The Ember In The Dark novel Chapter 34

Fuck! If I get suspended then Ash will know something happened. He'll get mad and I'm not supposed to let that happen. My first day in trying to keep him safe and I fucked it up. Why am I still such a fucking failure?

Tears started to stream down my face as I walked toward the principal's office. I could feel Dex approach me from behind, but I didn't care. I was too upset with myself to care right now. What am I going to do? How can I keep this from Ash?

"Hey." Dex's hand wrapped around my bicep and turned me towards him. His stupid smirk fell when he saw my tears. "Oh come on. You're not actually upset that you got in trouble." He sighed.

"No. I've got bigger things going on in my life. Being suspended will only make those things worse." I couldn't help the tears that continued to slip from my eyes relentlessly.

"Woah, calm down." He seemed different suddenly. Like my crying was making him uncomfortable. "What if I just get the principal to give you detention instead?" He offered.

That would be amazing, but what's his play here? I eyed him suspiciously, the tears easing their tournament on my face.

"Why would you do that?" I narrowed my eyes on him.

"Because I hate seeing girls cry. Besides then we'd be stuck alone in some room together for a week." He winked at me with that playful smirk returning.

"Why do I feel like there's more?" I didn't trust him one bit.

"Clever as always. I've gotta take advantage of that desperation. You have to come with me Sunday for 3 hours with no questions asked."

"What? No! No way!" I shook my head. Alone with him for 3 hours no questions asked seemed like the opposite of a good time.

"What if I said I promise not to mess with your head for those 3 hours?" He gave me a cheeky grin.

"Like I'd trust that." I rolled my eyes, continuing my stride to the principal's office.

"I'll give you crimson kelp." He yelled after me.

I stopped walking. I heard about crimson kelp. When trying to figure out a way to get Dex not to enter my head. Crimson kelp can be taken to block a siren's abilities. It can only be given to you by a full blooded siren though.

"Are you serious?" I turned to face him.

"So you know what it is? Smart Ember." He sang. "Yes, I'm serious and if I don't give it to you Sunday you can call off the deal." He added.

This would be perfect. I am just having a hard time believing him yet alone trusting him. I need to keep Ash safe though. He can't get upset right now.

"Fine." I reluctantly agreed.

"Perfect." He smiled real big.

He held the door open for me and we walked in seeing the principal mad. As promised Dex manipulated the principal into giving us detention for the week instead. I'll tell Ash I got it for telling off Dex or something. That would probably make him laugh at me. We left the principal's office right as the bell rang.

"I'll see you after school for detention." Dex whispered into my ear as the halls started to fill with students. I shivered.

"Ember!" I heard Ash's voice down the hall and I froze for a moment. I need to get better at acting. "Was that Dex just now? Did he mess with you?"

"Not in the way you're thinking." I shook my head.

We walked toward the cafeteria and I told him what happened with Josh and how I told Josh off and he switched with Dex. Then I told him about how Dex messed with me. I didn't tell him about the kiss on the neck, or the punch. I just told him that I yelled and cursed at him real loud.

"So I have detention for a week after school. You'll have to go home without me this week. I'm sorry." I gave him sad puppy dog eyes. He shook my hair with his hand.

"Let me know if he bothers you anymore. I'll beat the shit out of him." Ash promised.

"I can do that myself now." I protested.

"But that's my job." He sounded hurt, like I was taking something from him.

"Okay, we can both beat him up." I laughed, feeling a bit normal with him.

We grabbed our food and headed outside to meet Toni and Rachel. Ever since Toni defended me to Micheal he has been sitting with Rachel and us. He was pushed to the side of his friend group. I think he understands the pain of fake friends all too well.

Speaking of, Josh was sitting in the circle like nothing had happened. I guess he has more claim to this friend group than I do. He was their friend first. I walked over and tapped Toni on the shoulder.