CHAPTER 8

I fist pump the air as another school day comes to an end. I leave the classroom, pushing in and out of crowds. I'm eager to get home so I can do absolutely nothing.
"Ruby!"
I whirl around at the sound of my name and physically wince as I notice Austin's blonde hair weaving through the crowd. I can tell it's his because it's gelled upwards into a stiff position and doesn't move an inch. I glance down the corridor to see if I can make a run for it but then I notice the desperation in his eyes. I inhale deeply and stop, waiting for him to catch up to me.
"Hey Austin," I smile, giving him a small wave. As I look into his green eyes, I don't get the same stomach jolt as I did a few weeks ago.
Huh, maybe there's something wrong with me.
"Hey Ruby, can we talk?" He asks me, his eyebrows creased together tightly. He's a little out of breath, his chest rising and falling quickly. I glance down at my watch and nod silently, feeling bad for him. He pulls me to the side, hiding me between the wall and the locker.
"Can you re-think this whole breaking up thing? Because I really like you Ruby," he starts, dipping his head low so his face is hovering inches over mine. I open my mouth to speak but he cuts me off, his tone flirtatious.
"We were getting to second base baby. . . it was just getting exciting," he murmurs, his eyes hooding over slightly. I raise my eyebrow at his words, shaking my head.
"I wouldn't have gone to second base with you Austin, ever. You don't just stay with someone for the physical part of a relationship. You want the truth? I don't feel a connection anymore, I'm sorry." I apologise, keeping my sarcastic remarks at bay. I want him to know I'm being serious and funny Ruby has the tendency to do the opposite of that.
"Woah, wait! So you were never planning on sleeping with me?" Austin asks, pulling away from me. His features are twisted in confusion and he looks angry. I shrug my shoulders, keeping my face emotionless.
"No, I wasn't."
"That's messed up Ruby."
"Why is that messed up? I'm a virgin Austin, I can choose who I eventually want to sleep with." I snap at him, feeling myself becoming angry.
"And that person isn't you." I say firmly, shoving at his chest. He stumbles backwards a few steps and I take the chance to walk away from him.
"You can't leave it at that!" Austin yells, gripping onto my wrist. I grit my teeth in anger and force myself to breathe. I can feel the anger bubbling away inside the pit of my stomach, growing hungrier by each second. Breathing is a coping technique my Dad taught me to keep it controlled. I warn him off, desperately not wanting to turn the situation worse —
"Austin, Get. Your. Hands. Off. Me."
He doesn't remove his hand and instead, his grip tightens. I turn to face him, my eyes two burning hot coals of fire. He's staring me down equally as hard, almost challenging me to lose control. I remind myself if I lose it now, I'll be expelled.
It's my last warning.
I promised my parents I wouldn't do this. . .
But Austin is really testing my patience.
"Austin, please can you take your hands off me." I ask nicely, my fists clenching and unclenching. I tear my eyes off him, breaking the stare between us both.
"This isn't fair Ruby! I should have known you were a virgin!" He hisses at me, his grip tightening so hard, it caused pain to flare up my arm. I didn't need another excuse, I swing my arm back with my free hand and muster all the energy I can. My fist connects with the side of his face and he immediately drops my arm, letting me free. I can feel the pain from the punch pulse through my arm and I shake it, breathing out deeply.
"Shit," I mutter, blowing air over my knuckles to relieve the sting. Austin groans loudly, clutching his face as he squeals and whimpers like a little baby.
"I asked you nicely and I asked you twice, asshole."
And with that, I spin around and walk away, continuing to blow air over my knuckles in an attempt to reduce the pain. It still doesn't work.