I Won't Give Up

by Sophie Monroe

  “Do you mind?” She spat trying to seem annoyed or maybe she really was annoyed, I smiled.

  “Crash what the hell are you wearing? You look like you’re for sale.” I chuckled and she rolled her eyes at me, she looked HOT! Short shorts that would probably barely cover her ass when she stood up and a tight t-shirt that ended right above her belly button. Stop looking. I warned myself praying I could keep the now very excited ‘little Cooper’ concealed. That would be embarrassing especially with her brother sitting across from us.

  “Move. I need to go to the ladies room.” Damn. I quickly adjusted myself before I stood up. She scooted out and headed for the door, not to the ladies room but to outside.

  “Has she always been such an ice queen?” I asked Luke as soon as she was out of view.

  “No. She’s going through some personal stuff right now.”

  “Aren’t we all.” I stated hating how true it was, at least in my case.

  “Yeah I guess. So you go to Prescott High too?” I was getting the big brother grilling.

  “Yeah I just started. I’m a senior this year. My mom passed away in May and they thought it would be a good idea for us to have a fresh start so here I am. My dad just moved us here from Delaney.”

  “Sorry about your mom man. I’ve never been to Delaney but I’ve heard it’s nice though.”

  “It was home.”

  “So what brings you to The Barn?”

  “I’m supposed to be meeting Tabitha Davenport.” I said rolling my eyes.

  “Ugh, Tabby… and I know what you mean, except this place always felt like home up until recently.”

  “So your last name, Prescott, does that have anything to do with the name of the town?” I asked curiously.

  “Yeah, one of our ancestors founded it in like the 1700’s or something.”

  “That’s neat.” What was I supposed to say? No wonder she drove a two hundred thousand dollar car she was way out of my league I guess I should enjoy my time with Tabby since Fiona was out of the question.

  “Just give her some time, maybe she’ll come around. She’s kinda going through a man hating stage right now, me included.”

  “Thanks Luke but I think Crash is way out of my league.”

  “I think you’re wrong. I think she likes you but she’s afraid right now.” He looked at his phone.

  “You want to offer me any insight as to why?”

  “She’ll tell you if she wants to. I’ll keep trying to work on her though. Listen, I gotta run.” He threw some money on the table. “Hey careful with Tabby, she’s got claws.”

  “Thanks man, take care.” I watched him leave just as Tabby came through the door. She was wearing an outfit almost exactly like what Fiona had on except Tabitha looked trashy and Fiona was going to star in my dreams for the next hundred years.

  “Why were you talking to Luke Prescott?” She whined. I hated girls when girls whined. I should just say I’m not feeling well and go home.

  “I just met him, I’m new remember? Trying to meet people and whatnot.”

  “Whatever.” She said rolling her eyes. “Listen there’s a party at the field later, we should go.”

  Man, I really wanted to say no but I was hopeful that maybe Fiona would be there and maybe I’d get another chance to talk to her more.

  “Alright.” We had dinner, I tried to make small talk but she just wanted to talk about herself. I ate quickly and then luckily it was time to go.

  “I guess I’ll follow you there.” I said since I had my bike.

  “Can’t I ride with you?” She purred running her hands up my chest.

  “No. Sorry I don’t take passengers.”

  “Fine. Whatever. Lets just go.” Wow Luke was right Tabby had claws. I was really kicking myself for even agreeing to this in the first place.

  When we finally arrived at the field it was almost dusk but it was already buzzing with activity. I looked around there was an old dilapidated barn off to the side and a couple of picnic tables randomly placed around the field part one had coolers set up so I went to grab a soda. I never drank alcohol and rode the bike. A group of guys approached and I felt myself tense.

  “Hey new guy. I’m Drew and this is Ryder, Hunter and Nate.” I’d seen them at school a couple times this week and knew they were part of the “in” crowd.

  “Nice to meet you guys, I’m Cooper.” I wasn’t in the mood for small talk.

  “Hey when’d you get all that ink bro, that’s sick!” The one named Nate asked.

  “Um, thanks I’ve been getting bits here and there for the last four months or so.”

  “I’d kill to get some but my parents would totally kick me out. My dads the pastor in town and my mom is about as June Cleaver as you could get.” I laughed. I didn’t think he would last more than two lines with the ink gun by the looks of him.

  “There you are.” Tabby said hooking my arm and hanging on me. I already smelled alcohol on her breath and we’d only been here five minutes.

  “Yep, here I am.” I said internally cringing.

  “Let’s dance.” She suggested as she pulled me toward the clearing. She danced while I stood there wanting to disappear. People kept bringing her shots and she was getting really loud and touchy-feely; she was really getting on my nerves.

  Finally I saw the reason I came. Fiona. She was dressed in a short mini skirt with a tight white tank top. She lost the hooker make up from earlier and her brown hair was curled and flowing with the breeze. I caught her eye and she gave me a tight smile just as Tabby kissed me. Oh shit. I watched as her face fell from the little bit of happiness I caught a glimpse of for a millisecond.

  She turned and walked away. I was going to make her trust me, at any cost.

  Fiona

  “Come on Fiona it will be fun.” Casey whined for what seemed to be the millionth time since she got here, fifteen minutes ago. We went to the field almost every weekend and had for the past four years, this was supposed to be the best year because we were the hierarchy now, the seniors, but I didn’t want to deal with the people. I walked over to my desk and grabbed my flask only to realize it was empty.

  “Fine. But only because I’ve had the day from hell and I’m only going for like an hour because I’m out of booze.” I was already a little buzzed but not enough to make me forget and that’s how I liked it.

  “Yay.” She said clapping. “Go shower and wash your face you look scary.” I stuck my tongue out and headed to my en suite. When I got out of the shower I curled my hair and decided just to put on a little mascara and bronzer this time. I grabbed a cute denim mini skirt and white tank top and my baby pink Converse so I wouldn’t have to worry about my heels sinking in the dirt.

  “All ready to go?” Casey asked.

  “Let’s go.” I yelled a goodbye to my mom as we headed for Casey’s car.

  When we got to the field I was greeted with the usual amount of fakeness. I went to the keg and got a beer, downed it quickly then tapped another.

  “O.M.G. this is so great isn’t it!” Casey beamed. I hated when she spoke text.

  “Awesome.” I plastered on my best fake smile and let the alcohol get into my system.

  I looked around to see if there was someone, anyone I could fake talk to other than Casey cause her rainbows and unicorn’s attitude was killing my buzz. I locked eyes with Cooper who was dancing with Tabby. I gave him a slight smile just in time to see them kiss. So much for that I though wryly, for some reason I felt hurt.

  I wanted to go home, now. I turned to start walking away when someone grabbed me from behind.

  “Hey Fiona.” Hunter purred in my ear.

  “Get the fuck off me.” I screamed and tried fighting him off as he started dragging me towards the abandoned barn. “Hunter let go of me you’re hurting me.” But he was too strong. He was the quarterback of the football team, probably 6’3” and close to 230 pounds of muscle. He was huge.

  “You look so hot tonight Fiona and now that you a
nd Jack are done I want a piece of that.” He whispered in my ear. It was so loud and there were so many people no one could hear me yelling and now I was going to get raped.

  “Let her go.” A voice commanded.

  “Hey new guy, you can have a go when I’m done.” Hunter said trying to push past where Cooper placed himself.

  “You have two options. Let her go NOW or I beat your fucking face in. It’s you choice.” Cooper was livid now, how did he even find me, I just saw him with Tabby.

  “I’d like to see you try.” Hunter snapped sounding confident. Cooper was tall and defined but Hunter was just huge there was no way that Cooper could win.

  Cooper took a step forward and Hunter tossed me out of the way making me fall. I scraped my knees and got gravel in the palms of my hands. Cooper and I locked eyes for a split second, I noticed Cooper was getting into attack mode. Hunter took a step towards Cooper and threw a punch, which Cooper quickly dodged and landed his fist to Hunter’s face with a loud crack. Blood was pounding behind my ears as the shock was starting to wear off, the pain was starting to set in and tears stung my eyes. I couldn’t make out much of the scuffle after that except that Cooper could kick ass, every time Hunter came at him he blocked it and managed to get in a hit.

  “Had enough yet tough guy?” Cooper asked. “It’s not so fun when you pick on someone your own size is it?”

  “Fuck you.” Hunter spat as Cooper delivered an impressive uppercut to Hunters jaw causing him to fall backwards and pass out. Cooper walked over to me and held out his hand to help me up.

  “Let’s go. Now.” He said looking me over quickly. “Did you drive Fiona?” I shook my head. “Shit. Alright come on.” He quickly dragged me in the shadows across the field over to his death trap.

  “Nuh-uh, no way I’m getting on that thing.” I said when my whit returned.

  “It’s this or you stay and risk what almost happened.”

  “And how do I know that you’re not trying to do the same thing. Maybe you were just pretending to be the hero but you’re really a villain.” My voice was full of hostility.

  “Fiona I’m not a villain but we need to go before the other guys find out what happened and come looking for us. Please just put this on.” He said handing me his helmet. I put it on my head, I can’t believe I’m actually about to do this. He climbed onto the bike.

  “What about you?”

  “I only have one helmet and you’re more important. Come on, step here and swing your leg over than wrap your arms around my waist.” I did just that. Being so close to him it was apparent that it was getting harder and harder not to like Cooper Kinley. He started up the bike just as Drew and Nate were coming into view. I swore that I heard Cooper growl.

  I had so many questions for him but mostly where the hell did he learn to fight like that? We were now more into town than the woods and my head started to become cloudy I felt my eyes getting heavy. Cooper pulled to the sidewalk.

  “Fiona, are you alright?” His voice full of concern.

  “Fine, just sleepy.” I mumbled.

  “Can you hold on for five more minutes?”

  “Sure.” I hoped it was the truth. He pulled back onto the road using one of his hands to hold my hands secure and started speeding through the streets. We finally pulled into a driveway, then into a garage.

  “Hope off Crash.” He said patting my leg.

  “Where are we?” I already knew the answer.

  “My house. Let’s get you inside.” I can’t believe I trusted him. Here I was at his house where no one would find me. Stupid Fiona, really stupid.

  “I wanna go home.” I whined. I was a little scared but I really didn’t think that he would hurt me.

  “I can’t risk riding with you like this, I’ll take you home after you sober up. I promise.” He held his hands up in the scouts honor.

  “Fine.” I spat. It’s not like I had much of a choice at this point and he did sound sincere. He opened the door leading into the living room and led me upstairs. All the turns on the bike made my stomach churn and I knew I was going to throw up.

  “Where’s your bathroom?” He took my hand and opened the door to the bathroom off his bedroom. I just barely made it to the toilet before I started throwing up. He came up behind me and I flinched, except he was only holding my hair back. When I was done he opened a drawer in the sink and handed me an unopened toothbrush.

  “Here get cleaned up and I’ll wait for you in my room.” I brushed my teeth and walked into his room.

  “You’re not totally unscathed.” He said looking at my tank top that had vomit on it, gross. “Here” He pulled his shirt off and handed it to me. I rolled my eyes and tapped my foot. “Come on I don’t want you getting vomit on my new sheets.” He laughed. He really was sweet. I grabbed the shirt and went back into the bathroom to change. I walked out feeling self conscious in just his t-shirt and my barely there panties. He stood there in just his boxers and it looked like he had set up a bed on the floor for me. I went to sit on the floor and he stopped me. “Take the bed it’s more comfortable.” He pulled back the comforter and tucked me in before turning out the light and curling up on the floor. “Hey Crash.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Don’t do anything like that again alright.”

  “Whatever you say there Cooper.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “I know, I’m sorry.” I closed my eyes and drifted into a troubled sleep.

 

  CHAPTER THREE

  Please Don’t

  Stop, please don’t. I pleaded.

  I felt shaking.

  “Fiona wake up it’s just a dream.” I opened my eyes to see Cooper standing next to the bed looking horrified. “You okay?” The concern in his voice made the dam break free, everything I’d been holding in for the last three months just came pouring out, again. Cooper knelt down next to the bed and gently rubbed my back only making me sob harder. What was wrong with me? I needed to stop this path of self-destruction. I didn’t even know who I was anymore. He stood up and walked away. He left, they always leave. My body was shaking and I was having a hard time catching my breath when he came back carrying a box of tissues and a bottle of water. He handed them to me. I patted the bed next to me I just wanted to be held if only for a little while, I needed the feeling of closeness. He sat next to me and I laid my head on his chest while the waterworks continued. I must’ve fallen asleep at some point because when I woke up it was light out and my head was pounding something fierce. Cooper was still in bed, his arm wrapped protectively around me. The sunlight was filtering through the blinds and I finally got to get a good look at his face since I was always trying not to stare at him. He really was handsome. He looked like something you would see in an old movie. I looked at his free arm, which was covered in different tattoos that all entwined into one masterpiece, then I looked at his chest which had even more ink. I saw a quote on his ribcage.

  “I’ve loved the stars too fondly to be afraid of the dark. ~Galileo”

  I realized that I too had been living in the dark for far too long and needed to make some changes. I looked at the clock it was just after six in the morning. I shook him awake.

  “Cooper, I really need to get home.” He looked at me sleepily and I really didn’t want to leave.

  “M-kay just give me another minute.” He said pulling me closer and I gave in to the warmth and decided I could give myself a few more minutes of happiness. He looked down at me and our faces inched closer together until our lips touched. It was the best kiss I’d ever had even though there was nothing dirty about it but I did lightly bite his lip where his spider bite piercing was. When we pulled away it almost felt as if it sealed a bond between us. I felt myself relax for the first time in months. We snuggled as close as we could get to one another and fell back asleep.

  I woke up to hear banging and watching the bedroom door fly open.

  “Unbelievable!” Tabby roared.

&
nbsp; “How did you get in here?” Cooper asked sitting up shocked.

  “Your dad let me in. I was worried about you all night. I tried calling you and texting you. You said you’d be right back and then you just disappeared.”

  “Tabby now’s not a really good time. Can we talk later?”

  “I can’t believe I let you have your way and then you go and do this? You’re supposed to be my boyfriend.” She shrieked.

  Ugh, he screwed her last night and here I am all snuggled up with him. I jumped out of bed grabbed my skirt and shoes and headed downstairs and out the door ignoring the very shocked look from who I assume is Cooper’s dad. How could I let myself be so stupid, again! I fished my phone out of my skirt pocket and called Luke.

  “Where are you? I’ve been driving around all morning looking for you. No one’s seen you.” He sounded like he was having a panic attack.

  “I’m on Magnolia heading towards Wilson.”

  “I’m about five minutes from there. I’ll be there soon. What happened last night?”

  “I really don’t want to talk about it. Let’s just say I saw the light last night and I’m changing my ways and we’ll leave it at that for now.”

  “Glad to hear that but still I was losing my mind last night when you didn’t call or text. That’s not like you.”

  “I had to much to drink and fell asleep.”

  “I see you.” He said as he hung up and pulled around the corner. I heard the motorcycle pull up behind me and shut off while he was pushing it with his feet trying to keep pace with me, it turned into more of a sprint towards the Range Rover.

  “Fiona, please talk to me.” Cooper pleaded.

  “There’s nothing to say. It was a lapse in my judgment and it will not happen again.” I climbed into the Range Rover and slammed the door in Coopers face. “Drive.” I shouted.

  “You slept with Cooper?” He asked shocked.

  “Yes, I mean no. I slept there, I had a nightmare, we kissed and we ended up falling asleep together but nothing else. Then this morning Tabby came storming in. It would seem she got her vagina, I mean claws into him earlier last night.”