She looked at my offered hand like it was crawling with bugs. “He doesn't know I'm here yet. I came here to surprise him. And to have you back off.”
“Excuse me?” And here I thought Rose was a bitch.
“You heard me, you little tramp. Gabe is mine. I've heard about you throwing yourself at him. It's pathetic and if you know what's good for you you'll back the fuck off.”
I felt my anger rise. It was the first real emotion I had all week, and not one that I was wanting. “Look, I don't know what you've heard, but Gabe and I are friends. That's all. So you can take your snotty little 'holier than thou' attitude and shove it.” The electricity started to snap within me, growing from my center and flaring out.
She whipped her head back like I slapped her. Boy did I want to. “Do you know who I am?”
“Yeah, you're a fucking bitch.” Small movements on the counter captured my attention. The invisible waves were spreading out to everything around me, causing the closest objects along the counter to start trembling. I became frantic as I realized that I was about to lose control and have another incident. My panic spiked the pulse of the energy, making it come faster and faster. The darkness swelled and seemed to laugh in maniacal glee.
“You little fucking—” I didn't wait around to hear what else she had to say. I turned quickly and fled from behind the counter. I caught Rose's attention in my mad dash for the back. She made to follow me but I shook my head. She stopped then looked toward the counter, scowling when she saw Jenni. Rose nodded and starting walking toward her.
I let out a sigh of relief as I made my escape. I walked out the back door into the alley and started pacing, trying to work out my anger and anxiety.
“You look like you're about ready to burst, little Star.”
I turned around and looked over to where Brandon was leaning negligently in the doorway, a smirk on his face. His dark brown hair hung rakishly across his brow.
“Having fun, are you?”
“You know, one day you're going to play with your hair so much that all that it's just going to fall out.” He moved toward me and gently pried my hands from my hair. I didn't even know I was twisting it.
“That's the least of my problems at the moment.”
He smoothed my hair back from my face and placed his fingers under my chin, making me look at him. He grinned when I gave in. “There's those gorgeous eyes.” I smirked and lightly punched him on the arm. He rubbed it, looking wounded.
“That hurt!”
“You are such a dork.”
He shrugged and threw his arm over my shoulder, tucking me into his side. “That's why you love me.”
“True. I doubt anyone could not love you for your dorkish-ness.” I leaned into him and felt my anger and anxiety deflate. He held me tighter against him. “You know, one of these day's you're going to make someone very happy.”
“I know. Just not here though. They don't really appreciate my type here.”
“Well, I do. Besides, who else could I take shopping?”
He laughed and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the door. “I would hate to see what would happen if you took any other guy besides me shopping.” He shuddered dramatically and looked at me in absolute horror. “They'd probably put you in something pink and frilly.”
“See? You're a must have in my life.”
We walked companionably to the counter where Rose leaning against it, frowning.
“Feeling better?” she asked.
“Yeah, prince charming here came to my rescue.
“I seriously doubt you'd need much rescuing. You're a tough one.” He moved over to Rose and draped his arm across her shoulder, lightly kissing the top of her head.
“That's great and all, but you guys might want to lay off the PDA before queen bitch over there gets any ideas.” She gestured to where Jenni was glaring at us. Jenni sat alone at a table with her legs crossed elegantly. The white shorts she wore showed an ungodly amount of smooth leg.
“No worries, I'll keep your guy’s secret.”
She nodded and patted Brandon's arm. “Besides, this relationship may be fake but I do have a reputation to protect, you know.”
“No worries, Rose. They'll always think you have me wrapped around your finger.” She swatted his hand away from her ass. I couldn't help but smile at their antics.
“You mean to tell me you aren't wrapped around her finger?” I turned away from Rose and Brandon's playing and looked up into Gabe's eyes. The gold flecks sparkled with amusement. I felt like he was seeing deep into me, to parts I kept hidden from the world.
“Of course he is.” Rose said smugly, patting Brandon’s abs through his tight work shirt. “He can't help it. I'm irresistible.”
Brandon pulled her into his arms, trying to nuzzle her neck. “Of course you are, babe.”
She rolled her eyes and looked to Gabe. “Your girl’s over there at the usual table.” She gesturing behind him. “She already picked up your coffee.”
He looked surprised and turned around to look at the table where Jenni was sitting. Within the span of time it took him to look over at her, she transformed her face from hateful bitch to an adoring innocence angel. Freaking magic.
“She should be a fucking actress.” I muttered under my breath, sending a glare to Jenni. She ignored it, her big eyes all wide and glassy for Gabe.
“What?”
I waved the thought off. “Nothing.”
”Okay, well I guess I better—” he trailed off, gesturing behind him.
“Yup. Don't want to keep your girlfriend waiting.” Rose threw in, emphasizing the word girlfriend like it was the worst word in the history of the human language. Knowing who his girlfriend was I had to admit that it very well may be.
“Guess I'll see you later.” A sad smile crossed his face as he looked at me.
I couldn't help but watch as he walked toward Jenni. I rolled my eyes as she threw her arms around Gabe's broad shoulders. I was stunned by her transition between evil hag to doting girlfriend. Somehow I doubted that Gabe even knew what Jenni was like when he wasn't around.
“Is THAT seriously his girlfriend?”
“Yup, 'fraid so.” Brandon smirked.
“But she's so— so—” I looked to Rose and Brandon for help.
“Obnoxious? Conceited? Narcissistic? Dissembling harlot, thou art false in all! Basically a total bitch?” Rose spouted off with a devious tilt to her head. Brandon stood beside her, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
I was still staring at the table where Gabe and his perfectly evil bouncing blonde girlfriend sat. “Exactly.” I turned abruptly to Rose and looked at her in shock. “And did you just use a Shakespearean insult?”
A blush crept up her face. “Welcome to Shiloh. Trust me. If you want to have a chance in hell of being happy here, you're going to have to get used to people like that.”
“So, what? Is there like an evil horde of Barbie bitches here?”
“Yeah, you could say that.” Rose said with a small smirk.
“Oh, don't forget about the 'chosen' ones.” Brandon put in, shoving Rose playfully.
“What are you guys talking about?”
“Goofball over here is talking about the Private School kids.”
“Oh. Gabe already mentioned them.” I said off offhandedly, casting a quick glance at their table. , I frowned when I saw Jenni's hand resting precariously high on Gabe’s leg.
“And when, oh mighty knowledgeable one, did he inform you of them?”
I took my gaze away from Jenni and Gabe and met Brandon and Rose's inquiring gazes. “Um, last week I think.” They kept staring at me. What was with everyone staring lately? “It was when I went on break one day. Gabe came over and sat by me and we started talking.”
Rose raised her eyebrow incredulously. “Talked, huh?”
“Yeah, talked. He told me that the private school kids are weird and that they think they're superior. Stuff like that.”
; “Well, that's true. Almost all of them are like that.”
”Andrei's not.” I shot out without thinking. I didn't necessarily know if he was or not, but something in me just couldn't label him with all the rest. I groaned, thinking about the can of worms that I just opened.
“Ooh, he's not is he?” Brandon was practically salivating. “Do tell.”
I shook my head and turned away. “That's not the point. I just don't see how all of them can be bad.”
“They're not all bad. At least Andrei and Michael aren't. But trust me, you don't want to have to deal with Michael.”
“Michael? As in, works here Michael?” My brow wrinkled as they roared with laughter. I tapped my nails against the counter and waited for them to finish.
“No!” Brandon got out, trying to catch his breath. “Mike’s not who we’re talking about.”
“There’s a different Michael. He’s our age and goes to the private school.”
“If this 'Michael' isn't bad, then why wouldn't I want to deal with him?”
“Oh trust me, with how the guys are reacting around you, the last thing you want to do is be around him. Michael is the biggest—”
“I'm the biggest what?” I turned at what I presumed was Michael’s smooth voice. I jerked back in reaction to his nearness.
“Geez, you don't have a thing about personal space, do you?” The calm that I had momentarily gained shattered.
He stepped back, hands up in surrender. “Whoa there! Calm down sparky.”
He was easily 6 feet tall with an incredibly built body and a face that could grace the cover of any magazine. Piercing green eyes stared at me, situated under perfectly arched eyebrows. His strong jaw gave off the hint of the power that I could feel burning within him. Short, spiky blond hair was perfectly styled in a rakish way.
“Have your fill?” he asked with a cocky grin. “We could go somewhere more private if you want a more thorough examination, beautiful.”
I narrowed my eyes and leaned threateningly over the counter top, my control becoming beyond saving. “Listen here, you son of a—”
“Okay, little one. That's enough.” Rose cut in, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me away from Michael. “Brandon! Help me out here!”
I was visibly shaking. I clenched my fists and pressed my lips together, trying to contain my fury. Michael stared into my eyes with morbid curiosity. I turned away and let Brandon lead me out back and away from everyone.
“I have a feeling we'll be out here a lot.” He said with a smile.
I glared at him and remained silent.
“C'mon toots, it wasn't that bad. You need to calm down.”
“Don't tell me what to do, Brandon!” he froze and just stared at me. I felt guilty and dropped my head to my chest as the anger melted into the background. “Look, I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me.”
“Are you PMS-ing? Aunt Flo causes people to be bitchy.”
”No, it's not that. I think I'm losing my mind.”
“Why would you think that?”
I shook my head and turned to the door. “Just forget about it. I'm better now. We better get back to work.”
He waited a moment with a wary eye on me. I guess he must have deemed me fit for society again because he nodded, albeit grudgingly, and followed me inside.
Chapter Eighteen
I stared up at the ceiling and waited for the alarm to go off. It was my first day at Shiloh High School and nervous anticipation ran rampant throughout my body. I couldn't stand the wait anymore so I got up and turned off the alarm.
I thought about what I could anticipate the first week. I already had my list of courses and a map of the school memorized until I could see it in my sleep. I didn't want to become lost on my first day and look like a total loser.
I shrugged off my thoughts and put on the outfit I laid out the night before. Hot pink shorts showed off my long legs and a black tank top with a loose skull and crossbones over-shirt along with my tennis shoes completed the look. I nodded in approval as I looked in the mirror. It was the best I could do under the circumstances, although the circles under my eyes still shone through my makeup.
Mom was waiting for me in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and a forced smile on her face. I stiffened and grabbed the to-go cup with a nod of thanks, refusing to meet her eyes. A sharp pain pierced my chest at her sigh, but I refused to give in.
I knew I was hurting her and a part of me abhorred the thought. But I reminded myself that she wasn't the only one hurt. At least she wasn't the one betrayed. I pulled an apple out of the fruit dish and sat on the counter, swinging my legs back and forth as I ate in silence.
“Star, will you please talk to me?”
“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 alre
ady 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.
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