Becky wasn’t happy. She was staring at the board, trying to concentrate on the teacher, but she couldn’t focus properly. The letters kept swirling and dancing along her field of vision, and she could hear people whispering instead of the teacher explaining Judaeo-Christianity beliefs.

She glanced over to her friend. Addison was looking into the direction of the board, but it was clear that wasn’t what she was seeing. Her face was glum, the infectious smile she had been wearing all yesterday was long gone, with no signs of returning.

Becky sighed, and slipped out her compact mirror. Holding it in her hand on her desk, she glanced into it as she angled it to the back of the room. She turned it slowly, scanning for James.

Bingo! He was in the back corner, slouching in his chair and twirling his pen in his hand, his other one propping up his head. She looked carefully, picking out everything that made girls fawn over him. Dark hair, dark eyes, and a fit body despite hiding it under baggy clothes. She kept staring, but it wasn’t out of desire. Or curiosity. It was anger.

Every second she spent looking at his pathetic stance, her blood pressure rose up a notch. Addison was right. He was annoying, and arrogant, and he radiated confidence. And he didn’t care that Addison was caught in his trap, treating her like a toy or something, while her heart started to slowly break. She wouldn’t admit it, but it was clear on her face that she was in pain. Becky looked down at Addison’s forearm and the burns that had scarred the skin. She had been through enough pain. There was no need for any more.

The bell went and everyone picked up their bags and strolled to the door in a crowd. Addison’s head dropped as she packed away her bags now that she wasn’t holding it up. Becky’s heart went out to her. Something had to be done about to this.

She walked out of the classroom, finding Mikey and the others straight away. Addison shuffled behind her, clearly upset. The others looked at Addison, then at Becky. She smiled and winked. Mikey smiled, eyes lighting up. He stepped around Becky, watching Addison to see if she noticed anything. She didn’t.

Mikey grinned as he swooped low and grabbed Addison around the stomach. He thrust up with all his strength and momentum and threw her in the air before she landed on his shoulder.

Addison screamed, “What the hell are you doing?!”

“Saving you from Dr Gloom.” Mikey laughed, “Super Mike away!”

Addison laughed at Mikey ran down the corridor with her over his shoulder. Everyone else followed, except Becky. She turned behind her, looking at who was staring. James was one of them.

He watch the odd-looking group disappear before turning to walk away. Becky marched forward and grabbed James’ arm. Pulling his shoulder, he spun around so he was facing her. His face had confusion on it.

“Look, I don’t know what you’re game is, but either give it up or play with someone else.” Becky snapped, putting her hands on her hips in protest.

James frowned, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He tried to turn again, but Becky grabbed his arm again.”

“Addie. You need to stay away from her.”

James frowned, “You mean Addison? I haven’t done anything to her.”

“Don’t act all innocent. I’m sure you like how girls fawn all over you, but it’s not fair. And now you’ve done it to my friend, so you need to stop.”

James frowned, “I don’t make girls fawn over me. You’ve seen me around school. I keep to myself. It’s not my fault if girls start looking. And as for Addison,” He looked down the corridor where she had disappeared, “She seems pretty fine to me.”

Becky scowled, “Well then you’re blind, aren’t you? Do you have any idea what Addie’s been through?”

"Do you?”

“It’s not hard for me to guess,” Becky folded her arms in defiance, “And I know that life is tough for her right now, and you’re not making it any better.”

“Life is tough for everyone,” James argued, “That’s why nearly the entire population is stressed.”

Becky shook her head, “You have no idea what she’s been through.” She turned to walk away, then looked back at James, “All she has now is her smile. Don’t take that away too.” Becky walked away, strolling with confidence and purpose, leaving James frozen in the middle of the hall.

James sighed, “I’ll try not to.”

“Where have you been?” Addie asked, smiling.

Becky grinned. The smile was back, “I had to sort out something. Don’t worry, it’s nothing really.”

Addison looked slightly bemused, “Sort something out? You sound like a mob boss.”

Becky grinned, “Well maybe I am. You never know.”

James looked around the corner of the building, watching the group as they sat and laughed on the grass. Addison’s voice rose over the others, “Come on, Becky. You can tell me.”

Becky shook her head, “Really, it’s nothing. Nothing you need to worry about, anyway.”

Addison pouted, making her eyes big and round, “Pwease?”

Becky shoved her slightly, “No! Now stop begging, before I slap you again.”

“Fine,” Addison rolled her eyes and looked at her text book.

“What you doing later today?”

Addison looked up, “Work. There’s a big party tonight, and they’re paying overtime. I’m going to do homework and stuff before, then I’ll probably be working till midnight.”

“We might come and have a look, if the party’s that big,” Mikey leant over, “Where is it again?”

“Rock Station,” Addison smiled, “There’s a live band tonight with original material. And two for one on all cocktails.”

“Pina Colada!” Becky sang, “There’s no way I can pass up an opportunity like that.” She sighed, “I’m so jealous. You get paid for listening to live music and staying up till midnight!”

Addison giggled, “I know! It’s awesome!”

James sighed and walked away. He couldn’t listen to anymore. Anymore, and he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from going to the bar that night.

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