blankly then walk away.

Now I can have my panic attack.

A/N: I legit almost had a writer's block here