Amused green eyes met mine when I chanced a glance, and I bit my trembling lip. “My mom would love to bake cookies for you whenever you like,” the boy offered. “Name’s Dare, there’s a story behind that too. When you’re not overwhelmed with new, I’ll tell it to you, promise.” I gave him a weak smile, and he beamed. Before I realized what I was doing, I moved his bangs out of his eyes, and his smile grew tender. He was Claire’s partner, the one who brushed away my tears, and his dark blond hair was cut close to his head other than his bangs, which touched his cheeks.
Nodding his head to indicate the girl across from him, he grinned and declared, “this is my twin, Rebel.” I blinked for a moment, taking in the pixie cut that looked wonderful on her, and the tips of her dark blonde hair, which were an electric blue. Her green eyes were full of warmth when I shyly met her gaze, and she smiled brightly to which I gave her a shy smile. “Rebel is a, well, rebel, but she’s harmless as far as you’re concerned.”
“Give me ten minutes with that bastard on the other hand,” she growled menacingly, and I hunched. Her posture softened with her eyes becoming warm once more with an apologetic frown twisting her lips. “I’m sorry, Angel, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just loathe men who think they can bully girls because they’re god’s gift to the world since they are male. Chauvinistic pigs. I had not realized one plagued our school too.” I gulped when she said that, feeling hostile eyes glaring at the back of my head.
“I am an intruder, so I cannot say I blame him. I came here and messed up his orderly world,” I protested, and several scoffs met my words. I didn’t dare turn in my seat and meet his gaze, nor did I wish to experience the odd ache my heart suffered upon seeing the hatred in his eyes. Why does my heart care so much for this boy it doesn’t know? Well, all the more reason to avoid him. I don’t want to be my mother, and I refuse to risk making her mistake. There will be no high school hotshots in my life, not as potential romantic pursuits, anyway. Besides, with my plans to leave the country, there’s no point in dating anyone only to discover they don’t want to travel. Then I would be lost trying to figure out where to go while minding an excited Matty and dealing with a broken heart. No. No, thank you.
“Bullshit,” the boy next to Rebel snorted. His hair was an inky black, sloppily spiked on top of his head in places, while the rest brushed the tips of his ears. His eyes were a gorgeous golden hazel that left me jealous.
“I love your eyes,” I blurted, my cheeks heating while a pleased grin curled his lips. Resting his chin on his hand, he eyed me while I stared at my lap with burning cheeks. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ah jabber.” Warm laughter followed my words, and I hunched my shoulders. Chuckling, Riff stood, and the boy with the gorgeous eyes took his place.
“I believe that is the first time anyone has given me so sincere a compliment. Don’t be sorry, Angel. I’m pleased. My name is Drake, and I’m Rebel’s partner. If you ever tire of Riff, I can handle two girls and keep ‘em both satisfied,” he told me with a wink. The table exploded with raucous laughter and jeers while Riff shook his head with his arms crossed.
“Bitch, please, you can’t even satisfy one!” Riff mocked, although his eyes were full of warmth when I checked.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Riff,” Drake murmured with a mocking expression and his hand over his heart. “I never realized you were a girl. I’ll do my best to rectify your unsatisfied status.” I couldn’t help myself, I burst out laughing, throwing my head back while tears of laughter filled my eyes. When I regained control of myself, the teenagers at our table had their eyes closed and pleased smiles curling their lips. As one, they opened their eyes to reveal adoration shining in them.
Swallowing nervously, I dropped my gaze while my cheeks heated. “Has anyone told you that your laughter is beautiful?” Drake asked, and I shook my head. I am the one laughed at, not the one laughing. “Bastards,” he muttered, seeming to guess where my thoughts strayed. “But, seriously, Angel, you have a gorgeous laugh. And to hear it, well, my trivial problems no longer weigh on my mind. I feel cleansed and relaxed.”
The other students at the table nodded their agreement, and I lowered my eyes, embarrassed to be the center of attention. But also pleased I helped them, even if it was only in some small way. “Well, I’m happy I took your mind off things,” I mumbled awkwardly. Chuckles met my words, but thankfully, the subject changed.
“So, I hear you work?” Rebel asked, and I nodded.
“Yeah, at Ava’s gas station,” I replied, hoping they knew it. Otherwise I would embarrass myself by describing where it sits in perfect detail and reveal my photographic memory. Every other person who’s learned of it hated me.
“Ah, makes sense, Marcus would want to watch you,” one boy murmured. “Ethan,” he added with a friendly grin. He had strawberry blond hair and vibrant green eyes. Whereas the girl next to him had soft gray eyes and long black hair reaching her mid-back. “She’s Talia.” Talia gave me a friendly wave, her eyes shining with amusement, and I gave her a shy one in return with warm
