Chapter Four

It’s late at night when I slowly tiptoe to Liam’s bedroom. I’m very nervous. What will his reaction be? How could I ask him? What would I have to do in return? Oh, God, this was a mistake… I thought to myself as I turn around to head back to my room. But I need his help.

I was fighting with myself back and forth, back and forth. I knew that asking him for help would come at a price. But what? Get a grip, the worst he could say is no, with maybe some name-calling and added insults. You’ll be in the same boat. I think, forcing myself to just get through with it already.

Making it back to his bedroom door, I lightly knock. My heart started racing, my ears started to ring louder and louder with each passing second. I was so anxious that it felt like my nerves were about to jitter right out of my body. But I wasn’t just nervous about what he would say to me, I was also elated by the idea of having him to myself if I could manage to convince him.

Suddenly, the bedroom door cracks open.

“What do you want?” Oscar questions, confused by my abrupt appearance.

“Um… I-Is your brother with you?” I stammer, losing my nerve.

“Yeah… Why?” He replies with irritation. Liam’s little brother also gets a crease in his forehead when aggravated.

“C-can I talk to him?”

He lets out a long, drawn-out sigh, disappearing into his room as Liam swiftly emerges from within the room.

“What do you want?” His voice was deep and sleepy, and his black hair was disheveled, as he eyed me up and down.

“Could you help me study?” I ask, getting straight to the point and regretting wearing short shorts and a tank top. I could feel my face growing red.

Liam leans against the door frame with his arms crossed as his mood changes from displeasure to slight amusement. “Why would I want to waste my time doing that?” His voice taunts. “If I help you pass, then I would be helping you receive your reward.”

Why does he look so hot? “Well…” I start while staring into his delicious brown eyes.

“I’m not about to help you win your reward. You wanted me to kiss your feet in front of everyone.” He continues nonchalantly.

“Then…” I start, trying to think of a solution. “If you help me, then that will be null.”

“What is the point if there isn’t anything rewarding for me in it?” Boredom tinted his voice.

I started to become aggravated with Liam’s attitude, even though I wanted to jump on him, kissing him in that instant. My God, I have issues… Why am I like this just from him staring at me…?

He steps closer to me, “What if I get a kiss?”

“W-what?” My mouth became dry.

A smirk spread across his face. “You’d enjoy that wouldn’t you?”

My breath caught in my throat, nervous.

“So what do you propose?” He questions, leaning against the door frame.

I propose you take me now! My heart started fluttering as my mind turned to mush.

“Well?”

“If you help me and I pass…” I start, clearing my throat. “I will cook dinner for you, but if you help me and I fail, I’ll move out, change my class schedule, and you’ll never hear or see me again.”

“How is cooking me dinner a reward?” He questions, bored.

“I’m a very good cook.”

“I hope so, ‘cause you wouldn’t win anyone over with your smarts!” Oscar chimed in from the bedroom.

“I’m not stupid!” I shout with irritation, starting to come back to my senses.

“I don’t have to study, yet I always make good grades,” Liam responded.

“Well, aren’t you special then…” I mutter, instantly turned off by his smug demeanor.

“So why is it so difficult for you to pay attention?” His voice teased me.

Growing tired of his attitude and knowing that we would be standing here all night, I pulled out the last card in the deck I had. “Fine…” I retorted. “You made me do this. Help me, and I won’t tell everyone that I am living with you.”

This statement caught Liam’s attention. “Well… I’m surprised with you.” He responded with a taunting voice. “Blackmail. Really?”

I ignored his statement. “Take it or leave it.” My eyes narrowed.

“Fine, if I help you, I get dinner and you keep your mouth shut.” He finally replied. “Be ready to start studying tomorrow.”

And with that, he slammed the door in my face.

***

After four days of nonstop studying, I didn’t know how much I would miss the simple luxury of sleep. Beautiful rest in my big comfy bed that Mrs. Hall generously spoiled me with. But, staying up late with Liam has been like a dream come true. Well, maybe not exactly a dream come true as I would rather do something other than studying.

The first night we spent studying was hard, almost unbearable. He was extremely short with me, as usual, and exasperated by how little I paid attention this entire semester.

“It’s algebra! When am I ever going to use this?” I protested at Liam’s expression, the crease in his forehead prominent from annoyance.

“Why are you taking the class if you aren’t going to pay attention?” he counters, his voice growing loud.

I hesitated for a second. “They said I had to take it…” Quickly, thumbing through my notes, avoiding his gaze.

Liam stared at me annoyed, letting out an exasperated sigh. “Let me guess, you asked to be in it because I was taking it…”

“No!” I replied defensively. “I really was told that I had to take algebra during my first year of college.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, between his eyes, obviously irritated and getting a headache. “Let’s start from the beginning then… I take it you know how to do simple math?”

I glare at him, with my jaw clenched, “Yes.”

“Good. Then we can skip that part.”

After countless hours of explanation and mock-up quizzes that spanned over three days, I was sure that I would pass the algebra course. However, I still had problems with computer science that needed to be addressed.

Every night we studied, Mrs. Hall would stay up late, bringing us delicious snacks and beverages. She would carry a wooden tray up to my room full of assorted fruits, sweets, and salty finger foods, while occasionally bringing a small, quartered sandwich, along with sodas, water, and more. Just like clockwork, every night around 10:30, she would lightly knock on the door and walk in with a cheery smile while placing the assortment of snacks on the edge of the desk next to us.

“I’m so glad to see you two getting along.” She would say.

“It’s just tutoring,” Liam retorted, without looking at his mom. “It’s not like we’re hanging out because we want to.” His voice was cold to his mother.

My heart sunk at that moment. Would it really be so bad to just spend time with each other for fun? Or just because?

Mrs. Hall stared incredulously at her son before looking at me and giving me a small, warm, comforting smile. “Anyway… I’m off to bed. Try not to stay up too late, okay? Sleep is also important for your brain.”

I smile in return. “Thank you for everything, Mrs. Hall. Good night.”

After she left, I turned to Liam. “Did you have to be like that towards your mom? She was only commenting that she was enjoying us getting along.”

Liam didn’t take his eyes away from his book as he said, “I was only telling her the truth so she wouldn’t get any deluded ideas or look too much into it. ”

I stared at him in amazement. Even though he could be downright cruel and a jerk, why do I still have feelings for him? Why do I want to kiss his beckoning lips? Do I just want what I can’t have? Does he know what he is doing to me? I could not understand why I was still attracted to someone like him as I studied his face, eyes, and lips.

We spent the next few hours studying. I was reading from my computer science textbook when I came across something I didn’t understand.

“Liam, what’s…” My sentence broke off as I turned to see Liam had fallen asleep on my desk.

Seeing his face without the stare of irritation made him look so peaceful. The sight of him made my heart melt. Instead of disturbing him, I quietly get up, turn off the light, and place a blanket on his back and around his arms. I go back over to my bed, leaving my dimly lit lamp on so I could continue studying.

Before long, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Liam sleep instead of study. I sit next to him again, laying my head down on my arms, and whisper, “You may seem like an ass when you’re awake, but you are a beautiful soul. Thank you for wasting your time for me.”

***

“Where have you been all week?” Dawn questions me angrily at school.

“I’ve been studying,” I replied sleepily, walking in a fog of exhaustion, even though I drank two cups of coffee this morning.

“You can’t pick up the phone and let me or anyone know that you’re all right?” She continued angrily. “You look like you haven’t slept in days! Do you really think you can pass your finals exhausted?”

“I’m sorry.” I apologized feeling guilty since I still wasn’t allowed to tell people where I live. Which also meant I couldn’t tell my friends what I was doing when I was at home. “Are you really that angry with me?” I questioned innocently. To be honest, I didn’t think any of my friends would be so mad at me.

“Yes! You couldn’t even respond to a text. Ellen, Chad, and I have been worried sick!” Her voice sounded angry, but there was also some humor to it.

“Let me buy all of you coffee then,” I state, trying to make it up to her.

“And something for lunch!” She demanded, with a smile.

“I don’t know if I can…” I trailed off digging for my wallet.

“I was just kidding!” Dawn replied with a laugh. “I forgive you, Ellen will forgive you, but Chad will most likely be a problem.”

“Yeah…” I trailed off again in a fog.

“Well, don’t worry about any of it now, we both have other things to focus on now,” Dawn replied, hugging me. “I’ll see you for lunch!”

In class, I broke away from the fog I was in just long enough to become anxious and worried. Would all of that hard work pay off? I look over in Liam’s direction and became even more concerned. After spending countless hours studying instead of resting, he looked like he was about to fall asleep at any moment.

Oh no, what if he fails because of me? The thought made my stomach churn as the coffee started to fight its way back up.

I tried my best during the exam, which I would not have been able to complete if it wasn’t for Liam. During the test, I kept a watchful eye on Liam who appeared to have been nodding off every so often, causing me to lose focus and panic.

When the exam was over, I walked to the courtyard to meet with Dawn. But it took a little longer than expected because my feet felt like they were weighed down.

“Take this.” Dawn greets me with a fresh, hot cup of coffee.

“I thought I was supposed to buy,” I replied, snatching the cup and taking a sip.

“You were, but…” her voice trailed off.

“But, what?”

“Dawn told us how hard you had been studying and how exhausted you were. So I went and bought you both some coffee for a job well done,” Chad responded from behind her.

I turn to look at him.

“Wow… You really do have bags under your eyes!” He states teasingly.

The heartfelt sentiment instantly washed away. “Thanks…” I responded sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

“Maybe you should go home and get some sleep?” Chad continued, staring at me a little worried.

“I still have two more exams,” I respond, shaking my head, even though my bed was calling to me from far away.

The three of us remained in the courtyard until Dawn and my next classes started.

By the end of classes, I felt like I was about to fall on my face. I walked home alone as the sun started to set. Normally I would walk home with someone at this hour, but I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone where I lived.

The dreadful fog from this morning came back, swarming through my mind and enveloping all of my senses. I thought of Liam, what if he failed his exams because of me? Would he even look at me? After spending all that time to help me, would he even want me to cook for him?

While stuck in a world full of pity and self-hatred, I was not as attentive to my surroundings as I should have been. When I finally noticed someone was following behind me, it was too late, as they spoke.

“So what is a pretty little thing like you doing walking out here all alone?” The voice mumbled and slurred.

I spun around to look at the person. An older man, about my dad’s age, was standing two feet away from me. The man was well-dressed but scary-looking. Maybe it was from the lack of sleep and my imagination, but his eyes appeared to bulge from his head and his nose was long. He had gray hair, while the top of his head was balding.

“Just walking home…” I answered, shaken. “Bye now.” Walking fast, I tried not to sprint, even though I wanted to run. But I feared that he would catch up to me no matter what pace I used. What should I do now? There’s no one here with me and no one knew exactly where I was. Even at a quicker walking speed, the man followed behind.

He continued to pursue until he grabbed my arm.

“Let go of me!”

“Why are you all alone? Don’t you have a boyfriend?” His breath wreaked of alcohol. “I would never let a pretty thing like you out of my sight.” He grumbles, licking his lips.

“Let go!” I yelped, trying to break free.

“Oh come on, I could teach you things. Make you feel things—“

“What do you think you’re doing?” Liam’s voice questioned angrily.

I look over at him. His eyes were fueled with fire with his nostrils flared. Staring at him was compelling, making my knees weak. I had never seen him react in this manner before. For the entirety of the time I’ve known him, he has only ever shown boredom or aggravation, with a glimpse or two of happiness. Sure, he has shown anger towards me a few times, but never with such intensity.

“Beat it, kid. This is between her and me.” The guy muttered.

“No, this is between you and me.” He responded. “Let her go,” Liam demanded.

“And who are you?”

“I’m her boyfriend. Do we still have a problem?” Liam questions, raising his eyebrows while popping his knuckles.

Boyfriend? My heart leaped at the idea.

The disgusting older man let go of me.

I ran to Liam’s arms, frightened, wanting him to comfort me.

He wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me tightly, as I buried my face into his chest. Breathing in his cologne; his scent. I could hear his heart racing.

“So… I guess this was a misunderstanding…” The old man groaned walking away.

“And you better stay away from here!” His voice angrily shouted at the man, while still holding on to me. “Next time I see you, I’ll call the cops for harassment!”

Once the man was gone, Liam let go of me and reverted into his annoyed self. “What are you doing walking out here by yourself?” His voice didn’t carry a hint of worry or concern.

“I was just walking to the house… I just finished my last class…” I responded still shaken. “Thank you…”

“You are such a pest,” Liam responds exasperated. “You’re always causing so much trouble.”

We begin walking back to the house. “Were you worried about me?” I tease, after calming down a little.

“What?” His voice expresses his bewilderment.

“It’s getting dark… No one knew where I was, so you came looking for me because you were worried.” I continue to tease him.

“No.” He replied.

“You were!”

Liam rolled his eyes. “Okay, let’s get this straight. You are troublesome. And even though you annoy me, I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

“Aw!” My heart fluttered. Maybe I’m starting to grow on him? Did I somehow miraculously make him start caring about me?

“Don’t read too much into it.” His voice became aggravated. “I doubt your father would be happy if something happened to you while living with us.”

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. “Well, whatever it was, thank you.”

“And don’t read too much into me saying I was your boyfriend.” He declared with irritation. “It was only to get that creep away from you.”

“Okay…” I reply nervously. Does he believe I live in a fairy tale most of the time? “Did you really think I would somehow believe we were dating after this?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Girls with their imaginations and stuff.”

“Oh… Alright… I guess…”