The Bad Boy's Secret

-twelve-

I had Gabe's sweet smelling jacket clutched in my fist as I walked into school. I had been staring at this jacket for far too long, my mind was going wild with thoughts that shouldn't even be running through my head. Thoughts about Gabe, about how sweet he was, about how attractive he is. 

Okay, stop right there! 

As I mentally cursed myself for letting my thoughts about Gabe get carried away, again, Desiree Allan stepped in front of me. 

"Why do you have Gabrio's jacket?" She asked, one eye brow shooting up as she glanced down at the jacket I held. 

"Why is this any of your business?" I snapped back at her. Desiree had a reputation of being a bad girl. I remember hearing about her beating up some 18 year old when she was 14. She's scary and tough but at this moment I just wanted to get to Gabe. 

Desiree looked surprised. 

"I'd watch your back if I were you, and don't think you're anything special, Stone," Desiree whipped around and waltzed down the hallway while I hurried up stairs. 

Her words clung to my already foggy mind and I couldn't stop the hot, dark feeling of jealousy rising into my chest. What was my problem? Who cares if Desiree and Gabe have something going on? Good for them, none of my business anyway. 

As I got up the last step onto the second floor I ran into just who I was looking for. Gabe, out of breath, wore a plain black sweatshirt and jeans but he looked good. He knew it too, judging by the smirk that grew as he saw I was holding his jacket. 

"I wondered who might have stolen this guy," He exclaimed, grabbing the jacket from my hand and scooping me into a big bear hug. I couldn't help but let out a small shriek and flail about aimlessly while he spun me around three more times. 

"Put me down," I called out, the few students around us already staring and giggling. This so wasn't good. "Put me down now," 

"Alright, no problem Princess," Gabe grabbed my hips and set me back down, his hands lingering for a moment before dropping back to his side. 

"I just wanted to return your jacket," I muttered, tucking a strand of hair back behind my ear and turning to walk away. 

"Wait up," Gabe fell into step beside me as we walked down the hallway, "am I ever going to know what was bothering you so much the other day?" 

"Probably not, no," I replied coldly. Desiree's words still stinging in my mind, I didn't want to be seen with Gabe right now, I didn't want people thinking we were becoming an item. 

"That's a shame, I've been told I give great advice," He wiggled his eyebrows down at me and laughed. He was always so happy, so care free. I wonder what his secret is. The happy ones are always the most sad inside. I would know. . .

"I don't need any advice Gabe," I snapped and before I knew it Gabe was grabbing my arm, turning me to face him. His touch was gentle, not harsh like I was expecting. 

"I'm not trying to upset you and pry into your life," Gabe sighed and shoved his hands deep into his pockets, "I'm sorry, I was just worried," 

"Why would you be worried about me?" I asked a little too quick. 

"Hey Mace!" Danny called, walking up beside Gabe and I with Jasmine glued to his side. Of course. I internally groaned, I can only imagine the gossip Jasmine is getting ready to spread. 

"How's it going Gabe?" Danny asked, smiling and nodding slightly at Gabe. He was seriously such a sweet guy.

"Been better," Gabe replied coldly, "see you in class," He muttered to me before turning around and walking away from the three of us. 

"Sorry, we didn't mean to interrupt the two of you," Jasmine murmured, glancing at Danny sideways and trying not to giggle. 

Bitch. 

"You didn't interrupt anything," I replied rolling my eyes. Danny chuckled and I couldn't help but feel like I had just beaten Jasmine at something. 

"Are you getting excited for the dance?" Danny asked while the three of us slowly began walking towards class. 

"Yeah, it's coming up pretty soon," I answered, sounding way more excited than I should have. 

Really? That's all you have to say to him! 

"I bet Gabrio is going to ask you," Jasmine blurted out, bumping into Danny on purpose and whispering sorry. Why was she trying so hard to get Danny's attention? Last I heard she was on to her next boyfriend. The fourth one in three months. 

"He's going to ask Desiree Allan, trust me they have this thing," I didn't know why I was telling these two about Desiree at all. I needed to just drop the whole situation and forget about it. 

"Really? You think they are hooking up?" Jasmine looked way too excited about new, juicy gossip. 

I just shrugged my shoulders while we entered into Mrs. Walker's classroom. Gabe was sitting at our table already with his head down, resting on his arms. 

"Hey, I wanna talk to you later," Danny gave my hand a light squeeze before turning and taking his seat next to Jasmine. If looks could kill, Jasmine would have murdered me ten times over already. I felt like I was on cloud nine, Danny was going to ask me to the homecoming dance! 

"You awake?" I nudged Gabe slightly as I took my seat next to him. He groaned but turned his head to look at me, only one eye visible. 

"Unfortunately," Even though I couldn't see his smile, his eyes showed me he was smiling. For a split second I wish I could see it. I quickly shook the thought off and remembered what Danny had just said. 

"So, are you going to the Homecoming dance?" I awkwardly asked Gabe. He stared at me for a moment longer then finally sat up and stretched. 

"I don't do dances, they're too . . . frilly for me," He flashed me a smirk. 

"That's too bad, it's going to be a great dance this year," I announced confidently. Of course it would be, I was conducting the whole thing! 

It seemed like Gabe was going to respond but his phone began ringing before he could. He quickly silenced the ringer and stared at his phone until it stopped ringing. He had a nervous look on his face now. 

"Are you okay?" 

"I've gotta go," Gabe grabbed his bag and sprinted out of the room and I followed right after him. There was no way I was going to let him skip out again!

"Where are you going?" I called after him, Gabe glanced behind and stopped running so I could catch up. "You are not skipping class again!"

Anger flashed in his eyes as he glared down at me. "My little sister was just hit by a car on her way to school," 

My heart broke as realization hit me. I wasn't sure how old his sister was or even how many sisters Gabe had, all I wanted was to help.

"Okay, let's go," 

Gabe looked confused but that didn't stop him. We rushed to the office where he keeps his helmet and spare. Shoving the helmet into my hands, we hurried out to his bike. My heart pounded uncontrollably as Gabe swung his legs over the bike and waited for me to crawl on. 

"I haven't ridden one before," I admitted, feeling my nerves starting to get the best of me. What was I thinking? I should be in class.

"Look Macy, I'll never let anything happen to you okay," Gabe reached over and tightened the strap on my helmet, his fingers like fire against my skin. "I don't mean this in a bad way, but get the hell on the bike and hold on," 

I crawled onto the small seat behind Gabe's and laced my arms around his stomach, enjoying the closeness a little too much. As we whipped out of the parking lot I caught a glimpse of Desiree before shutting my eyes and tightening my grip around Gabe. 

I didn't open my eyes until we reached the hospital.