Chapter 25 Rivals for Her Heart
"That was really stupid of you," Mayzie scolded, gently dabbing alcohol onto the cut under his bottom lip.
They had ducked into the nurse’s office, but the nurse simply pointed at the medical supplies and told them to help themselves. Mayzie knew why; the woman clearly realized this was Dalton's handiwork and wanted no part of the drama. She had actually walked out of the room the moment Clyde sat down on the cot.
"Who the hell was that guy?" Clyde asked. The usual cheer in his voice was completely gone.
"Dalton Murphy. He’s basically the prince of this school, and you just put yourself on his hit list."
"Fuck him."
Mayzie shook her head. "You have no clue what you’ve gotten into, do you? I’ve seen tougher guys than you last maybe two days under his treatment. The other students do whatever he says. You’re headed for a nightmare if you don't leave this school right now."
Clyde shook his head firmly. "No. I’m here because of Bellatrix. I’ll go through hell for her if I have to."
Mayzie sighed. "Well, for what it’s worth, thanks. But you shouldn't have done it. I can handle Dalton — he’s just a big child. It doesn't help that he thinks we're dating now. When he sees you with Bellatrix, he’s going to come right back to me and claim you’re cheating."
Clyde tried not to laugh. "So, I bought you some time at least."
"Why did you do it?" Mayzie asked, reaching for a bandage and a fresh cotton ball.
"Bellatrix said that I’m never nice to her friends. I wanted to prove I could not only be a friend, but stick up for them, too." He hissed as the alcohol stung the wound on his forehead. "I guess I messed it up. She’s going to be furious when she finds out."
"We won't tell her," Mayzie said. "Let’s just say Dalton saw you talking to me and lost his mind. Okay?"
Clyde looked at her, unsure. "Won't she be mad if she hears the truth later?"
"She won't believe Dalton anyway. He’ll tell her we’re dating, and she’ll just think he’s being jealous because we were chatting." Mayzie leaned back. "Even if you only said it to protect me, she might not see it that way. She’s sensitive, and her feelings for you are fragile right now. Anything could push her one way or the other."
"Thanks, Mayzie. I… I really appreciate it."
She patted his arm. "It’s the least I can do."
He started to grin but winced as the pain shot through his lip. "I can't say I didn't deserve a bit of a beating, though. I really didn't mean to call you ugly," he sighed. "I got carried away trying to be friendly. It was supposed to be a joke, a compliment in a weird way. I didn't want to just say 'hey, you’re pretty' right in front of the girl I’m trying to win over. I’m really sorry."
"It’s fine. It was just annoying to hear the truth," she said, crossing her arms. "I don't have the money for the latest clothes. I used to get teased about it constantly… until Dalton stopped people from bothering me." She sighed heavily. "That’ll probably start up again tomorrow. He seemed beyond pissed."
"I’m sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your protection."
"I have a name I could have said," Mayzie admitted softly, "but I didn't want him to know. I didn't want him looking for the person I actually liked. Dalton knows him and would definitely go after him."
Clyde turned red. "Now I feel even stupider."
Mayzie giggled. "Don't worry about it. I won't tell him."
"You’re a good person, Mayzie," Clyde said with a sigh. "I think I missed out on not getting to know Bellatrix's friends in high school. She has good taste."
"Well, you’ve got a second chance. Don't ruin it."
He nodded. "Can I ask… has Bellatrix told you anything?"
"I know all about your past, if that’s what you mean."
"Has she said anything about... right now?"
"Yes. She told me she’s giving you a second chance."
Clyde shook his head. "She didn't give it to me. I forced it on her. I acted like a five-year-old having a tantrum until she felt too guilty to say no." He looked away. "Since it started that way, I doubt it’ll work out."
"Not with that attitude. She’s worried you’ll go back to your old ways. You just have to be careful and prove you’ve changed. If you can do that, her heart will remember why she loved you in the first place."
He snorted. "She never loved me. She just pitied me. I was like a lost puppy following her around. She never even chose to be my friend; I just decided we were. Same with dating — I had no one to take to the dance, so she broke up a date with someone else to go with me. Just out of pity."
Mazyie looked down at her lap.
"I knew it was a pity, too," Clyde whispered. "I just wanted it so bad I ignored it."
"It wasn't just pity," Mayzie said, looking up at him. "She told me everything. She told me how much she loved you and how much it hurt to end things. She didn't want to stop seeing you, but she felt like she was hurting you by letting things go the way they were. She wanted you all to herself, but I doubt she’ll ever tell you that."
Clyde gave a small, lopsided grin. "You’re a liar."
"I swear, it’s the truth."
"Even if I don't quite believe you, I’m going to act like I do… because I want it to be true."
Mayzie chuckled. "You’re cute. Silly, totally illogical, but cute." She stood up and playfully rubbed the top of his head.
Clyde blushed. "Thanks, I think."
"Class is starting soon. Where are you headed? I’ll walk you."
He checked his paper. "Santos Building, Room 205."
"Second floor. You’re lucky," Mayzie said as they headed into the hall. "All my classes are on the top floor. I've been running up stairs all day."
"Keeps you fit, I'm sure."
She laughed. "Yeah, that and not eating much."
· · ─────── · 𓅪 · ─────── · ·
"That hurt, you jerk!" Blake barked as the group gathered under their usual tree.
Arking was playing medic. "And why were you just standing there holding her?" Blake snapped at Arking, who was helping to bandage his face. Dalton leaned against the tree trunk while Gustav fixed his own cuts near the gate.
Arking flinched, feeling Dalton's glare. "I didn't want her watching Dalton like that. She already thinks poorly of him, and fighting her boyfriend didn't help."
The tension in Dalton's gaze softened slightly. "She was really mad, wasn't she?"
The three of them nodded in unison.
"Don't worry, she probably doesn't hate you, but you messed up big time," Blake said. "I don't know how you’re going to get her to forgive this. If she really liked that guy, you might have ended things for good."
Dalton swallowed hard. "I’ll think of something."
Arking shook his head. "She doesn't like you, Dalton. Stop bothering her. You’re only making her life harder."
Dalton's frown deepened.
"Leave him alone," Gustav said, surprising everyone. "Dalton messes up a lot. If this girl is worth it, she’ll eventually forgive him. If she’s just some girl who isn't worth the trouble, it’s better we find out now."
Dalton didn't love the way Gustav put it, but he was glad someone was on his side.
"Whatever," Blake muttered, yawning and then wincing. "Did you have to hit us so hard?"
"I just saw people coming at me," Dalton said quietly. "I didn't realize it was you guys."
"I thought you were going to hit her," Arking admitted. "When she jumped in there, I just knew—"
"I would never hit her," Dalton snapped. "She was the only person I was actually aware of."
"I doubt that," Blake snorted.
Dalton reached out, grabbed a handful of Blake's hair, and pulled his head back. "Did I hit her when she charged me?"
"No," Blake squeaked.
"Did I hit her when she slapped me?"
"No."
"Still doubting me?"
"I’m doubting my doubt!"
Dalton smirked and let go.
"You’re being a real jerk, you know?" Blake grumbled, rubbing his head.
"Yeah, that’s exactly why she isn't interested," Arking added.
The bell rang, signaling that the next period started in fifteen minutes. "I’m going to class," Dalton muttered.
The other three watched in shock as he headed toward the buildings.
"Do you even know which class you have?" Arking yelled after him.
Dalton just flipped him off and kept walking. He scanned the courtyard, looking for a specific face. He had no idea if he’d find him, but he knew he had to do that.
Finally, he spotted him. Clyde was looking at his schedule, appearing completely lost.
"Hey," Dalton said, jogging up to him.
Clyde flinched. Even though he’d acted brave earlier, he didn't want another fight.
"Lost?" Dalton asked. Clyde didn't answer. Dalton felt his temper flare but forced himself to stay calm. "Here, let me see." He snatched the paper. "Hilton, 215. It’s across the garden. Your schedule sucks — they expect you to cross campus in ten minutes. I’ll show you where it is."
Clyde frowned, not believing a word. There was no way he was walking into a trap. "No, thanks. I’ll find it."
"Don't be stubborn," Dalton said, starting to walk away with the paper.
Clyde had no choice but to follow. He hurried to keep up, bracing for an ambush.
"Sorry," Dalton said suddenly.
Clyde blinked. "What?"
Dalton didn't look at him. "I said... I’m sorry. You didn't deserve to get hit. I should have kept my cool."
Clyde nodded slowly. "It’s okay." He was stunned. After everything Mayzie had said, an apology was the last thing he expected.
"I’m still going to take her from you, though." Dalton’s words sounded like a warning.
Clyde laughed. "I doubt it." He quickly covered his mouth, expecting Dalton to explode.
Instead, Dalton just looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "Have you ever wanted someone so much that you’d do anything for them? Whatever they ask, you just do it?"
"Yes," Clyde said, thinking of Bellatrix.
"That’s how I feel about Mayzie. I know she doesn't want me, and I’m forcing myself into her life, but I don't care." He stopped in front of a building. They had taken a shortcut through the garden; Clyde hadn't even noticed.
"She can hate me all she wants. She can say she found someone else. It just makes me want her more. The more she ignores me, the more I want to be near her," Dalton sighed. "Maybe you love her that way too. If you do, we’re in for a long fight. You get to touch her and see her smile. My only win is when she acknowledges I exist."
Clyde felt awkward. He also didn't want to be late. "Is she really worth all this trouble?"
"Of course she is!" Dalton snapped, shoving at Clyde's shoulder before catching himself. "I’m not going to hit you again. I’m not looking for revenge. I won't win her heart by beating you up — Mayzie made that very clear. I’m just going to win her over."
Clyde smiled. Something about Dalton's determination reminded him of himself. "Then it’s a battle. I’m not going to tell Mayzie she can't see you. I trust her enough to know she’s too smart to choose a guy who uses his fists to solve problems."
Dalton nodded. "Fair enough." He handed the schedule back. "From now on, we’re rivals. But I’ll admit, you’re not a bad guy. Maybe when this is over, we could actually be friends."
He walked away, leaving Clyde standing there in total disbelief.