In Your Time novel Chapter 32

Going back to school, I felt refreshed from my weekend with Elizabeth and my bruising was all healed up. I finally looked and felt normal for once. Braden grilled me about not answering his calls but he was just worried. Elizabeth found Braden's worry funny. She knew about us, but she promised to pretend like she didn't know for Braden's sake. School was beginning to feel mundane. Braden walked me to my locker as he continued to pester me about what Elizabeth and I talked about this weekend. I giggled as I closed my locker.

"I swear it was just a relaxing weekend. And you saw for yourself, my bruising is all gone. It was more therapeutic than an interrogation. Seriously, you don't have to worry," I smiled at Braden.

"Phoenix!" Someone yelled from down the hallway. I turned just in time for Torin to reach me and pull me into a hug.

"Thank God. I found a soul I actually know," he hugged me. I chuckled and hugged him back before he let me go.

"Torin this is Braden. Braden, Torin. I met Torin in Palm Springs. He's a new transfer," I introduced them. Braden sighed before looking at me.

"You said nothing happened," Braden complained as Torin stuck his hand out. I chuckled as I ruffled Braden's hair.

"Torin, Phoenix's new friend. Senior," Torin said to catch Braden's attention. Braden hesitated before shaking his hand.

"Junior. Braden, Phoenix's fiancé," Braden replied. They griped each other's hands for a while as they stared at each other. The bell rang, diverting my attention, but both of them refused to let go. I put a hand on both of they're wrists and tried to pull them apart.

"Alright, alright. We're already late for class. Let's go," I said. Braden grabbed my books before turning me down the hallway and lightly pushing me in the direction of my class.

"You don't like him? Torin is actually a really nice guy," I said as we walked down the hallway.

"I don't want any rivals," Braden muttered, leaving me confused.

"Rivals for what?" I asked as we arrived at my classroom. Braden stopped to hand me my books.

"Go. You're already late," he said shortly before he turned and left. I let his attitude go because he was right. I was late. I tried to sneak into my seat and pay attention to the lesson, but I couldn't get my mind off of Braden's weird behavior.

At lunch, Braden and I sat at the table with everyone. I don't think Tara gave up, but she at least gave my seat back.

"Phoenix!" I heard Torin call. I looked over and waved at him as he pulled up a seat. Braden got quiet as he stared at his food.

"Everyone, this is Torin. He's a senior and just moved here," I introduced him.

"How do you know him if he just moved here, Phoenix?" Bryce asked with a smirk.

"We spent time together at Palm Springs this past weekend," Torin explained. I hit his arm gently.

"Don't say it like that. We met this past weekend when Elizabeth took me to Palm Springs for a girls' weekend," I corrected him.