Alan

I picked Diana up at her house the next morning. She had applied heaps of makeup to her face to hide the bruise, and it hadn't worked very well. I kept quiet about it though; she shouldn't have to feel insecure about her looks as well as threatened at school.

I took her bag from her and we walked to the bus stop, arriving just in time. Diana didn't say a word the entire ride, and as much as I wanted to reach out and twirl a few strands of her hair around my fingers, I didn't. She needed this time to prepare herself mentally.

We hopped off the bus and I entwined my fingers with hers. She jumped, her doe eyes looking at me with fear. The light blue orbs slowly softened as she gripped my hand tighter, mumbling an apology under her breath.

She started off towards school, dragging me behind her. I had to jog to keep up. Diana paused about a hundred meters from our school.

'You go ahead.' She whipped her head back to look at me. 'Now. Go.' She pushed me forward, despite my protests.

I walked forward, handing her her bag. She accepted it and pulled out her phone.

'Diana -'

'Go.'

I walked through the school gates and up the path, looking back at Diana one more time. She held her phone to her right ear and was talking to the other person. That had been a quick connection.

My phone buzzed a few seconds later and I pulled it out, checking the ID.

Fix your reputation. Do whatever it takes.

My heart clenched. I didn't want a reputation. I wanted her. As if reading my thoughts, another message blinked through.

It's me compared to the school. You have too many friends that would just dump you if they even found out the kiss was real.

I locked my phone and soldiered on. If she wanted me to get my rep back, I would. And she couldn't complain of the consequences.

'Maddie!' I called, striding forward to the dark haired girl.

'Alan,' she said coldly. I spun her around and slammed my lips on hers. She melted into the greeting, and immediately changed her tone with me. I felt disgusted, but a sense of pride as I felt a pair of eyes burning into my back.

Diana

I saw his broad shoulders that were covered in the thin black cotton fabric lean down and the lily white arms of Maddie snake around his back. His ginger hair was sticking out from under his beanie. I bit back tears and hurried past them, taking care not to let them see me.

'So, what's up with you and Diana? That kiss? And avoiding everyone yesterday?' Stella asked loudly, as if sensing my presence.

'Who? The goth girl? Stell, you know me. Hit and run, that was all.'

'And the avoiding?'

I could sense Alan's shrug. 'I felt like just staying by myself. You guys were worked up and I didn't want to be next in the firing line.'

I opened my locker and jammed my books in, subconsciously remembering that my first classes were English and music. Three words were echoing in my head and it didn't take a genius to figure them out.

I walked to my homeroom, taking a longer route and picking up a late pass on my way. Just to avoid him.

I strolled into home room as the bell rang, depositing my slip and flashing Ms Hart a smile before turning away and walking out again, off to English.

Jessica caught up to me as we walked into the classroom, able to snag some seats at the back.

'So. You. Alan. What's the deal?'

I shrugged. 'Nothing.'

Hit and run.

'Nothing at all.'

'Are you sure?'

'Positive. Did we have any homework?' Jessica shook her head.

'Not that I know of, at least.' I settled back into my seat, taking care not to bump my bruises.

'So, what's that on your face?'

'Bruise.'

'How did you get it? It wasn't Alan, was it?' Jessica sounded concerned and shook my arm, the same that was wrapped in the bandage.

'Ouch!' I complained. Alan hasn't given me the physical evidence, but he sure is creating quite a notch in the mental.

'No, it was Mike, one of Stella's friends.'

'And your arm?'

'Stella, she dragged her nails down.'

Jessica hugged me gingerly.

'I'm sorry.' She said, before turning to face the teacher as he called out her name.

Hit and run.

Notes

Title cred: Hit and Run - Breathe Carolina