Mesmerized Read Online Free

comments. The gym teacher yelled at them to shut up or they were getting detention. Lily gave her a grateful smile. 
    She was so relieved to get back to her room after the day was over. She marked a day off of her calendar. Lily wondered how long she would last at this school. 
     
    After dinner, Lily decided to take a walk even though it was cold. She needed to clear her head. The fallen leaves crunched under her feet as she walked around campus. It was a clear evening and the moon was almost full. Many stars were visible in the night sky. They twinkled as if to say hi to her. She loved gazing at the stars; it made her feel at peace. 
    It was pretty here, she begrudgingly admitted. The part of Texas she lived in didn’t have much of a season change. It went from hot and humid to cold and humid quickly. The leaves didn’t change colors. It didn’t snow. It was quite boring if she was honest with herself. She could get used to it here. But, what if she got kicked out? Not only would she be sent home, but also she’d lose her newfound friendship with Hannah.
    “Hey, you’re the new girl,” a deep, male voice said behind her. 
    She spun around, coming face to face with a dark-haired boy. The wild look in his hazel eyes sent fear through her body. “What do you want?”
    He reached out and touched her face. “You’re so beautiful.”
    She quickly slapped his hand away. “Go away!”
    Lily turned to walk away, but he grabbed her by the arm, and spun her back around. Without another word, he pressed his body and lips against hers. She tried to push him away, but he held on tightly. She knew she had to make him stop or he’d get hurt. She was too late. Before she could do anything more about him, his body went limp and he fell to the ground. 
    Quickly, she knelt down next to him and checked his pulse. Thank goodness! He was still breathing. She let out a sigh of relief. She hadn’t killed him. Standing up, she ran off before anyone could see her.
    ***
    Jake wasn't sure what to do. He was out on a jog when he noticed the new girl talking to Ben. He slowed to a jog to watch the interaction. He was too far away to hear and couldn't tell what was really going on. Jealousy surged through his body when Ben reached down to kiss her. 
    Next thing he knew, Ben dropped to the ground and she took off running. What in the world just happened? Jake looked around. He wasn't sure if he should check on Ben or go after the girl to make sure she was okay. 
    On impulse he went after the girl. His eyes darted left and right searching for her. Where was she? She couldn't have gotten too far. He heard what sounded like a whimper coming from behind the building and turned the corner. There she was, sitting with her knees pulled up and her face in her hands. Oddly, he felt relieved at finding her. Jake felt a deep urge to protect her. 
    He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her. When he was a few feet away he cleared his throat. "Are you okay?"
    She looked up surprised. Even when she was crying, the girl was breathtaking. She quickly wiped away the tears from her cheeks. “I’m fine.”
    "I saw what happened back there with Ben. Was he bothering you?"
    "It was nothing." She avoided his eyes.
    Jake took a couple steps closer. Her brown hair shimmered under the lamplight. "Nothing, huh? What did you do to make him crumple to the ground like a rag doll?”
    Her eyes widened, and she leaned slightly away from him. She looked like she was ready to flee the area. 
    Quickly, he added, "It's okay. He's a jerk and probably deserved it." 
    Lily's mind raced for an explanation. "It was just a self-defense move. My dad wanted to make sure I could protect myself." 
    After a brief silence, Jake said, "Your father is a wise man. Do you want me to walk you to your room?"
    "No, thank you for asking. I just want to stay out here a little longer."
    "I'd feel better knowing you were safely back in your room. I can sit here with you if you