“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.”
I blushed at the sound of the other students laughing and quickly moved toward his desk. “I'm Starlette McKinley, sir. I'm a new student.”
“I can see that. I may be old, but I'm not blind. I've known all of the students since they were little, so I think I'd know a new one when I see one.” He reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a well-used text book. “Here's your book. You must return it at the end of the year. Now, turn around and introduce yourself and where you're from to everyone, so we can get started with our day.”
I felt heat creep all the way up from my neck to my roots. After taking a look at the class I quickly dropped my gaze and did as I was told. I felt put in the spotlight and was not in the least comfortable with it.
“Hey, I'm Star. I'm from L.A.”
“Louisiana?” Someone called out from the back. I didn't look to see who the speaker was.
“No, Los Angeles. As in California.”
“Good, now that we've gotten that out of the way you can take a seat, Ms. McKinley.”
“Yes, sir.” I looked to find the closest seat and bit back a groan as I saw the only one open was right beside Gabe, who was sitting behind Jenni. I quickly moved to it and sat down, placing my book and supplies on the table. I stared at the wood grain in the desk and hoped that people would forget that I was there.
“Now, as many of you know, I'm Mr. Ridgewood. This is World History, and as you can tell by the name, we'll be learning just that.”
I still felt like everyone was staring at me. “There are many rules that will be followed,” he continued. “Passing notes is strictly forbidden, as is any food or beverage in class. I know this is an ungodly hour for you, but you can survive without having coffee in my classroom. All assignments will be turned in on time. If they're not, ten percent of your score will be removed. There is no talking in this class unless it is in direct answer to one of my questions, you are placed in a group, or are participating in an in class activity. Cell phones must be turned off. If you are caught with them, you will be automatically sent to the principal's office and spend one day in detention. Do you understand?”
I felt like my eyes would pop out as I nodded my agreement along with other nods and murmurs from the class. I had never heard so many rules before and knew without a doubt that Mr. Ridgewood would follow through on the punishments.
I looked around at the other students and saw that they were used to these types of rules. I hoped that every class wasn't like that.
I could feel Jenni's fiery glare on me like a direct force while Mr. Ridgewood droned on and on. I kept my head down the entire class and dutifully took notes while trying to ignore everyone around me. The bell finally rang to my utter relief so I quickly gathered my things and sped out the door.
“Star!” Gabe called out behind me, hurrying to catch up.
I didn't acknowledge him as I walked on, expertly weaving through the cluster of students as they made their way to their next classes. Finding my way to my next class, I breathed a sigh of relief as I made it into the safety of the classroom.
“Looks like you're making an impression.”
I jumped and spun around, dropping my notebooks in the process. My hand clutched over my chest as I tried to slow my erratic heart rate. “Jesus H, Brandon! You scared the crap out of me.”
He grinned as he bent down to help me pick up my things.
“Sorry about that.”
I grabbed the items he was holding out. “It wasn't your fault.”
“Yeah, I noticed you were pretty focused. Kind of reminded me of a person escaping prison.” He reached down and grabbed me by the elbow, helping me get to my feet while my arms were full. It was nice to see that chivalry wasn't dead.
I grimaced. “More like escaping unneeded attention.”
“Oooh, this is getting juicy. Just who were you escaping from exactly? No, don't tell me, let me guess.” I didn't bother to hide my smile as I watched him think dramatically by tapping his chin extravagantly with his forefinger. “Hmm. I'd have to say Mr. McHotstuff and the evil Barbie.”
I almost dropped my things again as I burst out laughing. The students that were filing into the room looked up quickly at my outburst. Curiosity and interest was written all over the boys faces and instant dislike on the majority of the girls.
“I assume you're meaning Gabe and Jenni? Yeah, you're right. That’s exactly who I was running from, but more Gabe than Jenni.”
“Why would you— damn, here comes Coach. Make sure you become my lab partner.” He sent a panicked glance over my shoulder then dashed to his seat.
“Starlette.” Came a stern voice behind me. I bit back a groan and turned toward the teacher. Here we go again.
“Yes?” I asked sweetly, forcing a smile to my stiff lips. It faltered when I took in the behemoth before me. I had to crane my head back to look at him. He was easily 6'7” and built like a linebacker. A permanent frown marred his rather attractive face, giving him the look of a predator. I took an automatic step back.
“Sit.” He barked. When I scrambled out of the way, he moved with military precision to his desk facing the lab tables. I casted a 'wtf' look at Brandon as I dropped quickly into the seat beside him.
He looked quickly to the front then leaned toward me. “That's Mr. Robbins, aka Coach. He's our chemistry teacher but also the football coach. Total hard ass and ex-marine. You don't want to get on his bad side, but as long as you do your work and don't do anything to disrupt him, he's easy to
deal with.” He sat back with a shrug and turned his attention to where Coach was busily writing in precise lettering on the blackboard.
I sat rigidly in my seat, afraid to relax. My mother would be proud of how proper my posture currently was because I was holding myself so rigid. Despite his size, Coach was rather graceful as he turned back to the desk, sending a glare out across the classroom. No one spoke.
“Mr. Brundage,” he snapped out, looking directly at Brandon.
“Yes Coach!” he replied without breaking eye contact.
“To the front. Grab the stack of papers off the desk and hand them out to your fellow classmates.”
He jumped out of his seat and did as he was told with Coach staring at him the entire time. When finished, he returned back to the desk and sat easily in his seat.
“Now, in front of you is the rules and syllabus for AP chem. We will follow it strictly with no deviation. You will either man up or fall out. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” Came the resounding answer. I looked around with wide eyes. Did I miss something and end up in boot camp?
“Good. On the board are the day’s notes that you will copy. There will be silence until everyone is finished. Afterward, if there is still time left in the period, you may socialize. Quietly.” He took a moment to stare at each student. When he saw that everyone was paying attention and would follow his rules, he sat down and pulled out a sports magazine. “You may begin.”
The sound of pen and pencil hitting paper resounded throughout the room.
I opened my notebook and caught Brandon’s gaze. 'Are you kidding me?' I mouthed to him with wide eyes.
He grinned and looked up to see Coach already immersed in his magazine. 'Just do it' he mouthed back to me. Sighing, I went to work.
Despite the amount of notes needing to be copied, there was a surprising amount of time left in class. Coach seemed to know exactly how much time would be left. As the last student put his pen down, his eyes snapped up and looked around. He nodded then went back to reading. I took that as permission to socialize. Quietly.
I placed my arms against the table and leaned closer to Brandon while keeping a wary eye on Coach. “So, what were you saying before?” I whispered.
He looked over at me and mimicked my stance. “Oh, I was just asking why you would run away from Gabe. He's a really nice guy, plus he's hot. I don't see why you wouldn't want attention from him.”
I fidgeted with my hair and looked down at the table. “It's not that I have anything against him. It's just that I have enough going on in my life right now without having to worry about some guy. Especially when the said guy has an evil bitch as a girlfriend. It doesn't help matters that she would love to see my head on a spike.”
He rolled his eyes and bumped into my shoulder. “I told you you'd have a problem like this. Guy's won't be able to help it. You automatically draw people to you, like magic. So all the guys are going to want you, and all the girls are going to hate you. You'll just have to get over it, little Star, and hope that your newness wears off soon.”
“I just don't need this crap right now.”
“Well, you could fix it.”
“And how, oh wise one, would you suggest I accomplish that?”
“It's simple really. Get a boyfriend.”
I frowned. Maybe he was deaf. “Have you not been listening this entire conversation? The whole point is to not get a boyfriend.”
He put his hand up, ending my tirade. “Just listen, okay? If you find someone to 'be' your boyfriend, then everyone else will have to back off. The target on your back will be officially removed, except for the really persistent ones, and the girls wouldn't have a reason to be so jealous and hateful toward you.”
“The only girl who's given me a hard time is Jenni. The others haven't even bothered with me.”
He shook his head and grinned at me. “Just give them time. You'll be used as a scratching post before the end of the week. Trust me, I've seen it happen before.”
“But I thought I was the only new person to come here in ages?”
“Yeah, you are, but whenever the chicks around here feel threatened, they'll attack whomever they think is the culprit.”
I was swiftly becoming beyond curious. “Okay, then who was it?”
He glanced down at the table and remained silent for a moment. “Look, it’s really not my story to tell, okay? If you want to know what happened, you'll have to ask Rose.”
My eyebrows shot up, “Rose? Who in the world would be dumb enough to cross her?”
He laughed softly and looked off into the distance. “She wasn't always like she is now. People hurt her so much that she was forced to change to survive. Maybe one day she'll tell you about it.”
Both of us flinched as the bell sounded in the quiet room. We gathered our things and headed toward the door.
“You ready to face the rest of the day?”
I didn't answer. I didn't have an answer. I gave him a weak smile and shrugged, preparing to face the rest of the day.
Chapter Nineteen
The months flew by quickly, and before I knew, it was October. The seasons had changed rapidly, moving from pleasantly warm, to brisk and cold without notice. The scenery became colorful, leaves turning to multiple shades of reds, yellows, and browns. I spent my free time sitting on my porch with a cup of hot cocoa, just looking at the vibrant colors the forest offered. Even if they were home to ‘mutant mountain men,’ it was a beautiful view to see.
I quickly fell into a routine at school: Avoid Gabe as much as possible, have epic glare wars with Jenni, laugh with Brandon and Rose over the latest escapades of the other students, and repeat. I was lucky to have some friendly faces in some of my classes. But even with those friendly faces being there for me I quickly came to the understanding that Brandon wasn't joking at all.
The backlash, as I began to call it, happened rather quickly. Word spread about me, and before I knew it I had to avoid not only Gabe, but almost every eligible guy in school and some not eligible. Which lead to a full force 'we hate Star' girls team.
I tried to ignore it all. I strained to focus on keeping my anger, and my sanity in check, but all the barbs, insults, sly comments, and outright downing was wearing on me. My temperament went down the wayside even though I tried my best to distance myself from everyone, including Brandon and Rose.
I knew my breaking point was coming, but I just didn't know what form it would take this time. All I knew was that with how severe the darkness was pulsing, pushing inside of me, if it released around people, someone would definitely get hurt.
“Yo! Earth to Star!”
I snapped my attention back to the table and snatched Rose's waving hand, bending it at the wrist. “What!” I instantly dropped it when I saw pain flash across her eyes. I sent a glare across the table toward her and started to take calming breaths, pushing fiercely against the darkness rising up in me.
“Easy, cupcake. Was just asking if you were going to go to the Halloween dance with us.” She completely relaxed while rubbing the soreness out of her wrist.
“There's a Halloween dance?”
“Dude, seriously? I know you've been a space cadet lately but there’s been a shit ton of fliers and banners hanging up all over school for the past month!” she threw her hands up in the air and looked to Brandon for help.
I clenched my jaw and raised an eyebrow at him, waiting to hear what he had to say.
He cleared his throat and leaned toward me, resting his arms on the table. “Um, yeah. It’s a really big deal here. There's only three school events that are worthy. The Halloween dance, Homecoming and Prom.”
“There! Ya see? You have to go.”
I shook my head and looked at Rose in exasperation. “I'm really not in the mood for a freaking dance. Besides, I didn't take you for the school function type.”
“Yeah, we noticed.”
I bit back a retort and leveled my voice. “What does that mean?”
/>
She looked down at the red marks surrounding her wrist in emphasis and gave me a 'duh' look.
I grimaced and looked away from them. “Point taken.”
“Yeah, there's that. Plus, you've been switching between an uber bitch and completely void of emotions so fast that I'm getting whip lash.”
“Rose.” Brandon whispered.
She glared at him and threw her hands up. “What? It's the truth.”
He shook his head and gave me a 'what can I say' look. I shrugged. It wasn't their fault I was acting like that, but they were taking the brunt of it regardless. I hated myself for it and wished I knew what I could do to change it. The darkness in me grew, seeming to mock me, tormenting my every waking moment. I almost relished the thought of its release, if only to have some time away from its looming presence. But it came back. It always came back.
I was shamed of my actions and looked away from the table. My eyes caught on Jenni holding her audience's attention in the court. The court was a central yard with connecting doors to each wing of the school. With intricate brickwork, it was a great place to socialize, and be seen by everyone.
Jenni was sitting on the edge of the fountain, flirting shamelessly with the males surrounding her. I frowned as I watched her run her hand teasingly over a guy’s thigh while laughing at something he said. The darkness inside of me latched onto that moment, pulsing with my rising anger, straining at its collar for release.
“What the hell is she doing?”
“Hmm?” Rose followed my gaze and rolled her eyes. “Oh, that’s the usual around here. Whenever Gabe's not around, she has no problem feeling up whatever guy is near.”
He shook his head and looked at me with a raised brow. “Didn't I tell you she was like a park swing?”
Rose laughed and bumped his shoulder. “Epic baby.”
“I can't believe she'd do something that stupid. Why doesn't Gabe do something about it?”
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