“Next time I say jump, I suggest you do,” Kyler hissed in my ear. Once he left, I wiped away my tears, stood, and stiffly navigated the halls. My back was most displeased, so the less I moved, the better until my muscles relaxed. God, what I wouldn’t do for one of those massage showerheads, baths, or wands. Even a chair would be a miracle. I was supposed to go to physical therapy and have a chiropractor, but they required me to stay in one place. And required alerting my insurance. While I don’t mind using it in an emergency, it’s one of the few things I couldn’t hack to erase myself from fast enough. So, if I used it, they’d find me.
As far as the government was concerned, I existed but didn’t. So long as I paid my bills, they didn’t care enough to investigate. I preferred it that way. It kept me out of a foster home but gave me insurance for my hospital bills. And, for my little brother, if he had an emergency. However, they didn’t charge my insurance. They knew I had it and billed me for the reduced rate as if they did. They understood what would happen if his location became disclosed.
Upon walking into math, I flinched from the stony stares of my classmates, although I beat the tardy bell this time. Mrs. Young sent me to sit in a desk beside a sable haired boy with bright blue eyes. Her eyes were worried when I chanced a glance, and I shrugged with a slight smile only to hiss silently.
After sitting, the teenaged boy turned toward me, tilting his head to the side when I dropped my gaze. “Zach,” he greeted with a friendly smile. I risked another glance, discovering that his face was beautiful. Elfin was the word that came to mind, and my fingers itched to sketch him. His hair adorably looked like he just got out of bed. My mind likened him to a puppy, and a slight smile curled my lips.
“Angel,” I replied in a soft voice. His blindingly bright smile revealed perfect teeth, and I looked down with my cheeks heating. “Um, not to sound like a creeper, but would you mind if I sketched you someday?” I cursed myself as soon as the words left my lips, but it was too late to retract them.
“Sketch?” Zach echoed, his head tilting to the other side, and my lips twitched. “You’re an artist? And you want to draw me? Wow. Should I be flattered, or do you ask everyone?” His words weren’t cruel, merely curious, but I still flinched.
“You’re the first person I’ve asked,” I replied honestly. And the first person my age who didn’t sneer or scoff the instant we met. I didn’t dare glance at his face, but I sensed the pleasure radiating from him.
“Well to encourage you to continue your craft, I suppose I must say yes,” he breathed, and I flinched again. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend…?”
“No, I just, I’m sorry,” I mumbled before shaking my head. “Um, you decide when and where since you’re the model. But if you don’t want to, I understand.” My cheeks were burning, while my heart fluttered hoping I found a friend. I scolded the traitorous organ while images of ambushes filled my head.
“How about your place this weekend?” Zach offered with an easy smile, and I sighed.
“Sure, but if on Saturday, it must be the evening, but the morning on Sunday,” I replied after a moment. His brow furrowed, and I added, “I have to work.”
“You work?” Zach gasped, and I sank in my seat when several sets of eyes looked my way. “I’m jealous, I have to live with an allowance.” No, Zach, I’m jealous. I wish that were my worst worry.
With a shrug, I stared at my desk, sensing the sneers aimed my way. Figures I’d find a town full of rich kids, or at least they’re well off. I doubt many of the students work. Thankfully, Mrs. Young beginning our lesson kept me from having to respond. Once again, this school seemed to be behind the one I left, and I frowned. Are these kids soft? Do they take longer to learn? I mean, I understand they’re sheep, but do the teachers slow the curriculum to ease them into learning? What the hell? My last school would eat this one alive intellectually. I suppose they make up for their lack of brains with extra brawn. Goody.
The bell rang after Mrs. Young gave us our homework assignment, and I sighed while heading towards my next class. “So, where are you off to, Angel?” Zach asked cheerfully, and I eyed him with another sigh.
“Honors English,” I replied, and he grinned. I guess I have that class with him too. “Are you sure you want me to sketch you?” My voice was so soft it would surprise me if he heard me, and I hoped he didn’t.
“Yup,” Zach replied with a blindingly bright grin. “I’m honored. And, besides, I want to hang out with you, Angel. You seem like a wonderful person.”
“I’m not,” I sighed. Instead of arguing or questioning my statement, he chuckled with an indulgent smile. Does everybody I meet know Marcus? They share his ability to annoy by acting like they understand me better than I do.
In English, I approached the teacher, who cheerfully introduced herself as Miss Kida, and asked me to wait a moment. Today was the day she wanted to change the seating chart. I sighed, staring at my feet until my skin crawled, and I glanced from underneath my lashes to find Kyler glaring with his two friends from the gas station. Although
