Chapter 5 Angel Or Demon

Tyler's POV

My evening was not easy as I had to take care of my mom in addition to dealing with gang affairs. I was now exhausted. I didn't even bother to change before I threw myself on the bed, boots on.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, my phone rang.

"Damn it!" I growled as I checked the message I had just received.

[Evan: We are at MacArthur Park for the drawing class. We will be here till noon. What are you doing?]

I took a look at the time. It was quarter past nine. Taking a deep breathe, I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom to take a quick shower so as not to fall asleep on the way.

I didn't have time to style my hair and quite frankly, that was the least of my worries. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a T-shirt lying there and put them on. Once ready, I went downstairs.

My mother was still sleeping so deeply that a tsunami would not have woken her up. With all the pills and alcohol she took, I wasn't surprised. I took the keys to the motorbike and my helmet and left the villa.

"Hello Tyler! Are you going to school?"

"Hi Bryan! Yeah, I'm in a hurry!"

With that, I put on my helmet and set off at full speed.

I was still relieved to know that at least my mom wouldn't be alone if she woke up. Bryan had been taking care of my mom and me for years now. He was more than a father to me.

After a few minutes on my motorbike, I finally reached the park. I hesitated whether to enter with the bike or not until my eyes fell on a cop a little further on who with a glance made me understand that I better not.

"I better not have myself arrested!" I said, turning around to park my motorbike in the nearest parking lot.

I then entered the park on foot. I had barely walked twenty meters before I saw the teacher.

"Mr. Hale! How nice to see you with us!" The sarcasm in her voice was almost palpable.

I took off my sunglasses so that my good looks would work in my favor. After all, she was only five years older than us and I had dated much older girls before.

"My bike didn't want to start today," I said, smiling with all my charm.

I knew I had won the moment I saw her blush. 'Women are predictable!' I thought.

After explaining the concept to me today, she let me go. The whole time she was talking, I was looking at her with a very interested expression, even though the only thing I wanted right now was to sleep.

It was only after fifteen long minutes which seemed to me like forever that she finally let me go.

I decided to settle in the shade of the trees. Evan was on the opposite side and was busy chatting with girls.

Being far too tired to endure their chatter, I decided to find a quieter place. It was then that I saw Tara, hiding under a tree on the hillock.

Her gorgeous hair was tied back in a wild bun that caused curls to fall all over her face. That gave her a really sexy look.

I stood at about ten meters away from her for a moment, admiring her.

"Damn, this chick is so hot!" I exclaimed in a low voice, throwing my cigarette.

Even the way she nibbled her pencil was already turning me on. After a long moment of contemplation, I finally decided to go join her.

"Hi!" I greeted.

She was now ignoring me! How ironic! She, who had made a big deal out of the fact that I had ignored her for months, was doing the same now.

I reached for her bag in order to make her react. All my efforts were in vain, she didn't deign to give me a single look.

'Is she serious?' I wondered. I dragged the bag harder, such that it hit her leg.

Fuming, she jumped up and directed her furious blue gaze on me. However, her eyes immediately calmed down and I saw a hint of surprise in there.

"Are you ignoring me?" I asked nonchalantly, sitting down next to her.

"Sorry, what did you say?" She then took off her earbuds.

As it turned out, she wasn't actually ignoring me, she was just listening to music. For some reason, I felt relieved to discover that.

That was a new feeling. This girl had once hurt my ego, so I was somehow vulnerable when it came to her.

"What are you listening to?" I asked her in a flat voice. I was obviously not at all interested since I lay down in the grass as I spoke, taking off my sunglasses. My eyes closed, I was ready to fall asleep at any time.

I heard her move and suddenly I felt her hand touch my ear. I quickly opened my eyes at her contact.

Her blue eyes were just a few inches from mine as she placed the earbuds in my ears. I no longer dared to move and watched her do.

However, she quickly realized that she was too close to me.

I felt like an electric shock went through my body as one of her curls brushed my cheek.

I was on the verge of grabbing her hips to press her against me when she stood up quickly. She then put her mobile phone next to me, and hit "play.'

The music started right away. It was Eminem's hit "Sing For The Moment." I looked at her in surprise, just to realize that she had returned to her original position and resumed the drawing.

Tara's POV

I was scared of my life when I felt someone pull my bag. But my fear turned to relief when I saw his green eyes. Because of the earbuds, I hadn't heard him. He seemed to be mad at me for not having heard his voice.

As he lay down on the grass, I slipped my earbuds in his ears. Honestly, I didn't even realize what I was doing, and I was just as surprised as he was. I took care not to meet his eyes and especially not to touch him.

We were way too close. I could feel his breath on my skin.

'Come on, Tara, you can do it. If he attempts anything, you hit hard on his nuts and you get away, ' I thought.

He didn't move, however. He was just staring at me intently. Embarrassed, I returned to my original position, while playing music from my phone.

He might as well have thrown the earbuds in my face, but he didn't.

I picked up my notebook and pretended to be drawing again.

My hands were sweaty and my heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it. After a few minutes, I hesitantly turned around to look at him. He had fallen asleep.

I heaved a sigh of relief as I could finally breathe normally again. I put down my notebook down and took my cigarettes out of my bag.

I was so much overwhelmed by emotions that I even had trouble lighting my cigarette. My hands were trembling.

'What is wrong with me?' I wondered.

While my whole mind was screaming at me to stay away from him, there I was, watching him sleep. It wasn't my fault though, as his face so calm was just too charming.

He didn't blow dry his hair today and his slightly wavy black hair hung above his forehead. That look gave him a crazy charm that I could hardly resist. His jaw which was a bit square looked softer with his hair down like that.

I stubbed my cigarette and focussed on my drawing. I had to stop looking at him.

But my resolve didn't last as I kept looking at him again and again.

I put down my notebook and pencil and lay down on the grass. I picked up my bag and rested my head on it so I wasn't very close to his face.

I'd been lying in that position for about thirty minutes staring at him when, without realizing it, I grabbed one of those strands of hair hanging down on his face and started playing with it.

He suddenly opened his eyes. I froze as I met his gaze. I wanted to remove my hand right away.

He seemed to have read through my intentions because as soon as I was about to move my hand, he grabbed my arm.

I felt like an electric shock at his contact. His green eyes were so intense that I dared not move. My whole arm seemed to be on fire.

His gaze was strange. It was as intense as always, but I could see a touch in it. He brought my hand back to his hair, letting me know that I could keep playing with it.

My hand was shaking, but I let him bring it to his hair. The texture of his hair was so silky that I was glad he let me play with it.

He smiled at me when he saw me continue. It wasn't a sadistic smile or smirk. It was a real childish smile. Slowly, he closed his eyes and fell asleep again.

We stayed there for the rest of the class until I got a message from Shin Oh.

"The class is over. I'll be waiting for you at the bus."

I was relieved the phone ringing didn't wake him up. The earbuds in his ears somehow muffled the noise.

'How am I going to get it back by the way?' I wondered. I finally decided to leave it to him. Then I took my things and walked over to the bus.

"What did you draw?" Shin Oh asked as the bus started.

"Nothing much. I fell asleep..."

"Isn't that Tyler's motorcycle?" Jessica exclaimed suddenly.

I turned to the window to look. Shin Oh and I had swapped places so I was on the side of the window. When I saw the red Yamaha parked, I smiled and thought of his sleepy face. I looked down at my hand, which was still on fire from his touch. My fingers felt so silky to me after playing for over an hour with his wavy hair.

Dylan's POV

Min Oh, Isabella, Connor and I were already in the cafeteria when the girls joined us. As always, Tara sat next to me. Shin Oh then narated to us the class they had this morning.

"How about you show us your drawings?" Isabella asked. She was very fond of drawings though she couldn't draw.

"Of course. Once I am done, you'll see it. I have almost finished, unlike Tara." Shin Oh was obviously very proud of herself.

I turned to Tara, who was looking absently at her plate. She hadn't touched her food until then.

"Tara, what did you draw?" Isabella asked eagerly.

"Nothing much to be honest," Tara answered.

"Seriously? But you love to draw so much, Tara!" Isabella exclaimed, suprised.

Tara's passion for drawing was no secret for any of us. We also knew she didn't like to draw people. The last time she tried, it turned out to be a Gollum-like caricature, which made us laugh out loud.

All of a sudden, the cafeteria door slammed open, startling everyone.

Jackson walked in, followed by Evan, Edward, and Tyler.

I was really surprised to see Tyler at school on a Monday.

Jackson was on a rampage again. He took a first table near the window. Everyone in the cafeteria turned to their plate so as not to get into trouble.

"They just piss me off! I should kick their asses so they calm down!" Min Oh exclaimed.

There was no doubt that he could kick their ass easily. He had been practicing Thai boxing since he was eight years old. He had participated in so many competitions and had won so many trophies that there was no more space on his shelf.

Tyler and his buddies sat at the table behind us. Feeling Min Oh's gaze harden, I kicked him in the leg for him to calm down. It had been a while since they had bothered us, especially since we had not provoked them.

Tara suddenly got up and put away her plate which she had not touched, before leaving the cafeteria.

"Is she still ill?" Connor asked me. Just like me, he was concerned because she had not eaten anything.

"No! She just had a fever on Saturday," I replied, getting up in turn.

I joined her in the courtyard. She was sitting on a bench sat next to her. She lit a cigarette for herself and one for me too.

She lay down on the bench, resting her gorgeous head on my lap. Her silky hair hung down my legs. She gazed at the sky, and seemed lost in her thoughts.

"I have Thai boxing lessons after class. You don't have to wait for me, I will go home with Min Oh," she said.

"Alright," I replied.

The others joined us shortly afterwards, and we discussed about everything. Tara didn't partake in the discussion though; she was just lying there, with her head on my laps.

The bell then rang, and everyone headed for their class.

"Tara? The bell just rang," I said, putting my face above her.

She smiled at me and sat up.

"Do you have earbuds? I forgot mine at the park and we have a literature class now..."

Without a second thought, I took my earbuds from my pocket and handed them to her. She smiled and kissed me on the cheek before joining Shin Oh.

I was watching her join her group when I meet Tyler's expressionless gaze. He was looking at us intently.

'What the hell is his problem?' I asked myself as I joined my class.

Tyler's POV

I just couldn't stand that Dylan. I hated just about everything about him, from his angelic face to the way he touched her so casually.

'Fuck Tyler, what the hell are you worrying about? Since when did you start to care about that girl?' I asked myself.

When we were at the park, she showed me a side of her that I didn't expect, especially after our infamous interaction at the park two days before. I thought she hated me, but after what happened this morning, I now thought actually liked me.

As always, I was the last one to return to class. I joined Jackson and Evan at the back of the class. I glanced at Tara in the process, but she didn't even give me a look.

"What are we doing tonight?" Jackson asked me.

"Tonight you guys have a green light to do whatever you want. I seriously need a rest," I said.

"Cool. I actually have a date tonight. That suits me," Jackson said promptly.

I didn't listen to a word of everything the professor said. I just put my hands in my pockets, where the earbuds Tara left me this morning at the park were.

My eyes closed, I could see her gaze as we lay on the grass, and I could still feel her hand in my hair. An intense desire overwhelmed me, just like at that moment.

Not once did I think of forcing myself on her then. All I wanted was to enjoy her tenderness for a while.

I opened my eyes and looked at her. Suddenly, the face of Dylan came to my mind. She was casually lying on his lap while he stroked her hair.

I was fuming.

'Did her heart also pace when he touched her hair?

Did she also feel like her whole body was on fire every time he touched her?' I wondered.

I was really getting mad and the more I looked at her, the more I saw Dylan's hands in her hair.

I got up suddenly after just thirty minutes of class and walked over to her bench, while the teacher was writing on the board. I threw her earbuds at her before leaving the classroom and eventually the school.

Tara's POV

What was that?

He threw my earbuds at me in the middle of class and left without a word.

Shin Oh gave me a puzzled look while I stared out through the window. I saw Tyler striding through the yard towards the parking lot where his motorbike was parked. The next moment, the sound of his motorcycle starting off was heard. Then, there was silence. He was gone.

Holding the earbuds in my hand, I was wondering what got into him. I thought we buried the hatchet in the park this morning. Was I wrong?

I really didn't understand the motive of his attitude.

I glanced behind where Jackson and Evan were, but neither of them was paying attention to me.

I left the class to go to the bathroom. Bethany came out of the bathroom just when I reached there.

I didn't pay attention to her at all. She was one of the pin-ups at school who hung out with Brenda. I walk past and washed my hands. I suddenly smelled the fragrance of Joy by Dior on her. My thoughts brought me instantly back to their conversation this morning on the bus.

How could I have thought for a moment that this guy had a heart?

From what I understood, he slept with her this weekend and dumped her immediately afterwards.

I was furious that I had been fooled this morning by his tender green eyes and charming demeanor.

I was so furious when I walked back to the class that I pushed someone over.

"Sorry," I apologized.

"Damn! You could watch out, bitch!"

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't realize it was Jackson. When I looked up and saw that stupid face of his, I unleashed my anger on him.

"Do you think you are the center of the world?" I shouted. His face turned red and he pushed me.

"Jackson, leave her alone!" Shin Oh shouted, standing up from her seat.

"Hey, no one asked you anything!" While speaking, Jackson didn't take his green eyes off me. His gaze was full of hatred.

I stood still. I had never noticed that both he and Tyler had green eyes.

He pushed me against the wall.

"Do you think someone will help you this time again? Your dear Dylan is not here!"

I was still puzzled by the fact that they had the same eye color. I had to admit that Tyler had never looked at me with such hateful eyes.

Before I could realize it, Jackson's muscular hand crashed into my cheek. The burning sensation on my cheek brought me back to my senses.

"I'll teach you a lesson," he yelled.

He raised his hand to hit me again. I didn't have time to think twice. I blocked his hand with my elbow and punched him with my other hand.

His eyes were now more than hateful. The veins in his face popped out. I heard him growl and he suddenly threw my head against the wall.

It wasn't long before I put my arms forward to avoid a concussion. I barely had time to breathe when he raised his fist to hit me again.

"Are you done?"

This voice stopped him suddenly.

I didn't need to look to know who it was. The only person who could stop Jackson was Tyler.

Jackson hit the office next to me with his foot and walked out of the classroom yelling.

Shin Oh rushed over to me and looked at my cheek worriedly.

"Don't get alarmed. I have known worse," I told her with a forced smile.

"You really want to die!" Tyler glared at me.

I didn't answer him and walked to my bench with Shin Oh.

I was furious with myself for not being able to defend myself better against Jackson. I didn't need Tyler's help, let alone his pity.

Tyler's POV

I couldn't believe that she was ignoring me again. I just saved her life.

I caught her by the arm and made her face me.

"You could at least thank me!" I snapped.

She looked at me, her blue eyes filled with tears.

What was that now? I could only hope she would not start to cry.

"Leave me alone! I didn't ask you for anything!" she yelled.

Just when I was telling myself that she was really crazy, tears started to run down her cheeks. She wiped the tears away and looked at me in disgust.

"I didn't ask for your help. I want nothing from you. I will never be your slut for a night." With that, she pushed away and ran out of the classroom.

I stood still for a moment. When I recovered from what had just happened, I noticed that the whole class were looking at me. I smirked and walked out of the classroom.

'What the fuck! Is this girl driving me crazy?'

I had decided to skip class, but after some thought, I came back to see her reaction. I saved her the day and instead of thanking me, she insulted me in front of the whole class.

I went to the girls' bathroom but she was not there. I slammed the door of the bathroom on my way out and went to the courtyard. I then began to walk the aisles of the school.

"Where the fuck is she?" I asked myself. I was getting pissed off.

I lit a cigarette, trying to figure out where she might be. I had no idea.

I went back to the parking lot. I needed a drink. That was where I saw her. She was sitting next to Dylan's Audi with her head in her hands.

I looked at her for a moment, before deciding to walk up to her.

"Can you explain to me what just happened?" I asked her, leaning casually on Dylan's car.

She didn't answer me and kept her head in her hands. I decided to squat down in front of her to force her to look at me and answer me.

"Can you explain to me why you got mad at me for no reason, while this morning we were very close?" I insisted.

She finally lifted her face to look at me. Her beautiful blue eyes were shining, full of tears. I felt a pain in my heart to see this.

"Fuck off!" she murmured coldly.

"No. Explain yourself."

I didn't want to let her mope, let alone risk her resenting me again for some reason I still didn't know.

"I said, leave me alone!" Her voice was a little harder this time. Her gaze also hardened and her jaw began to tremble.

I did not understand at all what was going on. She was obviously ready to break down anytime, but for some reason, she insisted on standing up to me.

She leaned on the Audi and turned her back to me.

I lost what little control I had over this girl who made me do absurd things every time she was near me. I grabbed her by the arm and slammed her against the car.

Her watery blue eyes looked at me in panic and she bit her lip.

"Where are you going? I asked you to explain it to yourself!" I snapped.

"Damn it!"

I spat as I felt a powerful hand push me on the side.

When I looked up, Dylan's stiff punch reached my jaw. He was standing between me and Tara.

"Do you realize what you have just done?" I yelled, punching him back.

I grabbed him by his sweater and started punching him in the face until he fell to the ground.

"Stop! Damn, stop it! Are you sick?" Tara yelled.

I didn't pay attention to her. I couldn't stand being assaulted, and I really hated this guy.

Tara grabbed my arm to make me stop. I was so caught up in my fury that I threw my elbow in her face. The blow was so stiff that she banged against the Audi.

"Tara..." Dylan whispered, his mouth bleeding under my blows.

I stopped at once and raised my head. A look of shock instantly appeared on my face.

Tara was leaning against the Audi, trembling. She was covering her mouth with her hand, but I could see the blood squirting.

Her eyes were full of fear when she met my gaze.

My blood froze. I staggered towards her, reaching out my hand. However, she just curled up more.

I pulled my hair in anger against myself. 'What have I done?' I thought.