Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with unwanted attention from both guys and girls. The guys seemed scared of me, and the girls—well, I wasn't sure what to make of them. Half of them actually took the time to ask me if I were really dating Ashton, while the other half just resorted to shooting me dirty looks any chance they got.

Despite having told practically the whole school that Ash and I were not dating, I couldn't seem to shake the constant staring. Was I not convincing enough? Why couldn't they believe me?

Then there was Britt. She and I hadn't spoken once since last Saturday morning, and it didn't appear as if that were about to change anytime soon. She was constantly with Josh, and they often left school for lunch or sat on the opposite side of the cafeteria during lunch period.

For the time being, Ash and Dave were my new lunch partners—an equally confusing development—but it just wasn't right without Britt. She and I had eaten lunch together since we were in sixth grade, and now we were separated voluntarily for the first time.

At least our separate lunch tables forced me to think about the why. The why involved one person—Joshua Presley. I had yet to plan my attack, but today—Thursday—I was finally going to do it. I was going to approach him whether I liked it or not.

I needed the truth.

My main concern was getting him alone—I couldn't afford any run-ins with Britt—and my math class with him was my likeliest bet. All I had to do was to corner him before he went to his next class.

The minute class was dismissed, I practically pounced on Josh. He was taken off-guard enough that I was able to grab him by the shirt and pull him aside as we were leaving the classroom.

There was a deserted classroom not fifteen paces away from my math room, so I pulled Josh into it before letting him go and folding my arms resolutely across my chest. I was a far cry from intimidating, but it was worth the try.

Most of the guys at school were already scared of me now. But that wasn't because of anything I had done—it was just because I was rumored to be Ashton's girlfriend. He wasn't as famous as he was last school year, but they were still intimidated by him. Sadly, Josh wasn't intimidated.

Almost the second we were alone, Josh looked at me with such amusement that I briefly thought there was something on my face. Appearing completely at ease, he grinned and said, "Why, hello, Maine! What's up?"

Ignoring his light mood, I cut right to the chase. "I want the truth."

He chuckled at this, not looking disturbed in the least. "The truth? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Trying my best to ignore his act, I said just as seriously as before, "Yes. The truth." He smiled at me again in an almost patronizing manner, but I didn't shy away. "It's about the picture you put in the lunch room."

Raising his eyebrows in surprise, he said innocently, "What picture?"

I grit my teeth before muttering, "You know exactly what I'm talking about."

He was the picture of calm as he titled his head to the side. "Maine, I'm really not sure what you're getting at. I never did anything with a—picture?"

I ignored him again. "Why did you do it?" He smiled again in feigned ignorance, so I tried again. "I already know you had the picture, so tell me why you put it the cafeteria."

Furrowing his brow, he asked smoothly, "Why do you keep accusing me? Why would I do something like that?"

He should have been upset though. He didn't seem nearly upset enough that I was accusing him. I narrowed my eyes, sizing him up for the first time. Perhaps Josh was cunning—I'd never pegged him as cunning, but he was clearly playing me right now. "That's what I'd like to know."

Still smiling blithely, he replied, "Come on, Maine, you don't actually think I'd do something like that, do you?"

"I'm not sure what to think of you anymore," I answered honestly.

"What?" He seemed surprised—actually surprised. But then he relaxed again. "Is this because of your friend? Are you worried about her?"

Now where was he going with this? "This isn't about Britt," I denied. "This is about you."

He gave my denial no heed. "Really, you don't need to worry about her. She's having the time of her life."

Something about his tone irked me. "You know what I think, Josh? I think you're using her—just like you used Cheryl Flowers."

He pulled that easy smile on again, but it seemed stiffer this time. "Hey, I'm the good guy here, Maine. Just because you're sheltered doesn't mean you can accuse everyone of—"

"Sheltered?" I hissed. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Josh cleared his throat, not expecting my rush of anger. "Now let's just take a deep breath, okay? There's no need to get so worked up."

That's it. "I am not worked up! Why won't you just tell me why you put that picture in the cafeteria? I saw you and only you with it at the fair, so cut the act, and tell me why you did it!"

Frowning, he paused for a long moment, as if debating whether to go on with his ruse or give it up. Finally, he leaned down so that we were on eye level and said in a quiet tone completely void of humor, "I just thought they should know."

Now it was my turn to frown. "What?"

A smirk began to form on his lips. "That you and Ash have been messing around."

I stared at him in horror. "We have not."

He laughed suddenly, a startling sound in the empty classroom. "I'm kidding, of course!" The smile dropped off. "As if Ash would mess around with someone like you."

"I don't want him to," I snapped.

"Of course you don't. He always knew you were too good for him." Josh grinned impishly. "But I bet you wouldn't mind."

I felt my blood begin to boil. Through gritted teeth, I hissed, "I most definitely would mind, thank you."

Josh pretended to take me seriously. "Oh, I'm so—so sorry."

I don't have time for this. Taking a step closer, as if I'd be able to glean the truth from his eyes, I snapped, "What is your problem?" He quirked an eyebrow, and I asked what I had been wondering all along. "What do you have against Ash?"

Instead of responding how any normal human being should, he laughed in my face. "You don't even know what you're talking about."

Unthinkingly, my hands shot out and collided with his chest "I know exactly what I'm talking about!" I shouted in anger. "You hate me, you hate Ashton, and you're using my best friend!"

The smirk instantly fell from his lips, his eyes taking on an alarming glint. Briefly, it dawned on me that Josh was actually someone I should be scared of, but then it was too late.

He grabbed my wrists suddenly and forced me to walk backward to avoid his advance. After I'd gone a few paces, he shook me and slammed me painfully against the wall.

Practically seething, Josh brought his head close to mine before growling through gritted teeth, "Don't you dare shove me around, Eilerts. Don't yell at me. Don't accuse me. Don't assume that you have any power over me. I could ruin you if I wanted to."

My eyes wide, I could do nothing but stand there, praying that I would be able to escape. Where had this come from? He was always so smooth. I'd never suspected this was underneath the perfect, charming image.

"You disgust me!" his voice ripped into my ears.

Feeling one last spark of fight in my system, I met his glare and breathed out, "You're an animal, Presley."

He squeezed my wrists tighter, a wild fury in his eyes. "You're going to regret that, you little—" He let go of my wrists then, but his face still loomed dangerously close.

Wincing, I squeezed my eyes shut in an attempt to block him out. How had things become so complicated in just a few seconds? Why had I thought it would be a good idea to do this by myself?

By now, there was hardly a sound in the hallway outside, as everyone had gone to lunch. There was no one to save me from this monster.

And there was no one to hear when he slapped me.

Clapping my hands to my cheek, I felt a dull horror seize my entire being. Had that really just happened? The sharp pain in my cheek promised me it had. I had just been slapped by my best friend's boyfriend.

I was afraid that Josh would do something more, but when I looked up at him shakily, he stared at me as if in a daze before muttering, "That was a warning."

Before I could respond—not that I would have anyway—he turned to the door and pushed it open, stomping out into the hallway. I stared after the door, still holding my cheek.

My heart was throbbing unnaturally in my chest, and I could feel a headache forming. No way was this real. Now more than ever, I wished that Britt had liked someone else—anyone else. Just not Joshua Presley.

It was excruciating going through the rest of the week without telling anyone what had gone down after math class, but Josh's last chilling words had convinced me to keep my mouth shut. By Friday afternoon, my anger toward Britt had diminished, only to be replaced by fear for her. That fear was what inspired me to write her a note.

It was weird—I didn't often write notes—but I could think of no other way to get her to listen. The letter was simple enough. I didn't tell her what Josh had done to me, nor did I write a word about Ashton. No, I simply told her that I was sorry for judging her, but also that I didn't think she should be with Josh—not because of jealousy or resentment. I just couldn't shake the conviction.

I slipped the letter into her locker and prayed that she would not ignore it or take it the wrong way. Perhaps that was too much to hope, but I had to try before it was too late.

Of course, I never heard anything from Britt that Friday, so I went to work in a slump on Saturday. I was thankful Pam was there when I arrived.

"Maine!" she exclaimed as soon as I stepped inside.

"Pam," I breathed, gratefully stepping into her hug. Pam always made me feel warm and comfortable—even when she did stupid things like sending me to the carnival with Ashton.

"How are you?" she asked as she released me from her hug.

"I'm doing well," I said conversationally, though I wasn't sure how true that was.

"How are things with Ash?" Pam asked next.

I debated for a second what I should tell her, but then I admitted, "We're fine. But some kids at school made a rumor that we're, like, dating, so it's been weird."

If I'd told my mom that, all hell would have broken loose, but Pam actually looked amused. Even pleased? No, Pam, I felt like saying in exasperation. It is not like that. But I just looked away from her and tried not to blush.

"But you two are still hanging out, right?" asked Pam.

Turning my gaze back to her, I almost laughed at the hope in her eyes. "Uh, yeah. We are." Just don't tell my mom.

"Good, good. I'm really glad to hear that."

I bet you are—though I can't imagine why. "Yeah, it's nice having Ash for a friend."

Pam smiled at that. "He's a good kid."

"He is—when he's not being a pain in the butt."

She laughed, hardly able to deny it. "You do have a point there."

We smiled at each other for a moment, before Jacob walked into the room, briefcase in hand. "Hello, Maine," he said to me, and I returned the greeting.

Usually Jacob was in a hurry and didn't say much to me, but today he actually stopped beside his wife and asked me, "Ash treating you well?"

I nodded my head, mentally screaming at how cute he and Pam looked next to each other. Was it weird that I shipped Ash's parents so hard? Probably, but I didn't care.

"Good," Jacob said. After a pause, he added, "It's about time he straightened up his act."

I almost laughed, but I wasn't sure if that would be appropriate. Jacob was the kind of person you couldn't be sure was joking or not, so I didn't want to mistakenly laugh. Instead, I smiled and replied, "Yeah, it is about time."

Apparently it was also time for them to leave, for Jacob soon glanced at his watch and said, "We'd better head out. Have a good day then, Maine."

"You too," I said, smiling. Pam hugged me a second time before following her husband out the door. And then I was alone again.

"Sup, Maine," a voice surprised me barely a second after I'd walked into the kitchen.

Swiveling around, I flushed when I saw Ashton standing there. "Hey, Ash," I said before hastily turning back around so that he couldn't see my senseless blush.

"What's up?" he asked a second later.

"With what?" I said, stepping away from him and heading toward the kitchen sink.

"You. You barely looked at me."

Yeah, because I start blushing whenever I look at you, apparently. When I reached the sink, I picked up a wash cloth and turned back around. "Would you prefer if I stared?" I asked, praying that my cheeks were not red. Something told me they were.

Ash just grinned. "Sure."

I shook my head, focusing on the cloth in my hands instead. "Pass."

It took a second for him to respond. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you—did you run into something?"

My head snapped back up in surprise. "No? Why?"

Stepping closer, he scanned my face carefully for a second. "It's just that you have a bruise. Right here." Before I had the chance to step back, his hand had come up and brushed a spot on my cheekbone.

"Is there?" I tried desperately to ignore the heat swelling from where he'd touched me.

"Yeah—it looks fresh."

Sucking in a breath, I realized what he was noticing. I still hadn't told Ashton what Josh had done. I had barely seen him the other day, and it just hadn't felt like the right time.

Now was probably the best chance I'd get. "It is fresh. From Thursday."

"What happened?"

I cringed internally. "Well—you see—I confronted someone that day about the cafeteria incident."

"You did?"

"Yeah," I confirmed, swallowing hard. "We got into a bit of an argument and, well—"

"Wait." Ash cut me off. "Somebody did this to you?"

All I could do was wince. "I accused him of starting the rumor. He was pretty upset."

Ash stared at me in horror. "Who did it?"

Shrugging, I twisted the washcloth around my fingers in an attempt to divert my mind from the memory. "Not sure I should say."

"Maine! Of course you should—I need to know who did this!"

"And what are you going to do then?"

He stopped, but only for a second. "I don't know. But I'm not going to sit back and do nothing!"

Avoiding his gaze, I pressed my nails hard into the washcloth. "I don't want to get you in trouble."

Ash let out an incredulous breath. "Me? What about the creep who did this to you?"

"Well, he—" The words died on my tongue. What reason did I have to hide it from Ashton? Finally looking up, I said, "Promise you won't say I'm crazy?"

He looked confused, but nodded. "Of course."

"It was Josh."

I expected disbelief. Or horror. Instead, a string of colorful curses flew from Ashton's mouth, his whole body alive with skittish energy. "That little mother—" Within seconds, he was in the foyer, grabbing his keys.

"Ash! Stop it. Calm down." He looked on the verge of bolting from the room, but I reached out and caught his arm before he could do anything. "It's okay."

He stopped only to stare at me incredulously. "How is it okay?"

I reconsidered. "Well. I guess it's not okay. But I don't want you to go do—whatever it is you're doing. I think it's a terrible idea—whatever you're about to do."

He gave me a funny look. "You don't even know what I'm going to do."

"Really." Shaking my head, I went on to say, "But after that eloquent speech, it's not hard to guess that you're up to no good."

Ash looked almost amused as he watched my expression. "Maine. I'm not going to go slash his tires or push him off a cliff—I'm just going to find Dave and figure this out with him."

"Oh." I shut my mouth, realizing it wasn't nearly as pressing as I'd thought.

Ash grinned, clearly enjoying my dumb reaction. "No tire slashing, I promise."

I frowned. "Just don't do anything stupid. Trashton."

Laughing at my closing statement, he pulled open the door and stepped out into the glaring sun. "See you later, Eilerts."

I didn't see Ashton again until midday Sunday. And when I did, I found him somewhat changed—not in appearance, but in attitude.

He seemed quietly upset. Avoided my eyes. Barely said anything. Volunteered to make lunch anyway. For the life of me, I could not figure out what had gotten into him.

"You okay?" I asked him tentatively when we sat down to eat lunch.

He looked at me as if he were surprised I had noticed his attitude. Then he looked back into his bowl of soup and muttered, "I'm fine."

Oh, come on! Not this again! "Sure," I said sarcastically.

Snapping his head up, he locked me in a surprisingly fierce stare. "You got a problem, Eilerts?"

My eyes widening, I stared at him in disbelief. Please let this not be what I think it is. "Ash," I said as my stomach clenched up. "I didn't—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

"Yeah, well," he replied, appearing more tired than riled now, "maybe you should leave me alone today."

I stared at him, astonished. "Why?"

Ash sighed, stirring his spoon needlessly in his soup bowl. "Because I—I just—" He dropped the spoon abruptly, accidentally tipping the bowl in the process. Both spoon and bowl clanked against the table top, soup spilling out from the bowl and running across the table.

Leaping to my feet, I automatically turned to grab a washcloth, but Ash was on his feet already and pushing his chair back hastily. "I'll get it," he said, stepping around me.

I stood there, blinking. Okay? He returned a second later with a wash cloth and began scrubbing the table where the spill had occurred. After watching him for a second, I turned and went to the counter before he could stop me. Pulling a hand towel from one of the cupboards, I hurried back to the table and pressed the towel down on the wet areas left from Ashton's cloth.

"I'll do it," Ash muttered, grabbing the towel from my hands.

"No, but—"

"I said I'll do it," he snapped, and I stopped in surprise. After a moment, he paused his feverish scrubbing to look up at me. His hard expression turned to one of regret the second he saw my face, but I didn't wait to hear his apologies.

Frustrated, I strode out of the kitchen and out the house altogether. Finding a maple tree in the back yard, I planted myself at its foot and stared out frostily at the leaf-decorated lawn.

When Ash had left to see Dave the other day, I'dhoped he would come back with clarity—not with an attitude.