Behind Enemy Lines

Hayley was reluctant to get ready, but she did so anyway. She had no choice. She'd have to date Ryder whether she liked it or not, or she'd most likely get kicked to the curb again. And that wasn't fun.
As she got ready, her mind kept drifting to Calum. She knew she shouldn't be thinking about him. They could never be, the hatred between their groups was too intense. But he was different to her. He reminded her of Ashton. Ashton was a good guy, he just was raised in the wrong way. He's not bad on his own account.

And the same could be said for Calum. He showed that he was capable of caring about something when he stayed up with her until she went to sleep so she wouldn't get scared again. And she remembered the feeling of his arms around her. They were so tight and secure and she never felt more safe then she did at the time.

"You have to get over him," she muttered to herself, "it'll never happen,"

She sighed and went through her drawers, picking out a pair of shorts and a tshirt. It's not like she was going out, and she wasn't trying to impress Ryder by any means. If anything, she hoped that he was just as against this idea as she was.

She looked in the mirror, relieved to notice that she didn't look as bad as she imagined. Her hair was just a little curly at the ends and she definitely looked tired, but other than that she seemed to have weathered the night well.

A shower later she was all dressed and ready to go.
"Hayley! Come downstairs, they're here," Stephen called
She frowned but obeyed, not willing to face the music if she didn't. So she hopped down the stairs and met him by the door, where he was already letting in Ryder and his father William.

"Good afternoon miss Irwin," William nodded pleasantly.
She feigned a smile. If this thing worked out, he'd move from being just a mere coworker to his son actually being the head of the gang. Of course he'd be happy.

Hayley's eyes wandered to Ryder. He was already staring at her. Her smile dropped and she hopped to the floor, following her father into the kitchen.
"Hi," Ryder smirked.
Hayley looked up at him but chose to ignore him.
"Be polite Hayley," Stephen scolded.

She shrunk back and mumbled a greeting reluctantly.
"Well why don't you guys spend some time together in the livingroom," Stephen stated, "we have some work do get done,"

Ryder was pleased with this and nodded, immediately pulling her along to the livingroom. She looked back at her father pleadingly. He glared at her expression.
She turned back ahead and he sat on the couch, yanking her onto his lap. She squirmed and tried to wiggle out of his tight grip.

"Ryder let me go," she growled.
The fathers had left them to themselves.
"On the contrary, I don't have to," he rose an eyebrow.
"On the contrary, I don't have to date you either," she mocked
"Oh I beg to differ love," he sneered, leaning his face in close to hers.

She leant back as far as she could so he grabbed her chin and held her In place.
"Let go of me!" She hollered
He laughed and kissed her forcefully. She whimpered and started to kick her legs around, hoping to get him somewhere.
Immeidately, he got frustrated. He growled and pulled back enough to slap her. She gasped and stared at him with sad eyes.

"You-you hit me," she accused, somewhat hoping to guilt him into letting her free.
"Yes I did, and I'm not afraid to put my girl into her place when she needs it," he stated, "so you better learn your lesson quick and stop being a bitch,"
She was outraged by this, "you're an ass wipe,"
She said it lowly, but with venom seeping from every word. He slapped her again In response.

"What in the bloody hell is going on in here?!" Ashton yelled.
She flinched at his words and turned to see him seething in the entry way to the livingroom.
"Don't you dare lay another fucking finger on her or I swear to god I'll murder you," he growled

Behind him was his girlfriend Gabby. She was very taken aback by the entire situation, somewhat shielding herself behind his strong frame. Hayley's eyes met hers in a moment of intense emotion and sympathy.

There were thuds as the fathers raced up the stairs to inspect the problem. They both appeared as well.
"Ashton calm down," Stephen told his son.
"What do you mean calm down?!" He cried, "I saw him hit her!"
"Well she was acting out of line," Ryder chimed in calmly.
Stephen nodded, "listen ash, you need to let us explain,"

His fists were clutched, ready to punch someone.
Stephen put a hand on his shoulder, "how about us boys have a private conversation and sort this all out?"
Ash huffed and nodded, "but I'm still angry,"
"It's just a misunderstanding," will explained
Ashton glared at him. Hayley scrambled off of Ryder and over to her older brother. She clutched onto him.
"Help me," she whimpered only so he could hear,
He frowned and hugged her, "I'll see what I can do, Bubbles,"

She rolled her eyes at the use of the childhood nickname but smiled. If anyone could fix this, it was him.
"Why don't you and Gabby go upstairs," he told her.
Hayley looked over to her friend and nodded. Gabby reached out a hand and Hayley took it.
"I'll be back soon okay?" Ashton told her.
She nodded and smiled, "yeah,"

He kissed her forehead and turned, following the men out. Ryder trailed behind and wasn't shy about grabbing Hayley's butt as he walked back.
She glared, "don't touch me,"
"Yeah yeah," he rolled his eyes.

Gabby was unamused, "you really are an ass you know that right?"
"Neither of your opinions means shit to me," he snapped before turning the corner and disappearing.
"Let's go upstairs," gabby gave a faint smile.

Hayley nodded and followed her upstairs. Hayley stepped into Ashton's room and collapsed on her brothers bed. Gabby laid down next to her.
"What was that all about?" She asked
"It's a long story," Hayley muttered, "ash will probably tell you anyway,"
"Okay," she sighed

They laid in silence. Hayley could feel the urge to spill last nights events to her so bad. But that would endanger Calum if she slipped it to Ashton. Maybe it was worth waiting to tell her. Hayley did open her mouth to say something and give into the temptation, but hearing Ashton's angry yells interrupted her.

"You what?!" He growled, "you've got to be kidding me! What kind of father are you?!"

Both girls grimaced.
"Oh ash, " gabby sighed.
"Ashton knock it off I need you aboard this," Stephen muttered.
"No! Absolutely not! You are not giving my little sister to pathetic loser like him!" Ashton insulted.
"You have no say!" Stephen cried, "so just shut up! You are not ruining this opprotunity,"

Ashton glared at his father, "I don't know who you've become, but whoever you are is not the father that I knew. The father I knew would never do this to his children,"
"That man faced reality," was all they heard in response, "and it's time you did too,"
He stormed up the stairs and found them.

"Ashton-" Gabby tried to soothe.
"Just wait," he interrupted rather calmly, "can you stay here with her?"
"Yeah why?" She quizzed.
"I'm going out," he mumbled, "I'll be back tonight,"
The girls both nodded. He kissed Gabbys lips softly and kissed Hayley's forehead.
"Behave for me alright bubbles?" He smiled playfully.
"Always," Hayley grinned hugging her older brother tightly.

~*~

Calum spotted Ashton nearing him. He cursed, immediately thinking that Hayley squealed to her father about what happened and Ashton had come to make a point.
"What do you want irwin?" Calum asked carefully.
"I'm not here for trouble," he responded, "I want in,"
"You.....want in?" Calum asked raising an eyebrow.
"Let's just say, I've got some family issues or take care of...."

Notes

Last update of the night folks! This story is getting really successful, so thanks to everyone that's voted subbed commented. You are all the real MVPs!

PSA: there is still one spot open in the casting. Looking for a Michael girl:)

anyways have aver a nice night and I'll see you lovelies tomorrow!
i love you all and never think otherwise
fluffy5sos