I walked to my locker and set my unneeded stuff in it before walking to my first class, just as the bell rang to dismiss students to their classes. I walked to my first class and sat down, smiling and nodding respectfully at the teacher.

"Are you new?"

"Yes, indeed I am."

"Well then, seat yerself right there." He nodded, pointing to a seat. I stood and walked to the seat, sitting down. More people filtered in and I watched for the people from the lunch room, unfortunately seeing one I didn't like.

"Ugh, Mr. Wayland! Why do I have to sit next to her?"

"Just sit down William." William rolled his eyes and sat down next to me, a look of utter disgust on his face.

"So, anyway. What's your name?" I asked, trying to be polite.

"Herondale, William Herondale. I'm called Will. What about you?" He asked, pulling out his textbook. I hoisted my textbook onto the table and flipped to the page number that was written on the board.

"Valissa. Valissa Youngblood. People call me Lissa or Val. Nice to meet you Will." I said, reading the assigned paragraphs.

After fourth hour, we were dismissed for lunch and I went to my spot after grabbing my lunch bag. I sat down, listening to the laughter and rude comments and soaking them in silently before someone set their tray down next to me and seated themselves, ignoring me. I looked up from the contents of my lunch, a sub sandwich, a fruit cup, a spoon and a bottle of water with water enhancer. I saw it was the silver haired man from earlier and looked down at my food again, hunching my shoulders.

"Hello." Spoke a gentle voice. It belonged to the man sitting next to me and I looked up, curious as to why he wasn't sitting with his friends.

"Hi, but aren't you supposed to be sitting with William and the rest of your group?"

"I got kicked away from the table today because I argued with him. But I don't mind."

"Oh really? I thought I was a loser."

"That's just what they say because you're a newbie. I just hope you don't do what the last newbie did."

"What was that?"

"He left, died in a car crash."

"Oh, that's sad."

"It's believed to be a suicide."

"Well, I intend to put Will in his place, I'm not leaving."

"You're strong willed, I like that about some people. How did you get this way?"

"Before I tell you anything, what's your name?"

"Oh! I forgot! I'm so sorry. I'm James Carstairs, but everyone calls me Jem, you can too. What's your name?"

"Valissa Youngblood. But people call me Val or Lissa. I don't mind."

"Nice to meet you Valissa." He said, shaking my hand. I smiled and picked up my sandwich, taking a bite.

"So, why are you so hard-headed and strong-willed?"

"I grew up in an abusive family. I still live with my mother, and she hates me to death. I'm done being pushed around and beat though, that's why I refused to let him-Ack!" I said, feeling my hoodie being pulled back. I fell out of my chair and into the gym, landing on my feet.

"Who ya talkin bout loser?"

"Myself, why do you care Will?"

"Because, you're corrupting my friend's ears with your sob story."

"William-"

"James, stay out of this and go to the table, we'll talk later." Jem bowed his head and picked up his tray, walking away with his head hung.

"Whatcha gonna do to me William?"

"I'm going to hate myself later for doing this, but-" He swung at me and it connected with my cheek.

"What did I do to you?!"

"You insulted me! And you're gonna pay." He swung again, but this time I was faster, though I was in heels. I struck him in the gut and ran out of the lunch room as fast as I could, going to hide in the music room. I curled in on myself in the music closet, hearing the door creak open and two sets of footsteps enter.

"Will, what was that for?"

"She sized me up! She insulted me!"

"I don't care if she stabbed you! You had no right to hit her!"

"I had every right to claim my fame back!"

"Is that what this is all about?! Your fame?!"

"Why does it matter?!"

"It matters because you hit a woman! A woman who stood up for herself, she's not easily intimidated!" I gave a slight gasp to that and covered my mouth, still listening.

"I understand that, but you, you are a traitor! Choosing to sit with the loser instead of me! If you weren't like a brother to me, I would probably kill you!"

"I don't care! I'm done letting you drive people to kill themselves! You aren't better than them! You're Nephilim, as well as them! Why else would they come to our school?! They want to learn and train!" Then a sob cut through the room and I peeked out through a crack in the door to see Jem sitting in a chair, his hands covering his face while his shoulders heaved.

"Angel, Jem, I'm so sorry. I hate making you cry." Murmured Will, walking over to Jem and wrapping him in his arms. Jem continued to cry for a bit before sobering.

"I'm sorry to have snapped like that. I'm so sorry."

"It wasn't your fault, it was mine." I gasped loudly and Will turned, hearing my gasp. He opened the door I was hiding behind and I stood, gently shoving him and running. His footsteps followed and eventually, I found myself pressed against the lockers, his furious blue gaze fixed on me.

"What were you doing in there? Spying on us?"

"What?! Is it that embarrassing to hug a friend who is like family to you? I've seen worse." He brought his hand back to slap me and I hardened my gaze, staying still. Will lowered his hand and backed away, his eyes softening.

"You better keep quiet about what happened here. Am I clear?"

"Crystal."

"Good, let's forget about what happened here. Agreed?"

"Yep." I held out a hand.

"Truce?"

"Truce." He said, shaking my hand. Jem walked out of the music room and we let go of each other's hands, backing away.

"So, you two finally called the truce?"

"It's only my first day James, don't jinx it."

"I would never do such a thing." Jem joked with a smile.

"Now, go back and eat-" The bell rang.

"Or not." Jem clapped me on the back.

"I'll make it up to you for your lunch. Maybe dinner at our favorite restaurant. What do you think Will?"

"Sure, I mean, do what you like James. She's your date." Jem's cheeks turned red.

"It's not a date, it's one person making up for the other losing their lunch because of his stupid friend."

"Fine, whatever you say. I'm off to fighting."

"What a coincidence, I have fighting next hour as well."

"Same here." Jem said, raising his free hand.

"Let's go." Then we all walked to the training room.