“There's nothing to talk about.”
“Yes, there is. Look, about what happened the other—”
I didn't want to hear her make an excuse for herself and dad. There was nothing they could do or say to make it better. “I have to go. Thanks for the coffee.” I jumped down and walked to the door, ignoring both of my parents as they called out to me. I jumped into my car and slammed it into gear. As I pealed out of the driveway, I wished I could run away from what was inside of me just as easily.
Brownstone meet my gaze as I looked at my new school for the first time. It didn't seem any different than any of the others I'd seen over the years, though this one was smaller. Much smaller.
I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel and chewed on my lip while looking at the school. I really didn't want to have to go in there, but I didn't have another choice. I grabbed my backpack from the passenger seat and got out.
I kept my head up as I walked to the double doors, refusing to be cowed by the multitude of students. They were hanging out in the parking lot, staring at me and whispering to each other. The feeling of each curious glance made my skin crawl and my heart pound.
After what felt like decades, I finally made it into the relative safety of the building. Crimson and gold banners and posters were hanging sporadically on the beige walls, advertising different clubs, programs, and extracurricular activities. There weren't many students in the hall, but of those that were there they were trying to subtly look at me. They failed miserably. I held my school papers and walked proudly down the halls. I didn't need to look at them but figured it would stop anyone from trying to 'help' me.
The lockers were a deep crimson color, spanning both sides of the hallways. Broken up only by classroom doors and water fountains. I turned into the senior hallway and looked for my locker. I moved my hair over my shoulder and peered at the locker numbers as I passed. I found mine and stopped, working the combination.
“Yo! Little Star!”
I forced a smile as I saw Rose and Brandon walking over to me. “What's up guys?” I was failing majorly at getting the locker open. This was beyond frustrating. I hit it with my palm and tried to open it again. With a jerk, the door popped loose and swung open. I grinned in triumph and started to put my things away.
Brandon leaned against the locker next to me. “Not much, just figured we'd come and see how you were doing. Can't have the wolves descend on you your first day and scare you off.”
Rose knelt down and began working on one of the bottom lockers. “I don't see why you got a top one. I've lived here all my life and they always put me on the bottom.”
“That's because I'm a Star.” I winked at Rose's glare and turned back to Brandon. “What do you mean about 'wolves descending'? And why do I feel a sense of foreboding?”
“You seriously don't know what you look like, do you?”
I frowned and looked down at myself. “Um, I look like a person?”
He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “This is going to be so much fun.”
“What on earth is happy boy over here talking about?” I jerked my thumb at Brandon.
“He's talking about how the boys here are going to drool over you like you're a rare steak.” She looked at me like I should have already figured it out. I hadn't.
“Oh.” I felt myself begin to blush. “I'm sure it won't be as bad as that.”
Rose wrapped her arm around Brandon’s waist. “You're right baby, this is going to be fun. Let me see your schedule.” I rolled my eyes and handed it over.
She quickly read it, making small noises in the back of her throat. “Well, I have some good news, and I've got some bad news. Which do you want first?”
I shrugged and slammed my locker shut. “I don't know. How about the good news?”
“Well, the good news is you have three classes with me, two classes with goofball here, and we all have lunch together.”
“Okay, so what’s the bad news?”
She grinned and patted me on the shoulder before heading down the hall. “You have four classes and lunch with Jenni.”
“Are you flipping serious?” I called after her. “And how do you know Jenni’s schedule?”
She merely laughed and gave a jaunty wave over her shoulder.
“See ya later, little Star.” Brandon winked then quickly ran after Rose.
I couldn't help but gently beat my head against her locker. “This is just fantastic.”
I thanked my lucky stars that I took the time to memorize the schools layout as I quickly made my way to my fist class. Unfortunately, I was also the first to arrive, which meant that I had to stand in front of the class while all the other students filed in. I waited for the teacher to show so I could get my book and place on the seating chart.
I held my notebook against my chest and stared down at my shoes, hoping to stay as invisible as possible. I'd never been so nervous in my life.
“If you keep staring at your shoes, they just might burst into flames.”
I looked up and saw Gabe leaning negligently against the classroom door with a bemused grin on his face. I drank in the sight of a known face and felt my nervousness easing. I smiled in return and hugged my notebooks closer.
“I highly doubt they'd burst into flames, but thanks for caring.”
He pushed off the door frame and walked slowly toward me. “No problem. I have a feeling I wouldn't be able not to care for you.” I looked up into his handsome face and couldn't help the feeling like I was falling into his amber eyes. I forced my gaze away. I didn't need this right now, or ever, I reminded myself.
“Yeah, it’s good to have friends that care.” I put extra emphasis on the word friends.
His grin faltered as the words left my mouth. I couldn't meet his gaze again so I looked beyond his shoulder in time to see Jenni enter the room. I felt my anger snap into place.
I was becoming used to it. My anger was turning out to be the only thing I could count on. “Well this figures.” I snapped out, wincing at the harshness in my voice.
“What’s wrong?” He stood straighter and looked for all the world like he could fix all of my problems. It was a sweet sentiment, if futile.
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. “It's nothing, just—”
“Hey baby.” Came a sugar sweet voice behind his shoulder. Before he even had a chance to turn around she was standing there, clinging to his arm and smiling up at him with total adoration in her eyes. I thought I was going to be sick.
I grimaced from the nasty taste climbing up the back of my throat and looked away from them. I hoped I wouldn't embarrass myself by projectile vomiting all over them. I smiled at the thought of Jenni covered in puke. Maybe the embarrassment would be worth it.
“Hey, Jenni.” I had an urge to look over at them because of the perfectly flat tone he spoke to Jenni with.
“So— you guys excited about the new year?”
She sent a glare my way and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “It would be better without the new addition.”
“Jenni!” Gabe said sharply, pulling his arm from her grip and sending an apologetic look my way. I rolled my eyes and shrugged. I figured it would happen.
“What? You can't honestly think that I'll be fine with this little tram—”
“If you guys are done having your lovers spat, you both can take your seats.” Came a sharp voice from behind us. We jumped and turned to face the newcomer.
A stooped, aging mad stood behind Gabe, glowering behind his thick glasses. His pale blue eyes were icy, seeming to pierce me. Tufts of graying hair was sticking up sporadically on his head.
He looked like an ancient artifact and would be better off in a museum than in a classroom. I swore if I leaned in close enough I would be able to smell mold and dust coming off of him. Gabe and Jenni quickly moved off to take their seats, leaving me to face the teacher alone.
“Who are you?” he snapped out, moving slowly to his desk. As he placed his aged leather briefcase on top of it, he looked back at me, making an impatient gesture. “Hurry up girl, we don't have all day.”
