𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 [𝐣𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐱 𝐨𝐜]

Chapter 34 | Return of Romeo

"I made a promise to you, and I tend to keep it. You're my friend, Jim, and friends protect each other."

Liz slammed her locker door closed with a tired sigh, leaning her back against it as she watched Jim and Toby talking on the other side of the courtyard by the lockers, her sight of them occasionally blocked by the passing bodies of students. So far, there have been no sightings of the stalkling, but it did not lessen the fear and anxiety that Jim radiated with each passing glance at the sky.

Although Liz is constantly vigilant of Jim for his protection, she is equally distracted by him as the memories of her childhood replayed in her mind with a vengeance that she was not prepared for. She could remember the old promises they made together as children when everything was simple to them. But fate had a laugh and decided to make things difficult by separating them, thus breaking their promises to one another. Yet, despite all that, fate brought them together again in unexpected ways.

"It seems fate has tied the boy's destiny with yours in more ways than I can imagine."

Maybe in more ways than she can handle. Liz thought to herself, closing her eyes briefly as she massaged her hand along her tensed neck and shoulder.

"You got it bad," A familiar voice commented, prompting Liz to open her eyes to see Claire's mirthful ones watching her with lips pulled in a teasing grin. Confused by her statement, Liz raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"You've been staring at Jim for so long, you didn't even notice me calling your name or me walking up to you," Claire said as she nudged Liz, wiggling her brows with a knowing smirk. "Honestly, Liz, it was like you were a statue, which by the way, is a skill they need for art class next semester. I hear they're looking for a sitter. You should sign up."

"I was not staring at Jim," Liz scoffed, unaware of her flushed expression that goes unnoticed by Claire. "I was just thinking about rehearsal, that's all. And I am not signing up to sit still and be scrutinized by twenty pairs of eyes for an hour and a half."

"You're right about the latter," Claire said before bursting into giggles, smacking Liz in the back. "But you're a terrible liar, Liz, especially in regards to Jim. If the force were with me, I would have mind tricked you both into admitting your feelings right about now, but it seems I got to do this the hard way."

"Huh?" Before Liz realizes it, Claire is dragging her by the arm toward Jim and Toby.

"There you are!" Claire shouts cheerfully, catching the boys mid-conversation by surprise, though it was Jim who jumped back slightly. "Claire! Liz!"

"Jim! Just the guy Liz was looking for," Claire stated shamelessly, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Huh?" Jim looked confused while Liz blushed, hiding slightly behind Claire just out of the boy's view. Seeing that his best friend was in the presence of another, Toby saw his opportunity out.

"Well, looks like you've got a chaperone. Adios. I'll let you know when I gotta go to the bathroom." The redhead said, walking away as Jim rolled his eyes.

"Liz got something to share," Claire said without missing a beat, her words capturing Jim's attention while Liz froze, her eyes widening. What?! Something to share? Is she trying to set me up or something?

"Oh? What is it?" Jim looks behind Claire's shoulder at Liz, though she remains partially hidden from view. Noticing Liz's unusual behavior, the boy begins to worry. "Liz? Is something wrong? Can I help with anything?"

Jim steps around Claire to see Liz, but the brunette remains silent and moves out of sight, walking around her friend clockwise as she keeps Claire between herself and the boy. Biting back from laughing at her ship, Claire interrupted. "Actually, there is something you can help with, Jim."